Bald Head Island

After we left Sullivan's Island, the four of us drove north and caught the ferry to Bald Head Island, North Carolina. This is Colin saying, "Whooooaaaaaa," as the ferry pulled in. He's very animated. He was still sporting a banged-up face, so we're hoping people didn't wonder if his parents did it.

The boys LOVED the ferry ride. We did not purposely dress all 3 of them alike. We rented a 2-bedroom townhouse with a reverse floor plan (bedrooms on the first floor; living areas upstairs). This was the view from the deck off the living room. Because you can only access the island by ferry, the island is very quiet, especially since it was the first week of June so the summer season hadn't started yet.

The beaches were pristine, empty, and reminded us of New England (especially the houses). The sand was perfect.

Once you get away from the beach, the island is very wooded and full of wildlife, and is especially known for the turtles who lay eggs on its beaches. We went on a nature walk and stood right under these hawks. We drove right past this very curious fox. There are alligators everywhere, especially in all of the ponds on the golf course (the true definition of a "hazard", I guess). We visited this one at a local pond several times. They've built a deck off a walkway and he swims over when you walk up (too many years of crazy people feeding him?).

The funniest part of the entire trip happened at this pond. Another couple was there, and headed up the walkway back to their golf cart, which was parked right in front of the bulletin board at the head of the walkway. Colin and I were following behind them. They climbed in their cart and drove down the road. Now, our cart was parked on the far side out of sight. I guess Colin thought the couple had stolen our cart, because as they drove away, he started running after them and screaming, "Nooooo! Nooooooo!" He ran into the middle of the road pointing his finger and their departing cart and angrily chewing them out in his toddler gibberish. We were laughing so hard. Once we pointed out that our cart was still there, he yelled "Oh!!" excitedly and ran over and climbed right up. He is such a passionate kid. I love it. This is "Old Baldy," the lighthouse on the island. We climbed to the top. It was VERY hot up there. I have pictures, but everyone's dripping sweat. There are almost no cars on the island. A garbage truck and a few government vehicles. Everyone else has to use electric cars. The place we rented came with a 6-person golf cart. Ethan loved it. Colin spent the entire first day trying to climb out while it was moving (there were no seat belts to strap him in). It was a pain. He settled into it after a while, though, and liked it, too. Here he is making sure he stays well hydrated. He drinks more than any kid I know, with the possible exception of his older brother. He's not picky, but he does love his "dad juice" when he can get his hands on it.

We left Friday and headed home, after 10 days and 3 beaches. It was a whirlwind trip, but I'm so glad we did it. It was our only chance to hit the beach this summer since we are stuck home waiting for this baby to make her appearance...hopefully soon!