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Jockey's Ridge - Natural Wonder

youhavewingsPosted for Everyone to comment on, 5 years ago3 min read

Jockey's Ridge

It's amazing that we've been traveling to the Outer Banks for years and never learned of Jockey's Ridge. For some strange reason, I just assumed that Jockey's Ridge was an extension of The Wright's Brother's site (where they first took flight in their plane).

Boy was I wrong! I discovered the difference when I was researching adventures the family might like to do this trip to the Outer Banks, NC. I had taken care of everyone in the family but I wanted to go to a place for 'photography'! That's when Jockey's Ridge popped up in my browser.

Even still, having taken in so many adventures in the course of this trip - from wild horses to wild dolphins and museums - Jockey's Ridge was an after-thought. We were kind of pooped out! But alas we made the trek because we were still holding onto that 'kindness rock' - we had to leave the kindness rock in a nice place! And well, maybe I could get a few (just a few!) photographs out of the visit. ;)

Nothing could have prepared us for what we were about to experience. There are just no words or photographs that can convey the story. In truth, it is a very visceral experience. You travel through a densely populated path with trees and underbrush only to emerge suddenly onto a blank canvas of vast and rolling dunes of sand - as far as the eye can see......

In the distance, on the ridge, people resembled tiny ants with their silhouettes moving clouds of mist.

Pinch me! Is this beautiful place real?!

If only I was a kite! Or a bird!

The wind blew so hard that I was sure that I could fly!

I flew alright....

Right to the bottom of a dune only to realize that the trek back up would remind me of gravity. Oh, whatever....I'll deal with that later!

These ever changing patterns of sand are created by the shifting winds. How Jockey Ridge was created (the biggest dune in the eastern U.S.) is a natural wonder that doesn't necessarily have a known explanation - Just lots of theories and myths.

To think that this amazing place might not be enjoyed today if it weren't for one passionate woman named, Carolista Baum.

In 1973, a couple of children were playing on the dunes and noticed a bulldozer flattening out part of Jockey's Ridge. They ran home and told their mother, Carolista and she immediately went into action.

Carolista discovered that the bulldozers were there for a new residential development. Not having the luxury of time, she went to Jockey's Ridge and planted herself in the path of the bulldozers forcing the operators to shut down their equipment. She then quickly organized local residents into what would be called "The People to Preserve Jockey's Ridge" who tirelessly got signed petitions and delivered them to local and state governments.

That same year, the Division of Parks and Recreation, having done feasibility tests for making Jockey's Ridge a state park, issued their report in favor of Jockey's Ridge becoming a park and a year later the dune was declared a National Natural Landmark.

Over time, the state was able to save 420 acres.

It truly was the most perfect place to leave our "Little Rock of Kindness"

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This post was originally posted on Steemit and modified for Whaleshares

To read "The Little Rock of Kindness" story -> https://steemit.com/writing/@youhavewings/little-rock-of-kindness

Camera used - Nikon P900

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