Saturday, June 30, 2007

OcraFolk School

Beginning Fall, 2007 Ocracoke Island will host an exciting new venture, the OcraFolk School. Talented artists, craftsmen, and musicians. most from Ocracoke, but a few frequent visitors as well, will come together to teach one-week long courses in jewelry making, water color painting, pirate lore, Ocracoke history & culture, bird carving, and much more.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter has complete details (courses, dates, fees, contact information, etc.) about the new Folk School. Click here to read about this new venture.

Friday, June 29, 2007

The Tiger

Ocracokers have been accused of talking about events from fifty or one hundred years ago as if they happened yesterday. This morning I want to share some history that occurred 422 years ago.

On this date in 1585 the first recorded shipwreck along the Outer Banks happened on Ocracoke Island. Sir Walter Raleigh's second expedition to the New World was under the command of Sir Richard Grenville, with Simon Fernando, chief pilot, and Ralph Lane, lieutenant. Their flagship, the Tiger, ran aground in the inlet, and lay in the pounding surf for two hours before she was refloated. After being recaulked, and otherwise repaired, the Tiger rejoined the rest of the expedition.

On his return to England Ralph Lane denounced Wokokon (Ocracoke) Inlet for its treacherous waters and lack of reliable harbors.

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Thursday, June 28, 2007

Early Morning Walk....

....and swim. Lou Ann and I went to the beach this morning. Even though we walked over at the lifeguard stand the beach was empty as far as we could see in either direction. We walked for several miles (did eventually pass a woman and her dog, and later, when we got back to the stand, several people appeared).

We thought the ocean might feel a tad chilly, but even early in the morning the water was comfortably warm. The waves were just the right size to dive under or catch for a short ride. Before long we realized we were hungry, so we headed home for blueberry pancakes and orange juice.

Twas a pleasant way to start the day.

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Tuesday, June 26, 2007

Food

A comment on a recent post inquired about fresh vegetables, organic foods, etc.:

"We are a family of 4 plus dog looking forward to our first visit to the island for a week in July. My husband and I are both avid cooks and have been hunting around for where to find the best food sources on the island. We would be grateful if you could comment on "The Vegetable Man" and other local tips on where to find organic foods, wine, cheese, etc. Thank you!"

The vegetable man comes to the island twice a week (on Wednesdays and Saturdays) and sets up his tables near the bank, in front of the Flying Melon Restaurant, on Highway 12. He's hard to miss, and has a wide selection of items, including juicy berries, nuts, jams, & jellies.

The Variety Store, on Highway 12, stocks your basic grocery and food items, as well as a few specialty items. For more exotic choices, including cheeses, wines, and harder to find condiments, try Zillie's at Spencer's Market on the corner of Highway 12 and School Road.

Maybe some of our local readers would like to leave comments, so check this journal entry regularly prior to your visit.

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Naps

Several days ago I had dinner with a group of family and friends. Discussion turned to naps, a popular mid-day ritual on Ocracoke. A show of hands revealed that everyone at the table but one, as well as our waitress, had enjoyed a nap that day. And these were not all old codgers. Ages ranged from mid-thirties to early sixties.

We're not always lucky enough to take a nap, but when we have a day off, or finish our lunch early, or can otherwise sneak it in, we often opt for a short nap.

Just one more reason to celebrate life on Ocracoke Island.

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Monday, June 25, 2007

Another Day Off

Well, sort of. I've not scheduled myself at the counter today, but I will run out to the post office. And I'll work on the Village Craftsmen web site if I can get my laptop to connect to the Internet (unfortunately we're not immune to computer glitches out here on this serene island). I've got laundry to do, a light fixture to change, & a hole to dig for Lou Ann (she'll be planting a trumpet vine sometime today).

We never made it to the beach yesterday. I'll blame it on Lou Ann's bread. In between other things (visits, lunch, naps, dinner, etc.) we had to stay around to "work" the bread dough. But today will be different. Jude says the beach was spectacular yesterday -- clear skies and warm water.

Time to go. Talk with you tomorrow.

