It was warmer this morning than it was yesterday. Natalie and I went north on the beach. Although there are very few houses in the area, it was where it was happening this morning! A large school of fish were providing themselves as refreshment for a massive amount of cormorants, a fair showing of seagulls and dolphins. There were lots and lots of dolphins and not a goal post in sight. My camera was on the table in the cabana. I forgot it.
Ventured to The Dancing Turtle Coffee Shop and I was not disappointed. It has a very quaint and homey atmosphere. Sade playing on the stereo. I think this was the first time that I had handmade espresso shots in my latte. At Starbucks they just press a button.
Then we headed north for Buxton and the lighthouse except I decided to keep driving and ended up in Rodanthe. It is all such a short distance from Hatteras Village but on the way here on Saturday everything seemed so far away. Turned around in Rodanthe and did a little shopping here and there on my way to the lighthouse.
The lighthouse is awesome. I wish it had been open so I could have climbed to the top. I went into the visitor center and had a delightful conversation with the gal who works there. We began talking about shells. She collects. I do not but she was interesting and enthusiastic about it. Her enthusiasm bubbled right into me. She told me places to go that are great for finding many different shells. I bought a waterproofed shell pamphlet to carry with me. I’m going to do this! I’m going to collect shells. The weather up to this point had been overcast and a tad breezy. When I came out of the center the sun was shining. It had gotten very windy. I was off on my little adventure. This is how I met the six US Park Rangers. This is how I bought a bumper sticker for $150. This is how I learned that I should always follow my intuition.
The gal in the visitor center had asked if I had 4 wheel drive. I do not. She told me where to go and that there was an area for me to park. I would have to hike in the rest of the way to Cape Point. I’m driving and turn onto a hard sand road that leads to ramp 44. The sand begins to get loose. I sensed then that I should turn around. I even had a time out moment. But the gal said there was an area to park…. I drove about 50 feet. I decided not to go ahead when the van had an aha moment and sank into the sand. I think I’m going to use my old getting out of snow tactics. I did. I sunk deeper. Oh, cripe! No shovel so I use a cane in the van to start digging out. I pray. I pray a lot. There is no one around. I’m hungry and I need to pee. Natalie is crying like she has to pee, too. I need a miracle! That’s when the first four US Park Rangers show up. They were very kind to me. They laughed with me and not at me. They tried to help me get out. They called in two other rangers. By now we are buddies because we are working for a cause. Handy tip to know if you ever get stuck in level sand: let air out of the tires until the pressure is 20. Then I’m putting the van in reverse and they push. Key words “level sand”. I was not in level sand. They call for a tow truck. He won’t use my AAA. He wants a credit card for a charge of $150 to tow. He came. He towed the van out. I followed him back to his shop to pay and get air in the tires. He gave me a receipt. I thank him and turn to leave. “Wait”, he says. He reaches over and rips something off the wall. It is a bumper sticker. “Got Stuck” J
Nat and I stopped at The Hatterasman for takeout before going to the cabana. I learned something about Natalie today. She likes grouper with and without tartar sauce. The grouper was okay. The cole slaw was probably the best I have ever had and I will go back just to get it.
After my late lunch on the deck of the cabana we took an hour walk on the beach in fierce winds. Dogs sneeze when they get airborn sand up their noses. I never knew that either.
Ocracoke tomorrow if it doesn’t rain.
Got stuck! HA! Love it!
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