To the Sea

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge

     The end of the year brings about an opportunity to reflect on the passing year.  One fond activity I experienced was the opportunity to join the local Photographers' Club as they traveled to the Outer Banks in late October to take a photography workshop with a local photographer.  It was not my first visit to the Atlantic Ocean, but it was my first visit with a single agenda to only take photographs of the Outer Banks with my new camera.  We set out late morning to Hatteras Island and our first stop on North Carolina Highway 12 was the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge known for its historical Pea Island Life Saving Station.  I really needed a stronger lens to capture the migratory birds there, so focused on the flora and the varieties of shrubs that grow on the island, such as this canopy of shrubs that framed this couple as they exited the refuge via the path along the island's pond.  

Monarch & Blanket Flower 

Continuing south along NC Hwy 12, my travelling companions stopped to capture photographs of the inlet kite surfers and along the roadside my eye caught the movement of these beautiful Monarch butterflies as they sought the nectar from the wild Blanket Flowers.

To the Sea~Frisco Pier Beach 

The view from the beach at Frisco Pier was beautiful, a breezy and cloudy day, the sand and water was warm, no shoes required.

No Shoes Required~OBX

Travelling Companions

     Once we arrived at the pier, my photography friends set up their equipment to capture their much anticipated shot of Frisco Pier, having been informed that the remnants of the pier will soon be removed, this would be their last opportunity.  The Hatteras Lighthouse can be seen in the skyline.  The shoreline was busy with fishermen, and Frisco Pier was no exception.  

 Fisherman among the ruins at Frisco Pier

It was a gray and cloudy day, but the faded yellow paint of the abandoned pier helped pull out the blues and greens from the gray ocean palette.

  

     As we approached the lighthouse the setting sun moved behind the lamp, which made it come alive.   Although the tourist season was past, there were still many visitors taking in all the sights, such as those who rested on the grass and looked up to take in it's 198+ foot height (https://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/chls.htm)

Reflections of Hatteras~Keeper's Quarters

Our visit in October was in the off season months, so we could not enter the lighthouse.  

Although this image is little out of focus, the industrial nature and design makes it one of my favorite shots of the Hatteras.  

Bodie Lighthouse~View from Cape Hatteras National Park Rd

     With little remaining light, I was able to capture the blurred horizontals lines of the illuminated Bodie Light House against the panned landscape, as  drove back along North Carolina Highway 12.  It was a wonderful afternoon adventure, great company and beautiful sights.