Tag: Outer Banks

Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Corolla, NC

by Bill Florin, posted in Landscape Photography, Nature Photography, Photography, Travel Photography

The Currituck Beach Lighthouse came on for the first time in 1875 and has been a vital beacon since. It is the northernmost light on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, added to fill in the final dark spot that has claimed many ships and lives.

Visitors can walk the grounds and climb the steps to take in the view from the top. Due to poor weather and other activities, we did not get to do that (this time).

Located in the same area is the Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education, a small but well done facility where one can learn about the history of this place, catch a film to understand the wildlife and ecosystem of the area, and view artifacts that help define the area. (If you like waterfowl decoys and old outboard motors, put this on your list.)

Links to learn more:

The Outer Banks Center for Wildlife Education: http://ncwildlife.org/Learning/Education-Centers/Outer-Banks

Currituck Beach Lighthouse: http://www.currituckbeachlight.com/

Wild Horses of the Outer Banks

by Bill Florin, posted in Nature Photography, Photography, Uncategorized

Wild horses, mustangs that have been residents of North Carolina’s (USA) Outer Banks for hundreds of years, are a feature of the area bringing countless tourists to the area hoping for a sighting. We booked a trip with Wild Horse Adventure Tours in Corolla, NC, and had a terrific two hours (website: http://wildhorsetour.com/).

We visited the 12-mile section that is the horses’ home after three days (24-26 July) of intense rain and wind. A huge nor’easter had come through, making our chances of seeing the animals that much less. They typically move away from the ocean side, the route of sand-road NC Highway 12, during the worst of it, seeking refuge on the sound-side of their terrain. Because of this, the company was offering refunds as they were not hopeful. We took a chance and it paid off.

The horses have adapted to their environment. They eat the sea oats and grasses, and can even drink the brackish water from the Currituck Sound when pooled rain water is not available. Their adaptation has been so complete that if they eat anything else it can be fatal. Our tour guide shared a story of a woman who gave a horse a taste of watermelon; the horse died.

While not federally protected, these animals are special. Their population is down to about 100 from thousands when they ran the whole length of the Outer Banks. We enjoyed the visit, and I think you will too. Enjoy.