This week was very exciting for me. My cousin came all the way from Missouri to visit us on the boat. I have been after her since we got Southern Style to come spend some time. With her work and being so far away, it is challenging to do; but she finally made it. Her route was quite circuitous. She first flew from Missouri to Norfolk, VA and met up with Deb an old friend from back in their girl scout counselor days. Then both of them road tripped from Norfolk down the NC Outer Banks to Ocracoke.
Pam and Deb on the back of Southern Style
They were only in Ocracoke a few days so there were a lot of things to see and do. We also needed the weather to cooperate. There was one day of hard rain for much of the morning, but we made the best of it and all enjoyed a lazy morning.
Pouring rain on Wednesday morning of their trip
Luckily most of the days were quite nice and we got to do quite a few outdoor activities.
I took them out to Springer's point where the pirate, Blackbeard, made camp with his motley crew. It was also just off this point that he met his demise at the hands of Navy Lieutenant Robert Maynard in 1718.
Pam and I on the sand at Springer's Point (we did not find any of his lost buried treasure).
We were also able to get the Jeep out on the beach. It was a treat for them to be able to drive right out to a spot and set up towels etc. without having to carry anything very far. Pengi also got to come along for the beach day.
Pam enjoying the water
Boggie boarding is not just for the kids. (My cousin is a kid at heart especially when it comes to the ocean waves)
Close up action shot
4 wheeling on the beach
In addition to the beach on Ocracoke, there was also a trip to Portsmouth Island via dinghy. The girls were able to do some shell hunting for a bit and all came home with a few treasures.
In the dinghy on the way to Portsmouth (left to right: Pam, Keith, and Deb).
Pam on the beach at Portsmouth with a few shells
Because it was high tide and there are quite a few people on the island this time of year, finding Scotch bonnets is more challenging. Everyone still seemed to have a good time.
On the way back from Portsmouth Island we stopped to do some clamming. After a few simple instructions on the fine art of raking for clams, Pam and Deb picked up this technique in no time.
Pam and Deb raking for clams
Shuffle your feet ladies as there are critters in the water. This was a small blue crab I stirred up. He is trying to hide in a patch of grass.
Our haul of clams was very respectable. Way had a nice dinner of fresh clams and some NC shrimp. I picked up the shrimp at the seafood market on the island.
The ladies with our fresh clams
After all that activity, a little relaxation is in order. Pam particularly liked the hammock swing we have on the boat. The swing hangs perfectly from our davit arm (the crane we use to move the dinghy on and off the boat). Keith had to give her a ride out over the water.
Pam in the hammock swing
I really tried to get them to experience Ocracoke in the short time they were here. It is certainly a different lifestyle living aboard and living on an island. Hopefully they enjoyed their trip. I would love to have my cousin return to the boat sometime. I'll may just make a boater out of her yet.
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