Where stress
dissolves, your body relaxes, your sense of wonder returns, and your smile is
genuine! It's wild and untamed,
calm and beautiful, exciting and relaxing, all at the same time.
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Where stress
dissolves, your body relaxes, your sense of wonder returns, and your smile is
genuine! It's wild and untamed,
|
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Few places are as dynamic as the Outer Banks. Barrier islands are the first line of defense for the mainland against the weather, These narrow islands lie a short distance offshore, where they protect the mainland and inland sounds and estuaries from storms and tides, much like a bumper protects a car. They formed about 17,000 years ago, at the end of the last Ice Age. The islands began to move south - as much as 50 miles - as rising sea level, winds, currents, and tides affected them. They are still moving today. Winds constantly blow sand from the shore to the sound. Storms open up inlets in one place and close them in another. Waves move the beach from north to south. Every year several homes are lost to seasonable wave action, and the coast has been badly damaged by hurricanes in the past few years. The North Carolina coast is known for its wild beauty, remoteness, and history. As you paddle along, you will be surrounded by land with a long history of storms, piracy, shifting sands, almost constant wind, and most definitely beauty. Change if the essence of the North Carolina coast. The coast is part of the Atlantic Flyway, the route many waterfowl use as they travel south for the winter. On any given day you may see swans, snow geese, Canada geese, and many different species of ducks, as well as egrets, herons, and other wading birds. You may also see ospreys, bald eagles, peregrine falcons, and species of hawks. Look for dolphins in the sounds along the deeper channels. They are most numerous in July. Sea turtles are common on the beaches in the late spring and summer. They come ashore to lay their eggs. You may also see alligators along the inland freshwater routes. These creatures are more shy than their southern relatives. They tend to dive into the water if you get too close. Snakes are everywhere here, both poisonous and non-poisonous varieties. Although you may see many water moccasins or cottonmouths as we call them, they don't usually bother people. Give them the right-of-way and don't splash or throw things at them. Just remember to keep your distance and you should not have any problems. In addition to the fauna of our area, their are many coastal plants and trees to see. From the tidal zone to the salt marshes, you will see a large variety of coastal wetland species. Many of these species are salt-tolerant and all are highly important for what they contribute to our environment: flood protection, storm buffers, water quality maintenance, shoreline stabilization, recreation, animal habitat, and aesthetics.
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RESERVATIONS & INFORMATION
KAYAK OUTERBANKS
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