Emerald Isle, NC

Sun., Oct. 24, 2021 thru Thurs., Oct. 28, 2021

Sunday morning we left Maryland driving on the D.C. Beltway then on to I-95. We traveled a total of 216 miles to land for one night at the RV Resort at Carolina Crossroads. It’s just over the border from Virginia into North Carolina. Nothing really special here except a good stopping point to split the trip up to get to Stacie & Johnny’s house near the NC coast. We arrived early enough that we did have time to sit outside after our travel day and visit for several hours with Cheryl, Joe, Pearl & Marti before we all headed back into our tiny homes to start dinner. 

Monday was a short travel day. We left our overnight stop at Roanoke Rapids, NC and traveled 165 miles south to land at Stacie & Johnny’s house near Emerald Isle. They graciously were letting us and our tiny home stay in their driveway at “Peebles Paradise.” We have water, electricity and can even dump the holding tanks at the end of our stay. Plus we get to enjoy their company and Niky’s and see the multitude of deer that Johnny feeds regularly. A true paradise. 

Cheryl & Joe and Pearl & Marti are staying at a nearby campground. Peebles Paradise can only accommodate one RV at a time in addition to their own.

Monday afternoon we visited with S&J and I did three loads of laundry using their washer and dryer. The Clampetts have nothing on us. And, to top it off, Stacie fed us dinner. Great to catch up with them, and have a chance to visit with Stacie’s dad. 

Tuesday the original plan was that all six of us were going to do a ride in S&J’s boat but ’twas a tad too windy and cool for that. So we went with Plan B which was to visit Tryon Palace in New Bern, NC. Tryon Palace was the headquarters of the British Governors before the American Revolution. We had a tour of the historic home including the kitchen, walked the grounds, and had a lesson on life during that time.

New Bern is a thriving, historic and charming town and happens to be the birthplace of Pepsi. it was invented by a pharmacist in 1898. There’s a small museum/store in town dedicated to Pepsi. We enjoyed a late lunch at Beer Army Gastropub in downtown New Bern. Later that day we crossed the bridge to Emerald Isle and had ice cream at Sweet Spot (fitting name!) with everyone. Then Cheryl & Joe and Pearl & Marti headed for home as they had groceries in their truck. Stacie, Johnny, Gary & I enjoyed sunset and walking the pier on Emerald Isle. A perfect day!

Wednesday morning Gary & I ran some errands and in the afternoon we headed to Camp Lejeune with S&J to see the Lejeune Memorial Gardens and the historic cemetery. Camp Lejeune is a huge presence in this area. The Memorial Gardens honor those “who have given the greatest sacrifice to our freedom.” It is home to:

Beirut Memorial: The largest military memorial paid for from private funds (a gift from the citizens of Onslow County, home of Camp Lejeune). The memorial honors the 273 marines who lost their lives when a truck bomb destroyed the barracks in Beirut. The words “They Came In Peace” stretches across the monument and reflects how the marines were assigned as peacekeepers. The names of each man lost are engraved in granite. 

Vietnam Veterans Memorial: This memorial is the second largest Vietnam Veterans Memorial in the country. Second only to the national memorial in Washington D.C. Like the monument in D.C., this memorial lists all the names of the fallen. But rather than it being in granite, it’s etched in glass panels and the names reflect back at you down below. Striking. There’s a large, peaceful fountain in the middle.

Montford Point Marine Memorial: From 1942 to 1949, the first black marines were reluctantly admitted to the Marine Corps. They had to “fight for the right to fight” while serving in a  segregated base now named Camp Johnson in honor of one of their own. No official record exists of all the marines who served during this time (shameful), but the wall of more than 20,000 stars reflects each member of a group who became distinguished during their service. 

9/11 Memorial Beam: This was presented by a Foundation of the NYC Fire Department in honor of the 343 NY firefighters who lost their lives that day “to the marines who honored them on the battlefields of Iraq in the Spring of 2003.” 

Freedom Fountain: We also visited a beautiful fountain located in downtown Jacksonville, NC dedicated to all individuals who have served and are serving in the U.S. military especially those from Camp Lejeune. 

Lastly we visited a cemetery and saw some historic gravestones. Several showed markers for  individuals who served in the “Confederate States Army” with a Confederate flag next to it. That was a little different… 

It was interesting being here so soon after being in D.C. and seeing all the National monuments there. I realized this gets played out all across the country on a smaller scale where communities want to pay tribute to the military, community leaders, and regular citizens for accomplishments… or in turn sacrifice. It was heart-warming. 

As an aside, we could hear artillery going off at odd hours while we were staying at S&J’s. Practice for the marines apparently. Interesting for us to hear that. You perk up! Although the locals are used to it and don’t even notice it. 

As we were looking at the Freedom Fountain, they had emblems from all branches of the government present on a wall behind the fountain. They were the Army, Navy, Air Force, Marines, and Coast Guard. Gary said they’ll have to add another one… the Space Force. We all looked at him like he was pulling our leg. He says “I’m serious.” We didn’t believe him so we looked it up. There is indeed a U.S. Space Force. Had no idea. As a matter of fact, just recently we were traveling on the highway and passed a sign for Patrick SFB. You guessed it! It’s the Patrick Space Force Base. It’s a brave new world out there. Maybe I will be able to get beamed up yet by Scottie during my lifetime?? 

Later in the day we headed back to sit on S&J’s back porch, and watch a dozen deer eating and the little ones frolicking. Stacie once again provided dinner.… and games followed that night… Uno Flip with Gary being the big winner. 

Thursday, my birthday! Cheryl, Joe, Gary, and I all headed out on S&J’s boat today. Unfortunately Marti was suffering after effects of his booster shot so he and Pearl opted to stay behind. It’s impressive to see Johnny navigate his boat on waters that he’s so familiar with. He knows exactly where to go to stay on the right side of the low water areas. First stop was Bear Island and walking a secluded beach and picking up shells. Amazing to be the only ones on the beach! We found a sand dollar and Stacie explained and demonstrated about “sand dollar doves.” When a dead sand dollar is broken open, five v-shaped pieces are released. One from each section of the mouth. They closely resemble small, white birds thus called doves. Who knew! 

Then we moved on to find shark’s teeth at another beach. Yes, we did indeed find some little shark’s teeth! Then on to lunch in the charming historic town of Swansboro (thank you everyone). After that the boys peeled off to bring the boat back to S&J’s and then drove back into town to join us later. Rain was in the forecast. The girls weren’t all that anxious to get wet on the boat. Cheryl, Stacie & I enjoyed some boutique shopping until the boys re-joined us. Then we headed to a fabulous dessert bar to conclude the afternoon’s festivities! A lovely day! It was wonderful to spend time with these four special people and, of course, my dear hubby! Also during the course of the day and evening, I was able to chat with various family members to add to the specialness! Thank you all for a lovely birthday! 

Tomorrow we have to say goodbye to Stacie & Johnny and move on. Gary & I do love the Carolinas. They have that low country/live oak/Spanish moss vibe. Such a beautiful area!