You may remember that Dave and I went to Indian Beach on Emerald Isle on the Outer Banks on vacation last fall to celebrate his birthday. Unfortunately, my plan for him to enjoy the Captain Stacy on a day fishing trip didn’t transpire because of the tropical storm. I’m always ready to go to the beach. We decided to make this trip again.
As we headed to the condo on Salter Path, it began to rain. By the time we got there, the sun came out, and the rain was a light mist. Dave told me to walk out on the deck and check out the double rainbow.
I grabbed my phone and took several pictures. The beach welcomed us with a double rainbow!
Morning Walks on the Beach
Early each morning, we took a walk on the beach. Each day, this seagull waited for fishermen’s discards. We noticed a man fished the same area each day. The seagull paced the area behind him.
Anchor Pizzeria
Last fall, when we stayed at Colony by the Sea on Salter Path, Dave ran to Anchor Pizzeria and picked up a pizza. It was really tasty. However, this time we stopped in, ordered, and ate a supreme pizza. Oh, my gosh, this is so fresh and good!
The wait staff is so nice and friendly. This place is not fancy. They offer paper plates and plastic silverware. Draft beer and wine are served in a plastic cup. However, don’t let that deter you; the food is really good.
The Dock House
Last year, we visited the Dock House Restaurant in Beaufort. Dave had clam chowder. He said it was really good. We made sure to stop in here so he could have another bowl.
Dave’s Triggerfish Catch on the Captain Stacy
As soon as I reserved the beach condo, I overheard Dave reserving a place on The Captain Stacy. I’ve never met or known anyone as fishing-obsessed as he is. This is his favorite charter.
When we first got married, I told him I wasn’t a fan of fish bones, and he needed to fillet the fish. He acquiesced and has become adept at it. After 50 years of marriage, he has to have filleted over a million fish by now. And, no, I am not kidding.
Dave wanted to catch some triggerfish, and he did. He had a whole stringer of around twenty fish. There were several vermilion snappers and porgies. We couldn’t possibly eat all of them. He shared them with five other men on the boat. They were very appreciative.
To say the least, he had a really good time. And yes, Dave filleted the triggerfish and fried it. It was very good.
A Day of Crafting
Knowing Dave would be gone most of the day, I planned a craft day for myself. A quiet day of gluing rhinestones and glitter to my White Christmas Rhinestone House was my reward. Click here ► for directions for that craft. (I’m working on 3 more of these.)
The Island Grille
After Dave’s day of fishing, he took me to the Atlantic Beach Island Grille. We have been here several times over the years. My favorite is the shrimp and scallops with cremini mushrooms, baby spinach, and bacon over grits with a lemon butter sauce.
Shackleford Island
In Beaufort, you can catch a ferry to Shackleford Island. Seashells are bigger and more plentiful there. We took one of the first ferry rides to the island the next day. I am an unapologetic seashell collector.
Mullet Pond is at the western end of the island, close to where the ferry drops you off. The big concrete blocks on the southern side of the island were not there the last time we visited. Of course, that was probably 35 years or more. I’m guessing this was to help with erosion. It is picturesque though.
Dead trees and driftwood are a common sight.
Unfortunately, we only planned to stay for an hour and a half. I could have walked the beach for a few more hours. Not a glimpse of the horses in sight. The first mate said there was a mare with a new foal. Next time, we’ll have to plan for a longer stay. I really wanted pictures of the horses.
Lunch in Morehead City
Each time we visit Morehead City, we have to eat at the Sanitary Fish Market and Restaurant. It is in downtown Morehead City on the waterfront.
The hush puppies are so good. My favorite meal is shrimp, with a side of coleslaw and iced sweet tea.
4 Corners Diner
So, on the last day we had at the beach, Dave wanted to go to the 4 Corners Diner. We had never been here before. He was ready for some beef. I couldn’t believe his platter. This is a generous serving!
Once more, I ordered shrimp. The shrimp burger and fries were really good.
Enjoying the Beach
Believe it or not, I hadn’t even seen the ocean beach until I went to art school in Ft. Lauderdale at the age of eighteen. My dorm was a block from the beach. Since then, I’ve been to many beaches in the Navy and on vacation. The ocean and the beach call me back. It is my happy place.
An ocean breeze, a cup of coffee, or a glass of wine, and the sound of the waves- what could be better? Maybe a walk on that beach…
You can shake the sand out of your shoes, but it never leaves your soul.
Be Social
