Well, I got a great pic of the sign...but none of the lake...let me explain.

   After recently landing in Eastern North Carolina, it was time to find a job. Luckily I'm a teacher, and it wasn't too hard to find a good fit.  But I wouldn't call it easy. It required us to leave the kitty relaxing at the farm & the iPad inside to cool down (see below),  as we set off to the south for a few interviews.

   Since we were in the neighborhood we decided to stop by Lake Waccamaw State Park. Located near the town of Whiteville, NC, the lake covers 9000 acres with 14 miles of shoreline.

   The alligator on the entrance sign is legit - we saw gators in the water close to the park. Gators in North Carolina? I know right!?!?! Well, they're here, along with a myriad of other rare plant and animal species. Carnivorous plants anyone?

   The reason we didn't put the paddles in the water to explore this little treasure? A combination of time (job interviews!) and no boat ramp access in the park - two free public boat launches are nearby - one maintained by the NC Wildlife Resources Commission and the other by Lake Waccamaw State Park. Parking is limited at the launches, however, both sailboats and powerboats are allowed on the lake. 

   Oh well - we'll be back. Also interesting is the nearby Green Swamp Preserve, managed by the Nature Conservancy and home to more rare species...including more gators...chomp-chomp!

   ~Paul & Amber   ETC

Let's take a break from North Carolina first impressions and go adventuring, shall we?

  Welcome to Fort Macon State Park. Located on the Bogue Banks, basically an almost endless sliver of sandy beach protecting Eastern NC's coast, the park is historic, beachy, and popular.

   We've been to similar beach forts and this one doesn't disappoint. There's lots to explore (with or without a guide), it's on the beach (so take a picnic!), parking and entrance are free, and there is a cool museum shop and welcome center on location.

  Take in some history while you're there - the restored fort is the site of the historic battle of Fort Macon in 1862.

A little more research reveals the infamous pirate Blackbeard regularly passed through the inlet off the edge of the park...and even better - Blackbeard's once lost ship, the Queen Anne's Revenge, is sunken near the park (it's currently being recovered on site and at a museum nearby...more on that in a future post)...need I say Arrrrr!?!?!

We were able to see so much in such a short time, we'll definitely be back for more!!!

~Paul, Amber, Anna   ETC