Fort Macon Hike

On Monday morning, with the rain finally cleared, I rose early and took Amaroq for a refreshing beach walk. We strolled a few miles west along the shoreline, turning back just as the first hints of dawn appeared. The return journey was breathtaking - the sky gradually brightened, painting everything in soft, glowing light.

We timed it perfectly, arriving back at the hotel right as the sun rose over the horizon.

After a quick pack-up and checkout, we enjoyed one last breakfast at Banks Grill before heading to Fort Macon State Park for a final beachside adventure. We brought the stroller, but Harper surprised us by hiking a good portion of the Elliot Coues Nature Trail on her own. We began on the soundside, passing the historic Coast Guard station and winding through a serene maritime forest filled with stunning views of Bogue Sound.

The path was dotted with vibrant yaupon holly berries, adding pops of red to the greenery.

The trail soon crossed over to the oceanside, where a short spur connected us briefly to Atlantic Beach.

Looping back, we climbed through the rolling dunes, rewarded with beautiful vistas of the beach and Atlantic waves.

With the loop complete and spirits high, we started the drive home, making a tasty stop for lunch at East Coast Wings in Kinston. It was the perfect, relaxed way to cap off our coastal getaway.

Pine Knoll Shores Aquarium

Sunday turned out to be a thoroughly rainy day, but we made the most of it. The morning started with just a light drizzle, so I took Amaroq for an early beach walk. We strolled several miles in both directions, reaching the piers and lingering a bit past sunset.

The overcast skies kept things quiet, with not much wildlife or activity to spot, but the fresh air and steady pace felt refreshing.

After our long walk, we headed back and enjoyed a hearty breakfast at Banks Grill. By then the rain had picked up, so we decided on the perfect indoor alternative: the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, an ideal rainy-day outing.

The aquarium beautifully traces North Carolina's aquatic journey from mountains to sea.

We began in the mountain region, passing an impressive artificial waterfall and exhibits featuring pickerel, bass, and other freshwater fish.

Moving into the Piedmont section, we spotted two adorable screech owls (not aquatic, but charming nonetheless).

Although the otters were napping, the turtles were active.

I really liked the albino loggerhead sea turtle and a fascinating snapping turtle.

Harper was captivated by the colorful array of fish and marine life, particularly the mesmerizing jellyfish displays.

The highlight was the massive Living Shipwreck tank—a 306,000-gallon ocean habitat teeming with sharks, rays, sea turtles, and schools of vibrant fish.

Our tour finished up through the coastal areas.

After exploring the main galleries, Harper spent some joyful time in the Discovery Bay play area, crawling through tunnels and interacting with hands-on exhibits.

When the rain eased momentarily, I slipped out for a quick stroll along the Alice Hoffman Trail in the adjacent Theodore Roosevelt State Natural Area.

This easy half-mile loop winds through marshy ecosystems, complete with a floating bridge near the end.

I was rewarded with sightings of a graceful great egret wading in the shallows and a small flock of white ibises farther along - peaceful moments amid the drizzle.

Later, while Harper napped, Amaroq and I popped over to Nacho Brewing in Morehead City.

Despite the persistent rain, dogs were welcome inside. Amaroq quickly made friends with the bartender's dog, charmed everyone with his talkative personality (earning plenty of treats and laughs), and kept me company while I enjoyed a Fruit Isn't Real beer. By evening, we returned to pack up and prepare for checkout the next morning. A full, cozy day despite the weather!

Croatan Coast Hikes

On Saturday, we packed up Harper and Amaroq for a delightful beach weekend getaway along the North Carolina coast. Our first stop was the Cedar Point Recreation Area in Croatan National Forest, where we explored the stroller-friendly Tideland Trail. The boardwalks wound gracefully through a serene salt marsh, offering stunning views of the tidal flats and coastal grasses.

About halfway along the main loop, a magnificent Great Egret stood poised in the shallow water, its reflection mirroring perfectly below.

