The trip home from Cape Hatteras to Cincinnati took me through Norfolk, Richmond, Charlottesville, Virginia.  Travelling Interstate 64, I stopped overnight in the beautiful town of Lewisburg, West Virginia.  The next morning found me on US Route 60, the Midland Trail, a beautiful two lane highway winding through the mountains and down into the Kanawha River Valley and Charleston, WV.

Roadside Scenery along Route 60

There are places along the Midland Trail where I swore I could see my tail lights in my mirror as I wound through one of those mountaineous curves.  But getting off the Interstate (I-64), is the only way to really enjoy the beauty of The Mountain State.

Glen Ferris, West Virginia

Many of you already know that I spent the first ten years of my life growing up in the great state of West Virginia and am proud to be an alumnus of West Virginia University (Let’s Gooooo Mountaineers).  I’ve sung John Denver’s Country Roads about a million times.  When I stopped at the New River Gorge, I once again became a believer that West Virginia truly is “almost heaven.”  I highly recommend a stop at the Canyon Rim Visitors Center for a view similar to the one below.

New River Gorge from near the bridge

Amazing Span of the New River Bridge (US 19)

Since I’m showing my vacation pictures, especially those from Cape Hatteras National Seashore, you might as well take a look at two sets from 2003 and before.  The first set shot in the summer of 1999, was my initial experiment with a digital camera and putting up a web site.

The site is entitled Cape Hatteras Vacation.  I can’t believe it still lives on AOL, as I’ve not been a member of that service for many a year.  Enjoy!

Here’s a sample.  That’s my daughter, Sarah.

Ocracoke at Sunset

Here’s a few more photos from my Road Trip to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore, North Carolina.

Along the National Seashore

The Outer Banks are a series of barrier islands, a very fragile environment.  Note the proximity of the two beachfront houses to the surf.  Beach erosion has moved more than 40 feet of beach.

Seaside at Buxton, NC

Sandpipers

Colorful end to another wonderful day

Cape Hatteras Light protects "The Graveyard of the Atlantic"

Enjoy a few more pictures from my journey to Cape Hatteras, North Carolina.  The lighthouse pictured is Bodie Island Lighthouse, which has protected the dangerous waters around Cape Hatteras for 136 years.  It first shone on October 1, 1872.

Bodie Island Lighthouse

This area is a special and sacred place for me.  I have loved it here since I first visited Cape Hatteras back in 1972, arriving here in a VW bus with long hair and all.  I hadn’t realized how much I missed being here, having not traveled to the Cape for five years.  The ocean breeze and the beauty of the area make me feel whole and at peace.

Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge: a haven for migrating birds

Shipwreck from the 1800's