Tuesday, September 13, 2005

It's An Ill Wind That Blows No One Good

Well, it looks like Ophelia is headed for the Outer Banks, though no one thinks this will ever be a major hurricane. In the meanwhile Ocracokers are just waiting and watching -- and enjoying the gorgeous weather and uncharactisticly quiet village.

Ocracoke is nearly shut down. Even school has been canceled. Captain Rob Temple called me just before noon, wanting to know if I cared to join him and Emmett (10 years old) and Molly ( 11 years old) clamming at Teach's Hole. We walked down to Springer's Point, then out into the shallow water. For several hours we pushed our rakes across the sound floor and netted nearly 100 clams. Emmett and Molly stayed on the shore and just "messed around" like kids are supposed to do.

Not a single person was in sight anywhere. Pamlico Sound extended for miles on one side; undeveloped Springer's Point, the National Seashore, and the South Point stretched an equal distance on the other side. Only the lantern and the tip of the lighthouse were visible beyond the trees. All was quiet and serene.

I reflected on how lucky Rob and I were, gathering our supper in one of the most beautiful spots I know. And then I thought how lucky Emmett and Molly are, growing up where they are safe & free, close to nature, and given the opportunity to spend a leisurely afternoon doing nothing more than simply exploring.

Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old Toothbrush Man, published August 01, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news080105.htm.]

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3 comments:

  1. Anonymous7:29 PM

    Best wishes to all of the O'cokers for a safe time when Ophelia comes your way. I will be waiting anxiously for news of how everyone and everything fared. You will all be in my prayers...Judy

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  2. Anonymous9:15 PM

    You are so right Philip! Ocracoke kids are very lucky - our kids are growing up in a far more dog eat dog ultra fast paced environment and its not doing them any good - how we wish our kids could have been native Ocracokers - its a wonderful and unique legacy you are passing on to your next generation. Our family has been lucky to vacation on the island for quite a few years and we thank you all for your hospitality and the relaxation we find there. Our best to Captain John - owner of The Fishtale - may his boat and all of your loved ones and your property come through the storm in good shape.
    Regards,
    Tim, Mary, Alex, and Ben Frazer

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  3. Anonymous9:36 AM

    Hang on, Phillip, and get yee to high ground! Or vice versa. We're all thinking about you amid that little spit of land out in the (near) middle of the Atlantic!

    Ron Kostar and Deirdre Sheean, Leona Howard Kostar, John and Nancy Nunn and families

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