The freelance road is always winding, and this time it led me onto a boat.

Actually, it was a car ferry to an enchanting island, on assignment for the Ocracoke Tourism Development Authority.

For those who are unfamiliar, Ocracoke Island is part of NC’s Outer Banks and accessible only by water. Their current marketing campaign’s headline is “We don’t have everything. You’re welcome.”

Right away, the 2-hour leisurely ride across the Pamlico Sound helps one slow down. You put away the phone and start to see the natural beauty so prevalent in this area.

As I started to collect slices of life, I could feel my blood pressure dropping.

From the boy feeding seagulls off of the back of the ferry, to the young girl carefully climbing the live oak tree at the water’s edge, the magical moments were everywhere.

For two days, I explored by golf cart (no car rentals on the island). I met wonderful folks whose contentment was contagious.

Thanks to Helena for trusting me to capture the essence of Ocracoke’s idyllic island life.