Reflections of Ocean Isle, NC

We recently returned from a short visit to Ocean Isle, North Carolina.  Ocean Isle is a coastal barrier island located between Wilmington, NC and Myrtle Beach, SC.  We were there in the second week of November and enjoyed unseasonably warm weather; sunny and 70° on our only full day there.  Warm enough that my two girls convinced me to cut off the pants we brought and we ventured into the Atlantic Ocean.  It was fine and perfect on that one day.  The next day brought arctic air and we nearly froze for our second sunrise.  

One thing that struck me about Ocean Isle was the reflection that was so distinct in the water soaked sand.  I've never seen anything quite like it.  Objects were a mirror image and even the color seemed more vibrant!  I was blessed to have captured the sight.  

soulenergy.  If there is one description for what that is, it was this trip wrapped in a bow.  Four of my favorite things, all together in one fell swoop -- my daughters, who are 9 and 5, the ocean, sunrises, and sunsets.  

Enjoy the photos!

First Sight of the Ocean, grainy photo captured by phone

My younger spent a great deal of time trying to catch a bird.

The beginning of our first sunset on Ocean Isle

The beginning of our first sunrise on Ocean Isle.

We found several sand dollars on the beach!  My first time seeing them in a natural setting.  Truly amazing -- hardly seems possible they're naturally made.

We walked until we ran out of beach!  

She would pick sand up and throw it towards the water.  She said she was "feeding the ocean".

Jumping the waves!

As we were walking the beach, this guy jumped up (nearly scaring the bejeezus out of me) and scurried quickly across the sand.  We chased him and suddenly he stopped and turned around.  Face off.  He stood still long enough to get several great shots!

And then a little further down the beach, I spotted this one, buried in the sand.  Nearly hidden, you can see, except for his eyes and just a bit of leg.

The girls teased him a bit with some sea grass.  He slowly emerged... 

... and out he was!  He ran backwards quickly up the dune and disappeared.

Older Daughter's favorite Teddy, enjoying our second sunrise.

We had a beautiful and relaxing trip to Ocean Isle.  During our off-season visit, we had the beach to ourselves.  It was rejuvinating and as you can see, so beautiful.  soulenergy