The highlight of my camping experience yesterday was absolutely brilliant. I saw something I have never seen before in my entire life. Erin, brace yourself sister. Yep, I saw a Red-headed Woodpecker, multiple times. Not Woody Woodpecker the animated character silly, but a real life Red-headed Woodpecker. Shut the front door!

With all the excitement around my campsite I am amazed I got to sleep at all. I did manage to fall asleep before dark and get plenty of sleep in preparation for “Operation Catch the 10 am Ferry” to Ocracoke. 70 miles between me and this objective, not a problem as long as I start around 4 am. Too easy.

I was only on what is typically a busy road for a few miles before I found myself on country roads void of any traffic and full of amazing scenery. WOW!

The sun came up easy as it was behind clouds for most of the morning. It allowed for some dramatic images and helped keep the temperatures down. Not sure what can be done about the humidity as I was as wet as humanly possible.

I have a confession to make. I eat a bear claw every morning with a chocolate milk from the first service station I come to as it is getting daylight. I do vary the filling selection of these magnificent little gifts to humankind. I have a long streak going and I am fine with all of this. I thought I heard War Dog call me Bear Claw under his breath the other day so he has definitely taken notice.

I have been excited about this portion of the trip since I first started considering riding this route. As a child, I visited the Outer Banks on a field trip in middle school and have never been back. The images are still fresh in my mind from the trip decades ago and now it is time to see them again and share them with my family tomorrow.

Soon enough I had made it to the beginning of the Outer Banks National Scenic Byway and the views were starting to become spectacular. This particular portion of the byway still has a wetland feel and the small fishing communities are nice to see.

The Cedar Island to Ocracoke Ferry is a 2.5 hour ferry that runs a few times a day. I would have to wait until after lunch if I missed the 10 am ferry and I really wanted to eat lunch in Ocracoke this afternoon.

With favorable winds and views that motivated me to keep on keeping on, I pushed through while observing numerous unseen before and unidentifiable birds. Unfortunately, I am not too good at marine bird identification, as of yet. Maybe I could study a little and share with Erin when she gets in town tomorrow. She is so lucky.

I made the ferry with plenty of time to spare. I had so much time I enjoyed a quick toilet room wipe down and put on dry clothes so when I sat in the air conditioning lounge on board, I would not freeze.

The entire operation was a success and I have a happy belly as I sit in the shade at my campsite. The Shrimp Po’Boy was exactly what I needed.

Six months ago I was relentless and searched every spot on this campsite via the interwebs looking for one with shade and there were not many at all to be honest. No shade would have been unbearable for a tent camper. I am a happy camper and proud of myself for sure for taking the time to reserve the right spot. I am now ready for what tomorrow brings including seeing my beautiful family again.