OBX after Irene

The pictures are stunning...roads crumpled like the top of crunchy brownies, the island cut in half  and breached in several places.  Power lines hang limp and houses tilted and skewed in shapes never intended.  It will be awhile before they open up the campgrounds on the Outer Banks.  As campers and lovers of the ocean, we try and spend a couple of weeks in June on the OBX. Its a world unto itsself, wild, beautiful and chalk full of history.  Fot those of you not familiar with it, its a 50 thousand year old spit of sand jutting 18 miles out into the Atlantic Ocean.  Off of Buxton NC, sits Cape Hatteras and its famous light house.  This is where the Labrador current fom the cold waters of the North Atlantic and the warm waters of the Gulf Stream converge.  In the days of square sail ships it was the super highway back to Europe.  It was also a dangerous place with shifting sand bars and tricky currents and it produced thousands of shipwrecks.
 
Hatteras Island is a wonderful destination and there are many campgrounds dotting HWY 12.  Scenic, historical, and chalk full of outdoor activities on an island with no structure taller than 4 stories. But for now, and I suspect the rest of 2011 there will be no camping on the OBX.  The residents and state is struggling to re establish roads, power and clean up.  To read more subscribe to The Island Freepress: http://islandfreepress.org/ There are pictures of the aftermath and links to help with the recovery donate and help this commuity get back on its feet.

Hurricane Irene and the Outer Banks of NC

I have many great memories of taking the family to the Outer Banks for summer vacation.  Our kids grew up on the beach practically in the shadow of Cape Hatteras light house.  I pulled the TT out there every June for some much needed down time from the hectic world we live in.  It was a place to relax, fish, explore and learn the local history.   We have been there when two tropical storms blew through and saw how efficient the road crews are at moving sand dunes from the roads and restoring the island. Now as Irene is bearing down my thoughts are with the bankers whose lives depend upon the sands of the outer banks.  I know many vacationers have to make other plans which will effect the local economy.   But I know the spirit of the local population is strong…has to be to live on a spit of sand 18 miles off the mainland, and hurricanes are nothing new.   I’m sure the true grit of the bankers will see their way through this one as well.  God bless and stay out of harms way.

The Great Outdoors RV Park in Franklin NC

Entrance sign at the park!

...and some of the happy campers waiting to greet you!

The Great Outdoors RV park is located just outside of Franklin NC a small community in the Smoky Mountains.  It is known for its gem and mineral mines, located near many trailheads, waterfalls, outstanding mountain views and natural beauty.  We like to visit every year, breath  in the mountain air and relax in the laid back vibe of the place.  For more photos click here

St Joe Peninsula SP offers up gorgeous sunsets!

Took this photo June, 2011 just over the dune from Gulf Breeze CG loop. Most every night the campground heads to the beach to watch the sunsets.  Its quite an event!

Beach Food

Early June 2011.  Two weeks on the forgotten coast.  First week at St. George, second at St. Joe.

We like to eat local wherever we camp so our beach meals aways include sea food.  Here is a sample from our latest trip.
Nothing like fresh shrimp and steamed oysters to make the perfect beach meal at St. George Island SP.  Oh and  the Yazoo (from Nashville TN)  isn't too bad either ;-)
                                  

                                    

Another grill day at St. Joe Peninsula SP...mmmmmmmm, fresh blackened shrimp, zuccinni, red bell pepers and turkey kielbasa waits for the plates! YUM!!!

St George Island SP Florida

We arrived at St. George Island and have settled in to camp.  The campground is very nice and is an easy walk or short bike ride to the beach.  It's rustic but well kept and the majority of the sites are spacious.  You'll see more tent campers than class A motor homes at this park.  If you are looking for an out of the way campground with near deserted beaches, then this is the park for you!  We love it and will be back many times.

  

St George Island SP Florida

We are currently parked in Montgomery AL for the overnight between home and St George Island SP in FL.  We like the rustic parks and dont mind having to use the "blue boy" to dump during the stay. There is something about rustic parks that attracts us time and time again. 

We have not stayed at this park before but did a recon a year ago and liked it.  It is a secluded campground about 5 miles from the check in station at the Eastern tip of the island.  The campground is at the end of the road, so there is no traffic.  The beach is about 1/4 mile away and we are ready with bikes and our pull behind beach buggy.  Suits us.

We are hoping to catch Popano this year and put 'em in the grill basket over coals.  I hear the 'skeeters are bad in June so we bought a 10'ez up screen room and hope that'll be enough. (bug spray also packed)  

This is a picture of "The Woods RV Park" where we are currently staying for our overnight in Montgomery.