Welcome to Life on the Outer Banks of North Carolina

Bodie Island Lighthouse, now open for climbing!

Two days ago, we saw our first tree frog since winter's end.  I am looking forward to seeing hundreds of them, their hands and feet suction-cup sticky on our glass doors and windows, their hearts visible, thump, thump thump, craving the light.

When it warms up, we have to be careful to keep the doors shut, lest one hops inside and ends up mummified by the air conditioning. 

The sky is a starry bowl from east to west.  No light pollution.  No skyscrapers.  The wind is a constant.  It whips my skirt overhead.  

The ducks quack and chatter late into the night.

The cars are still driving too fast.  We almost got slammed into today by a truck that ran a red light.  There is more traffic to come.  Sad face.

Three large white egrets were perched long and lean in the sound

Found Beach Art

today.  The water rippled and surged, forming a muddy bog, an ideal place for them to fish.   

Look: There's a useful part of this blog:

Shel's Outer Banks Recommendations:

ART
If you want a great one-of-a-kind treasure, visit the KDH ART Coop, just past Colington Road--if you are driving south, mp 8.5.  If you're in town for the week, you can sign up to take a blacksmithing class with Randy, an amazing artist.  His workshop is on site.  Also, take some time to see the artists' studios.      

Frozen Yogurt/hip family-friendly hangout
If you want great frozen yogurt, but you don't necessarily need the business to have God in its name: Sweet Frog stands for Fully Rely on God, but you don't have anything against God, and you want to support local business owners, go to The Surfin' Spoon, mp 10 on the Beach Road.  You will be so glad you did.  With sick toppings like mango and coconut, this is a MUST DO if you're in town for vacation or if you're a local yokel.  Owned by Jesse Hynes, local professional surfer dude, and his wife, Whitney, this is where you have to get your fro yo!  You'll also be stoked to learn some surfer lingo!  It's a family affair.

Food--from the sea and otherwise
If you want amazing food with a great atmosphere, go to the Kill Devil Grill, Beach Road, mp 10-ish.  (Google the address).  The food is incredible.  The bar is chill, and the original diner car that is still the front of the restaurant, was long-time-ago located on Jefferson Davis Highway in Richmond, VA, my old stomping grounds.  Initially, the Kill Devil Grill was Millie's Two (from Millie's in RVA).  I used to have a T-Shirt to prove it.  
  

*These are my own personal recommendations.  In every way, they reflect my opinions, and no one else's.