Three Mile Station

 THREE MILE STATION

      Here is a tour of a very special house in the Outer Banks of North Carolina, along with a glimpse of our relaxing week.  The third week in April, we had the pleasure of spending a week at probably the oldest structure on the oceanfront of the Outer Banks.  Dubbed "Three Mile Station," the Victorian house was built in 1896 by sea captain Marlin Winston and his wife Rebecca.  

      Orville and Wilbur Wright came to the house several times during their visits on the Outer Banks while they were working on the first flying machine in the early 1900s.  

     This old house has withstood well over a century of storms and pounding surf.  Its sturdy beams and firm foundation have stood strong and I was so delighted to be able to spend time within its lovely walls and gaze out of its spacious windows that look out at the sea.  I love the way the sky looks as the sun began to set in front of the house.  The Master Painter was at work again!

    As you can see from a view of the living room, the house has been nicely updated and furnished comfortably.  Portions of the house are original (some of the floors, walls & ceilings), while most other places have been replaced.  The house has three small bedrooms, two baths, well-equipped kitchen, and two nice porches.  The best feature are the many windows and wonderful views.  I have been fascinated with this house for years, so staying there was a dream come true for me!

     I was mesmerized by this glorious view!  I love the way the ocean changes from day to day and how the light changes.  A flock of pelicans flew just beyond the windows several times a day - so cool!  The ocean is so huge and humbling.  Knowing God created and controls this massive body of water as if it is no more than a small bowl of liquid, and that He keeps every wave marching forward in perfect rhythm -- it's beyond words amazing!  "The Lord on high is mightier than the noise of many waters, than the mighty waves of the sea," Psalm 93:4, and God says, "When you pass through the waters, I will be with you," Isaiah 43:2.

    We popped into the North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island and saw some huge fish, turtles, snakes and a rare alligator.  Both of the two guys below are American alligators.   The white gator is called a 'Leucistic' American alligator and is only one of several million gators - yes, you read that right.  This small aquarium has a super rare white alligator (it lacks skin pigment).  The American alligator can live up to 50 years.

We stopped at the Outer Banks Visitor Center and discovered a very interesting Monument to a Century of Flight.  There are about 14 tall obelisks, each chronicling milestone events in the world of flight. Somehow, we'd missed ever seeing this.  Glad we found it - it's very nice!

    Part of our family joined us near the end of the week and the kids had a great time playing in the sand and the water.  They didn't seem to care that it was rather chilly - ah, the joys of childhood!

    And, of course, they always have to climb Jockey's Ridge.  The five climbed while I stayed behind (knees aren't up to it).  They love jumping down sandy hills and watching the pretty sunset - all more comfortable in the cooler weather.

    I got up early one morning and watched the sun rise over the Atlantic Ocean.  From it's first rays of light to this full-fledged risen sun reflecting over the water, I watched.  I stood on the deck in the chill morning air, listening to birds greeting the morning light with their songs, and I watched the changing colors.  It was beautiful!  

"From the rising of the sun to its going down the 

Lord's name is to be praised," Psalm 113:3.

"This is the day the Lord has made; we will rejoice

 and be glad in it," Psalm 118:24