Smiths Creek, Aurora NC 2-18-12

The mornings paddle down Smiths Creek started with one of my favorite wildlife sightings, a bald eagle. We also saw a group of swans, lazy turtles, and ducks. The wind through the grass and trees was mesmerizing.

View Larger Map

Oyster Point, trailhead for the Neusiok Trail, Newport NC

The day was unfortunately too cold and windy to put the canoe in the water so we decided to hike a bit of the Neusiok Trail that we had never been to.A two and a half mile hike from the parking/camping area to a spot called The Blackjack Shelter. It was a lovely walk full of amazing views of the Newport River and the surrounding wilderness. There is a camping area right on the river, or if your in the mood for a little more privacy, The Neusiok Trail runs through The Croatan National Forest so you can camp anywhere you please. We intend to do just that when the weather warms up just a little.

View Larger Map