Playtime is over... back to reality! Kind of... we're still on a beach!
It's hard to believe that we've come to Sunday already. We decided to stay a little more local today after driving so much yesterday. Our adventure today would take us to the Hatteras Island Lighthouse and beach. After a breakfast of French toast and Canadian ham we plonked in the car and started driving south towards Hatteras Island through Buxton.
The drive down to the Lighthouse takes you down through Cape Hatteras National Seashore. There are many pull offs that you can utilize to either walk or drive down the beach. We decided to pull off and walk this time. We figured we'd already had our off-roading adventure while tracking down the wild horses in Corolla. After a good long walk along the beach, in the opposite direction of the fishermen, we decided it was time for more food. While driving through Buxton we noticed lots of cars at a restaurant named "Fatty's". We turned around and decided to eat with the locals, in their waders, who had descended on the place in between trying to catch fish. The place was great. While we were waiting for our food we noticed a group of teenagers sitting next to us. They were the most well mannered kids. After they'd finished eating they got a broom and started to sweep up the sand that they'd bought in with them. They pushed all their chairs back under the table and made sure their table was spotless when they left. We assumed that they were related to the owner but when he asked he said "no". It was quite something to see. Anyway, I digress, back to our adventure and onto the lighthouse.
Hatteras Lighthouse protects one of the most hazardous sections of the Atlantic coast. Hundreds and possibly thousands of shipwrecks off this shore has given it the reputation the Graveyard of the Atlantic. The conical brick structure is the tallest brick lighthouse in the United States standing at 198.5 ft. The lighthouse received it's famous black and white stripe daymark pattern in 1873. Unfortunately, we couldn't climb the 269 stairs to the top as the interior is under renovation. We marveled at the structure for a while and then headed back to the beach.
The lighthouse beach had 8 to 10 surfers catching waves. We watched them for a while and then moved on to exploring the beach for shells. Yet another great beach.
We headed back to the Bungalow to make dinner while enjoying another fantastic sunset. Bill grilled a pork tenderloin and we served it with garlic herb potatoes, carrots and salad. A fire was needed as the temperatures dropped with the setting sun. When you have a fire you've got to have s'mores. Thankfully we have a good supply of marshmallows and chocolate. A great end to another wonderful day.
Day 10 Pictures
