October 24 – November 4, 2014
We spent almost two weeks in North Carolina with most of the
time spent in the Outer Banks (OBX). Our temporary home was a nice small RV
park along the Currituck Sound in the town of Kill Devil Hills.
It was a great spot for Izzy since she could chase her
floppy right outside our door. It also gave us some beautiful sunrises and
sunsets.
Izzy and My View One Morning
Sunrise Out Our Door
Next To Our Spot
We focused on learning what the area was all about as well
as checking into the potential to fish. There are several islands that make up
the outer banks and the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. It was not very
crowded this time of year but it is pretty obvious the beaches would be swamped
during their peak season.
Walking the Beach
Close to us was the spot where the first motorized flight
took place. Do you remember when that happened? It was on December 17, 1903 at
10:35 AM. Orville Wright was lying prone with the controls in his hands. Wilbur
and Orville were successful in completing four flights at this location with
each one going a little farther.
Replica of the Plane
The National Park Service maintains this National Monument
which contains a museum, markers of where the flights took off from and ended,
replica of their hanger and cabin, a monument, and sculptures of the folks
involved and airplane. Well worth a visit if you are ever near here.
Markers Where Each Flight Ended
Wright Brothers' Cabin and Office
They picked this spot due to the sand dunes, height of a
hill, and winds. They needed the wind to help test their gliders and theory,
which gave them the ability to make adjustments in the airplane. They wanted
the sand so the landing would be cushioned and they wanted nice weather.
The view from the monument which was constructed in 1928
gives you a great view of the area they used. The sculpture is pretty cool too
and the statues include the men from the ocean rescue station that were helping
with the flights.
View From The Monument
Recognizing History and Achievement
Orville Ready for Take-Off
Wonderful
Enjoying the Day
This was our first history lesson. The next one came when we
went to Roanoke Island and visited Fort Raleigh. Before I tell you about this I
need to refresh your memory about something we also learned on our journey.
Remember we told you about the first permanent settlement in
Jamestown when 104 English men and boys landed there on May 13, 1607. We also
told you about the Pilgrims’ first landing in America in Provincetown Harbor on
November 21, 1620 after 67 days at sea. Well would you believe there were some English
dudes arriving in North America in 1584 and some 600 people arrived on Roanoke
Island.
Well guess what happened back then? This site became known
as the Lost Colony. According to the information Roanoke Island has been the
scene of historical dramas spanning over three centuries and between 1584 and
1587 England took its first steps toward settling North America, making three
voyages of exploration and settlement to the island.
1584 was the year of reconnaissance by Sir Walter Raleigh with
his venture focused on finding a suitable place for settlement and to counter
Spanish domination in the New World. In July he arrived and met the natives who
made them feel welcome. After several weeks the English departed taking with
them two Algonquians, Manteo and Wanchese natives.
1585 was the year 600 people sailed to Roanoke Island with the
hope to occupy the island for England, find precious metals, and establish a
base from which to raid Spanish ships. Things didn’t go quite as expected so
all but 15 men left to head back to England.
1587 was the year when a true colony was the goal for
England but not on Roanoke Island. This “Citie of Ralegh,” led by John White (artist),
was supposed to be on the Chesapeake Bay. However in July, the 117 colonists
stopped at Roanoke Island to search for the 15 men left behind. They were not
successful in finding them and White’s pilot refused to take them any farther.
So they stayed and repaired the fort.
Entrance
Remnants
Things didn’t go well with the natives as they had been
attacked previously so they decided to kill a colonist as they were fearful of
these people now. The colonists retaliated attacking a nearby Indian village,
killing a villager before learning they were friendly.
White decided to head back to England to get more supplies
and return as quickly as possible. The colonists told him they would leave a
message if they decided to leave Roanoke Island so he could find them upon his
return.
White was not able to return until 1590 and the settlement
was silent with the only letters CROATOAN carved on a post. White tried to get
to Croatoan Island but a hurricane prevented him and he was forced to return to
England. No one knows what happened to the colonists. Archeologists have not
been able to find any trace of where they went or what fate might have befallen
them. What do you think?
Now that you have been exposed to part of the history of
the Outer Banks I am going to shift gears. We decided to check out the Bodie
Lighthouse and a nice little marina. If you are into searching out
lighthouses you can find quite a few in the area.
Bodie Lighthouse
Boat Avenue
We left the Outer Banks and spent a few days at Carolina
Beach where we enjoyed a nice rain storm and a day of golf. We liked the golf
better than the several inches of rain and wind.
Inviting Water Hazard Hole - We Missed It
Our next stop on our trek south is Myrtle Beach South
Carolina.
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