These will be perfect for a special vacation.
Speaking of vacation, I thought I would share a few of our photos. There are lots of beautiful places to visit when choosing a vacation spot. We usually try to visit lots of different places so that we have a variety of experiences ranging from serene and beautiful beaches or quiet, mountainous areas to places a bit more commercialized. No matter where we go, we try to make the very best of it and learn something about the area that might render it unique. We never pass up the opportunity to take some time away, whether it be for vacation or a getaway. Any opportunity to spend time together as a family is always time well spent, no matter how short or long the time away is. These are a few pictures of Ocracoke Island. It is part of the outer banks in North Carolina. One accesses the island by Ferry, which believe it or not, is FREE. (Yes! There really is still something free these days!) There are a couple pay ferry's too, but the main ferry is free. (The pay ferry's require a reservation but the cost is only about $15 and is well worth the non-hurried ride.) The free ferry is about a 45 minute ride, one way. Nice trip, pretty scenery. (Tip: take a little snack if you are traveling with children, as you may have to wait for the ferry.) We love the outer banks for the quiet, relaxing atmosphere....although, surprisingly, there is a lot more going on around the outer bank islands than one might imagine. There is always something to do. Duck is a favorite of ours, but we found Ocracoke is equally beautiful.
Lighthouses are one of our passions, hence one of the reasons to visit Ocracoke. We are looking at retirement living in N.C, so what better thing to do than to take some time and make a vacation out of it. Well worth it!
This was the ferry sign on the ferry itself. 
This is it folks.....the Ocracoke Ferry...which is THE ride to the island.
Very enjoyable!
The ferry is loaded here. I know this isn't a cruise ship or anything, but I
just think there is something pretty about this boat.
I love the coloring of the sky here.
It was from the trip back.
A view of the top of the ferry!
I like this one because you can see the boat but also, if you look
beyond the boat, you can see some of the island housing structures.
Pretty.
Here, you can see some of the houses on the island.
I love the look of them. (These are typical of the many rental houses on the island. Some are multi units while most are single units.)
I love the porch. The house is perfect!
Although it is said to be very unusual to see seals in the area, no one bothered to tell this seal, who was sunning himself quite contentedly. He really seemed to be enjoying himself!
I love this view...
and this one.....foggy beach....
and, in my opinion, one of the prettiest things: the top of the lighthouse!
Simply breathtaking to me!
Did you ever see the movie Pete's Dragon? Doesn't the top of this lighthouse kind of remind you of the one in the movie?
This lighthouse is very old. It was actually built in 1823. If you go to Ocracoke, it is definitely a must see attraction. It is the oldest lighthouse in North Carolina that is still in operation!! This wasn't the first lighthouse in Ocracoke. The first one was built on the Ocracoke inlet. It isn't there any longer, as it burned down after being struck by lightning. The lighthouse that is currently on Ocracoke was then built.
If you are headed to Ocracoke, if you get off the Cedar Island Ferry and are hungry, I would recommend The Back Porch restaurant.
The food ----excellent! The atmosphere--- nice! (Try the sashimi tuna appetizer...a taste of wasabi with a hint of cilantro, excellent! Dessert: Try the sticky toffee bread pudding, also excellent. ) Keep in mind, you will be eating on the back porch, so don't expect air conditioned dining. Still, it is screened so you can dine sans bugs. There are not that many places to eat on the island and the atmosphere here is a bit rustic, though nice.
I have lots more pictures, but here is just a sampling of some that I thought were pretty.
Have a fun Friday!
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