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Sunday, June 24, 2007

A Summer's Day Off

Even island residents get a day off now and then in the summer. So many folks work two or three jobs, and the summer is, of course, our busy season. But when we have a day off we make the best of it. Here is Lou Ann's and my "schedule" for today:

  • Make blueberry pancakes for breakfast (David & Lachlan asked us to join them at the coffee shop, but we'd already sat down at the table)
  • Continue with the next step in bread baking (Lou Ann started it last night)
  • Write this blog/Write other articles
  • Pay some bills
  • Write a bit more....or read....or make a few phone calls
  • Fix shrimp for lunch
  • Work on the bread
  • Spend time at the beach -- swim, walk, read
  • Nap
  • Mess about in the yard (if time permits)
  • Bake the bread, wait a half hour, and then relax with homemade bread and wine
  • Go out to dinner with family
  • Sit on the pizer and enjoy the evening
It's not vacation, but it's not a bad way to live.

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Saturday, June 23, 2007

Early Morning Rain

I awoke early this morning to the sound of a light, gentle rain on the roof. Outside our window steady streams of water fell through tree branches and onto the ground nurturing plants and trees.

Later, in my outdoor shower, I looked up at the cedar trees festooned with pearly water droplets and thought "what a beautiful world." Birds flitted back and forth chirping all the while. The sky is light gray and the village is subdued and serene, at least for a while. Lou Ann is practicing yoga at Deepwater Theater with a group of friends. If it weren't for work (yes, summer means work for us islanders) I'd be lying in the hammock with my latest book.

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Friday, June 22, 2007

Bonfire

Last night to mark the first day of summer (sometimes also called mid-summer) several friends gathered on the beach around a dancing bonfire under the light of the half-moon. The water was warm and inviting. Lachlan waded while it was still light (the summer solstice is the longest day of the year, after all), dug holes in the sand, wandered up and down the beach searching for what only he knew, and toasted marshmallows.

Lou Ann built the fire (the word bonfire, by the way, comes from bone fire, a fire with bones used for fuel), and as the sun retreated behind the dunes, painting the sky a deep pink and silhouetting the sea oats, we pulled our beach chairs and blankets up to the fire and ate and drank and chatted. Donald Davis used his laser (and his encyclopedic knowledge) to point out the constellations, and stars, and planets. Several large shooting stars streaked across the sky as if to join the celebration.

What a wonderful way to usher in the summer (and start preparing for the shortening of days that leads to autumn and then winter in an endless cycle of times and seasons).

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Thursday, June 21, 2007

Answers to Yesterday's Question

A reader left this comment on yesterday's post:

"mommucked"?"grass cutter"?What language are you speaking down there?Little help, please?

My, my, my....I guess we do live in another world way out here.

[Dum, dee, dum, dum.....interlude as I reach for my dictionary and look up mommuck, not only to offer the "dictionary definition" but to verify that it's a real word.]

Lo and behold, it's not in my Webster's. I know it's not a common word, but I thought it was one of those old-time, almost lost words that just happened to survive on Ocracoke. So I go to www.dictionary.com. What do I discover?? Well, I'm not going to spoil the fun and tell you. So, please, just click here and type in "mommuck." Very interesting.

As for grass cutter, I imagine the meaning of that is clear. But to explain a bit....I suppose this term is peculiar to Ocracoke because it's only recently that anyone has had a real "lawn" to "mow." Years ago the chickens (and sheep and goats) kept the sandy yards trimmed. Later on, as grass popped up here and there in ragged patches, folks imported those fancy new gadgets and used them simply to "cut the grass." Thus, grass cutters.

Do you know what a spider is? Or a cricket? How about a frock? Or a tomb? Pretty some? Puck? Maybe I'll address these one day, too.

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Wednesday, June 20, 2007

Landscaping

I walk out my front door and gaze into my small yard. Weeds are everywhere. Ugly weeds. They stick up like scrawny old unkempt sailors mocking me. I cut them down, and they spring right back up. Lou Ann wants to transform my yard into a cottage garden with bushes and flowers and a brick walkway.

