A Man With A Stick

A picturesque sunrise climbed over the sand dunes on Ocracoke. Yawns, showers, and coffee began the day, and we headed to Hammock Hills Trail for a light hike. A thick swarm of insects nagged the hikers like hecklers at a comedy show. We swatted, slapped, and dodged our way through the hike, which featured a salt marsh that connected to the sound. Our next stop was the oldest still functioning lighthouse in the U.S. The lighthouse on Ocracoke has been in operation since 1823. The hikers morphed into beach bums, and they absorbed the rays of the sunshine like a shamwow absorbs spills. Early afternoon was highlighted by a bike ride all around the island. Bizarre architecture and decorations enlivened the trip. Rain clouds and thunder punctuate a deary late afternoon.

The BUGS! The Horror, the Horror

Swarms of mosquitoes, biting flies, and gnats greeted our road weary travelers as they disembarked the Okracoke Ferry. A small child was carried away by the savage beasts before her poor parents could rescue her. After grieving momentarily, we headed to our campground located in Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Our campsite was nestled near sand dunes that separated our site from the ocean. After setting up camp, we headed to town for supplies and a look around. The sleepy little Okracoke Village comes alive during the summer tourist season. Grilled chicken and asparagus sedated the happy couple and sleep overwhelmed them like Okracoke bugs on babies.

Outer Banks or Bust

Sunday morning coffee transitioned to an all day travel day up South and North Carolina's Atlantic Coast. Beautiful sunshine and no traffic allowed us to slide through Carolina's rural areas and coastal towns like kids playing Candyland. By 11, we had entered North Carolina, home to Tobacco Road and the Tarhills. We picnicked near a marina where we ate in style, turkey wraps and kettle chips. The cool ocean breeze and shade from Live Oaks refreshed our road weary pilgrims. Next stop - the ferry to the Outer Banks.

Blackbeard's Headless Corpse Swam Around the Ship

The thrill seeking couple arrived in Charleston, The Holy City, around 2:00 p.m., and sunshine and a cool breeze greeted them like an old friend. We headed straight for Historic Downtown Charleston to visit the market and tour Battery Park. Gullah Sweetgrass baskets dotted the market and adjacent streets, and we strolled along sun-drenched East Bay Street, which looks over Charleston Harbor and Fort Sumter. After refreshing ourselves, we partook of sustenance and libations at Southend Brewery and Restaurant. Fried green tomatoes, skrimps and grits, and catfish were consumed with a citrusy Juniper Berry, Rye Pale Ale. To end our sensational day in Charleston, we heard spine tingling tales of ghosts, piracy, and the heartbreaking story of Bonney, the slave who saved a burning church

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The Adventure Begins!

In the wee hours of Saturday, your faithful narrator and his stunning fiance packed their chariot for an adventure of a life time. Our luggage, equipment, and supplies were no match for Ann's superior packing skills. We began our 33 day adventure at 7:30 A.M. Our first stop will take us to the seminal Southern town of Charleston. Fort Sumter, pirates, and fresh seafood - here we come.

Kimsey Creek Trail

At Standing Indian, we talked to our campground host who happened to live off Shaw Rd in Marietta. He informed us that the Kimsey Creek Trail was the most beautiful trail that connected with the campground. He told us that the trail was about 3.5 mile round trip. The hike started wonderfully with a scenic walk next to a creek. We crossed a couple shallow creek beds and mud pits. After about hour, our feet were soaked and shoes mud filled. After about 1.75 hours we ran into the Appalachian Trail with no clue what direction to go, we walked around blindly for about 30 minutes before slogging back the way we came. 5 hours later we stumbled back into our campsite exhausted.

Standing Indian Campground

Ann and I went camping at Standing Indian Campground near Franklin, North Carolina. We went during the week of Spring Break on April 7-9. We reserved a double campsite on accident, but the site was beautiful with plenty of space. We were about 25 yards from Kimsey Creek. We were afraid we might run into bears, but we were informed that they were still hibernating. The camping weekend went off without a hitch, and we are closer to perfecting our campfire technique. The weather was a little dreary on our second day, but we never got caught in a rain storm.