In the Croatan National Forest in New Bern NC
February 24
One of my favorite parts of traveling is the people you get to see on the way. As I continued Southbound I camped a night at Flanners Beach Campground where I have stayed before. The weather had turned cold enough that a campfire wasnt just cozy-it was necessary. I just love sitting next to a fire on a chilly evening.
My friend Luke came out to visit, and brought his girlfriend Becca along. It was great to see Luke again and to finally meet Becca. We spend some time hanging around the fire catching up.
Eventually we headed out to my favorite mexican resteraunt, complete with portraits of fighting chickens on the wall. I call it Zapatoes but its really El Zarape in Atlantic Beach, NC. Whatever you call it, the food is always good, the service excellent and they have the best horchata around. They also have an old fashioned style bubblegum machine with the little plastic eggs with prizes and the prizes are international coins. I did manage to spend a few of my laundramatt quarters there. Luke got the best prize, an indian head nickel.
Good friends, a warm campfire and great Mexican food made for a pretty perfect evening on the road.