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easters), for ships hiding from enemy submarines during World War II, and for houseboats today. Most houseboaters choose to anchor somewhere out near famed Cape Lookout and the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. Shackleford Banks is separated from South Core Banks by narrow Barden Inlet, with several quiet anchorages possible on either side (depending on the wind, tides, and more). This base in the shadow of the lighthouse provides easy ex- ploration of Shackleford Banks (home to more than 100 wild horses), the lighthouse (located on the southern tip of South Core Banks), and the even more deserted areas of North Core Banks farther north. The Cape Lookout lighthouse is definitely a popular desti- nation for day-trippers, but houseboat renters have the flex- ibility to head there early or late to avoid occasional crowds. The first lighthouse was built in 1812, but the current one became operational in 1859. The 163-foot lighthouse with the well-known “diamond” pattern still provides a beacon to those at sea (Barrow, a private pilot, says he and other pilots also use it as a navigational aid from the air). Today, the Cape Lookout lighthouse complex includes the tower (climbing only available during four open house days a year) and the assistant keepers’ quarters, which serves as a visitor center and museum in-season. National Park Ser- vice rangers also provide informative programs in-season, including several history and ecology talks and walks. To the south down near Cape Point, there’s also a historic U.S. Coast Guard Station. The National Park Service maintains a Visitor Center on nearby Harkers Island, which is easily reached by skiff. The visitor center is a great place to get more information about all of Cape Lookout National Seashore. It also offers a short orientation film, natural and cultural history exhibits, and a well-stocked bookstore. The excellent Core Sound Waterfowl Museum is within walking distance of the Visitor Center. Shackleford Banks is also very popular with day-trippers, but houseboaters get to visit early or late in the day to avoid occasional crowds. Highlights here include possible wild horse sightings (just don’t get too close), beach picnics, and some of the best shelling along the east coast. Farther afield, more experienced and adventurous boat- ers enjoy running the skiff north through Core Sound. Here, you’ll find more quiet anchorages and places to beach the boat. All along the coastline, the natural world serves as another highlight. Possible sightings include egrets, herons, terns, pelicans, and lots of seagulls. The extensive maritime forest (especially on Shackleford Banks) is home to toads, tree frogs, diamond-back terrapins (especially appropriate for the lighthouse), and many shorebird nests. You’ll also notice several “ghost forests”—where advancing sand and salt spray leave sun-bleached tree skeletons protruding from the sand. After all of these daytime explorations, it’s enjoyable to simply head back to the houseboat and all of its amenities. Your evening can include a hot shower, a cold drink or two, dinner (possibly even freshly-caught fish), and maybe a movie or simply lying out under the stars. It sure beats heading back to civilization. Houseboat Basics Outer Banks Houseboats currently features two different sizes and styles of houseboats, providing flexibility for the number and types of groups getting ready to hit the water. 24 Houseboatmagazine.com Each comes well equipped and they’ll even provide the provi- sions if requested. Both houseboats feature virtually every amenity anyone could want, including: full-size refrigerator (with icemaker); three-burner propane stove; microwave; toaster; gas grill; dinette; TV/DVD/CD/stereo; wardrobe stor- age; full-size shower; toilet; freshwater storage; air condi- tioning and heat; hammock; and spacious outdoor decking forward, aft, and above. The 2003 Vagabond 35- by 10-foot model is a great choice for a couple, two close-knit couples, or a small family. Equipped with a full-size bed, a pull-out sleeper sofa, and a dinette that can be made into a small bed, this craft can sleep up to six people. It’s powered by a 200 horsepower engine. The 2004 46- by 12-foot Luxury Aqua Cruiser is ideal for larger groups of any kind. It can sleep up to 10, thanks to a full-size bed, two large bunk beds (sleeping two each), a sleeper sofa, and the convertible dinette. Additional features of the Luxury Aqua Cruiser are an additional half-bath, a bimini-style top on the upstairs deck, and an extra TV/DVD/ CD/stereo combo in the master bedroom. It’s powered by two 115 horsepower engines. Daily houseboat pleasures you may enjoy can include sun- ning and swimming, meal and snack preparation, reading, napping, and simply listening to the waves lapping against the houseboat’s hull. The dining part of any houseboat adventure is definitely a highlight. Barrow’s houseboat assistant, Debbie Silvestrini, says most houseboat renters arrive with coolers and grocery bags full of fresh options for breakfast, lunch and dinner,