Lighthouses and waves

Avon, North Carolina

Today, we climbed what is inevitably the most famous lighthouse in the US – certainly the most recognizable. The Hatteras Light House is actually the tallest – 267 feet in height if I remember correctly, equivalent to a 12 story building. It was a long climb, but made easier by the strong breeze blowing through the open windows. I took a few pictures and hope to have some of them made into a vertical panorama. I was meticulous to take all of the pictures for each panorama with the same focus, shutter speed, white balance, etc. I set the white balance with my white balance Expo Filter which does a great job of managing the balance. I have looked at the photos on my low-res laptop, but want to probably take another set or two if time and weather allows just to be sure I have one to remember the vacation by.

It has been as hot as ever here thus far with little relief in sight. You know it’s a warm week when the weather forecast includes the words “near record heat all week.” The kids each have a friend with them – both very good friends from school and other social circles. Our son’s friend spends a great deal of time at our home so we know him very well. Our daughter’s friend we only really know from school (they play strings together), but is a really nice young lady who is finally coming out of her shell with us. We have some lively dinner conversations on a regular basis, so have included her and gotten a few laughs.

Today we found a protected beach, right by the Hatteras Light House. This includes a lifeguard, as well as parking and great sand. The water was warm (although not at first), and the waves were manageable. We left our dog here in the crate, so he was happy to see us after a couple of hours. We even saw our son get into the (ocean) water for the first time in years. One thing about Asperger’s is that the huge influx of unknowns that are present in the ocean can be somewhat overwhelming. Last time we were at the beach was before he was diagnosed, so I was far less accepting what I thought was an irrational fear of the ocean. This time, I just sat back and watched him take the whole situation in, and processed it in his own time. I must say, this works much better.

Tomorrow, his mom and friend are going fishing with him – a half day trip into the ocean. I hate to go on boats such as that one, and will need to stay behind with the girls in any case. We are renting kayaks, so will try to not drown for the entire day!