Hatteras to Ocracoke in 35 minutes

Ferry rides are a fact of life on Ocracoke, neither lamentable nor worthy of anticipation. On the short Hatteras route, locals stay in their cars. (Unless you spot someone you feel like talking to. In that case, you walk over, tap on their window, and spend the ride sitting in someone else's car.)

Last night the sunset on the 8 pm boat from Hatteras was a stunner, with lots of texture and depth and silky oranges and pinks. I got out of my car and stood in the breeze on the bow and felt blissful.

The weather system that made the sunset so beautiful has passed on, taking the wind and rain with it. This morning everything is still and calm and washed clean. My forecast: a spectacular weekend.