Travel from the Triangle

While visiting K’s parents in Wilmington, my brother wanted to go see the ocean so off we went to Wrightsville Beach. After having some trouble locating parking at Wrightsville Beach during the summer, it was a welcome relief to find plenty of parking this time. Also, since it was past the high season, parking was free!

We decided to walk up to the north end of Wrightsville Beach. Not wanting to get sand in his shoes, my brother decided to go barefoot. The cooler temperatures soon had him jogging along the shore to keep warm.

There were a number of paddleboarders out in the water with wetsuits on. While they appeared to be having a great time, I’m not sure you could have convinced me to go out in the water, especially with the great possibility I would somehow manage to fall in.

After the regular beach season, not only is the parking free but dogs are allowed on the beach so we saw quite a few frolicking about.

Along the beach, were a few washed up cannonball jellyfish. They seem to be fairly common to see washed up on the beach in this area.

Near the north end of Wrightsville Beach, you can see the southern end of Figure Eight Island. Perhaps the closest you can get without knowing someone who lives there or going by boat as it is a private island.

A unique discovery was made near the north end of the beach. I noticed, partially hidden up in a sand dune, some posts and string with lots of shells attached. In front of this decorated fence looking thing was a crude mailbox. The second time we walked by the dune, curiosity got the better of me so I went to check it out. Inside the mailbox was a sealed plastic bag with a notebook and writing utensils. There was not a description or explanation on the notebook but many people had written notes, messages, and left drawings. It was a fun and random discovery to peruse.

Since it was evening by the time we arrived at the beach, we were able to witness a gorgeous sunset. The Atlantic Ocean is on the east side of Wrightsville Beach making it more appropriate for sunrises but we were still able to see a very pretty and colorful sunset through the sea oats.

On the way back to our car, we saw a bikini photo shoot going on in the shallow water. There may or may not have also been a lack of a swimsuit top and strategic arm placement that sometimes failed when waves crashed in. Most amusing to me was the fact that I was with all boys and it is a public beach.

Summer is definitely the most common time of year to go to the beach but Autumn can also be a great time to visit the beach to take a walk and enjoy the view.