My Outer Banks Finale

“Play is the highest form of research.”
― Albert Einstein

My last post was about a short trip I took with friends in photography to the Outer Banks of North Carolina last month.  If you missed that post, you can see it here.

I often like to save the best things for last, whether that be while savoring a great meal or experience on a trip.  My final evening in the Outer Banks was, by far, my favorite.  I chose to enjoy my final sunset in the Outer Banks at

Jockey’s Ridge State Park.  My friend, Cindy, agreed to join me for this final adventure.

We arrived well before sunset and found a few people upon our arrival.  We took some time to explore the area.  I was absolutely delighted when we discovered these magnificent patterns in the sand.

As time approached sunset, many people began to arrive.

The colors of the sunset did not disappoint.  As lovely as it was, the colors in the sky did not make the experience so memorable for me.  This particular evening was like a step back in time.  Most people were interacting with each other and with the nature they were surrounded by.  It wasn’t the sights that delighted me as much as the sounds.  For the first time in perhaps decades, I heard and delighted in the sounds of children playing…really playing.

Children were throwing frisbees, riding sleds, flying kites,  rolling down the dunes, and laughing.  It was magical.  It was the way childhood should be EVERY SINGLE DAY.

I was thrilled to be able to have this glorious finale in the Outer Banks.  I wish more days could be spent in this manner:  connecting with nature and each other.