Love of the ocean was instilled into us both as children.  Growing up in New Jersey, both Bill and Stephie visited the beach often as kids.  Even after moving to New York, we spent many vacations at the beaches of New Jersey, Virginia, North Carolina and Florida.  As we got older and our children grew up, we often talked about retiring to a beach house, but knew that the cost of shoreline property probably made it an impossible dream.

How exciting to leave New York knowing that we could park the RV anywhere for as long as we liked.  After visiting our kids, we headed for the Outer Banks of North Carolina, spending time at the three Hatteras National Seashore campgrounds, Oregon Inlet, Frisco and Ocracoke Island.  Parking just footsteps away from the beach, we were often up at daybreak to watch the sunrise over the Atlantic.  Watching dolphins, surf fishing, beachcombing and sunbathing to our hearts content was the impossible dream come true!

 Cape Hatteras Lighthouse on the Outer Banks of North Carolina was just a few miles from one of the prettiest campgrounds on the National Seashore, Frisco Campground.  Hatteras Lighthouse was moved to a new location a few years ago because of beach erosion.  It is open to the public and you can climb the stairs to the top for a wonderful view of the shoreline if you are hardy enough.

Having the beach to ourselves is a perk of coming to the Outer Banks In the cooler months when beaches are nearly deserted.  Four wheel drive vehicles are allowed to drive on the beach, so we parked just feet from the breakers.  Just watch the tides!  Here Steph has a snack after a long walk on the beach.  

 Ever the hunter and gatherer, Bill has just caught us a nice fish for supper.  The Outer Banks of North Carolina has been one of our favorite vacation spots for years.  How delightful to spend months wandering the beaches of North and South Carolina during our first year of full-time RVing.  How many times we just looked at each other in disbelief that we could actually do this!