Places

Restored lifesaving station at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Sand dune at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Sand dune at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Beach at Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge.

Building a new bridge over Oregon Inlet (NC 12) in the Outer Banks.

Water moccasin seen at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.

Water moccasin seen at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.

Water moccasin seen at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.

Black bear at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge.

Black Bear Impersonating a Panda

This black bear was spotted at the Alligator River Wildlife Preserve in North Carolina's Outer Banks. He seemed to be a bit curious about us while snacking on some local vegetation and his posture reminded me of a sterotypical panda munching on bamboo. Interesting fact: This wildlife preserve is home to the world's largest concentration of black bears. Two thirds of North Carolina's black bears are in this preserve on the coast (rather than the mountains).

Black bear at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. This was the view from about 50 yards (46 meters).

Black bear at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. This was the view from about 50 yards (46 meters).

Black bear at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. This was the view from about 50 yards (46 meters).

Black bear at Alligator River National Wildlife Refuge. This was the view from about 50 yards (46 meters).

View of Bodie Island Lighthouse from the south.

Nearing sunset at Bodie Island Lighthouse.

Reflecting on Bodie Island Lighthouse

I was reminded of a wistful feeling when I found this view of Bodie Island Lighthouse - and the lighting was irresistible.

Ground-level view of Bodie Island Lighthouse.

Looking up at Bodie Island Lighthouse.

Sunset at Bodie Island Lighthouse

The view of Bodie Island Lighthouse from the boardwalk. An earlier threatening cloud appears to have kept most of the tourists away.

'Blue Hour' at Bodie Island Lighthouse

Bodie Island Lighthouse after sunset.