Wave Jumping & Beach Bumming in OBX

With only ten paid vacation days in a year, our vacations tend to resemble a gauntlet of things to do and see rather than a time to unplug and relax.  After all, I have more bucket lists than I can ever possibly accomplish!  However, every now and then we're able to squeeze in a "mini-vacay" that revolves solely around relaxation.

For Labor Day this year, we spent a long weekend in Kill Devil Hills, North Carolina, situated on the northern end of the beautiful barrier islands of the Outer Banks (OBX), with some close friends and picture-perfect weather.  Although we began the weekend with every intention of checking out the Wright Brother's museum or driving up to Corolla to see the wild horses, we ended up parking our butts on the beach.  All. Weekend. Long.  It was one of the most gloriously relaxing weekends of the whole summer!

"I've got my toes in the water, ass in the sand, No worries in the world, a cold beer in my hand..."
-Zac Brown Band

 The men-folk were eagerly searching for Blackbeard's treasure so that we'd have enough money to never return to work!

The waves were just perfect for some body surfing.

Bev:  Did that bird just crap on my towel?

Danny:  Bad news, Bev.  He did.

(Henceforth, we referred to said bird as "Carl.")

One of our favorite beach activities is driving our four-wheel drive vehicles out on to the sand.  However, this is only permissible further south in the Outer Banks, so this picture is a flashback to a beach trip from 2009 in Ocracoke.

The Pirate Crew.

Although the Outer Banks can't offer crystal clear waters like Sorrento (Italy) or the Caribbean, I always count them among my favorite beaches due to the wonderful memories made with friends and family, and this Labor Day trip will be high among them!

Have you been to the Outer Banks of North Carolina?  Where are your favorite beaches?

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Linking up with other travel bloggers for #WeekendWanderlust!