The Only Towel For Miles–Ocracoke Island

Ocracoke National Park, NC (82 degrees,clear blue skies)

 

Want to get away from the crowds, hear the roar of the ocean, and enjoy the warm sunshine.  Ocracoke Island would definitely be the place to visit. It’s located on the barrier islands of North Carolina and is accessible only by ferry. 


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Our motorcoach took its first ferry ride after traveling past Kitty Hawk and Cape Hatteras. It is one of the prettiest drives we have experienced. The ferry leaves often and takes about 40 minutes.   It's free to all.  There were three ferries running back and forth all day.

Spectacular homes on Cape Hatteras

 

 

 

First peak at the dunes

 

Waiting to board the ferry

 



Tight fit

 

We did hold our breath as they squeezed us on the ferry. A few motorcycles moved around to give us a little more room  and we enjoyed to talking to them during most of the ride over the island.  They warned us it was a really quiet place.  Sounded perfect to us.

 

We stayed at the Ocracoke National Park for two nights ($11.50/night with an Access Pass). There are no hookups but there are bathrooms and showers available. Four loops are available to choose from and some back up to the dunes. We could hear the ocean waves crashing from our site.   

 

Our site (#10, Ocracoke NP)

 

There is a grill and picnic table at each site.  Our rig and jeep just fit and we were the largest rig here. Reservations can be made in advance with Recreation.gov. This would probably be a good idea in the summer. 

 

Pelicans in flight

 

We spent most of time walking the beach.  Jimmy loved it too.  We laughed when a few waves caught him by surprise. 

 

 

 

 

 

The sleepy town is about ten minutes away.  Most folks get around on bicycle.  We had a great dinner at Howard’s Pub which has an amazing beer list, reasonable prices, and delicious fresh seafood. 

 

The island is known for the wild ponies roaming the island at one time (only 20-30 decedents remain)  They are rumored to be decedents of pirates or merchants which frequented this island in the 1700's.  The most famous pirate was Blackbeard.

 

"Wild" Ponies

 

There is a pretty working lighthouse (second oldest working lighthouse in the country) and cute cottages and homes near the downtown.  The island for the most part is owned and protected by the National Park. 

 

Sure wish we could stay longer.  This is our kind of place. Our next stop is Charleston, S.C.  A much longer ferry ride (2 1/2 hours) will take us over to the mainland.