I would be content with a couple of crepe myrtles, an azalea bush or so, a few gardenias, and grass. But I'll take the cottage garden. It's just that Lou Ann isn't here in the spring, and we're too busy in the summer to manage a major project like that. So it may be several years before that comes to fruition.

In the meanwhile I've planted a wisteria vine. Frank let me dig up a root from his yard. In the process I broke off the green shoot, and mommucked the root until it looked like a frayed metal cable (I never knew a wisteria root was so tough). I planted it anyway since everyone told me it's nearly impossible to kill wisteria. Sure enough it quickly sprouted, only to have David step on it and break off the shoot again. We've hardly had any rain, and I've only remembered to water it once, but lo and behold, it now is sporting three hearty shoots with healthy green leaves.

My plan is to train it to grow up my porch post and under the facia board on the porch. That's the way my grandmama had it years ago. Everyone tells me to be careful, that wisteria, lovely as it is, has a sinister streak that twists, tangles, and strangles all within its grasp. But I don't think I'll have to worry about that before at least next summer.

In the meanwhile I'll just dig up a few weeds and run the grass cutter across the front yard.

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Tuesday, June 19, 2007

Afternoon Tea

David called yesterday around noon and informed Lou Ann and me that Amy had baked a cheese cake, and that they were inviting us for 4 o'clock tea. We arrived punctually. Lou Ann was attired in a fresh white sun dress and crown of flowers (she had left her white gloves in Indiana). She couldn't understand why I didn't "dress up." David just had on shorts and a t-shirt, as did Amy. Gary arrived shortly after we did. He headed straight for the sink to wash up. He had been mowing the lawn, and was covered with grass and sweat. He did don a nearby straw hat (with a flower) at Lou Ann's insistence.

Tea was served in pottery mugs (not dainty tea cups), and it was a decidedly low-brow affair, which suited most of us. But Lou Ann thoroughly enjoyed herself....and the cheese cake (smothered in sauce made from freshly picked blackberries)....as did the rest of us. We decided to make this a daily affair -- as long as Amy agrees to make the cheese cakes.

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Monday, June 18, 2007

Bread Photo

Lou Ann wanted to be sure I published a photo of her and Tom and Donald at the conclusion of their bread making endeavor (see Friday, June 15 post for more information). As you can readily see, spirits were high. As I can attest, since I sampled the bread, the taste was superb.

Now I'm looking forward to many more loaves of this excellent bread.



Donald will be hosting another storytelling workshop this week. I understand that bread making plays an educational role. I can only envy the folks who will be participating. Even if I don't have an opportunity to enjoy more of Donald's bread, at least I can listen to some of their stories.

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Sunday, June 17, 2007

More Critters

This afternoon Lou Ann and I took Lachlan out to the sound for a swim. The water was warm and shallow. Sports fishermen were in their boats in the nearby channel, and gulls & terns & pelicans were gliding overhead, pausing momentarily to dive for a silvery fish.

On the way out we stopped to watch a toad hop off into the bushes, and a few mosquitoes and green head flies attacked us in the shady path. Out on the beach we stripped down to our swim suits and plunged into the water. Before long my foot found a small clunky seashell. I brought it up to discover a hermit crab hiding inside. Up on the sandy shore it stuck its legs and head out and crawled back into the water. I think Lou Ann was more fascinated than the little guy.

Lachlan cut his foot on an oyster shell (an island rite of passage, sure to be repeated), but continued to laugh and splash as gentle waves licked at his chin.

We'll be sure to go back regularly this summer.

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Saturday, June 16, 2007

Clyde Critter

One annual participant in the Ocracfolk Festival is Clyde Jones from Bynum, NC. He creates "critters" from logs , stumps, and found objects, using just a chainsaw and a hammer. His critters are popular items wherever Clyde goes, but he never sells them. He gives them away to non-profits (who often sell or auction them as fund-raisers) and to individuals.

