Cape Hatteras National Seashore.

I am exploring this seashore. I started the day at the end of the road, at the Outer Banks Visitors Bureau. It was nice chatting with visitor center volunteer, Betty, who seemed fascinated by my journey. I think I may have convinced her to take the plunge and do the same. She too lost her Mom, very recently, so we had much to talk about. I arrived at the Cape Hatteras Light house. It was drizzling rain, and cool. I left Jo Jo in the rv with fans going. I have monitored these conditions to know when it safe to leave him. I would not be able to take him up into the lighthouse. Even infants are not allowed. So I managed to climb 248 steps, and have lived to tell about it. Yes my legs are sore now. But I took my time. It's the equivalent of 12 stories high. My fear of heights kicked in once I entered the balcony outside. It didn't help that it was windy, and raining sideways. So after a quick look, I descended. It is a spiral staircase, and barely wide enough to allow people to pass by. A bit claustrophobic too. The lighthouse was built in 1870, and moved in 1999. The shore had erroded, so rather than chance the loss of this lighthouse they moved it using hydraulic jacks, and a ball barring track system! It's amazing that this was moved in tact and without damage.

After a brief walk on the beach, I stopped to do a load of laundry, meeting a couple who were also on a roadtrip. She is a professor at a college near Cleveland, so we had some college conversation. I headed to my campsite within the park. It offered electric to keep my fridge going, and was about 1/4 mile to the edge of the ocean. I got the brilliant idea to walk this remote spot in a hefty rain, and yes, I was the only soul there doing that. I was sloppy wet (Jo was left in the rv)  but after a quick shower,  I felt civil again. There was something so invigorating about doing that! The rains continued all night long. The neighboring tent campers really got their fill. The next morning, I stayed on a bit later, after another long, but dry, morning walk. What a great way to end and start the day!

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