Anticipation...

Well, I've done it.

I've talked the hubby into yet another trip 600 miles south to the Outer Banks!
Yes, I'm crazy, and yes, I'm psyched!!



'Cause this year will be an even more eventful trip, as we've convinced my mom to come along.
She's never been there, and to my knowledge hasn't been to the beach (only Baltimore Harbor and the likes) since I was like, 2.
If I'm wrong, she'll tell me. But I don't think so.

And if you haven't been to the Outer Banks, you haven't seen one of the most unspoiled, naturally beautiful places on earth. Granted, I'm talking about Hatteras Island... cause those of you who've been up north to Nags Head (about 45 miles up north from Avon, where we usually stay) have seen the more commercial side of the Outer Banks. Nice, but we prefer the less crowded southern beaches.

Anyway... I booked a cottage tonight and so we're off, come May 17th. Off season is the BEST time to go (provided you don't have kids in school) because again - less crowded (there have been times we've been down on the beach and there is literally no one else there. Unreal). The best part about going in May (or in the autumn, which we have done - but have also had plans cancelled due to a hurricane, so that can work against you) is you get fantastic off-season prices.

So I can say, with all certaintly, that May is such a fab month. The Kentucky Derby (2 days and counting...), the Preakness Stakes, and VACATION.
I really didn't think we'd be going again this year, but really we can't pass up the major deals. The cottages are marked down (due to the economy I suppose) even lower than usual, the gas prices are half of what they were last year at this time when we went, and we get to show my mom all the sites.
I hope she's as excited as we are. Not about the eleven hour car ride, of course...but everything else!

I know she'll get a kick out of crossing the Bonner Bridge (below) at Oregon Inlet. It connects the lower Outer Banks (Hatteras Island) to the upper part (Bodie Island).... first time I crossed it I nearly held my breath.
It's one of the most dangerous bridges in America. With good reason.






I love the way you just kind of go down the path and hello! Here's the ocean!

So much prettier than the boardwalks that are generally seen at the beach, with sand dragged in to meet the sidewalks and people towel to towel... ugh.
Natural beauty. That's the way to go.





Avon is the star on the map. It's the town the farthest out to sea. You really feel like you are in the ocean, here, folks. No doubt about it. You can feel pretty helpless when you're traveling on a two lane highway and you can see ocean to both your left and your right.

The Outer Banks is the little "tampon string" you see on the map when the weatherman is telling you about all the hurricanes coming out at sea :)

Above is the Avon Fishing Pier.

Fishing is one of the biggest draws of the entire area. The Outer Banks has some of the best fishing on the east coast.

Tuna, mackerel, bluefish, red drum, trout, and flounder are just a few types here.

It's a thrill to watch someone catch something right out of the raging surf. Way cool.

The always lovely - and most recognized - Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.

No matter what, we always go see it several times while there.

At night at the cottage, you can always see the light from the decks.

Helluva nightlight, you know?

Everybody has to have a sticker or license plate or something with the trademark OBX on it.

It's tradition.

Only three weeks to wait.

Hope I can handle it.