Need OBX Help!!!!

[Matt]

Leaving Saturday AM for our OBX vacation.... heading all the way up to Carova (so a signifacnt beach drive).

My wife just called me and told me that our friends from Maryland (with 3 kids) took their AWD minivan. I say "took" because they're currently in Alabama visiting relatives and are heading straight to OBX from there.

... I fault myself for assuming they were bringing their Explorer. Hell I should've thought about it after another one of my friends said he was going to stop by for a visit on his way home from FL, in his AWD Audii (it actually took some effort to convince him how horrible of an idea that was).

So barring the option of making them drive all the way back from Alabama up to norther MD, unpack, repack and drive down to OBX; do you guys have any ideas?

First idea is to rent a 4x4. But i'm not sure a rental company will let them leave their van there... and/or if they don't allow rentals to go on the beach

Parking garages? Is there a parking garage or something nearby to Corolla where we can leave their van? I'll have to drive down and pick them up...

Any other ideas/options? I've never been to OBX, but regardless there's not even good tow points vans for if they get stuck (otherwise I'd consider towing them up the beach!!)

[Sal-XK]

Actually if they air down a tad OBX isn't really that bad form what I've been told and seen its harder packed sand. But I never been there seen an AWD Nissan something on Carolina beach only get stuck once and the conditions there are pretty rough. Neil's been there before and I think AJ has been to so they should have some ensight.

[Matt]

I wouldn't be as worried if we weren't going way up to carova. The sand there is traveled on less and I presume more of a challenge.

The lack of tow points and both of our vehicles being filled with young kids is another challenge.

[BonesWK]

I have rented a car and left my own car at their lot. They usually are cool with it.

I say rent the 4x4 from somewhere and let them know you will be taking it on the beach.

[Matt]

Although it kind of sucks for me... it looks like the OBX rental agency has a lot for people to park (although it's limited). So i'm having them call up to explain their error and see if someone will be nice enough to ensure they have a spot to park on Saturday..

[Sal-XK]

Make it an adventure or challenge see if you can get them down the beach LOL

[Matt]

On the bridge now... 11:20. 8hrs isn't bad...

[NeilSmith]

cool. still can be an hour maybe to get up to Corolla, depending on traffic flow. hopefully its moving good for you.

[Matt]

Na traffic is pretty bad lol

[NeilSmith]

Na traffic is pretty bad lol

enjoy !!