day 13: kitty hawk, kill devil hills, and nags head, nc

day 13: kitty hawk, kill devil hills, and nags head, nc

I had to start day #13 at the place where I wrote my first blog post ever; Front Porch Cafe’ in Kill Devil Hills nearly 3 years ago to the day:

It was cool to revisit the Front Porch Cafe’ and see the same chair (broken or not) that I sat in long ago, dreaming of what would become of this new idea I had for a thing called Blue Lollipop Road. To think of all the incredible things that have happened since these chairs:

After I got some laptop work time, I had to check out a reader suggestion; Duck Donuts:

For some reason, recently I have become a huge fan of fresh cinnamon and sugar doughnuts. (I am usually chocolate obsessed only when it comes to treats, so I’m still trying to figure out where this new craving has come from!) Add one more to the list of spots that get my yummy stamp of approval on the doughnut front:

It was hot off the press, melt in my mouth:

Mmmm…thanks for the suggestion reader Ginny!

Off to the Wright Brother’s National Memorial I went:

…where I met Darius:

I rolled up to the window to pay the entrance fee and Darius asked: “Do you sell lollipops?!” I laughed and told him no, (then gave him one of course.) Darius and I, two grown-ups having a moment of fun over a special blue lollipop. You’ve gotta love the never fail smiles these little candy sticks bring. Darius and I chatted for a few minutes. I asked him about details on transport, etc. to get to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse as I had just been informed there would be some issues because of road closures after the hurricane. (I would later find out that Darius was the first of many people who gave their best efforts to help me get there…)

Great to meet you Darius, and thanks for all your help!

I explored the grounds and was schooled in all things flight:

Inside the Visitor Center:

Outside near the actual flight path:

I took a drive around the loop:

…and a walk to the top of the hill. It was a beautiful day to be outside:

I am so thankful the readers from the Honda Facebook poll sent me to Kitty Hawk! To walk around this property (especially as a traveler) and see first hand how flight was born was very cool. I overheard conversations and watched groups of older men (clearly pilots and flight junkies) walking the flight path, calculating and analyzing how it was all done, and discussing details with each other with an overtone of nostalgia that was adorable. It always makes me smile when I see people truly enjoying their passions and hobbies.

The day was hot and I needed to get my daily dose of movement in (to work off all those doughnuts!) Off I went for a long run on the beach. (Running barefoot on the beach is such a bonus way for me to get some miles in.) The best way to end a hot and sweaty beach run is to take a dip in the salty warm ocean of course!  I took a moment to stretch rest as the sun started to set:

I saw Jennette’s Pier to my right so decided to go there to catch the full sunset:

Who did I meet there? More nice people of course! Meet Ron and Rita: Husband and wife from Pittsburg:

Ron played videographer for me so I could say hi in my full glory of beach after run grubby. I have to admit I love this end of day chill and dirty, sandy, salty summer kid feeling.

Ron, Rita and I talked and talked until it got dark. We shared travel stories, talked about our favorite cities, and they told me about their son and grandson. Once again, sweet people- complete strangers I could have spent several more hours with. If there were only more hours in a day to meet, talk to, and learn from all the interesting people out there…

Thanks for your video help Ron and Rita! It was nice to meet you.

Next up is the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse!

***Total miles driven today, day 13: 125

***Total miles driven since trip start (9/2/11): 2,085

***Total blue lollipops gifted/left behind since trip start (9/2/11): 21