We arrived at Ocracoke Island about 5:30pm on Saturday, April 14th. Checked in at the Ocracoke Campground, a part of the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. Our campsite is right at the base of the dune that separates the campground from the ocean. There are only five other campers. That's the nice thing about travelling off season. No reservations needed, no crowds.
The weather forecast is for very stormy weather. High winds, heavy rain, gale and tornado warnings. The night wasn't so bad, but by Sunday noon, the storm really hit. Winds in the 35 to 50mph range and very heavy rain. We were being sandblasted by the sand being blown by the high winds so we moved to a campsite somewhat sheltered by some low cedar trees.
The ocean was very rough. 20' seas per the weather radio. See the photo of Carol in the sandstorm.
The weather forecast is for very stormy weather. High winds, heavy rain, gale and tornado warnings. The night wasn't so bad, but by Sunday noon, the storm really hit. Winds in the 35 to 50mph range and very heavy rain. We were being sandblasted by the sand being blown by the high winds so we moved to a campsite somewhat sheltered by some low cedar trees.
The ocean was very rough. 20' seas per the weather radio. See the photo of Carol in the sandstorm.
On Sunday, during a lull in the storm, we took a ride into Ocracoke Village. Looks like most tourist orientated places. Lots of shops, restaurants, etc. We drove around and found a nice boardwalk dune crossover so Carol to see just how rough the ocean was. That's where the pictures were taken. You can see the blowing sand.
By Monday morning, the storm system had passed. We left Ocracoke Island by ferry to Hatteras Island; a 30 minute trip. On the way to the ferry, road crews were out clearing sand from the road blown there by the storm. It's still very windy with gusts reported to 40 mph. The waters of Pamlico Sound were very rough. The motor home got soaked with saltwater spray.
We checked in the National Park Frisco Campground then drove to the Hatteras Island Visitor Center to see the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. On the way back to the campground we had a seafood lunch. Carol had a soft shell crab, I had a flounder sandwich. Spent the rest of the afternoon at the campground. A clear, sunny, but very windy, day. Our campsite is on the top of a hill overlooking the ocean. What a beautiful place to be.
When I was downloading pictures from Carol's camera, the pictures from the place we were near Rock Springs, Wyoming when Carol had her heart attack on June 13th of last year were still in the camera. Things have changed since then but we still very much enjoy travelling together.
Tomorrow we continue north toward Kitty Hawk.
We're having a wonderful time.
