Cape Hatteras National Seashore

I arrived at Cape Hatteras (outer banks) area starting at the northern end by Whalebone Junction. I went to the visitor center at the start of this area. There I picked up several maps and spoke with the ranger there. I asked if I could go ahead and book a ferry ride from Ocracoke Island (the island furthest south) to the mainland area. This is the only way off the outer banks if your do not come back up to the northern most start point where I currently was. After a brief phone call, I was told that the ferry was booked up for the duration of the day and there was no way of catching a ferry to the mainland. I pondered this for a minute then said that it was okay, I would camp for the night on the outer banks and take the ferry the next day. After a brief moment on the phone again, the ranger told me that I had no chance. The ferry was booked through the weekend and the only way for me to go down the outer banks was to come right back out the way I came in (only to go directly back south on the mainland to get to Wilmington, NC). I accepted my fate and proceeded down the outer banks visting several beach spots along the way. I visited Bodie Island lighthouse, which was my favorite along the chain, only to be greeted rudely because I appeared five minutes after the lighthouse center opened. Apparently the ranger at that station believed that nobody should be allowed in the visotr center when it opened, but would have to wait another 30 minutes or so till he was ready. I went in anyway. It was my vacation. The building stated it opened at 9, I got there at 9:08. I enjoyed the view of the lighthouse, then carried on down the outer banks many more miles for a couple of hours till I reached Cape Hatteras lighthouse. It was very grand and tall, and had been moved from its original location to its present due to the land deteriorating. It was very nice to look at. I reached the end of the island and decided not to take a free ferry to ocracoke due to time constraints. I ate at a local chain crab shack, then proceeded back up the chain. After several more hours of driving, I reached the top and went acros the mainland only to take back roads all the way to Wilmington, NC to pick up Kate at the airport. After picking up Kate, we proceeded to Oak Island near Southport where I currently am.

Thoughts on Outer Banks area: Beautiful scenery, beautiful beach, interesting lighthouses, but very insufficient travel possibilities. The ferry's should run more frequently allowing people to come and go more easily. I don't think this would be too hard to get done. A little effort on the ferry system and everyone could have a much more enjoyable time. But I had fun in the oceanside setting. Very nice.