OBX

I didn't really have any definite plans for my vacation, I just thought I would wing it.  On Saturday I decided I wanted to go to the beach.  I feel like I need to actually see the ocean and feel the cool water on my feet at least once a year.  So I thought I may go to Myrtle Beach, but I wanted a more  peaceful beach.  I have always wanted to see the wild horses of Corolla, so I decided to go for it!  I only stayed one night, left on Wednesday and came back on Thursday, but I packed in as much fun (and a little relaxation) as I could.

Wild Spanish Mustangs at Corolla, NC

 I had no idea they would be right in people's yards.  Notice the dog looking out the window.

 Can I get a ride? Cattle Egret

Apparently they like to come down to the beach to cool down.

The tour I went on was through the Corolla Wild Horse Fund, a non-profit organization, http://www.corollawildhorses.com/.  I highly recommend the tour.

Atlantic Ocean

 There was a deer out in front of the hotel!

This is Sysco, she lives at the hotel.

This is from the 2003 Celebration of Flight Centennial commemorating the Wright Brothers historic flight at Kitty Hawk. These painted horses were everywhere, but I was really drawn to this one. :)

Sunrise

Currituck Beach Lighthouse. I climbed to the top (holding on for dear life).

Monarch on the pathway to the Currituck Sound

 Currituck Sound - Great Egret

Currituck Sound - Little Blue Heron>

On the way home I went through Manteo, so I decided to stop at the Elizabethan Gardens.  I was pretty happy, because I got to see 2 butterflies I have never seen in the wild.

 Palamedes Swallowtail

Gulf Fritillary

Sundays at Little Walden

Oh happy day!!

Eastern Tailed-Blue

Common Buckeye

Monarch!

This is a male, you can tell by the scent patches on the wings.

What a cutie!

Fridays at Reynolda Gardens

Went to Reynolda Gardens early again, and no butterflies.  They must be late sleepers.  Anyway, I did see something that made me happy:

Because when these pink fuzzy flowers are in bloom, that means we'll have these:

Common Buckeye - These are one of my favorites, of course I probably say that about most butterflies!  This one was taken in September of last year at RG.

I planned on going back to RG after work Friday and ended up working until 7:30.  Still went, but no butterflies.  I still enjoyed it and stayed until it started getting dark, I love it there even without butterflies!

Also on Saturday I saw something that made my heart fill - a Monarch!  It's about time for them too.  I actually saw lots of butterflies in my yard Saturday, but I was pulling weeds - so no camera. :(  Oh well, since my vacation (woo!) is coming up soon, I will have lots of opportunities for butterflying.