We did however come across six or seven shrimp boats. There were seagulls and pelicans galore around the boats and all along the lines and ropes on the boats. It was quite interesting to see but you sure had to hold your hat on as on some sides of the ferry it was really windy.
We were so suprised to see the number of birds around all these boats. A few minutes later we saw a small sand island. There was nothing on this island but sand - it was probably the size of a basketball court - maybe a little bigger and it was covered with birds. There were seagulls, pelicans, and some kind of black bird. They were beautiful sitting there resting for their trip back out to the boats I imagine. Then a bunch of them decided to take off. It was so cool that I took a bunch of pictures. I'll share just one of them here with you.
Mike took the dogs out onto the ferry deck – one at a time. He lifted each one of them up so they could see over the edge. Surprisingly enough, Wazzu enjoyed it the most. She was so content just being held and watching the ocean and birds – which is unusual as she HATES being held.
Sparkie seemed the most scared. In fact, she doesn’t even like it in the RV. The minute the ferry started to go she got very worried. When Mike walked her to the back of the ferry where the engine was she got really scared. In the back the engine really vibrates the floor. Sparkie walked like she was 102 years old. Slugger thought it was a little bit interesting but was scared because of all the metal clanging and making so much noise. Even though he really wanted his turn to go out he was more than happy to get back inside to his safe spot.
On the way to board the ferry we had to drive out onto an island. We came to the bridge to get to the island and it looked like we were driving off the edge of the world.
But there was land on the other end of the bridge. But it was skinny land. If you looked about 50 yards to the right of the road you saw the ocean. And if you looked about 100 yards to the left of the road you saw the ocean. This worried us as on the map this island didn't look as skinny as some of the ones we were going to be going on. If fact, one island on the map shows the road wider than the island! Yikes.
As we neared the end of the island where we had to catch our first ferry we saw a sign that said "caution smoke ahead." We couldn't figure out what we were supposed to do when we saw smoke. We actually didn't see any smoke but did smell it a little bit. Mike thought they must have just finished a little controlled burn.
But after we got out quite a ways on the ferry we looked back and saw a lot of smoke. I guess they must have been just starting the burn as we went by.
We got checked in for the ferry and got in the appropriate lane. We had about half an hour before boarding started so we took the dogs on a little walk on the beach.
--walk on beach
It was a pretty little beach with many birds sitting out on a spit area. There were some pretty ones that we didn't recognize from the west coast so they must be something we don't have at home.
As we walked by they decided to fly around and put on a nice little show for us.
When we landed and got off the ferry we drove the length of Ocracoke Island - about 15 miles to catch another ferry to Hatteris Island. Oh my goodness, I thought the last ferry was small. This one was even smaller. There were four cars on one side and us on the other. And we took up from the very front to the very back. Another foot or so and we would have been too long!
After a few trials and tribulations we arrived at our destination. We have a nice spot just on the other side of the dunes from the Atlantic Ocean.
Problem was we got here just before dark. But we wanted to walk on the beach so off we went. We walked until it was just about dark and turned back. Don't go to a beach for the first time in the dark. We couldn't find our way back. First of all, it was dark and secondly we couldn't tell where we had come from. The dunes were steep and there were numerous trails leading over them. We chose one we thought was right. It did end up leading into an RV park....just not ours! So back over the dunes to the beach again. After quite some time we managed to find our house.
Even though it was a very scenic day it was a difficult day on me and the dogs. Time to rest up for another day.
Debbie
11/6/06
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