Beautiful Ferry Ride From Ocracoke Island and Visit With Blogging Friends

Ocracoke National Park, NC (76 degrees, clear blue skies)

Loading onto ferry

 

We got up way too early in the morning (5:30am) in order to take the ferry from Ocracoke Island to Cedar Island. However, after some initial grumbling on my part it turned out to be a fantastic trip all from the comfort of our motorcoach. 

 

 

The ferry ride lasts about  2 1/2 hours (cost $45 for rig and toad) and being able to enjoy it looking through the window of our home was amazing.  The ferry quickly filled and we were on the way.  With the love of my life, a cup of coffee, and a pretty sunrise life doesn’t get much better than this. 

 

View out our front window

Most folks stayed in their cars, however, there was a deck up at the top with  vending machines and chairs for enjoying the view. 
















The map below shows the route from Ocracoke Island to Cedar Island.  Click on map to enlarge. 



View Ocracoke to CedarIsland in a larger map

 

Cedas Island in the distance





Ferry waiting on other side to go back to Ocracoke

 

 

The drive through the low lands was very scenic after we got off the ferry.  Along the road someone was selling shrimp for $2.50 a pound. Stopping for some was imperative. The shrimp had been caught the night before. Now that’s fresh!!! Later on I realized the heads were still on them.  It's rare I get to do something for the first time now, but this was such an occasion.    Remember I'm from Indiana and our shrimp come out of the freezer.  Hopefully the squeamish feeling will be worth it. 

 

We were thrilled to meet up with a blogging couple who noticed our paths were crossing.  Dee and Jim write a great blog – click link - (Tumbleweed) we have followed their blog even  before we  started full timing. They inspired us as we were preparing to leave and we have learned a lot from them. Check it out.

 

We had a nice lunch together in Beaufort and shared stories, favorite campgrounds, and experiences.  Jim is retired Air Force too. 

 

We hope to meet up again in Florida.  They are organizing a get together of bloggers who hang out in sunny Florida. They hope to plan it  around the Tampa RV show. If you are in the area let us know. 
 

We then continued on our way to Wilmington, NC to spend the night at an Elks Lodge. It’s a handy place to overnight or spend a few days.  I forgot to take a picture but there are ten sites at the back of the lodge with 30amp service, water, and a dump on site.  There is a big picnic area and large grassy backyard.  The beach is very close by.  Cost is  $15/night and the bar also offers reasonable meals. Our only complaint is smoking is allowed in the bar. The members were very welcoming to us and we love staying at Elk Lodges especially for short stays.  It’s much better than a Wal-Mart and very reasonable. 

We are on our way to a military campground in Charleston, S.C.  Thanks for stopping by.