On my way to Ft. Macon and on my way back I stopped and enjoyed the sunshine and waves. Too cold to swim, but it was still invigorating.

From my campsite in Cedar Point it was a 15 mile drive to Fort Macon at the end of the road. Literally. What an amazing place to recapture what life was like in a place so far removed from everything. I have been to a lot of different Forts during my travels but it still amazes me how not only soldiers but their families as well lived in these conditions.

And it was also used during World War II as a defensive post.

I certainly lucked out on finding this campground. GPS from my trip app took me to the county line. I had to back track and recheck location via Google maps. That worked. Once arriving, site was beautiful, nice hiking trails very close and I enjoyed the first day. I’ll post separately on what I explored the following days.

It was great to spend a couple days with these friends. I especially enjoyed our hike and going to the Fireman’s museum. They had not been to that museum yet so a fun experience for all of us.

Sorry for the confusion on which state this was in, I have updated it to North Carolina not South.

This was a great park that was run by the county. Off the beaten path but close to the coast and multiple things to do. The hiking trails were great! Multiple ways to enjoy a short or longer hike. And the views of the river were fantastic as the sun was going down. I’m not a morning person, but I imagine sunrise is nice as well.

Because I’m not that hip on cities, I didn’t drive into Norfolk or Virginia Beach however both are an easy drive.

Love this little park. Only here for 1 night as I’ve stayed before and needed to move south quickly. Beautiful night on this loop by myself.

This park is at the north entrance of the national park and skyline drive. I stayed here on my way north and really enjoyed the hiking trails, visitors center and the campground. Never hurts to stay at a campground that has a 75 cent washer and dryer!!

And of course as I traveled south to seek warmer weather, I had to drive part of the Skyline drive…I had hoped to do the whole 109 miles but had to get to my destination before dark.

This was a little farther drive than I like but it was beautiful. It boasts of being the halfway mark on the Appalachian trail. Along with having the Stonework furnace still standing, 2 lakes, multiple hiking trails and 2 great little museums. One on the iron ore industry and one on the Appalachian trail.

And in the campground was this beast!! I kept going by hoping to talk with them about it and where they go that they need such a thing…

This is a county park and is very well maintained. I stayed here on my way north this spring and was happy to stop back for a night. Campsite #9 is the best. Too bad there was bow hunting in progress so no hiking trails for me. Just a quite night in the woods.

This was the perfect place to stop for the night. Off the road down a long drive and some of the nicest people to have share their place. It was also great to take a short walk to one of the many bike trails in Rhode Island.