After some slow-moving 'getting ready' (I think all of us were ready for one somewhat lazy day), we headed up to the pool to try out our new boogie boards (purchased yesterday at a hardware store, because vacation).
I apologize for the somewhat blurry pic, I think everything I own has a film of sunscreen on it. After splashing around in the pool and certifying the bouyancy of the boogie boards, it was off to catch the ferry to Ocracoke Island. We had looked into going there last time we were down here, and our campground neighbors here (From here on out they will be referred to as the Flanders, as they are just a little too perfect) had just gone there yesterday and had given it a somewhat milquetoast review (no idea what that means, but I remember reading it in a Bloom County comic years ago and have been jonesing for a time to crowbar it in here). Undeterred, we were headed to the ferry line to check it out firsthand.
Somewhat deterred.
As we pulled up to the line, the gentleman who was dressed like the late Steve Irwin (I don't need to apologize for that comparison, do I?) explained where to go and quickly dropped a "the wait should be about 2hrs" before merrily going to the next vehicle in line behind us. After a brief debate, we decided to chance it in the hopes that there would be a place to eat within walking distance.
Boom.
Enter The Wreck about 100 yds from the ferry line parking lot. Every tiki bar cliche possible, along with some decent fish tacos and Yuengling on tap. We had a somewhat relaxed lunch, checked out all the flair on the walls, and headed back to the Jeep.
Once on the ferry, they pack you in pretty tight.
One thing that has been amazing so far - everyone is amazed that the Jeep is actually dirty. People have been coming up asking how we got it so dirty, where have we taken it, etc. When I tell them that it always looks like that, I get blank stares. I need to buy a car wash in the Outer Banks apparently.
Here you see why the ferry lines are 2 hours. And why all the shops & restaurants right next the to ferry lines are likely owned by the ferry operators. They can fit about 25 cars on a ferry, and they go less than 10mph. Brilliant.
Once on the island, we went straight for the ORV access. I had 2 different movie scenes battling in my head for what was next.
and
and thanks to my good friend Postma, a third also entered in
Ultimately, this happened
The next few hours were pretty ridiculous. We did stop into town for a few minutes to grab some ice cream, find some restrooms and explore the island town, but our main objective was to find our section of beach and play in the waves again.
It was amazing. We had our own private beach for as far as we could see in either direction, and the waves were just big enough to satisfy our inner Bohdis.
Here's the poseur Jeep catalog shot from our setup. It was our own remote ocean island, very surreal. It is so choice. If you have the means I highly recommend it.
The drive back to catch the ferry was equally ridiculous.
Once we got on the return ferry, it was a competition between the sunset and the stars starting to dominate the sky. One thing about the outer banks, because there is no big city light pollution, the constellations are incredible.
The drive from the ferry landing to the campground was pretty quiet, as we were all completely spent.
Day 6 brings hopefully seafood, more waves, and unfortunately some packing/prep for a big travel day toward home.
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