Imagine sitting on the surfs edge and watching the sun gently set over the ocean.  Follow this up with a sky full of more stars than you may have ever seen in your life just before climbing into your tent.  Then wake up the next morning to see an amazing sunrise over the ocean.  Sound too good to be true?  It’s not and it is located only 3 1/2 hours from Raleigh.

You have to get there by boat.  Not a problem if you don’t have one handy as the ferry runs from Harpers Island several times each day.

http://66.147.244.99/~islando9/rates-schedules/

It is a fairly short ride over and you have a good chance of seeing wild ponies along the way as you pass Shacklefords Island. The ferry docks near the lighthouse.  You can spend some time exploring the keepers house and if in season you can even climb the lighthouse.  From there you hike to the beach and then turn right (south).  Now you walk along the shoreline for about 2 miles to the “Point” where you have water on both sides.  You can camp here for free but make sure you are above the high tide line.  You can camp closer to the lighthouse near the dunes if you are not sure about the water but you will not be able to enjoy both the sunset and sunrise from your campsite.

If you like to hike, you can hike along the western shoreline until you reach a dock in a bay.  The dock is gated but if you choose to navigate around you will find the remains of an old house and then an easy path back to the ocean.

This trip is all about experiencing the ocean.  Even in the fall or spring when the water is too cool for swimming this is still a great trip.  I saw dolphin, sharks, tons of birds and the most amazing sunset and sunrise.  Oh, I also saw the brightest milky way in the early morning.  Did I mention the stars?

So you can do this trip in a day but it will make for a long one.  It is best if you camp.  Don’t have gear?  Don’t worry.  You can check out camping gear from Carmichael Gym.  You need a tent, sleeping bag, plenty of water (no potable water there) and packing a lightweight beach chair is a good idea but not required.