June 10th - Nags Head, NC, to Virginia Beach

On the way out of town, we stopped at The Wright Brothers Monument at Kill Devil Hills. We walked up to the top of the hill where they first tested their glider controls. Then we walked down to the flat where they built the rail where they launched their first powered flights. We toured the visitor center which had exhibits and plaques that explained the backstory and many details. Their parents encouraged their imagination and experimentation and commitment to their dreams. I learned a lot!

The brothers chose the site in the Outer Banks not only for the consistent, strong winds, but also because of the sand, which offered a soft landing. They had to have a bicycle mechanic build an engine with an aluminum block, because no auto maker would accept the challenge. They used a lot of trial and error, persistence and calculated risks, in addition to the scientific method. For instance, they learned that the two propellors had to spin in opposite directions for better stability. As an engineer, Hank was fascinated. 

​ Arrived late afternoon at the beautiful home of Angie's friend, Alex, who lives in the Croatan neighborhood across the street from the Ocean. Her wide driveway was easy to park in. Alex graciously offered us a downstairs suite in her home for our three-night stay when our original host, Betsy, came down with COVID.
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We joined two of Angie's girlfriends, Kris and Barbara, at the Mermaid Winery in Chix Beach for happy hour. Then we moved down the road to Froggy's Bar for drinks on the deck and live music. Another of Angie's friends, Lissette, joined us at Froggy's, which was founded by a retired Navy Seal (frogman).

Angie had a large circle of girlfriends (eight women) during her 16-years of  residence in Virginia Beach. Between her wonderful friends and her fond memories of the area, Angie felt quite homesick for Virginia Beach.