Blogs from Buxton, North Carolina, United States, North America

The Cape Hatteras Light Station is the most well-known sight in the Outer Banks. Cape Hatteras Lighthouse towers 196 feet (60 m) from its base, making it the tallest lighthouse in the United States. The conical brick shaft is painted in a distinctive black and white striped spiral pattern (daymark). It was built in 1870, as the second lighthouse on the site. Due to beach erosion, the entire lighthouse was moved 2,900 feet (884 m) inland in 1999. It is still in operation as an aid to navigation. Arriving here, we went first to the visitor center where several park ranger programs were in progress. On the park grounds are the lighthouse and two other building. The brick principal keepers quarters, built in 1871, is used for park offices. The nearby wood frame double keepers quarters, ... read more

We arrived at Cape Hatteras 6 days ago. Great trip across North Carolina with mostly clear weather. When it does rain here it rains buckets! We crossed 4 bridges to get the Outer Banks. The one bridge is 11 miles long and crosses the Intercoastal Waterway. Halfway across the bridge we were stopped while the bridge turns sideways to allow yachts and sailboats to pass through. It was fascinating to watch. We are staying in a campground near the town of Buxton. We have a site right on the water looking east on Pamlico Sound. The Outer Banks (Cape Hatteras Island) are not more than 1 mile wide at any point. You may have heard of Cape Hatteras Lighthouse which is famous for guiding ships through treacherous water near the island. There are many ships from ... read more