Seems laundry day is a good day to start a new blog post.  Probably b/c I have to sit and wait for it with nothing else to do.  I actually don’t mind it and I like the time to update you in what’s been happening.

We arrived at Sands of Time CG a week ago today, after a long day of driving.  It was our first time driving separate and I found it to be very stressful.  I led the way with the GPS set to RV mode.  It did come in handy, me having the car, b/c there was a rest/welcome place we were going to pull into but I was enough ahead that I was able to let him know not to pull in, as it was very small with nowhere for him to park.  We found having walkie-talkies VERY handy!  We were able to talk and point out things along the way to each other.  Bill says I need lessons in using them though, as my words got broken up sometimes and/or he would miss the beginning of what I was saying b/c I wasn’t fully holding the button.  I am hoping with experience the travel days will become less stressful.

This is my view when I look behind me, kitties all snug in their beds, bikes on the back and hubby driving behind me

I was very proud of my hubby – he drove the Chesapeake Bay Bridge and Tunnels!  I think I was more nervous than he was!  We got through with no issues at all – and the views were amazing as always!   Since we weren’t stopping in Richmond area, we decided for the shorter route to save miles.

Since we’ve been here we have been doing a lot of relaxing!   Up until yesterday the weather has been very nice (more on that later) and we have taken advantage of it!  We’ve been to the beach – yes – we even wore bathing suits two days!  I’m not sure it will warm up enough for that again – but it was beautiful while it lasted!  I didn’t get in the water, except my feet, but Bill did – and he said it wasn’t bad!

One day we even saw a snake – swimming along in the waves!  Came out just long enough to snap a few pics!   We confirmed that it is an Eastern Hognose and it is unusual for them to be in the ocean.  We learned this the day we stopped at Pea Island Wildlife Refuge.

I got a new hat – to replace the one I lost in Bermuda on a catamaran and Bill got another long sleeve T-shirt.  We saw a bunch of water fowl while there also!

We love to watch Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives – a FoodNetwork show where Guy Fiery visits little local places all over the country.  We decided one day to seek out one of the places he’s visited here in OBX.  We ended up at Tortugas Lie in Nags Head.  You can check out my review under the “Foodies Welcome” and “Eating Out” section of the blog.  Short version is – it was yummy!  Definitely a small local place that we would probably never stopped at otherwise.

I had mentioned earlier about the weather, how it had been cooperative up until yesterday.  It was actually very nice – temps in the 70’s. Sunny with a few white puffy clouds – perfect!  That all changed yesterday. It turned much colder and the wind – wow!  We had brought in the awnings Friday in anticipation of the winds.  By the time we were settling in to watch a movie I said to Bill I thought it was time to bring the slides in.  I was not worried about the slides themselves, but about the toppers.  Each slide (we have 3) has its own mini awning that protects the top of the slide; keeps leaves, etc. off the top of the slide so when we bring them in, there is no mess getting in the gaskets.  Some people love them, some hate them.  We really wanted them.  This was the first time I was concerned about them and after posting on a forum, most people felt I was a bit overreacting.  I feel like this: better safe than sorry, right?  Gave me some peace of mind while I slept – and it was quieter too!  The wind gusts were up to about 50 mph. Thankfully it is much calmer today!  It is still very breezy and cold though and is supposed to be like this again tomorrow.

While out on a bike ride, we saw this house – if I were ever planning to settle back down into a sticks & bricks house (ok this one is cedar siding) again, this would be the type of house and definitely the location I would want:

Tuesday we are hoping it’s nice enough to drive down and take the ferry to Ocracoke and walk around there. I’ll let you know.

Wednesday:

We did drive down to the ferry and took it over to Ocracoke Island yesterday!  The weather was beautiful!  Sunny, warm – can’t ask for much better!

Before we got there though, we did see an interesting site – I have no idea what this is supposed to be for – there is no sign – nothing.

The ferry ride was uneventful – thankfully!  I had thought about taking the rig on the ferries to routes south, but I have to say, I think it would make me too nervous.  The ferry from Hatteras to Ocracoke is about 45 mins, either one of the other 2 is 2 1/2 hours.  Don’t think I could do it.

After landing and unloading, we spent the next few hours just wandering around the island.  It is a peaceful little town with lots of shops, art galleries, food places, etc.

We came across this place, which TripAdvisor said was good for a cold one and snacks  Bill had a hard time making a decision due to the large selection of craft beers, and I had a glass of wine!

After awhile, we got hungry and stopped at a place called Eduardos for some burritos – delish!

It was a very nice day, sun was (mostly) shining, little breeze, warm temps.  After about 4 hours, we made our way back to the car for the ride to ferry and back home.

Our time here in Avon, NC is coming to an end on Saturday.  We have enjoyed our time here, just chilling and loving the warmer temps.  Bill has spent time reading up on and learning about the solar and how to read the displays that came with it.  As a result, he has switched around a few wires.  We plan to do some food shopping before we leave, so we are good until at least Tuesday of next week.  I have our route all planned out, including fuel/gas stops and overnight spots.  Hopefully having this all spelled out in advance will make the trip more enjoyable and less stressful.

Guess that’s all for now – I’ll catch up soon!  Thanks for joining us!