North Carolina history and interesting coastline

As the weekend approached in Myrtle Beach, I decided to escape the crowds still around for spring break. I’ve always wanted to see the Outer Banks of North Carolina and the historic sights in that area. This seemed like the time to go — although it was a longer journey than I had anticipated.

And slicing off a bit of my thumb while preparing my sack lunch to take along did delay me a bit. At the same time, as a result of my “injury” I met another friendly person.

My route was still Highway 17 which would eventually go north to Highway 64 in North Carolina. Again the route was along the beach areas, now with many new golf resorts — prices for homes starting around $200,000. Rest stops in North Carolina were few and far between so when I saw one which also had visitor information I stopped. It was like being in a park.

After gathering information pamphlets, I talked to the hostess, discovering she had been born and raised in the area where I was going. She told me about a road connecting Highway 17 with Highway 64 that had several old houses — one of which had belonged to her parents. Finally, I asked if she had a Band-Aid — the thumb was bleeding. Not only did she have a Band-Aid but she had ointment and had to “doctor” me herself. Then she gave me more Band-Aids and the ointment! Yes, people are friendly!

Continuing along the coast through Wilmington, Jacksonville and by Camp Lejeune (the huge Marine base), I decided the next rest stop would be great for lunch. However, none came along so when I saw a sign for Hammocks Beach State Park I pulled off.

Hammocks Beach is on the Intracoastal Waterway with a ferry that takes people to Bear Island, the southernmost island of the Outer Banks. People either go to the island for the day or to camp at the sites along the ocean. The ferry wasn’t yet running. What a fun trip that would be. The visitor’s center told about how the Outer Banks was formed a few million years ago. Then I ate lunch under a large oak tree, watching boats on the water.

Because of the pleasant scenery, I drove to Morehead City before heading north. This southern part of North Carolina has new business areas and houses, with the lure of the ocean drawing people to retire there.

Traveling north on Highway 17 I saw rice and tobacco fields, then found the by-pass. It was as interesting as predicted. Most of the old farmhouses sat right on the road because when they were built there was only a horse trail. When the highway came through it was at their front doors. Newer homes, of which there were many, naturally are built back from the road.

Plymouth was my destination, with my arrival at an interesting time. The town was having its annual Civil War celebration. Evidently, Union soldiers had captured the town and in 1864 the Rebels recaptured it. I met both Union and Confederate celebrants. The Union soldiers were taken to Andersonville so the survivors of that huge prison camp (I’ve been there) were honoring their descendants by coming to the celebration. Among the activities was a debate between the two Civil War sides.

My trip to the Outer Banks was great. I was not expecting the amount of houses way out there on those strips of sand next to the Atlantic Ocean. All I could think of was hurricanes, and later learned these home owners do have a difficult time getting insurance. Wonder why! Fifteen to twenty years ago developers came into the area and began building second homes — with these hundreds of houses the result.

First stop was Kitty Hawk. They’ve done a nice job with the layout of the park — which consists of the Wright Brothers’ living quarters and work spaces. A tall monument on the highest hill indicates where the plane took off on its epic flights. The rail on which the plane was pushed was most interesting — and makes sense with all the sand.

Then I visited Jockey’s Ridge State Park. These sand dunes are the highest point in the Outer Banks.

Wouldn’t have missed Roanoke Settlement. The story of this “Lost Colony” is told through an excellent 20 minute film. While I am familiar with the story, this visit put into focus the mystery of the colony’s disappearance. The park setting is beautiful from abundant trees to a lovely waterfront.

My “bucket list” trip was worth the drive. I was rewarded with a lovely section of our great country.