OBX ~ NC ~ 2

So that you can get an idea of the lay of the land, this is a view from

the third-story deck.  Pathways from houses up and down the strand

wended their way across the dune to the oceanfront.

my dh ~ trudging up the sandy path to enjoy time at the shore.

The area was strewn with these flowers ~ the second shot was taken by our dil.

our little grandson ~ chasing the gulls.

~ footprints of grandchildren ~

~ the view from the fourth-story loft ~

White-capped waves could be seen from here ~ our oldest grandson

slept in this area on the futon ~ he had the best view of all.

~ our grandchildren spent hours and hours in the pool ~

On the first full day there, our three sons and two oldest grandchildren

chartered this boat to take them fishing ~ (photo by our middle son).

This was their catch ~ over 30 Spanish mackerel and one blue.

While they were fishing, dh and I went to a wildlife refuge,

but only saw lots of turtles  ~ a little late in the season for many birds.

We did find this osprey nest outside a restaurant on the sound.

I was entranced and we spent quite a bit of time there.

~ bringing in another stick for the nest ~

We will return to this nest at a later date ~ we ate there on the way home.

There was also a family of Canada geese  on the premises.

This group of birdhouses was home to several swallows.

On the way back to the house,

we stopped at the Bodie Island lighthouse.

A white ibis  was feeding in the far field.

We walked to the marsh area and saw a tri-colored heron  in the distance.

He refused to come close enough for my camera ~

The morning was gorgeous and we really enjoyed seeing a bit more of the island.

We were soon anxious to get back to the seaside, though,

to rest and spend more time enjoying the crashing waves.

“. . . in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, the sea,

and all that in them is, and rested the seventh day: . . .”

Exodus 20:11
TGBTG