OBX

Enjoyed a couple of days in Avon, on the Outer Banks.  Tim had never been there.  While it's over-built, with beach houses that range from old cottages to McMansions, there are no malls, no high-rises, no fast-food chains, and miles of National Seashore. Off-season, it's quiet with only a few dog-walkers and fishermen's trucks on the beach. It was 80 degrees inland, but 60 degrees and breezy on the coast. We bundled up in sweatshirts and towels to sit out in bright sunshine, and had a fire by night, watching the dazzling array of stars get brighter and brighter. The visit with Thene and Greg and their friends Lynn and Doug was pleasant, their rental house had wonderful views of the ocean and dunes. Brought back happy memories of the Cape. This area is only about 3 hours away, so equivalent to the drive from Western Mass. to North Truro.  We liked Hatteras--it had a more village-y feel than some of the other towns along the road. Rates for renting a house, especially in weeks other than July and August, are surprisingly reasonable, half what one might expect to pay in the Northeast. We hope to return sometime!

We walked this beach from the house to Avon Pier.