The OBX...

We were able to visit Kill Devil Hills, NC which is part of the Outbanks, or as the locals call it the OBX, this past weekend.  We met our dear friends, the Hansbergers, who also live outside of Raleigh over there.  They were kind enough to show us the OBX and introduce us to some great places and some great sights.

We knew that visiting the OBX in November would not yield a typical sit on the beach, swim in the ocean kind of vacation.  We were fine with being able to walk the beach, soak in the beauty of the ocean and listen to the waves crash against the shoreline.  Little did we know that there would be gale force wind warnings while we visited. 

That didn't stop us from seeing the sights though.  We went to the Wright Brothers memorial.  

It was interesting to read about their flight and how they persevered, and to see what type of plane/glider they used.  

We walked up to the monument, where we encountered a North Carolinian first for us...

It was our first SNAKE encounter.  Ewww!  Not sure what kind of snake it was, but a snake is a snake and it has no place around me!

The monument was beautiful and fun to explore...

We also drove out to Bodie Lighthouse that was on the shoreline. 

It was beautiful to see, but unfortunately closed for the season.  I guess that means that we have to go back and visit it again. In all our photo taking at the lighthouse, Livi decided to photobomb Sullivan's picture.  It was a great photobomb in my opinion.

Of course, we had to get our OBX swag at a local souvenir shop...

We walked the beach and battled the wind to collect seashells...

We spent time hanging out at the condo - doing puzzles, swimming, playing foosball.

On Sunday before we headed home, we went down to Jenette's Pier to walk the pier and see the ocean.  Gale force winds were definitely in play, as we experienced 45 mph wind gusts.  

Look at this motley crew just trying to stay warm and avoid the flying sand and water spray...

It sure makes me appreciate hurricanes more... we didn't even come close to hurricane force winds, but the wind and waves were MIGHTY.  It made me appreciate how powerful the ocean really is.  The time in the Outer Banks was a short one, but so thankful that we were able to experience it (and experience it with good friends)!  We can't wait to go back and visit again.