We had planned to visit Camp Caroline, another camp in North Carolina. However, due to the distance, financial constraints, and delayed responses to our emails, we’ve decided to change our plans and travel to Virginia Beach instead. Virginia Beach is on our route to the Norfolk area before we head to Camp Bethany Beach in Delaware.

Adios, North Carolina with your vibrant scenic views. Your friendly people are a pleasant surprise, but your drivers are truly inconsistent with the rest of the world. Most of the world’s drivers are either mean or crappy, but not both. Just saying…

Our first destination was The North Carolina Zoo, the world’s largest natural habitat zoo. Spanning 2,800 wooded acres, it houses over 1,700 animals. The zoo is divided into Africa and North America continents, separated by internal trams. These trams wind through approximately five miles of scenic walking paths. Currently, the zoo is expanding to include additional continents. The spacious enclosed spaces provide a great environment for the diverse animal species.

The zoo also has a botanical garden and the best butterfly experience we have been able to share. The zoo has 5 gorillas, and a great number of other primates.

We definitely managed to get our steps in again. Our bodies are achingly weak from all the up and down steps and inclines. We spent as much time as possible before hitting the road again, as it was another 5-hour drive to Virginia Beach. We made one stop for gas then lunch at McDonalds next door. Back to the road drove the two Texans. Heather still missing her bestie!

We arrived in Virginia Beach, where parking was scarce, likely due to the weekend and the beautiful weather on the beachfront. Our room was pleasant, and Heather and I are accustomed to comfortable accommodations during our travels. While this hotel is on the lower end of our preferences, it offers great value for money. The location is excellent, but the room appears dated and worn.

Dinner was at Chix, a local restaurant just down the boardwalk. The food was delicious, and the restaurant was packed. A live band was playing outside on the boardwalk, attracting crowds who gathered to enjoy the music. This was the place to be on a Saturday night in Virginia Beach!

Heather and I had an incredible day together. We’ve embarked on a journey from the Pacific Ocean to the Atlantic Ocean, witnessing a diverse array of remarkable wildlife and meeting with family, friends, and new acquaintances along the way. We’ve learned so much about different cultures, listened to personal stories, and witnessed the beautiful landscapes of this continent. Our adventure is far from over, and we express our gratitude for the blessings that have been bestowed upon us. We offer our deepest thanks to God for all that has been given to us and for guiding us towards a more spiritual purpose in life.

Ponder this thought: Why do superheroes wear their underwear on the outside?