OBX

Last month, Clint and I enjoyed our trip to the OBX to spot the flamingos.

We saw the silhouette of them but that was about all even with binoculars.

They were on the north end of the Inlet Bridge about 1/4 a mile out from the dunes. It was easy to spot their location due to the photographers that were set up on the dunes. 

Flamingos are big birds! Seeing some of the same behavior as I do in geese, I would not want to "tango" with one of them. I wonder if they will bond like geese do and favor the people they see as part of their flock.

For about 15 years, we went to the OBX every year and sometimes twice a year but always during the off-season. We don't do touristy, trafficky, or crowds well. Four different friends who live there warned us about the drug and gang issues in the OBX, so we stayed away for several years. We were surprised at how much it has grown since our last visit. It's so sad to see what is happening to what used to be a very special place.

We have a natural beach much closer to home, and that is where we get our beach fix now. There is no development near it, so it is a pretty and serene place to unwind. It is very rare there is ever anyone else there. We are thankful a large family/homeschooling-friendly local shared insider knowledge with us when we were still relatively new to the area. The few who know about it do not talk about it hoping it spares the beautiful natural beach from being damaged. It is a great place to get away to relax and recharge.

When in the OBX, we always go to Austin Fish Company for crabs or crab cakes.
We also visit Sam and Omies for breakfast.
We were a little late for Austin's this time but we stopped in to say hello. Then we headed to Sam and Omie's for a crab cake dinner.