Ocean Treasures and Donuts!

After a few hours in Rodanthe, Diane and I headed back toward the northern end of the islands.  Along the way, we stopped at one of the many public beach access areas and took a walk.  Some of the dunes in this area are protected and there is signage to direct you.  Other areas are open to walk.

Beach Access

There are also areas that you can drive your vehicle out on the beach.  There were several people surf fishing in this area.  I stopped to chat with one of them and try to learn about what he was doing but he wasn't very talkative.  Must have thought I was after his secret spot.

A little further up the beach we found some interesting items washed ashore.  At least they were interesting to us. Not sure where this first one came from but it looked pretty cool.

Further still, we found what appeared to be more old washed up driftwood.

A closer look revealed that this was not a haphazard, random arrangement of sea stuff.  It was the remains of an old boat.  Diane thought we had found Noah's Ark!

The parts sticking up on the right are the ribs.

The ribs with some of the planking intact.

Close up of the keel.  You can see metal spikes still in place.

And lastly, there was this poor little guy that had a bad day.

The next day, we drove the opposite direction of Rodanthe (north) to the village of Duck.  I think of all the places we visited at OBX, Duck was our favorite.  It is compact and with the architecture, the  trees and flowers, the roads and walkways, it just felt.....cozy.  

There is boardwalk on the "sound" side of town that travels over the marsh and connects to different shopping areas and municipal facilities. Here is a You tube video produced by the town that gives a good feel for it ---> Duck Boardwalk . I ran off  and left he good camera in the motorhome the day we visited so I have no pictures but here is a link the town website with a ton of info.   ---> Duck  

No trip to Duck would be complete without stopping in at Duck Donuts.  Be warned - this place will ruin you.  All future donuts will be measured against these.  You place your order and pay, exit that building and cross a patio to another area and pick up your treasures.  You can watch your donuts come off the machine and be topped while you wait as they are made to order.  The place seemed to be constantly busy but in a just a few minutes, your order is ready.  These things are like a cross between Dunkin Donuts (for the yankees), and Krispy Creme (for the southerners).  The basic donut is a warm, moist, cake-like texture and then they add one of the delicious toppings you selected.  We tried several but the Lemon Coconut were AWESOME!  A cup of coffee or some cold milk and you are good to go!  Be aware though that they open early and close early.  No after dinner sweets can be purchased from the Duck!

Four of six were devoured before I took a picture with my iPhone.  That is a maple frosted and regular glazed remaining for  a midnight snack!

Try this.  You'll like it!

So after visiting Duck and stuffing our faces with donuts, it was time to head back to camp and get packed up for leaving the next to head further north.  If you are going to OBX don't miss Duck.