I am told that Baryshnikov heard about Clyde's critters and visited his modest home (which, by the way, is literally surrounded by hundreds and hundreds of critters). The famous dancer wanted to purchase one of Clyde's animals, but he refused. When someone took him aside and tried to explain how famous this person was Clyde responded by noting that he had no idea who this dancer Baryshnikov was, but that the dancer obviously knew who he was. So, Clyde concluded, he must be even more famous than the dancer.

In the end I think Clyde gave a critter to Baryshnikov's young son.

As a "thank you" for sponsoring Clyde at the festival he carried an alligator to my place. It seems to enjoy grazing in my front yard.



Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Friday, June 15, 2007

Bread

Yesterday Lou Ann joined Tom Pahl at Donald Davis' kitchen to learn the art of Donald's delicious bread making. At several different times during the day (each lasting 5 - 15 minutes) Donald demonstrated and explained all of the details, from ingredients, rising, baking, & misting.

I was lucky enough to join them, along with Merle and Carol, on their last excursion. This was when the loaves, during their final rising, were slid into the hot oven and baked to a crispy, golden brown. While we waited, Donald poured a delightful red wine, and we chatted....about thirty minutes. Finally Donald plucked the bread from the oven and laid it on a cutting board. We took turns cutting slices and slathering them with creamy French butter.

Lou Ann and I agreed, as we rode home on our bikes, that this was an experience virtually impossible to explain to anyone else. A combination of learning, relaxing, camaraderie, fellowship, and good food & wine....you just had to be there, I guess.

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Thursday, June 14, 2007

Catching Up

Over the past several weeks readers have posted a number of comments and questions, some of which I have not had time to answer (hard as it is to believe, we who live here on Ocracoke sometimes have busy lives -- it's a good busy, but busy nonetheless).

So here goes:

  • "Some pictures of your son and family would be appreciated!" wrote one reader.

Many of you may have noticed that I don't take many photos. However, I will do my best to get a picture of my "mountain family" in July when they are all here on the island.

  • Another reader wrote, "Please tell me that the fire dept will be selling those cool t-shirts through the summer. We won't get there til Labor Day, and I usually buy them for every one I know."

I don't know for sure, but I think the t-shirts are available at the Island Ragpicker. If not, they will surely know where to get them.

  • Another question: "Philip, any word on how the Watermen's Association did in making their June 1st fund drive?"
According to the June issue of the Ocracoke Observer, "....Hyde County's Revolving Loan Fund committee stepped in and on May 7 the Hyde county commissioners voted to use its Revolving Loan Fund (RLF) to issue a short-term loan to the Ocracoke Fish House so that the Fish House would not be forced to shut down....while awaiting appropriation of funds from the General assembly this session, which would be available in the fall." For more information please visit the official web site of the Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association: http://www.ocracokewatermen.org/index.html. From their home page you can click on "Donate" or "Help Us Save Ocracoke's Last Fish House" to learn how you can help. The fishermen are also working on a new web site with information about retail sales. The site is still under construction, but you might want to bookmark it for future reference: http://www.ocracokeseafood.com/

  • A personal note to reader, Marty Tennant the hammock man (some years ago he "worked" under the tree in front of the Slushy Stand selling and "demonstrating" hammocks):

Greetings from Ocracoke. Didn't know you were reading the journal. Stop by and say hello next time you are on the island.

  • Most recently I had this comment and question: "I would love to see the Community Store reopened. Danny Garrish was my father-in-law's cousin, and we have many fond memories of him. Where could I inquire about future plans for the store?"

I don't have any new information at this time, but I understand that efforts are still ongoing to reopen the Community Store. As soon as I have any new information I will post it here.

Thanks to all of our readers for you questions and comments. We're happy to be one of your "links" to our favorite island.

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Wednesday, June 13, 2007

Gooder'n Ary Angel

This morning at 7:30 Bill Jones and Donald Davis entertained a group of islanders and visitors on the porch of the Community Store. Both gentlemen told stories about stores. It was an appropriate venue. The Community Store was established in 1918 and served the island for many, many years. Closed now for about two years, efforts to reopen the store continue. Whether or not we will again see folks shopping there for milk & eggs, checking the bulletin board about news & birthdays, and gathering for morning coffee I can't say. But we continue to hope that something can be worked out to get this island landmark reopened.

