This morning, when everyone else was sleeping, I wandered out into the living room. I figured I would make some coffee, and read on the porch. Then, the view from the porch changed my plans. There were about a dozen ibises feeding in front of our house. The light was beautiful and golden. The birds were rooting around in the periwinkle-covered grass. It was quiet and just a little otherworldly (at least for this Yankee). My camera beckoned.

I tiptoed outside and shared a moment with our ibis neighbors. It was a good start to the day.

My boys sent me off for some time at the spa time this morning. If you ever are on BHI, and are in need of a massage, see Marybeth at Island Retreat. She is not only very good at what she does, but also seems like a genuinely nice person. I walked in a giant muscle spasm, and left feeling blissed out.

After a quick shower, we all headed to the mainland. Hushpuppy loves the ferry.

My Zia met us at the Ft. Fisher ferry, and we headed to the Aquarium. The aquarium at Ft. Fisher isn’t massive, but really well done. It focuses on the local ecosystem, is rich in content, and very toddler-friendly. Hushpuppy had a blast.

I thought the albino alligator was particularly cool.

The divers, however, scared the bejeezus out of Hushpuppy.

After hitting up the gift shop (seriously, who doesn’t want a stuffed ray for their bedroom?), we headed back to Southport.

We had dinner at Provisions (a Southport classic) with my wonderful Zia and Zio. Poor Hushpuppy is dealing with some heat rash, so we had to leave earlier than we wanted. Thankfully, colloidal oatmeal and baby Benedryl seem to be helping with the itchiness now.

We wrapped up the evening on rocking chairs along the harbor, and a peaceful ferry ride home.

Our salt marsh greeted us when we arrived “home.”

It was another wonderful day in NC.