East-West North Carolina, November 2023, Part 4

 At last we did something other than sitting on that lovely balcony talking or walking on the beach. Not that there's anything wrong with those things!

We have visited the North Carolina Aquarium in Manteo many times, so wanted to visit the one on this part of the state, the Fort Fisher aquarium. We were greeted by a lovely fish work of art.

They not only have alligators, they have an albino alligator. He was a rescue, as he would never have survived in the wild. For one thing, his coloring provides him no protection from the heat, and for another, makes him much more obvious to predators.

Bill and the alligator. I assume they have agreed not to eat each other.

Some of our usual friends, 

They also have a large outside area, very interesting. This bald eagle is also a rescue. He was hit by a car and so badly injured that he cannot fly. He has a large area here to run around in, gets the proper food, and the carers make sure he is always challenged. 

The highlight for us was this beautiful pond, with a bridge across the middle.We stayed there a long time, sitting in the sun, and enjoying the peace, quiet, and nature, and of course the good company. 

All that fresh air naturally gives us a good appetite, so we headed to lunch. Somehow eating hotdogs at a picnic table in the parking lot of Butts and More seemed perfect.

The afternoon was devoted to naps, sitting on the balcony, and so on. And, unsurprisingly, there was a sunset. 

East-West North Carolina, November 2023, part 3

 Our beach front rental did indeed have a beach in front of it! And happily, with very few people there. 

And sea oats. 

And a few obligatory sunrise photos.

Today's post is mainly just pretty pictures, as you can tell.

We did also get out and do things, but we also spent a lot of time doing this. And, as you can see, we were joined by my brother. 

East-West North Carolina, November 2023, Part 2

 After breakfast at our hotel in Charlotte, we took off eastwards. No, wait, we first drove south about 3 minutes to Walmart, where we stocked up on necessities. Almost always our first stop! But then we headed southeastwards!

We stopped for lumch at Burger King somewhere along the way way. Managed to bypass most of Wilmington and the "big city" traffic. Over a number of bridges, and there we were! Our house was on a peninsula headed northwards.

We were, of course, far too early to check in, so we decided first to locate the house and then find something else to do. Easier said than down! The house was very difficult to find and even when I searched for the right street number 🙄 it wasn't easy. So we ended up driving all the way up to the northern tip, where there is a park and beach access -- amd paid parking only, via your phone only, etc. We said the heck with it and returned southwwards. We then stopped at the pier, with th same parking situation, and this time paid and walked around a little. Then it was approaching check in time,so we hiat a grocery store and went to the house.

It is a large house directly on the beach. Here it is from the front: 

Downstairs are two one-brdroom apartments. The top floor is the owner's apartment. We had the middle floor, with an astonishing four bedrooms. Yes, much more space thn we needed, but the photos showed it o be nice and with a balcony and iview that would knock you out.

Here it is from the back (beachside): 

We had that gigantic balcony with the stairs.

Here are some views of the inside: 4 bedrooms, two full baths, washer-dryer, large living area, etc etc. 

 The balcony had acturally three sitting areas. One was a table, where we spent most of our time, a few charis in the center, and then some more on the other end. 

Oh, and the view? Absolutley heavenly. 

The crowning touch was, of course, the price. This being the deepest part of the beach off season, it was exceptionally reasonably priced.