Date:         Mon, 2 May 2005 21:17:21 -0400
Reply-To:     Jonathan Poole <jfpoolio@GMAIL.COM>
Sender:       Vanagon Mailing List <vanagon@gerry.vanagon.com>
From:         Jonathan Poole <jfpoolio@GMAIL.COM>
Subject:      OBX camping suggestions
In-Reply-To:  <42769ce2.5649da4d.344c.0824SMTPIN_ADDED@mx.gmail.com>
Content-Type: text/plain; charset=ISO-8859-1

Howdy,,

I drove most of the NC coast last spring.  I drove out to Corolla via
Elizabeth Springs and then made my way south.  I spent a few weeks or
more (don't remember exactly) exploring.  North of Corolla there are a
couple of wildlife refuges which you can access by driving up the
beach (there is no road) if you have a syncro. I spent some time
hiking around up there looking for the wild horses that supposedly
roam in that area.  From Corolla and south you will find lighthouses,
a bit of historical architecture and secluded beaches (at least in the
off-peak seasons, I haven't been in summer).  You can go to the Wright
Brothers National Memorial, and to the Elizabeth II on Roanoke Island.
 While on Roanoke Island be sure to visit the lost colony site and
free museum where the British made there first colonization attempt,
the Elizabeth II is worth the fee in my opinion as get to see a lot
more than the ship (which was sweet).  The sound provides lots of
opportunities to sea kayak and you can fish surf or sound side to your
hearts content.  My favorite area was probably the stretch just above
the Oregon Inlet.  There is a beach parking area there and a light
house on the sound side.  You might be able to get away with stealth
camping there (I did) or you could stay at the campground which is
just above Oregon Inlet.  When I visited, the area seemed really laid
back.  I ended up watching the Atlantic for hours and the most
exciting events were either the body boarding sessions or brushes with
aquatic life.  I also took a bike thinking that I would tour some of
the areas that way, but it didn't turn out to be very practical. 
While many of the beaches were not crowded when I went the traffic on
12 was always a little too crazy for road biking in my opinion.  I did
ride my bike around the towns though which was nice.  One thing that
you probably know but that should definitely be considered is that it
will probably be very hot in August.

Ya'll have a great trip..

Jonathan Poole