Off Topic Topics
Okay, this is the thread to move any discussion of interest that people want to continue--BUT WE ARE IN THE WRONG THREAD. So when we wander off topic, we'll move here. To start, let's take the discussion about where we are located geographically out of the Injuries and Fatalities Thread and put it here. Several of us got off topic and started talking about locations in the North Carolina and eastern Virginia region. So go for it people----
Comments
Emerald Isle is part of what is now being called the Southern Outer Banks. The actual land mass is called Bogue Banks, Fort Macon State Park anchors the eastern end and Emerald Isle the western end with Atlantic Beach, Pine Knoll Shores, Indian Beach and Salter Path in the middle. Atlantic Beach is across Bogue Sound from Morehead City. I vaguely remember the ferry from Cape Carteret taking cars across Bogue Sound to Emerald Isle. This ferry has long been replaced by a bridge. There is a bridge from Morehead City to Atlantic Beach but no bridge from Beaufort to Bogue Banks.
I used to correspond at Christmas time with my old sergeant who retired while I was at CP. He lived in Newport. But he's long gone now, so haven't kept up on the area for many years.
There are islands all down the coast. I think Roanoke Island, where the lost colony was located was off the So. Carolina coast, wasn't it.? I think you could drive there over a bridge; it's a very narrow water way there. It's not far from Parris Island, the Marine Corps training base. I went there a few times. The place is heavily wooded and has a mysterious atmosphere, feels kind of haunted in a way.
When I was at PI, I used to drive over to Hunting Island which was part of the Outer Banks and had a beach on the ocean. In the winter it was fun to walk along that beach on which there were virtually no people. My Golden Retriever loved the ocean and played for hours in the shallow water there. In the winter there was always fascinating "driftwood" tossed up on the beach. It was fascinating because the "driftwood" was very smooth, grey, weathered wood that was actually whole trees-- huge trunks and major limbs and branches. All the smaller branches and twigs had been worn away. I took some great slides there.
It was either to Hunting Island in SC, or Emerald Isle in NC that I took my dog one December, and he swam way out to play with a group of dolphins. They were all leaping and frisking together. Too far for pictures--no telephoto lenses for us peons in those days. But it was amazing to see and watch the two species interact so well together.
Someday when I get organized, I plan to write a book about my experiences with that dog. In a nod toward Steinbeck's Travels With Charlie, I'm going to call it Adventures With Ginger. I've got to quit spending whole days on this Forum and the Mea Ola's discussion groups. Aauugh. LOL
Carrollton, Illinois. Hm. I wonder if I ever drove through there. I've driven across the US 4 times and the last time I went across the middle part of the state, I think. The other times I went across the northern part, or missed it entirely on the southern route across country. I've also take the train many times. Is the town located anywhere along the Amtrak routes from the LA area?
Do you have horses?
Speaking of mare power, there's a mail-order catalog that has horse-related things and I got my friend a t-shirt that says "Don't Mess With the Boss Mare." If you're interested, I can send you the on-line link.
all photos taken by me.