One of the highlights of our vacation was driving up to Corolla on the high end of the North Carolina Outer Banks where we took a jeep ride on the beach and dunes. There you can see the wild horses that roam the dunes.

Long assumed to be the descendants of Spanish mustangs left over from 16th century explorers, the horses are federal protected and truly wild animals. Since the area was fairly inaccessible and isolated for a long time, the breed has lived happily alone, numbering at 101 horses right now.

Some residential development has creeped in but the area still requires four-wheel drive to get there, the houses are spread out and the owners know the horses really run the show even if you own the house. Some animals even do the mowing for the owners.

We were in an open top jeep so we really got into the experience. Our ride was amazing, we headed our on the beach and then into the dunes. Soon after we saw our first wild horse and it was amazing. We saw stallions, mares and young foals. They just roamed around while stopping to eat or drink. They were gorgeous animals. Of course, you can't get close or even touch them. You almost felt like you, the houses and everything else were the invaders into their wonderful world.

We saw the stunning sunset and then drove back on the beach under the full moon. It was the experience of a lifetime.

You can see our slideshow for that day onour flickr account.

Our tour was with Bob's Corolla Wild Horse Adventures. I highly recommend them - thanks for the great ride Nick!