Outer Banks vacation

For the past several years we have spent a weekend in May "camping" in Rodanthe on the North Carolina Outer Banks with Hannah and Emma. We walk on the beach and play with the girls and eat seafood. We visit Outer Barks and generally relax and recharge.

Last Friday we drove to Manteo and had lunch at a the Full Moon Cafe. We ate outside and the waitress brought a bowl of water for the girls. Unfortunately, a brief downpour occurred while I was trying to eat my salad with one hand (the other hand occupied by dog leashes). The umbrella was large enough that we were only moderately wet.

Above: Emma at Full Moon Cafe

Above: Hannah with the Sir Walter Raleigh roses in Manteo

After a brief walk around Manteo, we headed to Coquina Beach near the Bodie Island Lighthouse where the girls had their first beach outing of the year. The retrieving was cut short but some lightning. We were able to get to the car before the heaviest rain started to fall.

Above: DH with Hannah and Emma

Above: Hannah, after some fun in the water

Above: Emma looks happy after a run on the beach

From there, we headed south to Rodanthe and our campground. We played on the beach for a while there and then DH suggested that Lone Cedar would be a good place to have dinner so we were off toward Nags Head again.

Above, DH at Lone Cedar

Above: Hatchlings near Lone Cedar in the Roanoke Sound

On Saturday I rode my bike for a few hours and made it to just south of Avon before turning to come back. While I was riding, DH did some kayak surfing. After a picnic lunch under the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse and walk on the beach there, we went to Outer Barks with the girls.

We went to Awful Arthur's for dinner -- the food is good, the service indifferent. We've learned to eat at the bar.

On Sunday, the weather was cooler. I rode but needed arm warmers. This time I went north through the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge to the Bonner Bridge and then turned to head back. While I was riding, DH and the girls played in the ocean for a bit and packed up. We then headed up to Corrolla for a picnic and then went home. It rained during the ride home so our timing was pretty good.

I really love going to the Outer Banks with DH and the girls. We always have a relaxing time. What fun!

I'll post photos from Saturday and Sunday in the days to come.