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.

 

There’s A Lot To Love About Virginia Beach

Virginia Beach, VA (cloudy skies, 76 degrees, low 56 degrees)

John driving on the Chesapeake Bay Bridge

Tunnel

 

Chesapeake Bay Bridge

 

 

 

The pictures above are the Chesapeake Bay Bridge.  It is a beautiful 28 mile bridge with two under water tunnels.   We experienced these spectacular views on our way to Virginia Beach. It’s rather pricey ($28 for a motorcoach + toad) but it saves you having to drive through Baltimore, Washington D.C., & Richmond.

 

 

 

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We spent three fun filled days at Virginia Beach. The weather was warm and delightful and our first view of the ocean was exhilarating. Walking along the beach is so enjoyable.

 

  

 

We stayed at the Ocean Pine RV Park near the Naval Air Station Oceana. It’s a peaceful military FAM campground, except when the planes are flying over (the sound of Freedom). It has full hookups and the staff are very friendly.  Cost per night is $25 which is a great price for the area. 

 

 

The only compliant are the sewer hookups.  The location is right in the middle of the site and not very user friendly.  First time we have seen a set up like this one.  Sheesh!

 

We spent most of our time at the beach. This is the off season and the boardwalk was not crowded.  Trip  Advisor recommended Sandbridge Beach.  It is off the beaten path and a very nice beach about 30 minutes from Virginia Beach. 

 

 

 

 

Our favorite beach was at Ft. Story  It’s a military base, however, civilians can go out lighthouse (Cape Henry). It's  one of the first lighthouse commissioned by George Washington. 

Jimmy liked it  too.  Virginia Beach is very dog friendly. 

 

Jimmy Doodle enjoying the boardwalk

 

 

John took this cool picture of a kayak and sail boat.  Look closely and you can see a dolphin playing in the ocean too.

 

 



 



Edgar Casey Health Center & Spa

We also treated ourselves to a massage at the Edgar Casey A.R.E. Health Center & Spa.  Be sure to check out this spa if you are in the area.  They also have a massage school offering reduced rates if booked far in advance 



 

The grocery store (commissary) was amazing.  It’s one of the largest  we have seen.and the prices were fantastic especially compared to New York. 

 

 

 

We will definitely return here again.  We think the  best time to visit is in the spring or fall.