Once again, I’m on a kick to discover new things in my own backyard for my vacation this year. Time doesn’t stand still, even for the unemployed – it is always good to get away and relax in different surroundings. Granted, this year, like last, I’m not going very far. I’m not going to leave my home state, but I am going to do things that most people haven’t even considered. Basically I’m looking for a cheap way to satisfy my sense of adventure.
As you probably know, I’ve taken a few kayaking vacations in the past, I’ve spent a week in the Alaskan wilderness camping and paddling Kenai Fjords National Park. I’ve also spent a week sailing and kayaking in the Galapagos. Those were two trips that I will remember for a lifetime. I love being outdoors, and I love the sense of satisfaction that I have after a long day of activity. This has prompted me to investigate a self-guided tour of the Cape Lookout National Seashore of NC. This trip has been in the works for a while now, and I’ve gotten so excited about it that I HAVE to talk about it. Click to see an interactive map.
For those of you that aren’t familiar with Cape Lookout, it is one of the few pristine barrier islands left on the East coast. The islands are only accessible by boat. You can explore about 50 miles worth of island. Some people bring their 4x4s on the car ferry, but we plan on paddling and camping as much of the island as possible. Camping is primitive and there are only a few sites where potable water is available. You have to bring all your food, and enough water to last a few days in case there are issues with the drinking water supply. We are talking some packed kayaks. Food will definitely require some creativity without the ability to take along big coolers. We also have to worry about raccoons – so I’ll be packing the bear vaults to keep the critters out!
A side purpose to this whole trip is a fascination that I’ve had with lighthouses. I’ve visited all of the major lighthouses of NC except one – Cape Lookout. I’ve driven down the Outer Banks – climbing Currituck, visiting Bodie, seeing Hatteras before the big move, and taking a car ferry to Ocacroke. I’ve taken a side trip to Oak Island as well. I’ve even taken the ferry to Bald Head Island just to see “Old Baldy”. Now it is Cape Lookout’s turn for a visit. Cape Lookout is the one with the diamond day mark.
I’ve set a date in the early summer and I’ve rounded up a few friends who will hopefully be able come along. Timing is important – I want to do this when the ocean is warm enough for swimming but the nights are still comfortable for sleeping. Here’s the plan:
- Leave the truck in the long term parking lot for the park and put in the kayaks at Harker’s Island near high tide. Ride the tide all the way out to the tip of Cape Lookout. Spend a night camping in the shadow of the lighthouse.
- Pack up the gear and paddle North about 3-4 hours or 10-12 miles a day, taking into account the timing of the tides.
- Spend the rest of each day playing in the sand and surf or exploring and taking pictures of the wildlife.
- Repeat until we reach the abandoned town of Portsmouth (stretch goal!). Explore there.
- Paddle South until we find the truck again
- Head home, exhausted, tanned and relaxed
Where’s your sense of adventure?
