Shackleford Banks

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Oh, Shack……It’s a special place.

Wild horses, crystal clear water, an uninhabited island and a view of the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. I would call that special to say the least.

I’ve had this fantasy about Shack for a while now, I camp out the night before and get up before the sun, search the island early for the horses with just my camera and tripod and take the most breathtaking sunrise photos of the horses frolicking in the marsh. Much easier said than done.

Life has a funny way of getting in the way of fantasies and dreams. For months this hasn’t worked out. Open windows in the weather were filled with already existing plans or work. The ferry wasn’t running due to COVID and the paddle to the island with that much gear was tiptoeing on the line between a wild adventure or just a horrible time. I had been wanting to do it in the spring to avoid the heat but it just never worked out.

Finally, this 4th of July weekend the weather looked clear and breezy and the ferry has been back up and running, so despite the 94 degree temps I decided it was a better time than ever.

I packed all my gear up and took the ferry out Friday at 4:15 p.m. Once I got to the Island I hiked along the beach a little over a mile. This is what I find to be the trick. Although uninhabited, Shack is far from unreachable, especially on 4th of July weekend. Happily I was the only one getting off the ferry at Shack but my excitement was short lived when I was met with a crowd already on the beach. This is where the trick comes in. Because you are surrounded by saltwater you have to pack all your water in. 94 degrees makes for a hot weekend so I had a 35 lb. pack and despite the walk being rough in the sand you just have to be willing to go further than everyone else. People don’t like discomfort so they get off the ferry and walk a couple hundred yards, if that, and set up. That’s not me. I found my spot above the high tide line and set up camp, explored a little and took some pictures. I met some locals that were grilling on the beach and they insisted I eat a burger and have a couple beers. I promise that it didn’t take much convincing. The beach was completely deserted by sunset as all the local boaters had headed back and I made myself a fire under a moon so bright I didn’t burn much battery on my headlamp.

I got out of my tent at 5:00 a.m and fired up the camp stove for my breakfast. Brushed my teeth, put my contacts in, watered some plants and headed on my way. I hiked over the ridge and this is where my fantasy started to slip away. I realized the terrain was much different then I thought when it came to exploring deep into the island and I made the mistake of wearing shorts and crocs. I know, I know, I don’t know why it made sense to me either. In my defense I had considered wearing my hiking boots but the sand and ocean have a way of messing up your normal hiking and camping plans, especially in 94 degree weather. I will admit that I significantly regret this decision though because I was left standing on this ridge line watching the horses frolic in the marsh as the sun rose and I couldn’t do much about it. I observed and trust me I enjoyed every second, but I now know how to do it differently next time and I very much look forward to when I can try it again.

Peace,

Taylor