In her introduction for Donald, Merle remembered Danny Garrish, Community Store manager of many years ago and genuinely wonderful islander, who was often heard commenting to friends and neighbors, "Puck, you're gooder'n ary angel." The Community Store may not be open right now, but Danny's spirit lives on in the memories of all who knew and loved him. Danny, you're gooder'n ary angel!

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Tuesday, June 12, 2007

Wild Blackberry Dumplings

These last few days my daughter Amy has been bringing us small tubs of wild blackberries. We've been enjoying them with our breakfast cereal (covered with half & half!), and Lou Ann even baked a blackberry cobbler. But the most traditional island recipe for blackberries calls for baking them in balls of pie crust dough, then smothering them in egg sauce. Here is the Mable Gaskins' egg sauce recipe from the Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department's cookbook, Hoi Toiders:

3 eggs at room temperature
1 cup of sugar
1 tablespoon of lemon extract (or sometimes 1 tablespoon of vanilla, 1 tablespoon of cinnamon and a little nutmeg)

Separate eggs. Beat the whites until stiff. Add sugar, a little at a time and beat well. Add egg yolks and lemon extract. Pour sauce over dumplings. Ready to eat! Yum, yum, delicious!

My Aunt Thelma (she's 94 years old) told me that her mama (my Grandmama Aliph) hosted the Ladies Missionary Society Meeting in her home many years ago. Aunt Thelma said one lady attended who "rubbed mama the wrong way." Grandmama Aliph had made blackberry dumplings with egg sauce, and this woman was at least gracious enough to compliment her by saying that she could "eat those dumplings till she died."

Generally a reserved woman, Grandmama Aliph couldn't hold her tongue. "I wish I'd made more of them, then," she said.

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Monday, June 11, 2007

Professional Clammer

Over the weekend Lou Ann was offered a rare experience. Morty Gaskill, Ocracoke Island's youngest commercial fisherman (he is 13 years old), asked Lou Ann to join him to gather clams on his clam beds. Out in Pamlico Sound in Morty's working skiff (Lou Ann got to sit on a cooler), they anchored several hundred yards from the beds and waded to their destination. On hands and knees in the shallow water they dug 500 clams in less than an hour to sell at the local fish market.

I am hoping Lou Ann will share the entire experience in a monthly newsletter later this summer. For now, just know that she had a fabulous time (Morty is knowledgeable not only about the day to day life of a fisherman, but also about state and national issues that impact commercial fishermen), and enjoy the photos below, from her day with a professional clammer. Morty insisted that Lou Ann take several dozen clams that we fixed for lunch today as "clams casino." Needless to say, they were super!

Nets at the Dock:



Two Boxes of Fresh Clams:



Just Out of the Oven:



Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Sunday, June 10, 2007

F.W. Abrams

Sonny Williamson has written a thorough account of virtually every shipwreck that has occurred on or near Ocracoke. Entitled Shipwrecks of Ocracoke Island he recounts the last days of the tanker F.W. Abrams on June 10, 1942.

"The F.W. Abrams departed the island of Aruba on June 2nd with over 90,000 barrels of fuel oil aboard, bound for New York City under the command of Captain Anthony Coumelis and a crew of 35. They arrived off Ocracoke around 6 p.m. on the 10th and were directed by the Coast Guard to anchor behind the protective mine field for the night. The following morning brought stormy and foggy weather. The Coast Guard cutter arrived to lead them out of the mine fields. Due to the limited visibility a white light was displayed on the stern of the cutter and Captain Coumelis was directed to follow at about 500 yards distance. At this distance it was difficult to keep the light in sight. They had temporarily lost sight of the cutter and unknowinly wandered off course. At 6:40 a.m. the ABRAMS suffered an explosion on the starboard bow. Full astern was ordered and by the time the vessel had come to a stop and a preliminary inspection made of the damage, what they believed to be an enemy submarine was sighted approaching them. An SOS was sent and Captain Courmelis ordered full ahead. Within a few minutes there was another explosion amidship. A boat was lowered and ordered to standby. The submarine was again sighted on the port side and within two minutes a third explosion occurred.

