Day 11
Friday, June 11
It wasn't raining when I woke up, but it certainly had that feeling in the air. The thick cloud cover certainly put the damper on the hope of a big sunrise. No complaints though. Even on a day like this, it was still a sunrise on the beach.
While the wifi in the room was a joke, it was pretty good on the bench outside the lobby. While sipping another coffee from the Ugly Mug Cafe, I plotted my day. While I was denied a climb up the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, it suddenly occurred to me to check if the Bodie Island Lighthouse was open. It was on the itinerary anyway.
The website had tour times listed and there were a few slots available in an hour and a half. It was less than an hour drive. Perfect. However, in the time it took me to remember my password on the National Park Service website, those slots were gone. In the end, absolutely no complaints.
Heading north...
Ten minutes later...
And then this happened...
It was raining heavily when I pulled into the parking lot for the Bodie Island Light Station. I had two choices, settle in and wait it out, or just move on. I took this on my phone, just cracking the window an inch or two.
This actually the third lighthouse here. The first was built in 1848 and only stood fifty-seven feet. When it was discovered to be on unstable ground, it was turn down and replaced in 1861. Two years later, it was destroyed by the Confederate military. After the war, the current light was built and illuminated in 1872.
That's when I noticed two umbrellas up top. The people who got my spot decided to go up anyway. I'm not sure I would have.
Twenty minutes later, the rain stopped.
Just a couple of miles south, I had passed the Oregon Inlet Fishing Center. With the rain over, I doubled back. Why? Simple. Mounted by the parking lot is the world's largest Blue Marlin ever caught. It clocks in at fourteen feet and 1,142 pounds.
At this point, I had plenty of options. I was on Hwy 12 near the bottom of the map.
Just for kicks, I decided to make my way to Corolla and have a pint at the North Outer Banks Brewery. It didn't look that far on the map. Along the way, I passed this curiosity, a castle poking up out of a huge sand dune.
At one time, this was a miniature golf course. All that remains is the castle. Depending on the shifting sands, it sometimes disappears as well.
It didn't take long for two lanes to become one and traffic to start slowing down...
There comes a point where you have to make the decision. You can either continue on your dopey quest, or turn around. I kept going. Around the town of Duck, named for the plentiful ducks in the area, everything changed. The traffic heading southbound also started stacking up. I kept telling myself it couldn't be like this the whole way. I was wrong.
Eventually, I did make it to the town of Corolla, named after the botanic word for flower petals. I arrived at North Outer Banks Brewing a bit later than I had anticipated.
The brewery itself is pretty small and tucked around the far corner. All seating is outside where they share tables with the neighboring restaurant. Nice enough place, and their IPA was really good. But, somehow I doubt I'll be making this drive again. I certainly wasn't looking forward to the drive back south.
Just for kicks, I dug out the GPS and input the motel. It said two hours and ten minutes point to point. It took three and a half.
Seen while stuck in southbound traffic.
Eventually, I did make it to Norfolk and found Ocean View Avenue. My home for the night was a place called Bay Inn. Blink and you'll miss this unassuming place.
It didn't look like much from the outside. But, all the newer reviews mentioned a recent remodel. It's basic square design, with a courtyard in the middle and all rooms accessible from there. You just don't see much from the street. As an added bonus, it really is two blocks from the lower end of the Chesapeake Bay.
Since I was stuck in traffic for lunch, I was looking for something hearty for dinner. A quarter mile up the street sits the Bold Mariner Brewing Company. Imagine if you can, a thick barbecue sandwich, the sauce with just enough spice to give it something a little extra. Now imagine a layer of mac and cheese. They call it Beef and Smack. It's drippy and messy, but oh so good.
After dinner, it was time to head out to the beach for a walk, and perhaps a sunset. To get there, I had to walk past these homes. I don't think I want to know just how much they run,
While sunset on the beach turned out to be nothing more than varied shades of gray, the walk certainly felt good.
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