This past Easter weekend was spent on the remote Ocracoke Island, beyond the Outer Banks in North Carolina. I grew up going “down the shore” in NJ every summer and I have found a beach that is much more beautiful and wild than anything in NJ. This was a loooong trip (must bring the car on the ferry!) but well worth it.

Pelicans rested on the docks on the early morning sunlight, and the wind blew quite hard as Gerry and I trampled all over the island…..the wide open beach, private inlets, dirt roads, dead ends and through people’s yards. We stayed at this beachy, yellow local hotel called Blackbeard’s Lodge. It felt like someone’s home and had that salty, sandy feel to it. Huge live oaks, with lots of character sat outside and they gave you this overwhelming urge to climb up and get comfortable with your favorite book.

Later in the day, we drove the beach with the SUV and dropped Charlie off to take pictures with his snazzy camera. Thomas, Gerry and I hung out and watched the fishermen pull in some sharkfish, which was cool. I am glad they put up with all of us gawking tourists.

While I took in some live local music, ate some red drum fish (the local specialty), relaxed at Ocracoke Coffee Co., running was the best part. I cannot think of anything purer than a leisurely run on the deserted beach as the sun is rising on Easter Sunday morning.