Roadtrip, Day 7...On to Virginia

Day 7

Saturday, May 24, 2025

      Today was a fairly easy day.  I was only driving up as far as Norfolk, Virginia for the night.  

      The motel is two streets down from the National Park road to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse.  The drive in for sunrise.

    There's a turnoff to the original site of the lighthouse before being moved.  That's where I settled in for sunrise.

     The last time I was in this area, I tried getting a ticket up the Bodie Island Lighthouse. Tickets went quickly and I missed out.

    This time, I was on the website early and able to book one for 10A.  So, no rush out the door.  

     The owner of the motel was working the desk when I turned in my key.  She loves the uptick of summer guests.  However, "making a left out of the parking lot can be a bit challenging."  No lie.

     Since the lighthouse was only fifty minutes north, I had a little time to kill. So, I stopped into the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.

     

     There's a short trail out to an overlook.  It seemed perfect.

    The view...

    I told you it was a short trail.

   Since I was still a little early, I simply walked around the area near The lighthouse.

     Small tours up to the top start every twenty minutes.  The Ranger explained the age and condition of the facility.  To lessen the impact on the structure, we had to tread lightly.

    Inside the lighthouse is the usual circular staircase.  There are landings every time you go around one circle.

     One person starts up the staircase.  When you arrive at the landing, call down "clear." And the next person starts.  The goal is to lessen the load on each section of stairs. 

     Finally at the top...

     This is the original lens for this version of the lighthouse here. It originally ran on whale oil.  That necessitated the cleaning of the lens twice a day, plus hauling fifty pound cans of oil up all these stairs.

    From the trip back down...

     My next stop on the drive north was Jockey Ridge State Park.  In the northern section you'll find tall sand dunes and hang gliding lessons.  

     The south side offered beach access and a loop trail.  That's where I was headed.

   As you can see, big sand dunes are the centerpiece of the park. The hang gliders.

     One short spur out to the ocean.

      After walking on sand, it did feel good to be on firm footing for once.

    From here, it was simply a drive north to Norfolk, Virginia.

     I've overnighted in Norfolk multiple times.  I discovered The Bold Mariner Brewery on the first trip.  Sure, the beer is quite good.  But, the bigger attraction is the barbecue.  As expected, the brisket sandwich was absolutely delicious.  

     On the PA, the band Portishead.  I had heard the name, not the music.  Instant fan.  Click the link and you'll see what I mean.

     My home for the night was the Norfolk Budget Inn.  The room was great.  The road noise, not so much.  But, for one night it was fine.

     

      Fortunately, I was on the third floor.

     I walked over to the park across the street and saw these cacti in bloom.  Perfect place for sunset.