Ever since I retired, we have talked about a "winter beach trip." It's been high on our "to do" list. This Valentine's Day I promised Judy we'd finally take a gypsy trip (our specialty) to parts little-known, at least by us! I started to study the NC state map and was attracted to the Atlantic Beach vicinity, which we knew little about.
The thin-crescent island includes Emerald Isle, Indian Beach, Salter Path, Pine Knoll Shores, and Atlantic Beach. At the end of the island is old Fort Macon. Just across the channel are Morehead City and Beaufort, North Carolina's oldest port and third oldest town.
We arrived at the Windjammer Inn on a drizzly Thursday evening, but the forecast for the next two days was perfect. All rooms at our inn are oceanfront and the third floor balcony gave us a marvelous view.
We were not interested in swimming, so it didn't matter that the pool was drained.
It seemed that some nosy neighbors were checking up on us "new arrivals."
But on closer inspection, these were just some cleverly drawn murals on the cinderblock building.
We spotted some diehards in wetsuits playing in the surf.
As usual, the best sunrises are enhanced by clouds.
The scene changed constantly before our eyes as the light, clouds, and sea interplayed.
This flock of seabirds wanted to get in on the action, too. A daily occurrence, I'm sure.
By the time we were on the beach, the sun appeared in its full glory. And I found the appropriate setting on my camera. "Beach." Duh.
The photos above and below were taken only moments apart, but what a change!
Judy must be thinking about a morning dip!
Ken says, "You couldn't drag me in there!"
This is the beachside view of our lodgings. The winter rates are not bad, especially since the location was central and the amenities were to our liking.
This gull found everything to his/her liking, too. But he was glad when we moved on.
Under the pier, which is now the exclusive property of the Sheraton Inn. Other piers have been destroyed by hurricanes and not replaced.
As we turned away from the sun, the pier cast a giant-like shadow.
Same beach, different lighting.
Our "Gypsy Trip" was off to a great start.
In my next two blog posts I'll feature the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and historic Fort Macon.
We spotted some diehards in wetsuits playing in the surf.
As usual, the best sunrises are enhanced by clouds.
The scene changed constantly before our eyes as the light, clouds, and sea interplayed.
This flock of seabirds wanted to get in on the action, too. A daily occurrence, I'm sure.
By the time we were on the beach, the sun appeared in its full glory. And I found the appropriate setting on my camera. "Beach." Duh.
The photos above and below were taken only moments apart, but what a change!
Judy must be thinking about a morning dip!
Ken says, "You couldn't drag me in there!"
This is the beachside view of our lodgings. The winter rates are not bad, especially since the location was central and the amenities were to our liking.
This gull found everything to his/her liking, too. But he was glad when we moved on.
Under the pier, which is now the exclusive property of the Sheraton Inn. Other piers have been destroyed by hurricanes and not replaced.
As we turned away from the sun, the pier cast a giant-like shadow.
Same beach, different lighting.
Our "Gypsy Trip" was off to a great start.
In my next two blog posts I'll feature the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores and historic Fort Macon.
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