Hot Hot Hot

Indeed. It is soooo very hot here in the Carolina States. And as I've already mentioned in the previous Blog, the temperatures of the mountains are dearly missed here. I even dare say that we've become quite attached to the AC. Which is a big thing (if you've read my first Blog). So, the nicely tempered mountains have been left and new roads lead us down to the coast: to Charleston. There we've marveled at the most beautiful and gracious Mansions, took a Carriage Ride to at least get a little breeze at the go and made a stop at Boone Hall Plantation. An estate just miles North of Charleston, where parts of the movie "The Notebook" (yes, I've been "notebooked" and I do love this movie) have been filmed. And stories of the past are being told. On the way along the Carolina Coast we passed Wilmington (I already miss this place,it has grown really strong to my heart). And I've had my first swim in the Atlantic Ocean at Carolina Beach YAY! :) (already looking forward to the one in the Pacific). From there we headed up further North to our next destination: the Carolina Outer Banks. A 2 h ferry ride away from the mainland. Accompanied by some very (food) attached sea gulls :) The Outer Banks are a fragile chain of sand, separated from the shore by the Intercoastal Waterway, but connected by bridges and ferries. Going up North for 100 miles. Out of the 3 lighthouses we've climbed but one. 248 steps up to enjoy the view from Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. We've made stops at secluded beaches - secluded only from humans. But populated by mosquitoes. Those nasty little suckers only attacked me, cause obviously I have the sweeter blood. Now isn't that sweet ... So after that attack (I'm so itchy right now) I was quite ready to leave the coast and head back inland (good-bye Atlantic Ocean, I'll see you again by the end of summer). To a small town called Chapel Hill. A very dozy one indeed. But a town where the oldest state-run University of the US is located. Another quiet little town is Winston-Salem. Or let me just say Salem. Old Salem. Which ist the historc district of Winston-Salem. The district showcases the culture of the Moravian settlement in North Carolina during the 18th and 19th centuries, re-creating shops, churches and houses. I might add at this point that Liane enjoyed the stay there very much. Really peaceful it has been and a good end to this part of my trip :)

Now, 2000! Miles and only 9 days later we're back in Charlotte, NC. Tomorrow I am leaving for the Big Apple to start "The Southern Sun" with 14 strangers. 3 weeks from now, those strangers won't be so strange anymore and my backpack will be packed with new memories. But as this is mainly a camping trek I'm not sure if I'll be able to blog that much during those 3 weeks. But I'll give my best to at least write something at the 4 hotel stays inbetween. Meanwhile, go have a look at the pictures of my first 2 weeks (seems like I have been here a lot longer) on those Traveling Roads.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/danielle_76/sets/72157620558398019

Carriage Ride in Charleston, SC

First Swim at Kure Beach, NC

Shells along the Coast

enjoying the view up at Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Bodie Island Lighthouse - Outer Banks, NC