I’ve lived in North Carolina for most of my life, but it wasn’t until 3 years ago that I first went to the Outer Banks. While there, we visited 3 lighthouses: Currituck, Bodie Island, and Cape Hatteras. I did not climb Cape Hatteras Lighthouse then because a) my 4 year old did not meet the height requirement, b) It was 95 degrees, and c) I was 7 months pregnant.
Last week we went back to the Outer Banks for a vacation and a family reunion. This time I did get to climb the Cape Hatteras lighthouse along with my 7, 9, and 11 year old children. Daddy stayed on the ground with the 2-1/2 year old.
Cape Hatteras Lighthouse is the tallest lighthouse in North America.
Its total height is 210 feet. There is a magnificent view from the top.
My 3 climbers made it up the 268 steps.
This view shows the ocean as well as the path on which the lighthouse was moved in 1999 in order to save it from erosion.
Walking DOWN the steps was scarier than climbing up.
We also went to Ocracoke Island for the first time. Ocracoke is only accessible by ferry.
This is one of the ferries that runs between Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands.
The ferry ride alone lasted 40 minutes each way, so we had a day-long adventure.
Here’s the lighthouse on Ocracoke. It’s not open for climbing, but is still nice to visit.
By Kristen H.
I have lived in this state for 10 years and have not yet made it to the Outer Banks. It looks like you all had a lovely vacation.
Blessings,
Dawn
Looks like you had a wonderful time at the beach. I've never been to any of the Carolina beaches, but I've heard wonderful things about them!
How funny, I grew up in NC and have never been to the Outer Banks! We are coming back (from TX) for a vacation and are trying to work in an Outer Banks trip! I found your blog through "Raising Olives," very cute!