Outer Banks 3

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Outer Banks, NC - Day 3

Great morning except for one thing it was “spring forward” night and nobody told us. The first clue was the date/time display on the computer, but even Yahoo did not have a headline blasting out the news. Up and ready to go, but already an hour behind.

Today was move day as we “rigged” Sophie for travel. After a short drive up Highway 12, we pulled into Jockey's Ridge State Park. Never heard of it? Me neither, but what a great place to visit. Largest sand dune area on the Outer Banks, yet on the Sound side of the island. Believe it or not the dunes were formed and continue to exist due to sand blowing from the Ocean side over a half mile to land here – Amazing.

Well, as the temperature climbed (reached a high of 85), Emily and I went out to the dunes and were shocked by their size. We each headed in different directions – Em climbing to the top of the great dune and me off to take photographs. Walking on the sand was easy and comfortable and as quickly as tracks were made they disappeared (wind is a constant). We met up a bit later and followed the signs for a nature trail. Soon Emily was out of sight and I lost the trail. I climbed the highest dune to look for Emily. What a great view and feeling – the breeze and the sand shifting beneath my feet with an unobstructed view of Albemarle Sound.

Started backed to Sam, Sophie, and KC and who should appear, but Emily. We started back together, but soon took different directions headed to the gang of 3. KC was happy to be out and marking his territory, but was initially in a frenzy not knowing where to lift. Off to our next stop – Kill Devil Hills.

Here is where first flight of a powered aircraft by the Wright Brothers in 1903 took place. It was a wide open area with a hill and monument dedicated to this achievement. The visitor center had much information about the brothers and their flights. Yes there were actually a series of 5 that took place each increasing in lengths and time of flight – 112' ending in a crash on day 1, 120' after overnight repairs, 175' as the brothers alternated piloting, 200' on the next try, and 852' for 59 seconds showing this was no fluke. A replica of the plane is also at the visitor center and the design is much like bi-planes being flown today.

This is a great little National Park a few miles south of Kitty Hawk and if you are ever in the area, it deserves a stop. In talking about our day, we felt the first flight was a earth changing event and made flight not an option, but a necessity.

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Photos

Reflections in Sand
On the way to the top of the Dune

Wind and Sand
Blowing grasses make a good subject

Ridges of Sand
3 different sand ridges

Dynamic Duo and Sidekick
Kill Devil Hill