Spinning Wheels

I've recently returned from a vacation to North Carolina with a dear childhood friend (KBM). We've known each other since we were 5 years old. From schoolmates to roomates we have turned into travel mates, having been to the west coast, the east coast and over the pond to Spain and London. It's always a giggled filled time when we adventure together.
Our travels this time brought us to an area closer to her home, along the Carolina coast; an area called The Outer Banks. A beautifully authentic area, my greatest delight was the small island of Ocracoke. A whisper of a town I wiggled my way in and out of boutique stores and tasty restaurants, fluffy (windy) beaches and little water ways lined with stilted homes. One of my favorite spots was on the seat by the window at the Ocracoke Coffee Company, munching on a delicious bagel, cappucino in hand under a spot of sunlight. It was an easy and relaxing morning for sure!

One of my must dos on the trip was to rent bicycles and ride around an island. KBM was up for my request and there we were at The Slushy Stand renting our bikes. Wheels spinning we headed out on the road past sailboats, cemetaries, candy stores, and girlie shops. We even parked our bikes to check out a lighthouse and some light hiking in a nature reserve.

Our wheels kept spinning as we left Ocracoke. This time we were on our way to Hatteras to see the nation's tallest lighthouse passing through coastline on the right and sand lining the sound on the left. Moving north, we stopped at intervals to dig our toes in the powdery sand while being blown away by the gale winds. I never knew I could find so many particles of sand up my nose, in my ears, and on my scalp. The seashells were large and evidence from the depths of the ocean. Encountering wind and kite surfers lining the shower we skipped in our step when one surfer asked us to help him land and catch his kite. Moving through small villages and spots along the beach, we eventually landed at our hotel in Kill Devil Hills.

We woke with the sun to travel further north for an exciting adventure that awaited us. First, a quick walk towards the blast of the ocean behind our hotel. Lined with wooden fences and sun glaring in our eyes, it was a lovely way to wake up for a new day. Off we went to one of our trip's highlights; Corolla Beach Jeep Tours. Wild descendants of the Spanish Mustang roamed freely and we were hoping for the occasional sighting. Unfortunately, we were not so lucky but flying along the beach in a 4 wheel drive, we were entertained by petrified wood, the line of sand far reaching towards the state of Virginia, the confusion of a poorly developed map causing us to get somewhat lost, and the hilarity of getting stuck on a sand dune requiring us to be rescued by three strong men.

Heading home we stopped off for a climb up the Jockey's Ridge Sand Dunes for beautiful views of the ocean and sound. Toes massaged by the soft sand the expanse of the dunes made us envision a journey to the Sahara desert. Thankfully, we found our way back to the parking lot. One last stop to Roanoke Island's Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, arriving just 5 minutes before the museum closed. Thankfully the nature trail was still open so we pretended to be the first settlers and followed a path with clues allowing us to imagine the difficulties the explorers would have encountered in making a new home on this land, particularly when it came to learning for the Native Americans of that time.

The second part of our trip was in the opposite direction toward the Blue Ridge Mountains which line the Appalachian Mountains to a city called Asheville where America's Largest Home was nestled in the vast estate property belonging to the Vanderbilt family. They called it The Biltmore. Surrounded by trees, the estates yard was designed by the same landscaper who created New York's infamous Central Park. The home was gilded with European treasures and carefully designed architecture that left our mouths hanging. A beautiful garden lay to the side of the home, complete with a small lake and waterfall. A beautiful sight indeed!

The remaining part of my visit was exploring a closer area where KBM lives, particularly the historical college campus of UNC in Chapel Hill. Meeting her friends and indulging in special treats made my last day of vacation a joy. Carolina girls are perhaps some of the nicest people I have ever met (beyond Michiganders, of course).

Traveling with KBM is always a delight. And, in our true nature as expressionists, it wouldn't be vacation without over 1,000 photos between us. Until our next trip, I have beautiful memories to keep me inspired for the days ahead.