We had the opportunity to connect with Deirdre who brought Ffly’s momma, Ggrail and her aunt, Ffire, for a run on North Topsail Beach.
There didn’t appear to be any kind of recognition, but they played nicely together. The 13 1/2 year olds couldn’t quite keep up with the youngster, Ffly, but they had a good time.
We left midcoast Maine on a beautifully clear and warm day (50’s) and had great driving conditions to Waterbury CT (overnight) and down to Dover Air Force Base, Delaware – arriving there to gale force winds and cold temps!
The drive on Rte 113 and 13 down through Delaware and eastern shore of Maryland is so stress free and relaxing compared to the east coast freeways. The bridges and tunnels across the Chesapeake span 25 or so miles. This containership looked like an island and was going through the channel as we were sinking into the tunnel.
Our third day brought us along the Outer Banks of North Carolina and to Manteo on Roanoke Island (just west of Kitty Hawk). We camped out in our friend Sandy’s drive way.
What a charming little town – totally different to the commercial strip along the Outer Banks! A real town with a downtown and residential feel to it.
Sandy and I visited the beautiful Elizabethan Gardens. From their website – Fanciful and elaborate gardens were designed to entertain Queen Elizabeth I during her reign. Our garden was created for your enjoyment, and as a living memorial to the time when Sir Walter Raleigh’s lost colonists lived in this very place over 400 years ago. The Elizabethan Gardens is a project of the Garden Club of North Carolina.
The camellias were in full and glorious bloom and just walking along the moss covered pathways with trimmed privet hedges, birds singing and being amongst greenery was balm for my soul!
Crossing back to mainland North Carolina
We took the 30-minute ferry ride from Fort Fisher to Southport and spent several enjoyable hours strolling the lovely residential streets and downtown. Beautiful old homes, wide streets, sidewalks, live-oak trees all create a very southern setting. The downtown on Cape Fear River with brick buildings and nice little shops makes for a pleasing meander. We enjoyed lunch al fresco at Fishy Fishy Cafe where Lucy could also take part.
A long, long walk on the beach at Freeman Park.
Dinner @ home – grilled red snapper.
Enjoying the mild temps and long beach walks. Love these colorful houses built on stilts for hurricane protection. Not much happening here at this time of year, which suits us perfectly. Spending the week in a little cottage with screened porch, where we can hear the gulls and watch the pelicans fly by in formation.