Ocracoke to Oriental, NC

 Last day at Ocracoke - just a pretty photo with our flags flying on Sojourn.

 

We got together with the crew from Skoolz Out for a "all-Manta" bike ride around the island.  Stopped at a lot of the highlights.  The Ocracoke lighthouse (not open to the public except when a Ranger is present).

 

And on to the Springer Point walking path.  We were pleased that there were no mosquitos!

 

The path leads to a lovely little beach overlooking the clamming grounds.

 

And the interior pathway is so shady and cool with cool twisty trees!

 

Next up was a ride over to Lifeguard Beach.

 

Beautiful dunes - lucky that NPS has protected this area from human corruption!

 

Walking the deserted beach - Duane was with us, just walking up ahead...

 

We biked back thru town, stopping at the British Cemetery and at Zillies for one last beverage on the porch.  And just like that, it was time to shove off the dock.  Ed and Cathy were catching a ferry and we'd meet back in Oriental on the dock.

Going out the channel, we were immediately met with an incoming ferry.

 

No problem, plenty of room.

 

Colorful para-sailing over the sound.

 

A different ferry - lots of them!

 

The winds/waves were a bit stronger than predicted - reaching about 25 knots a few times.  Good sailing though!  This little power boat was not having so much fun in the opposite direction though, crashing into waves.

 

But we had all the sails up and it was a great trip.

 

Home in just a little over 5 hours - docking was a bit of a challenge as the wind was still blowing.  With a little help from Ed and Cathy, no one or boat was injured, so we'll call it good.