As we paused to capture the moment, a juvenile white ibis gracefully landed nearby, adding to the magic.

A short spur trail led us out to the edge of the White Oak River, where clusters of oyster reefs peeked above the surface.

Amaroq struck a classic pose for a quick photo before we completed the loop.

A few miles farther down the road, we pulled into Patsy Pond Nature Trail for another easy, scenic stroll.

Harper took the lead on this one, happily trekking along the sandy paths before settling in to play in the soft sand.

While she enjoyed her little beach break, Amaroq and I continued circling the pond on Blue Trail, soaking in the peaceful longleaf pine flatwoods and glimpses of the water, which was really low.

Once she was ready to move on, we popped her back into the stroller and wandered farther along the trails before heading back to the car.

By then, appetites were calling, so we headed to Morehead City for a delicious Mexican lunch at Costa Bonita, fresh, flavorful, and just what we needed. Feeling recharged, we crossed the bridge to Atlantic Beach. It was still a bit early to check in, so we parked near the circle and strolled east along the shoreline.

We passed under the pier and kept going, nearly reaching the distant silhouette of Fort Macon before turning back.

By the time we returned, check-in time had arrived at the Island Inn. After settling in, we headed right back to the beach to catch a breathtaking sunset.

Knowing rain was forecast for the next day, we wanted to savor every golden moment.

As the sky painted itself in vibrant hues, we lingered until the light faded, then returned to the hotel for a cozy evening.

A perfect day of nature, family, and coastal beauty!

Myrtle Beach before the Storm

Sunday, I took Amaroq for an early morning walk along the beach, finishing up right around sunrise.

It was too cloudy for a real fiery sunrise but it was pretty nonetheless.  Then we got another big breakfast from National House of Pancakes and then checked out of the hotel.  Before leaving, we headed down for one more walk down the beach.

We headed down as far as Myrtle Beach State Park and then turned around.

It was getting windier as the storms were coming in.

We left Myrtle Beach and starting heading home.  It was pretty rainy on the drive home and there were some wrecks on I-95.  We stopped in Benson for lunch and then finished the drive home.

Huntington Beach Kite Festival

Saturday, we had breakfast at National House of Pancakes and then headed to Huntington Beach State Park.  Today was the kite festival so it was a good thing we arrived early.  The kites were being set up as we headed out to the beach.

We strolled down the beach and then headed around the castle.

Dogs aren't permitted, so we'd have to take turns and came back later.

We first hiked down Atalaya Straight Road.

There were a lot of golf carts shuttling around, so we got on Kerrigan Nature Trail to avoid the traffic.

A boardwalk led out to a overlook on Mullet Pond.

There were some pelicans in the distance close to the causeway.

Blue-winged teal ducks were swimming around the pond.

An osprey flew overhead looking for fish.

We finished up the trail and got back on Atalaya Straight Road.  There was a lot of wildlife to see in Mallard Pond.

A couple night herons were perched but all had their backs to me.

There was an alligator in the pond, sunning himself.

I even spotted an anhinga.

We went back to the beach one more time and lots of kites were flying now.

Then we took turns to go around Atalaya Castle.

After Sandy and Harper went through, I took Harper again for second round.  The sunroom was a interesting room with a curved hallway.

The Huntington's macaw lived in the sunroom when they were in residence.

Another interesting room was the bathroom.  The watchtower (atalaya in Spanish) held a cistern that provided enough pressure for running water in the castle.

After touring the castle, we took off.

Heading back to Myrtle Beach, we stopped at Broadway on the Beach.  We had lunch at Voodoo Brewing and then walked around the area.

Most stores were not dog-friendly, but we did take Amaroq into Reigning Cats and Dogs where he picked out some treats.  We also got a Call-a-Cab from Wet Willies.  Heading back to the hotel, we took an evening stroll down to the beach.

It was very pretty in the evening light.

We walked down under the pier and then into Myrtle Beach State Park.

The sun setting over the dunes was really pretty.

We then headed back and returned to the hotel right as it got dark.