Corolla in Winter

           

To paraphrase that renowned storyteller Snoopy, "it was a dark and stormy day" here in Corolla, North Carolina.  We fell asleep last night to the sound of the waves crashing against the beach below us and awoke to the same sound, accompanied by rain slashing against the windows and the wind swirling around the house.

           

Whalehead at Christmas

We came to this beach in early September when days were sunny and hot and came back yesterday to experience this place we have visited many times over three decades, knowing that it would be cold and even stormy now, but happy to have the time to be here.  The lure of the ocean and migratory birds drew us, as did the knowledge that we would, for the most part, have this northeastern edge of the state to ourselves.  We looked forward to seeing the way OBX folks show their holiday spirit, too.

            Though it can be challenging to find restaurants open this time of year, especially after six p.m., the search can be fun and the reward sufficient.  The restaurateurs are happy to have customers and they have the time to chat and share their experience of the Outer Banks with us.  Last night's yummy crab cakes were served in very generous portions, thus we'll enjoy the leftovers tonight.  Today's tasty pizza and buffalo chicken bites, also served too generously, will be tomorrow's lunch.

Currituck Beach Light

 

              We've ventured out into the rainy day to see who's here besides us and to see what has changed since September.We found holiday lights, including those shining at the top of Currituck Beach Light.  On such an overcast day, lights were visible in a few homes and a few businesses, primarily the two grocery stores and gas stations which were open.  Though most businesses are closed for the season or at least until the two weeks at year end when a mini-season occurs here, some few had open signs shining in windows.  We'll check tomorrow to see whether they are actually open or perhaps just forgot to turn off their signs.
 

           

Raindrops on Roses

Along the way, we found roses still blooming, raindrops sparkling on the blossoms.  I got excited at nightfall as we passed by the wonderful Northern Lights Bakery.  Though the shop was closed, lights were on in the kitchen and we could see bakers in aprons working there.  Tomorrow morning we'll check again and maybe grab a bite of one of their delicious pastries.  My mouth waters at the thought.

            Throughout the day we enjoyed the view of those huge waves, violently thrusting up foamy crests as they crashed toward the shore.  They seemed to be calling to hardy surfers, but only those in well-insulated wetsuits could have possibly enjoyed the chill.  We saw none.  We did see the occasional gull overhead and a long line of pelicans in flight above the dune.  The birds need no wetsuits and instinctively fit their behavior to whatever conditions arise.

           

The house we've taken is homey and comfortable, so we can enjoy the fire inside while winter howls outside.  On the deck just outside our windows, a rocking chair was  kept busy, moving back and forth in the wind before a gust turned it over.  The flags and banners in view whipped back and forth as the wind blew the rain sideways at times.

            Cozy now as we snuggle in for the evening, we look toward another glorious day tomorrow, whatever the weather.  There are books to read, adventures to attempt, time to share and enjoy this place that calls us back again and again.

All photos by Mike Lumpkin, travel companion and patient editor