Blue Sky - Blue Ocean - Wet Rocks

The rock jetty at Fort Macon State Park juts out into the Atlantic Ocean on an early October morning. A couple of days earlier the sea was worked up into a froth by Hurricane Ian. But on this morning the "big pond" looks flat, calm.

This rocky structure is a popular fishing spot. On most mornings the jetty is covered wity sportsment looking to hook their finned quarry. Located on the eastern end of Bogue Banks, the parks beach borders the sound, inlet and ocean. Beach combers scour the stretch of sand for beautiful sea shells. Sportsmen ply the waters with their lines while trading tall tales with one another. Further west along the strand swimmers enjoy a dip in the salty water or work on their tans on the sun warmed sand.

Fort Macon has the distinction of being the first state park to open to the public in North Carolina. It's Civil War era fortress is a draw to history buffs. A three and a quater mile long loop trail leads hikers, cyclist and dog walkers through a maritiem forest, past a salt marsh and through the dune zone along the beach. It is a popular recreational site for both locals and tourists.