Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Bux·ton [ búkstən ]......Home of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. Entering Buxton from the north, it's the second left that will put you on Lighthouse Road. The lighthouse is 208 feet tall and made from brick, the tallest in America. You will want to set aside enough time to go to the on-site museum and visitors center as well as climb to the top of the lighthouse.  If you climb the 248 steps to the top the view is fantastic. There is a nominal fee for admission based on age. It was moved to it's current location about 10 years ago as an effort to save it from the Atlantic Ocean. There is just so much history associated with this lighthouse starting in the 1800's.




The video below courtesy of Lighthouses of North Carolina's Outer Banks.

Deep Sea Fishing for Tuna

Earlier this summer I took the opportunity to do something I have put off for years, namely going out to the gulf stream and fishing. My youngest son and I took a charter from Oregon Inlet early in the morning, and when I say early, that's what I mean. We had to be there at o'crack of dawn for the 3 hour trip out to the warmer gulf stream. Our charter was the Trophy Hunter, one of the Offshore Fleet boats. Since we were part of a make-up group, we did not know the other four people on the boat with us, but getting to know them was part of the trip. We had the highest hopes of a wonderful trip, which indeed it was. The trip out was a bit bumpy but fine with me. My son on the other hand had difficulties with the boat pitching and rolling which seemed to bother his stomach a bit. Once we got out everything changed.

As we approached the gulf stream, the more populated it became, not with people, but with boats. It seemed like a small fishing city out there with about 20 boats in sight and more silhouetted on the horizon. The boat's mate was fantastic and started getting all the equipment ready for us. All of the rods and reels were brought out and the process of baiting the lines began one at a time until we all had wet lines, trolling around. The trick to actually not tangling the lines was to keep a substantial distance between the lines. Again, the mate was wonderful and assisted everyone.

Serendipity Relocated

“Serendipity”, the house from Nights in Rodanthe, has been saved from becoming more beach debris lost to the ocean. The encroaching ocean was steadily over taking the house but the good news is it is being relocated. The house had recently been declared a nuisance by Dare County. New owners bought the house and a nearby lot. This is a major save for Rodanthe since the house is the most popular tourist attraction in the town. Congratulations to the new owners!

A Bit of Buxton

Buxton is the town where Hatteras Island turns from its north-south direction and juts to the west. It is home to the most famous lighthouse in the world and the best surf casting on the island. When you enter Buxton, time seems to slow down, all your worries seem to leave and your mind goes into a state of relaxation. Buxton has about 1,500 people permanently living there but the population rises during the summer months. There are many hotels, restaurants and places of interest to visit. The Pamlico Sound is to the east and the Atlantic Ocean is to the west. You are surrounded by water and nature. Beach and fishing enthusiasts will think they are in heaven.

Beginning at the Beach

The Outer Banks of Carolina is one of the most charming, remote barrier island chains on the east coast of the USA. Imagine a single road almost 100 miles long with the beach on one side and the sound on the other side, a sliver of asphalt surrounded by the natural beauty of the shoreline. You can stop almost anywhere and experience being the only person on the beach. The sound of the waves lapping the shoreline, the best shells just ready to be found and wide expanse of open beachfront are just some of the exciting discoveries awaiting you. This is the best coastal playground for any adventurer.

History surrounds you on the Outer Banks of Carolina. The first location of English settlements at Roanoke Colony, the Wright brothers first flight at Kitty Hawk, Blackbeard the pirate, Aviation Pioneer Billy Mitchell and four lighthouses are just a few examples. It will take more than a few days to explore all the sites of the Outer Banks.

If you are an outdoor enthusiast this is the place to be. Some of the best surfing on the east coast, wind and kite surfing, bird watching, hand gliding, scuba diving, biking and fishing are at the top of the list of things to do. The Outer Banks of Carolina is the perfect backdrop for any outdoor adventure related to the beach.

A day on the Outer Banks has to include eating at any of the local restaurants. From big breakfasts to dinner feasts, there are numerous eateries awaiting you. A visit to the Outer Banks has to include savoring some of the seafood. Seafood is the mainstay of any of the menus you see, much of it caught by the local fishermen.

Please bookmark and visit us often to see updates. Our journey has just begun and will be quite lengthy and full of information that can only be discovered by those of us that live the life. To me, life is a beach, an Outer Banks beach.