ON THE WAY, FINALLY! For over two years, our whole family had been talking about, dreaming of, then finally planning a family vacation to the Outer Banks of North Carolina. At the beginning of June, the day of departure came at last!  
We and our children all drove separate vehicles that were packed to the gills with all the paraphernalia we thought it might take for 15 people to survive for a week at the ocean. Since dh was still recovering from his surgery, he and I left a bit early, so we wouldn’t have such big driving days; we moseyed through the mountains, wending our way through the countryside for awhile, instead of staying on the interstate. 
The rhododendrons and lilies at one of our motels delayed our departure one morning. 
I probably took a couple dozen shots of their gorgeousness ~
On the last night before our arrival, we stayed in Plymouth, North Carolina. That evening, we leisurely drove through the historic waterfront, then took a stroll down this nature path alongside the Roanoke River. Our stroll soon became a brisk walk to keep us from getting mosquito-bitten! 
The river was lined with cypress trees . . . 
. . . and dotted with lily pads.
This dragonfly posed so patiently for me.
In a marsh near the path, a muskrat was finishing his supper.
The waterfront is also home to the Roanoke River Lighthouse. It was after hours and we couldn’t go in, but in doing a little research, I’ve learned that this sleepy little town was once a bustling port for schooners, steamboats and barges traveling the river; and the lighthouse gave them important protection during that time period. “The LORD is my light and my salvation; whom shall I fear?” Psalm 27:1 
We’ll head on toward the coast next time ~  TGBTG | 
It's hard to get a good close up of a dragonfly. I like those.
