OBX

Destination of the week: North Carolina's Outer Banks. Think of it as the land of the lost; the land that time forgot, where the locals are as worn and weathered as the landscape. I think of it as vacation and a really kick ass place. A place to get sweaty, salted, sanded, and baked.

My family has vacationed here for awhile now, but this was our first return in nearly seven years. The place has changed a lot since then; strip malls and mega-marts popping up everywhere, more kiteboards than surfboards, and overall, less quirkiness. Apparently during our seven year absence, it had been discovered. It is the collection of hodge-podge and randomness that make the Outer Banks great. For me, the allure of the Outer Banks has faded some. Or perhaps, it was me. I no longer have to own a T-shirt and sticker from every surf shop on the island (my board barely saw the surf). I didn't feel the urge to purchase everything at every general store I visited (most of which, in my opinion, had lost their lustre and intrigue). I didn't stop at every roadside dune to check out the break (though I wanted to). I did get to do everything I wanted, almost.

It is the almost and everything that hasn't changed that will bring me back. The almost I refer to is the 'kid in a candy store' feeling. Unrealistic as it may be, I see something and say, "Ooh look, I want to do that!" Guess I'll have to come back. What hasn't changed is the awesome food and home cooking (which I ate too much of), great times with family, and killer surroundings. Trip highlights included relaxing with the fam, trips to the NC Aquarium and Jockey's Ridge, splashing in the waves at the legendary S-Curves, bonfires and S'mores on the beach, and some 'fishing.'

My Hatteras top five:

1. The Wave Magnet--The Hatteras Light. Been there before, but didn't make it this trip. Extremely cool.

2. The Atlantic--The awesome power of this wave machine. Huge glassy barrels and crushing power.

3. Outdoor showers--My next house will have one.

4. Highway 12--A simple one-lane stretch from Nags Head to Hatteras. It has to be considered one of America's greatest.

5. The vibe--Sea breeze with a light hint of fishiness fills the air. Shirt and shoes are optional everywhere. Everything is chill.

When you leave them, the Outer Banks evoke a great sadness. Sadness at leaving Nature's beauty, good times and memories, and vacation. The sadness of returning to work (like a kid at the end of Christmas break or summer vacation). Work is for sucks. The OBX is for me.