Here are shots of our beach vacation to Emerald Isle, NC. We used this beach week to re-unite family as Weena's sister Liesel and her son Ariel came with us, as well as Weena's parents. I was so happy to see my nephew and it was great he was able to spend vacation with his cousin Ben.
We stayed at a place called Dune Magic. This was the second time we have rented that beach house and it has been a perfect place to stay as it is close to the beach, attractions and the grocery store as well as the Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier.
On Wednesday, Weena's sister in law Wynell and her son Tim dropped by as well as my Mom. On Friday, my cousin Mac and his family stopped by for a day at the beach. Everyone enjoyed the surf, sun and sand. We had beautiful weather.
Since we had so many folks at the house, I took advantage of the extra time and freedom to roam around a bit with my camera. I walked on the beach at the crack of dawn, drove and took shots that I found interesting on a highway. I did my best to capture the sun rising and setting and also I just wanted to see my family having fun and enjoying themselves through the lens. I accomplished that and a lot more. Overall, it was a very good and relaxing vacation.
On some shots here I used the black and white enhancer in Photoshop and have posted them next to the original shot. I love this feature and will use it in future photo outings, including sports.
So click on a photo for a larger shot and a rather lengthy slideshow. If anyone has any photo tips, pointers or thoughts about what is posted here, please feel free to leave a comment. I am always interested in learning more about photography. Thank you!
Saturday August 11th: The Arrival
Ariel and Ben soaking up the beach atmosphere
Sunday August 12th: NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores
Shark week!
Ernie Eels
Director Ben making a phone video
Ben and Ariel enjoy the book store
I see gator, Weena sees shoes and a handbag...
Strike a pose...or pose to strike?
Outside the aquarium
NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores is a must visit
Sunday August 12th: First day at the beach
Morning rain stopped so Ben and Weena boogie board
Ariel and Liesel enjoy the surf
Ben, chilling out
Ariel can't stop smiling
Surfer Ben
This may be my photo contest entry with Bluewater GMAC
Maybe this will be my entry too as Liesel enjoys the surf
Kids + Ocean + Boogie Board = Fun afternoon!
Beach activity
Weena and her sister Liesel enjoy boogie boarding
Birds
Pelican brief
Monday August 13th: Morning
Beach house near the oceanfront close to ours
My morning commute
Beach walk
Sunrise
The ocean
Running on
Love the colors, wish a bird was in it though.
Family time
Day at the office
These are outside every house. No idea what these are.
Monday August 13th: Afternoon
King of the Beach
Ben checking out shells
Surfing USA!
Yeahhhhhhhh!!!!
Beach bathroom break?
Best water park ever: The ocean!
Somewhere in there is Ben's cousin Ariel
Everyone loves the ocean!
Tuesday August 14th, US 58
Vine Swamp General Store. Do stop by for a soda and a game of pool
US 58 South
Tobacco farming
Old house along the way
Black and white version
Haddock, Scott, Stilley and Johnson cemetary in Jones County, NC
Swamp
My favorite stop
Cows mooing but not moving as it was hot
The goats couldn't wait to see me as they thought I had food
This guy wanted to ride home with me.
Nice view of the farm
Dig this!
Alice Conway Collins Memorial Cemetary
View from my car window heading back to the beach house
Crabs and Monopoly championship
Weena and Ariel vs
Ben and Liesel
Wednesday August 15th: Beach and family shots
Weena enjoying her book on the deck
Beach house view from our deck
Ben constructing a sand castle
Weena, Mom, Ben and Ariel enjoy the beach
Castle
Ariel having fun
Monopoly champ Ben as he defeats Daddy
Calm before storm
Cousins Ariel, Tim and Ben
Weena's Mom, Wynell and Weena's Dad enjoy dinner
Weena, Mom and Liesel at dinner
We celebrated Ariel's tenth birthday
Singing Happy Birthday to Ariel!
Family shots
Thursday August 16: Bogue Inlet Fishing Pier
Ariel fishing
Got a bite!
Liesel casts
Ben and Ariel enjoy fishing
Game face!
View from the pier
Thursday evening shots from our deck at the beach house
Friday August 17: More family visiting
Erika and Mara strike a pose
Erika, Mara and Clay
Ben cools off
Ben with his Aunt Liesel
Back for more gear!
Clay digs the sand
Queen of the Beach
Cruisin'
Ben pitching
Showing no-hit form
Tom Kite
Boat dredging the ocean? Not sure. We named it Steamboat Willie
Ariel
Ben and Weena
Weena, Ben and Steamboat Willie
US Coast Guard
Clay
Steamboat Willie still chugs along while everyone stays cool
Weena and Ben enjoying the surf
Clay, Mara and Erika having fun
Old school. I used to do this in '82. Radio, seat and beer!
Clay and the ocean
That's all folks, we had a blast Emerald Isle, NC. We will be
back again soon!
