We drove to see the Cape Hatteras lighthouse, the tallest and most recognized one in America. From a distance it didn’t look right. Its distinctive black and white stripes were missing. Getting closer, we found it was covered in scaffolding. I didn’t even bother to take a photo.

We had better luck with the Currituck Beach Lighthouse. Magda climbed it for us, having young knees and lots of energy. Lise and I sat on a bench in the shade and waited for her to reach the top and wave to us.

Before we left on the trip, I overheard Lise and Magda discussing the things they wanted to see and do. I loved hearing them suggest things and rearrange them verbally. They travel together often, having similar tastes and style, as well as more time off than most of their friends. I was willing to go anywhere they wanted to go, which was a wise decision for me.

We went to the town of Duck. It was a beautiful small town where we wandered on a boardwalk and peeked in shops. Lise posed with the statue of a horse, one of many in the whole area.

I took Magda’s photo with a duck sign, since her last name translates to Duckling in English.

The sun was going down when we paid to go on a long pier near our motel.

The girls were willing to ride the statue of a turtle.

We all loved the sound of the surf, with its hissing sound of bubbles on the sand.