Made It To The Outer Banks

Wave, North Carolina High 75 Low 66

We left Virginia Beach at 10:00 this morning. We checked into Camp Hatteras Campground at about 1:30. It was an easy drive and so we didn't hurry.

Some of the long bridge going to the Outer Banks.

After we got settled in, we decided to drive to The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. We made it just before they closed the gift shop and Cindy was able to get her National Parks Passport stamped.

The museum was still open and we got a few pictures inside. This lighthouse is the tallest in North America. In 1999, the Cape Hatteras lighthouse had to be moved from its original location at the edge of the ocean to safer ground 1,500 feet (460 m) inland. Due to erosion of the shore, the lighthouse was just 15 feet (4.6 m) from the ocean’s edge and was in imminent danger. This was the tallest masonry structure ever moved at 200 feet high and weighing 5,000 tons. It was moved at a cost of $11,000,000.

Completed in just under two years under the direction of brevet Brigadier General J. H. Simpson of the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, the new Cape Hatteras lighthouse cost $167,000. The new tower, from which the first-order light was first exhibited December 16, 1871, was the tallest brick lighthouse tower in the world. It was 200 feet (61 m) above ground and the focal height of the light was 192 feet (59 m) above water. The old tower "being no longer of any use and in danger of falling during some heavy storm" was demolished in February 1872.

After the lighthouse we decided to see what a sign offering a free fish fry was all about. It turned out to be a local politician who was putting it on for local people to introduce herself. The person we talked to, told us to join them, as they had plenty. It was Blue Fish that had been caught this morning and was very tasty.

After we got back to the trailer, we took Penny to the beach. She had a good time digging and running with Cindy. If Cindy stopped, penny would nip at her pant leg to get her to run some more.  I think Cindy got tired before Penny.

Cindy collects sand from all over, which I have made into shadow boxes. I will soon have to make another one.

We got some sunset pictures this evening.

We will be here until next Monday. 

Thanks for visiting.