July 2013 - Women Traveling Together

16 ◆ july 2013
Women Traveling Together ®
North Carolina Outer Banks ~ April 14-20, 2013
By Tour Leader Christina Smith
Our journey began by crossing the Oregon Inlet which is
spanned by the Herbert C. Bonner Bridge, a 2.7-mile bridge built
in 1963. Prior to this date, ferry service provided the connecting
transportation. Just as we reached the very top of the bridge, we
were greeted by construction workers who brought us to a complete
stop, right at the very top of the bridge! What lucky timing
this was as we were able to watch thousands of cormorants soaring
below us. What a sight.
On Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge, we did our best to
see it all. This refuge includes ocean beach, sand dunes, fresh
water ponds, salt flats and salt marsh. Pea Island is home to more
than 365 species of birds, 25 species of mammals, 24 species of
reptiles and 5 species of amphibians. We saw a lot of turtles! We
especially enjoyed climbing the sand dunes to get to the beach
where we collected shells and marveled at the grandeur of the
ocean. Pea Island Volunteer Earl made himself available to answer
our questions and share his stories. His passion for the area
and his commitment to his volunteer position were very evident.
At Cape Hatteras National Seashore, we learned stories of
devastating storms, shipwrecks, moving a lighthouse and making
a movie. Along its rich history, this special location is a pristine
ocean side wilderness that delights the eye and spirit. Sixtythree
percent of the island is Federal Park land that will never
be developed, while another 14 percent belongs to the state and
another 11 percent is wetlands.
We stopped at the original location of the iconic 1870 Cape
Hatteras Lighthouse and then onto its current location some
1,600 feet from the ocean. The lighthouse was moved (imagine
moving it!) in 1999 because it was threatened by ocean waves.
We had another opportunity to wander the beach collecting sea
shells. Some of us were looking forward to climbing to the top
of the lighthouse for the magnificent view. Unfortunately, the
National Park Service was opening the lighthouse for walks on
April 19 and we were there on April 18. Maybe next time…
During our visit to the Chicamacomico Life Saving Station,
we learned about the tragic sinking of ships and triumphant rescues
conducted by the “surf men.” Known as the “Graveyard of
the Atlantic” because of the many shipwrecks, the Outer Banks
feature especially turbulent conditions where the Gulf Stream
meets the Labrador Currents. The Life Saving Station had displays,
artifacts, photographs, exhibits and video presentations to
educate us about the important role the U.S. Life-Saving Service
played in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. Site Manager James
provided us with an interruptive presentation which helped to
bring all this history to life. The other Site Manager Linda regaled
us with the story of her experience as an extra in the movie
Built in 1975, the Currituck Lighthouse, unlike the more
famous Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, was never painted leaving
its original one million bricks exposed. That’s a lot of bricks!
Nights in Rodanthe which was filmed in this area. She is still filled
with enthusiasm about the experience and took us step by step
through her scene with Richard Gere. The original house (like
the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse) was moved from its location due
to the pounding of the ocean surf, but we tracked it down and
made a stop for photos. It is now used as a bed and breakfast.
We also visited the Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island,
Currituck Lighthouse and much more. Despite being a selfproclaimed
“National Park Junkie” this was my first visit to a
National Seashore. I wasn’t disappointed and now have another
stamp for my National Park Service Passport. I have great
memories from our days spent on North Carolina’s Outer Banks
and my 13 wonderful traveling companions. v
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