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| Cape Point Beach |
The last day in the OBX was a bit melancholy, but upon reflection, the previous three days we spent here were relaxing and informative, with the beach being the focus. I felt rested, my mind soothed, hesitantly ready to assimilate back into the hectic world, but wait, I had one more day.
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| Tower Circle Motel |
About 7:30 AM, way before check out time, I coaxed my GF into an attempt to walk to the eastern most end of Hatteras Island, Cape Point Beach. Less than halfway through on the eerie secluded beach with waves pounding the shoreline she gave up, convinced that the roughly 3 or 4 mile walk was just too far! She wussed out man! I think she got scared because there was no one walking at that time. Like no ONE! Still, we could have made it! Damn, next time I'm going with or without!
Walking back up the shore, the Lifeguard station appeared closer and closer. I was actually kind of relieved. During the walk, the sky had this ominous grey tone and the sound of the surf was loud, it felt like we were walking toward the end of the Earth! Yeah, it was like apocalyptic! There's literally one section of beach that is roped off to swim in and that was right by the Lifeguard station like 2 miles back. I wouldn't have gone in the water that day no matter what. It just didn't feel right. The power of the sea was quite evident that day! Very scary, but still had this blissful calmness! You had to be there I guess.
We had a couple more stops to make before the drive back to Wilmington.
The next destination was Nags Head to visit Jennette's Pier. The Pier really wasn't that exciting. We stayed less than 20 minutes, which gave me time to snap a couple of photos. We had lunch at a Sam & Omie's across the street. A waitress from Diamond Shoals recommended it. It was crowded, but the food was standard fare. Time to go!
The next and last stop of our OBX excursion, Roanoke Island- home of the mythical Lost Colony.
Ok so you know the history; In 1587 English settlers (the second set of settlers) arrive on Roanoke Island- which they called Virginia. They live a strained, but peaceful existence with the Algonquian people. In August 1587, Virginia Dare is born, the first English settler to be born in North America. Dwindling food and supplies and low morale cause internal dissension. John White is elected to be sent back to England for supplies and food. He leaves 115 settlers behind, including Virginia Dare. It takes White 3 years to return. Upon his return there is no sign of the settlers. Only the words "Croatoan" carved into a fence post and "CRO" carved into a tree. According to historical documentation, no search was conducted and in fact, the men left next day! Hmm. No remains or traces of the settlers were found, ever! Theories and hypothesis have been suggested, but no scholar who's studied the subject can conclusively offer a concrete reason for the disappearance.
Inside the park there's a small museum where you can view relics and get historical information, including a short docu-drama detailing the history. Also, everyday in the summer you can see a live reenactment of the Lost Colony (for free) at the outdoor amphitheater.
I also discovered that in 1862 during the Civil War, the Union made Roanoke Island a Freedmen's Colony, a haven for freed African American slaves. By 1865, the population swelled to 3900 people. The colony flourished with settlers, contained a church, several schools, houses and a saw mill. Sadly, by 1867 the government decommissioned the colony, giving the land back to the original owners forcing most of the original African American settlers to move away. Thankfully, there are decedents of the original families that continue to inhabit the island in 2013. This short chapter of the African American experience has been egregiously overlooked and under documented. This discovery was a satisfying conclusion to a memorable four days!
*I did not take the photo of Cape Point Beach, but the rest of the images are mine.
Stay for awhile, check out prior OBX blog posts Day One, Day Two, Day Three and on the beach with the kiddies.
Walking back up the shore, the Lifeguard station appeared closer and closer. I was actually kind of relieved. During the walk, the sky had this ominous grey tone and the sound of the surf was loud, it felt like we were walking toward the end of the Earth! Yeah, it was like apocalyptic! There's literally one section of beach that is roped off to swim in and that was right by the Lifeguard station like 2 miles back. I wouldn't have gone in the water that day no matter what. It just didn't feel right. The power of the sea was quite evident that day! Very scary, but still had this blissful calmness! You had to be there I guess.
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| Hatteras Beach, the walk to Cape Point Beach |
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| The Hatteras Lighthouse from the coastline |
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| Bathroom break 2 miles up |
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| Hatteras Lighthouse through the dune plants |
We had a couple more stops to make before the drive back to Wilmington.
The next destination was Nags Head to visit Jennette's Pier. The Pier really wasn't that exciting. We stayed less than 20 minutes, which gave me time to snap a couple of photos. We had lunch at a Sam & Omie's across the street. A waitress from Diamond Shoals recommended it. It was crowded, but the food was standard fare. Time to go!
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| Jennette's Pier |
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| Nags Head Beach |
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| Sam & Omie's |
Ok so you know the history; In 1587 English settlers (the second set of settlers) arrive on Roanoke Island- which they called Virginia. They live a strained, but peaceful existence with the Algonquian people. In August 1587, Virginia Dare is born, the first English settler to be born in North America. Dwindling food and supplies and low morale cause internal dissension. John White is elected to be sent back to England for supplies and food. He leaves 115 settlers behind, including Virginia Dare. It takes White 3 years to return. Upon his return there is no sign of the settlers. Only the words "Croatoan" carved into a fence post and "CRO" carved into a tree. According to historical documentation, no search was conducted and in fact, the men left next day! Hmm. No remains or traces of the settlers were found, ever! Theories and hypothesis have been suggested, but no scholar who's studied the subject can conclusively offer a concrete reason for the disappearance.
Inside the park there's a small museum where you can view relics and get historical information, including a short docu-drama detailing the history. Also, everyday in the summer you can see a live reenactment of the Lost Colony (for free) at the outdoor amphitheater.
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| The Lost Colony Amphitheater |
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| The only documentation in the park regarding the Freedmen's Colony |
*I did not take the photo of Cape Point Beach, but the rest of the images are mine.
Stay for awhile, check out prior OBX blog posts Day One, Day Two, Day Three and on the beach with the kiddies.
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