Seventy three steamy degrees this morning.

Flags that adorned the homes could barely wave in the thick air.  We were very disappointed in how many people/houses did not display the American flag, but we relished in the homes that were proud and patriotic.  Athough already dripping with sweat after three miles, our legs were not quite warmed up for our hike over the Intercostal.  This would be the first of eleven bridges we would end up crossing today, luckily only three tall ones.  Crossing the waterway and we were in Beaufort, for a “short bit” and then in Down East,“a group of communities east of Beaufort”.  The road we pedaled was the highest piece of land there was.  And since everything was so flat, we could see for miles.  It was an absolutely wonderful ride, churches, small homes and beautiful waterways everywhere; and so quiet, we could even hear the birds singing.

Just before one of our high bridge crossings, we found this on the side of the road and considered taking it the rest of the way home.  But we’d come this far on bicycle, and besides that would be cheating!

The marsh water we biked beside was shallow and crystal clear, small fish running in schools often breaking the water as they fled from a predator.  We’d pedal hard with no stopping (ok, one photo stop) to make the one o’clock ferry, but when we arrived, it was only 10:45; we had just missed the 10:30 sailing.

We stopped at the only only source for food and managed a hot dog and pre-packaged sandwich.  A mile further as we were approaching the ferry stop, this young man yelled at us and said we had to stop.  Not wanting to disappoint, we both enjoyed an ice cream sandwich and then waited for the next ferry.  A little sightseeing as we waited, revealed beautiful flowers and a stunning beach along the Pamlico Sound,vacationers enjoying the gorgeous day.

The crossing from Cedar Islandto Ocracoke is just over two hours; we sat back and enjoyed the ride.

We had a bit of a glitch, when the ramp to get off the ferry, did not want to lower.  A few “stout” workers added their weight and we were off the boat.

Our hotel was a stone’s throw from the dock and a cold drink and calamari were but a shower away.

Ocracoke Village is an absolutely darling, quaint town.  Golf carts rule and bikes and walkers come in second.  About the only cars you see are the ones coming or going to the ferry.  We strolled around the waterfront and though there were a few restaurants within walking distance, there was another that caught our eye, Jason’s Restaurant (their web link is not working).  It was one of The Best restaurant decisions we’ve ever made.  We both had the Seafood Trio, delicious Cobia, amazing Shrimp and THE BEST bar-none Crab Cake…..including anything in Maryland.  The sunset, glowing in the harbor, was the perfect finish to our 49 mile day.

Happy Memorial Day everyone!