Bears, Earthquakes, and Hurricanes...
Trip Start
Aug 18, 2011
1
6
Trip End
Aug 27, 2011
Nags Head, North Carolina
Tuesday, August 23, 2011
Today was our first full day in Nags Head. We spent half the day at the beach reading our books, swimming, and sunbathing. Kevin enjoyed swimming in the ocean. The waves are outstanding and rough. I was little skittish to get out there since the waves were hitting pretty hard. Kevin asked if we should get a Bogey board and I said, "yes"! Those are so much fun! I haven't used one since I was a kid. Since we were getting sunburned easily after a few hours (even with 50 SPF), we decided to go in and grab some lunch. I made myself a turkey sandwich, yum while Kevin had some left over pizza (ew).
We hung out in our hotel room before making plans for the afternoon. All of the sudden our beds started to shake... I am sitting there and looking at the closet hangers as they were moving, and I looked outside our balcony was moving side to side. It felt like ha ha I have to say this--our Earthquake ride (in Tennessee) but with more shakes... It lasted about 20 seconds. Kevin and I just looked at each other, "What just happened"? I told Kevin to call the front desk to find out what had happened, was it normal, was our neighbor moving some really heavy furniture, I don't know! We turned the T.V. on and Breaking News--5. 8 Earthquake in Virginia! Kevin said, "That happened" ! My reaction, "Wow, really"? I just experienced my first earthquake. All I could think about was, "we are okay, we aren't that high up in our hotel". I told Kevin what I was thinking. We are on the fourth floor. Kevin said, "what about what is above us"?. We just stood in shock for a few minutes.
Our phones are cut-out as we tried to call our family members. We went to check out the outside world to see if anyone had the same reaction as we did or if there were any concerns. We walked outside and the front desk employees are going about their daily jobs, people are walking to and from the beach, and cars driving around. We got in the car and went shopping. Kevin needed sunglasses (and we needed the cheapest ones we could find). He found a pair at a grocery store. We bought cold cuts for our lunch tomorrow, and dinner for the night.
Our phones still weren't working, but we watched the news-we learned about Libya and the rebels and how the Earthquake was felt by everyone who lives in the East Coast (even Toronto felt the earthquake). We were alarmed and hoped everyone was okay. Now... we have Hurricane Irene to worry about. We find out that Hurricane Irene is coming to Nags Head by Saturday. Kevin's mom calls and informs us that the outer banks are being told to evacuate. ( I am packing my bags while Kevin's talking to his mom on the phone). If you ever want me to pack quickly (just tell me there are coyotes, bears, an earthquake, or a hurricane coming). Kevin called the front desk to find out what the deal is. They told us that residents who live in the southern outer banks are being told to evacuate and that we have nothing worry about. I'm sorry, but the outer banks isn't exactly big, and I am leaving if the residents in the south are leaving. Our bags are packed. Kevin wanted to stay since we paid for our hotel, but I told him, my instincts say we need to leave. We were trying to debate if were were going to leave tonight or tomorrow morning. Thank you Mom 2.
We spent the evening taking photographs with my new camera (that I LOVE) on the beach. Enjoy the pictures. We went to dinner at Dirty Dicks Crab House. I ordered some steamers as Kevin had fish and chips. Our waitress at the restaurant said that the hurricane is at a 4 and they will probably evacuate on Friday. We gave the restaurant a rating of 3 out of 5.
I am sorry to say folks we are leaving tomorrow morning. We should be in CT by tomorrow evening in which we will spend time with family and friends. We should of stayed in Tennessee...
Love you all and thanks for reading our entries.
Sorry our adventure was cut short, you can blame Mother Nature!
Love, Katie and Kevin
p.s. keep the comments coming (it will be nice to have some reading on our long ride home).
p.s.s Let me know which pictures are your favorite and why.
Comments
Hi Katie and Kevin!!!! Sorry to hear that your vacation had to end short- way to go mother nature!! I'm glad that you two had quite an adventure so far!!!! It's nice to hear the play by play :)
I love two pictures on this entry- your feet impression in the sand!!! Love footprints :) and the house picture came out awesome!
I'm sorry about Hurricane Irene and that you couldn't stay longer. Mother Nature is just not agreeing with you! On another note, I'm surprised you had steamers! The Katie Orcutt I know is a picky eater :) Also, apparently some people at orientation at Bunker Hill (in Boston) felt the earthquake. Alas, I did not (or I chose to ignore it) because my phone had vibrated very loudly in the middle of an important session right before and I was humiliated!! I guess I thought the earthquake was my phone again and was like whatever! Really, Laura?!