In late May, we embarked on the longest roadtrip we’ve taken since the girls were born – a 10 day trip centered on several days on the beach of the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Photos will be posted in groups – this is part 1 of three — the trek East.
Lunch day 1 at the St. Louis Arch. Construction on the arch grounds had a large area blocked off, but we were still able to access the arch and go beneath to the museum and gift shop. 
Looking West, at the Old Courthouse: 
In line to get (free) tickets to enter the underground portion of the arch.
Heading east through Kentucky…
Lunch on Day 2 — at the New River Gorge Bridge in West Virginia: 
Adding a cancellation to our National Parks Passport books:
The small gift shop across the street from the Parks grounds proved irresistible: 
Looking south through the gorge. We took the narrow winding road down from the Visitor’s Center to the gorge below — the road in the center-left of this frame. 
Heading east through central Virginia on Day 3: 
Arrival in Hampton – midday Day 3:
Arriving on the beach – early evening Day 3: 
First souvenir stop on Day 4 — a local t-shirt shop. 
Lula wasn’t excited by me repeatedly asking why this chair was so small. 
The red roof cottage was our home for four days: 
Day 4 – Bodie Island Lighthouse: 
The first beach day’s shell haul: 
Late night thunderstorms off the coast: 
