Shackleford Banks Aparthotels

"Beauty and Beast"

Image of wild horses captured at Shackleford Banks in North Carolina during an overnight camping trip at nearby Cape Lookout Island. To get to this island, you have to take a ferry from Harkers Island (or take your own boat to the island if you have/rent one). The ferry is pretty reasonable and in the summer, they operate relatively long hours. I'd advise going early before the sun is too high and on days that the humidity is low, as there is no shade on the island whatsoever. Carry plenty of water with you in any case, as the island is very long and you might have to walk a fair distance before you come across the wild horses.

Other than the horses, there's really nothing else on this island. There is wild camping permitted on the island, so you could make it an overnight trip and have the ferry pick you up the following day. If so, carry food and anything else you might need as there are no facilities on the island. Also carry bug spray as the no see ums will be out in murderous numbers at sundown. The Harkers Ferry also offers options to combine a trip to Cape Lookout and to Shackleford Banks, so you could cover two locations in one trip.

I've heard this place can have magical sunsets/sunrises. On this trip, didn't have much luck with either. But was lucky to stumble across these horses just chilling in the mid morning sun. If you do visit the island, please exercise caution as these horses are wild. They are used to seeing humans around but getting close to them or feeding them is not advisable. This image was taken with a telephoto lens from quite some distance away. Also watch out for cacti - they are around and you run into em when you least expect em.

Thank you for stopping by.

#NC #USA #Horses #WildHorses #ShacklefordBanks #colorful #blue #camp #weekend #bestof5 #hiking

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Top Shackleford Banks Hotel Reviews

Hampton Inn Morehead City

10/10 Excellent

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Spectacular Direct Oceanfront 2BR Condo in Emerald Isle NC Ocean Reef 7B1

10/10 Excellent

"The condo was absolutely beautiful with a wonderful and clear view of the beach and ocean. Even saw a whale breech the waves one day- A first for me down here! The newly changed oceanfront windows were perfect when it was too cold, windy, or rainy to sit on the porch. And when I could, I wrapped up in my coat, hat, and blanket and sat outside to take it all in - lots of space and privacy. The bed was comfortable (would be great to have black out curtains for the early morning hours), and the kitchen was well stocked with everything I needed. The smart TV was great as well to catch up on Netflix shows and watch movies on prime at night and when it was raining. It was very clean and had a mild air freshener somewhere that kept the clean & fresh smell always present (mild nice scent and definitely not overwhelming). The only bummer was the fire place wasn’t working. I’d never seen a fire place at the beach but this weekend was exceptionally cold and windy, and I was looking forward to the fire and the added relaxing ambience fires give when it’s cold & rainy. Maybe next winter. The other thing was the TV in the master wouldn’t turn on despite using all remotes- most likely was out of batteries I’m guessing. Still, that was not a big deal either as the sofa in the main room was really comfy to curl up on and watch from there. Truly loved my weekend away to recharge in this beautiful condo with the amazing views of the ocean and steps to the sand. Thank you for sharing your home! "

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