On the twelve+1 day of Christmas
8 January 2021
Laurie wanted to comment on the trip and share her photos, so we're doing a twelve days plus one thing. She hopes you enjoy.
Tides carried all the way to the dune line
Well vacation is over, and I truly wish it wasn’t. Most times when we get close to the end of one of our long winter trips, I am looking forward to being home. This time I dreaded it.
While I do enjoy going different places, meeting new people, and experiencing new things when we travel, this was a welcome break. It was nice being in one place, unpacking for 2 weeks and staying put. With so much uncertainty in the world these days, it felt good to become familiar with the house and a routine. I know Bill got bored, but I didn’t. I could be by the ocean for months and not get bored. Sitting, walking, reading …I’m good as long as I’m near the water.
I have never lived in a landlocked state so far from the water. The ocean, no matter what ocean, is my happy place. Bill likes the mountains and the desert. I like them too, and they are interesting environments and can be very beautiful. But to soothe my soul, it’s the ocean. And after the last year we’ve had – it is exactly what I needed. I love the changing moods of the sea, the unpredictability and the ever-changing vistas with weather and tides. You never know what the ocean will deposit, or uncover, on the beach. The moon was completely full several nights and absolutely magical. The smell of the sea is different in different places, but the salty tang is always the same. It is aroma therapy at its best.
While I do enjoy going different places, meeting new people, and experiencing new things when we travel, this was a welcome break. It was nice being in one place, unpacking for 2 weeks and staying put. With so much uncertainty in the world these days, it felt good to become familiar with the house and a routine. I know Bill got bored, but I didn’t. I could be by the ocean for months and not get bored. Sitting, walking, reading …I’m good as long as I’m near the water.
I have never lived in a landlocked state so far from the water. The ocean, no matter what ocean, is my happy place. Bill likes the mountains and the desert. I like them too, and they are interesting environments and can be very beautiful. But to soothe my soul, it’s the ocean. And after the last year we’ve had – it is exactly what I needed. I love the changing moods of the sea, the unpredictability and the ever-changing vistas with weather and tides. You never know what the ocean will deposit, or uncover, on the beach. The moon was completely full several nights and absolutely magical. The smell of the sea is different in different places, but the salty tang is always the same. It is aroma therapy at its best.
Flat calm in the Pamlico sound
The Outer Banks is a unique environment. A fragile slip of land whose purpose is to protect the mainland, it is constantly changing. Basically, it’s a big sand bar. People who live out there full time have to be pretty hardy and able to survive on their own when storms cut them off from the mainland. Having lived on an island for a little while, there’s a part of me that likes that uncertainty. And I do love the ocean when it’s stormy, or foggy, or sunny…
When we lived at the beach in Wilmington, my favorite season was winter when all the tourists leave and the beach returns to being a place of refuge and peace. It was the same on this trip with very few people about. Perfect for social isolation right now. Traveling during the off season has always been our preference. We give up having some things being open which can be disappointing but generally it’s nice to have the flexibility.
It is also an area that for this country has a long history. Native Americans living out there helped the early colonists survive. We all know the end of that story, but the environment is harsh enough that working together was to everyone’s advantage – until it wasn’t. There are remnants of how difficult life was for the early settlers in cemeteries, one of which we found on the sound in Salvo. Infant and child death was very common and many of the graves there were for babies and small children. There were a few for people who made it through childhood and some of them lived into their 80’s. There was one grave from 2019 so it is still an active cemetery. I bet that family has some interesting stories.
When we lived at the beach in Wilmington, my favorite season was winter when all the tourists leave and the beach returns to being a place of refuge and peace. It was the same on this trip with very few people about. Perfect for social isolation right now. Traveling during the off season has always been our preference. We give up having some things being open which can be disappointing but generally it’s nice to have the flexibility.
It is also an area that for this country has a long history. Native Americans living out there helped the early colonists survive. We all know the end of that story, but the environment is harsh enough that working together was to everyone’s advantage – until it wasn’t. There are remnants of how difficult life was for the early settlers in cemeteries, one of which we found on the sound in Salvo. Infant and child death was very common and many of the graves there were for babies and small children. There were a few for people who made it through childhood and some of them lived into their 80’s. There was one grave from 2019 so it is still an active cemetery. I bet that family has some interesting stories.
Heather and Reuben fly a kite
We were lucky with the Xmas storm. We never lost power and were snug and comfortable in our rented house/fortress. The area we were in has become very built up with huge houses like the one we rented sprouting up wherever there is enough land to build them on. The neighborhood we were in was basically all rentals. Like Kure beach, modest beach bungalows have been bought up to be replaced by 3 -4 story huge houses that rent for at least $6000/week in season.
It makes me sad that communities have been displaced. The south end of the island where we usually stay is not as built up and where more of the locals live. We prefer it there but needed the big house for Covid situation. The land self-limits how much development can happen. As much as I would like to live out there, it is always a dance with the weather since a strong hurricane can level even the most expensive house. The only main road on the island regularly gets overwashed and becomes impassable for days.
It makes me sad that communities have been displaced. The south end of the island where we usually stay is not as built up and where more of the locals live. We prefer it there but needed the big house for Covid situation. The land self-limits how much development can happen. As much as I would like to live out there, it is always a dance with the weather since a strong hurricane can level even the most expensive house. The only main road on the island regularly gets overwashed and becomes impassable for days.
Heather and Ryan visit for New Year's eve!
It was also lovely to be able to spend the time with friends and family. We were able to be socially distant in the house and Bill has already gone into it. Usually when we travel during the holidays, we are outsiders, observers of other peoples’ family get togethers and celebrations. We have connected with some really nice and interesting fellow travelers. But we are always on the outside. It is fun and exciting to visit other cultures and experience different holiday customs, but it can get a little lonely too. I enjoyed having a more traditional holiday given the constraints imposed by the current situation.
That’s about it for my part.
That’s about it for my part.