Friday, March 20, 2009

The Croatan National Forest - North Carolina

The Croatan National Forest is the only true coastal forest on the east coast. The campground is nestled in a grove of Loblolly Pines mixed in with Live Oak, Holly, and various other hardwoods. For a more detailed description of this marvelous National Forest go to
http://www.forestcamping.com/dow/southern/croinfo.htm


Among the features of this National Forest is a unique 1.6 mile walk through the tidemarsh. Gravel pathways and boardwalks make for easy travel through an environment not usually accessible. Cardinals, Bluebirds, Nesting Ospreys, Great and Blue Herons, Fiddler Crabs, and Anoles are found in abundance in the tidal areas.


We found this little fellow (an Anole) sunning himself on one of the boardwalks.


Only a mile or so away are the magnificent barrier Island beaches of the Outer Banks. There are miles and miles of gorgeous light brown sand beaches for swimming, surfing, fishing, or just walking. All the usual shore birds, pelicans and other diving birds, and pods of bottlenose dolphins feed behind the breakers only a few feet off shore.


On the island you can choose your house by your favorite color and many are for sale in this difficult economy. But, better bring a lot of cash $$$.

Fort Macon, probably the best preserved civil war fort in the country, is in the town of Atlantic Beach on the Barrier Island. Fort Macon saw service in the Civil war, the Spanish American War, and World War II. It is now a North Carolina State Park with many interesting exibits depicting the life of the soldiers who served there, and the history of the fort.




Even if you're not a fort or museum buff we recommend this park. It's just a fun place to walk around, it's free, and the beach is magnificent.


We booked the campground for 3 days and ultimately ended up staying for 8 there was just so much to do here. We will definitely return some day.

Next: The Uwharrie National Forest in Central North Carolina.

10 comments:

  1. Hi Ted and Cheryl... that sand looks so much better than snow. Enjoy... keep sending the pictures... it's fun to follow your trip.
    Jayne & Rob

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  2. Hi, Thanks for the card for ADP. V. read it to the group. Things continue to go well. Love reading of your adventures & I'm glad you are enjoying your free time. Keep posting. jan

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  3. Nice documentary. Following along whenever we can...just for a comparison, it's -14C windchill this morning, with 5 inches of new snow!

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  4. Glad to have you in the southern part of heaven and even better to catch up. Hope the sun shines warmly upon your back as you head west. James.

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  5. Hi Cheryl and Ted,
    How nice it must be able to truly enjoy and stay in the moment. I must say experiencing this vicariously is not so bad. With such great pictures and commentary I feel like I'm right there with you enjoying it all. You so much deserve all of this and more. ENJOY!!! Trish

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  6. Howdy Ted & Cheryl,

    So besides having a whole bunch of fun, you also have an impressive blog site here. Great way to keep us all up to date on your trip across the country!

    Thanks,

    Dave & Lynn

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  7. Shorts while we still have snow & mud!! I'm printing out & making a scrapbook of your blog. Keep it up & have fun. jan L.

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  8. We are going to follow in your footsteps after Tall Pines. Beautiful photos. Keep them coming.

    Anne and Joe

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  9. Ted and Cheryl-
    Really enjoyed your visit. With life long friends--it is like time never passes!!
    Millie

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  10. wow. i'm impressed! beautiful photos and informative. again, you guys rock!

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