yo-bx

In giddy anticipation of any upcoming OBX trip, we would always shout to each other, "Yo-BX!" There was a time when we went to the Outer Banks every year. We haven't been back since Hurricane Sandy, but I remember the last time we were there an even littler storm forged new inlets and little creeks of salt water within the lower islands. The Outer Banks is pristinely beautiful, home of absurdly good coffee and the kindest folks. The dunes roll and at night I remember wondering about the legend of Virginia Dare and other ghostly stories of the Atlantic as the wind brought in the salty air. Wine on the deck, fried chicken for dinner, and reckless mystery junkets to Ocracoke happen to be my favorite memories and tastes. I loved peering over the sides of the ferry, half fearful that we will sink with the weight of all the cars, half excited like a child at the sight of dolphins or even a wave from a passing speedboat. Those ferries spur such wonder - one year, we got stuck til 2am because we missed the last one out. Another time, an RV rolled on deck and I honestly thought we would sink. This particular year, yours truly got to steer the ferry. Don't ask me how, but somehow I found myself in the captain's seat - one of the highlights of my life!

ciao, xo

salutations, obx.

A little "anthology" of my favorite Outer Banks photos. The Outer Banks of North Carolina are tough and worn. They are not not quaint or cute but they are wise. They have been battered by so many hurricanes, by horrifying winds and rip tides. If dunes could talk...

These photos were taken...let's see...about three months before Hurricane Sandy completely ravaged the delicate strands of sand that make up the OBX.  I love and cherish these photos. There isn't much to the Outer Banks, but spending time so close to the shores of the grey Atlantic makes me feel very at peace, very minimalist and not-so materialistic. I transform into a Sanuk-wearing, sundress-sporting, beachy hippie gal who wants to go for 6am coffee runs and evening kayak tours.

This post does not do it justice, especially since it is written far from the actual moments of when we were in the OBX breathing in the salty, moist air. But until next time...ciao!