Outer Banks, NC - Beautiful Seashore and What a History!

Heading north from Charleston, we drove along the coastline of North Carolina to the outer banks which includes Cape Hatteras National Seashore, many lighthouses, shipwrecks and tasty seafood.    We discovered the North Carolina ferry system which transports trucks, cars, and people.  What a great way to get around, and what a deal! Some are free and others charge a small fee.  They are the only way to get to a few of the islands. 

It rained, or threatened rain, most of the time, but that did not stop us from camping on Ocracoke Island, one of three barrier islands that make up the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. The rain and wind kept the mosquitoes at bay, as we heard from locals - they can be ferocious. This coastline has played an important role in commerce and war, both Civil War and World War II, and is known for its pirates. Blackbeard the pirate was well-known in these parts. A lot of the area is touristy, but the national seashores are real treasures!

The 2 hour ferry between Cedar Island, NC  and Ocracoke Island,
the only way to get to the island. Oh so relaxing and only $15!

A friendly crab on Ocracoke beach; we saw lots of holes
by his crab friends.

Camping on Ocracoke, large sites right next to the beach dunes. 

The free ferry between Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands.
Boy, they pack them in as tight as sardines!

The lighthouse at Hatteras Island--it still works.
It was moved from the beach to its current
location in 1999 due to concerns about beach erosion.
It's open to the public to climb up its 248 spiral-step staircase. 

Yes, we took the challenge! Huffing and puffing,
we made it to the top. 

Rows of condos on Hatteras Island, this place must
be packed in the summer!

At a restaurant in Hatteras, we met this woman who is biking
from Key West to Connecticut solo. What an amazing journey!
Gives us ideas for our next adventure.

You never know what you will see on Hatteras Island--looks
like a home for ET!

Bodie Island Lighthouse, part of the national seashore.