Cars of tourists and residents ride the ferry from Cape Hatteras to Ocrocoke.

Cars of tourists and residents ride the ferry from Cape Hatteras to Ocrocoke.

Cars of tourists and residents ride the ferry from Cape Hatteras to Ocrocoke.

Coast Guard cutter returns to Hatteras Inlet.

Cars of tourists and residents ride the ferry from Cape Hatteras to Ocrocoke.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse stands as a beacon along the Outer Banks.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse stands as a beacon along the Outer Banks.

The old Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet, connecting barrier islands of the Outer Banks.

Old Bonner Bridge and new Bonner Bridge at Oregon Inlet.

Sun shines through the Bodie Island Lighthouse on a spring afternoon.

The Bodie Island lighthouse stands as a beacon along the Outer Banks.

The Bodie Island lighthouse stands as a beacon along the Outer Banks.

Visitors to Jockey's Ridge State Park walk on top of the largest sand dune along the east coast.

Cottages along the beach at Nags Head.

Cars and trucks zip along the South Croatan Highway (US 158) at Nags Head.

Nags Head lifeguard keeps an eye on swimmers along the beach.

Dave Eggleston on the Pamlico Sound researching oysters.