Outer Banks Fins

[Fred]

After reading Jimmy's diary about his time on the Outer Banks, I'm thinking the Fins should think about a vacation on the Outer Banks. Although it's a complete reversal of the usual Fins of the Valley 'outing' -- not exactly a trip to a Buffett concert at Nissan, or a Parrothead weekend adjustment. But to me, it would be a wonderful opportunity to enjoy another side to the 'tropical attitude' ... another harbor, in a different light, far away from those crowds. I get a yearning for the OBX ("Outer Banks") every time Jimmy posts to his "Outer Banks Diary" -- the 4th installment brings us even more insights into his trek along the coast of the Carolinas.

Jimmy writes:

Maybe the thing that had attracted me here in the first place, other than the unusual name, was the fact that Ocracoke’s history was significantly effected by two things that have always interested me very much - lighthouses and pirates, which meant I was on a "research expedition".

This latest edition shares a better look at the "Green Tomato", his specially modified Ford Expedition. In the 3rd installment, we learned how the Tomato is 'Greaser' running on 'grease' or -- waste vegetable oil.

Jimmy writes:

"Grease" is now the term, which those small, but growing numbers of folks who run their vehicles on waste vegetable oil, call their fuel. I am constantly amazed by the basic lack of knowledge about this fuel source by the general public who are paying three times as much as we do to fuel our cars, and most importantly, it is a clean burning reusable fuel.

Of particular interest to me is being connected to the internet while travelling in the RV. Jimmy often refers to surfing the web and online research -- using his Mac. I'd sure like to know what kind of service he uses; my research has yet to show a reliable source of internet service while on the road. Someone like Buffett though probably has someone set all that up, tested and fully working, before he even arrives.

For any Buffett fan who is familiar with the Outer Banks, this diary is fun reading. He gets a bit tedious at times -- and he really could use a good editor -- but it's a 'stream of conscience' trip I've been enjoying. Reading his reactions to places and enjoying his adventure makes me look forward to my next OBX trip, even more!

Read Jimmy's Outer Banks Diary here