Detours

Driving east on I-64, Jerry and I anticipated exploration of the Outer Banks in North Carolina. After weeks of research and preparation we had several campground reservations for the barrier islands and the Ocracoke/Cedar Island ferry, plus a list of historical sites. Visions of swaying sea grasses amid sand dunes, the effervescent rumble of waves, fresh salty air, and stunning sunsets beckoned.

Plans disintegrated with the turbulent news of Hurricane Dorian battering its way across and up the Atlantic seaboard. It not only stalled, causing catastrophic damage in the Bahamas, but never veered from its course, landing a direct hit over Ocracoke and Hatteras Islands—our main destinations. Mandatory evacuations due to 70-80mph winds altered our calculated route from low-lying Hwy-12 where flooding storm surge was predicted.

After a night in Virginia Beach we set our sights inland, choosing a campground below Richmond. Pocahontas State Park offered extensive trails for hiking, biking, and other uses. Only 30 minutes south of this historic city, we played at the interactive Science Museum and strolled a canal pathway along the James River.

“Now where?” we both wondered after two days in a holding pattern awaiting updated news. Staying inland due to coastal destruction, we followed I-85 south to Kerr Lake SRA located at the top of North Carolina. There were seven state parks to chose from the 850 miles of wooded shoreline. From our campsite at Satterwhite Point we kayaked secluded coves inhabited by egrets and herons. The music of dancing waters lapped the shore; a sailboat glided downwind, its colorful spinnaker billowing; songbirds harmonized beneath a cerulean sky. I breathed in the pine scent and the peace.

Venturing to the southern borders of N. Carolina/S. Carolina, we discovered hidden among the farms, quaint Carroll Woods RV Park, situated within the vineyards of Grapefull Sisters Winery. A perfect combination, which I hear is becoming popular across the country. One day we toured the 1940s Battleship NORTH CAROLINA in Wilmington—all 728-feet of her, on multiple decks, from the bridge’s chart-house to the depths of the steamy 90+ heat of its engine rooms.

Apache Family Campground in Myrtle Beach, S. Carolina is not off the beaten path! But the powdery sand was a mere 20-feet away over a short grassy sand dune. There were beach chairs at surf’s edge; walks on the long fishing pier; sunsets accompanied by a briny breeze; reflections of moonrise in the gentle swells.

South Carolina also gave us an extraordinary visit with cruising friends, Bill and Debbie off sailboat ROMANCE, whom we had met in the South Pacific. Not having seen each other in 20-years, it was quite the journey down memory lane! They live in Chapin on the shore of Lake Murray for half the year and cruise the coasts of western Malaysia and Thailand the other 6-months. While there we drove across to explore Dreher Island State Park which offers campsites, cabins, hiking, boating, and great fishing.

Our final stop was Harrison Bay State Park outside Chattanooga, Tennessee. There were shared meals, conversations, and music with long-time friends, Barry and Amy. and of course, more kayaking, cycling, and hikes.

I choose to be thankful for this interrupted trip which led to God blessing us with so many of his creations: the vast ocean, majestic mountains, abundant lakes and rivers, restful mornings, tranquil sunsets, and best of all—reuniting and having extra time with friends.

“Interruptions. They can bring upheaval and frustration. But God often interrupts our journeys by offering a divine invitation to be part of something more“—The Interrupted Life by Priscilla Shirer