Toasty Brown {not the blog}

the flight of stairs leading to ocean paradise on a rainy day

But me. Yes, I'm a tad {sun}burnt. A little browner than your regular gal but I'm loving it. A little proof that showed how much I enjoyed my vacation at the beach.

celebrating 4th of July on the beach under a moonlit sky
{Pier illuminated in the background}

We went to Oak Island just off the coastline of NC. Sands were white and shores were filled with tons of sea shells and rocks. Great for collectors. The Pier was the highlight of the beach where Fishermen crowded the deck hoping to catch the King Fish , but instead has been catching several sharks, a hammerhead shark as long as 10 foot and baby sharks, for two straight days.

The Pier - a fisherman's paradise during the day
{8-10 foot shark and baby sharks were caught there too}

We stayed in one of the rental houses at Oak Island Accomodations. It is not a gated community as compared to Oceanlakes in Myrtle Beach SC so the rental rates are a lot affordable. A plus for families on a budget.

My New BestFriend- a Huge Pelican sitting on top of a lamp post

One thing that enamored me at this beach was the Pelicans! I've never seen so many. I took a picture of one of them sitting on a lamp post on the pier and was there for hours waiting for a treat from the fishermen.

Sea Weed or part of a coral reef ? Washed ashore by heavy waves

It rained a good 2 straight days and 2 stormy nights while we were there but we did manage to make the most out of the little sunshine we had. If you ever chance this area, it's a bit of an old part of town and the only Cafe' close by is the Flying Pig Coffeehouse which luckily offers free Wi-Fi. For some local icy treat, visit Luna Pops homemade gourmet frozen ice pops! So yummy! One great thing about this shop is that they have recycling buckets for the sticks which is upcycled in their Craft classes. And for your grocery needs? There's always Food Lion close by.

And if you're heading back to mainland via I-74, take a little detour on Pee Dee Orchard Farms shop right by the highway for some luscious, freshly picked Peaches and homemade Peach Ice cream! Wish I could bring it all home.

Friends Forever

Thank you to the Harrisons who invited us to join them in this getaway from it all vacation. It was a real treat, mostly so, to my dear daughter who bawled her eyes out when it was time to leave. Time does fly when you're having fun...