"The ABRAMS, already half sunk, began to go down fast and at 7:40 a.m. all hands had successfully abandoned ship in two lifeboats. The captain decided to attempt to reach shore and at about 1 p.m. they fetched up on Ocracoke beach and were taken to the Coast Guard Station. The entire crew had survived with only one injury.

"What actually happened was that the ABRAMS had accidently strayed into the protective mine field. The coast guard cutter hearing their SOS, returned to the scene only to be mistaken for an enemy submarine."


Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Saturday, June 09, 2007

Storytelling

Last night between 8 pm and 10 pm six participants in one of Donald Davis' annual storytelling workshops entertained a room full of people at Deepwater Theater on School Road. Stories (fanciful, heartwarming, and humorous) about boats, pickpockets, small town fire departments, and life passages kept the audience enthralled.

The storytelling workshop ended yesterday (and there is only one more this summer, the week after next) but there are plenty of other opportunities to enjoy music and storytelling on Ocracoke. Look for local talent at the Jolly Roger (Martin Garrish & Friends perform on Thursdays and Saturdays), the Pelican Restaurant, Mango Loco Restaurant, Howard's Pub, Deepwater Theater (Molasses Creek on Thursdays, the Opry on Wednesdays, Rumgagger Pirate Stories on Tuesdays & Fridays), and even at the Preservation Society Museum (check local bulletin boards for their schedule of porch talks).

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Friday, June 08, 2007

We All Knew It, Of Course....

....But Dr. Beach (Dr. Stephen Leatherman) made it official at 12:15 pm this afternoon. Ocracoke is the Number One Best Beach in the country. As most of our readers know, we have sixteen miles of undeveloped beach. No boardwalks, no hot dog stands, no cottages, no high rises. Ocracoke is the perfect place for that minimalist vacation. If you are reading this and are not familiar with Ocracoke be sure that you enjoy the simple pleasures, such as biking, swimming, kayaking, fishing, reading, and just plain relaxing, before deciding to make our island your vacation destination. If this is your kind of place, we welcome you. Stroll on down Howard Street and pay us a visit. You might even want to sit on the porch for a spell and soak in some island flavor.

You can read more from Dr. Beach here.

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Thursday, June 07, 2007

Opry

Last night at 8 o'clock the Ocracoke Opry opened their 2007 season with music (Martin Garrish was there, of course, as were Molasses Creek, Rob & Sundae, Cynthia Mitchell, and Roy Parsons) and storytelling (Lou Ann told a tale about the female pirate Anne Bonney, and Donald Davis entertained the nearly full theater with an endearing story of his mother).

Everyone had a rousing good time as evidenced by their enthusiastic applause. The show was too soon over, but performers and audience alike walked into the theater yard afterwards to drink in the quiet night beauty that is Ocracoke village.

Join us for an Opry show any Wednesday night throughout the summer. You'll be glad you did.

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Wednesday, June 06, 2007

A Double-Edged Sword

On Friday of this week, from 6 a.m. until 11 a.m. Dr. Beach (Dr. Stephen Leatherman) will be on Ocracoke to announce his choice of the number one beach in the United States. His announcement will be broadcast across the country to various networks as he grants interviews near the lifeguard stand.

No one will say which beach will be Dr. Leatherman's number one choice, but the island is abuzz with anticipation. Of course, everyone "knows" what to expect. We only hope that his announcement makes it clear that Ocracoke is not your typical tourist beach. As most of our readers know, our beach is not cluttered with water slides, amusement rides, miniature golf, hot dog stands, and t-shirt shops (I suppose that's one reason we are often on Dr. Beach's list). We like positive recognition, but it is possible to have too much of a good thing. We don't want to be inundated with people, especially those who may come here looking for a beachfront cottage and be disappointed by sixteen miles of undeveloped beach.

So, welcome Dr. Beach, but please be gentle with us.

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Tuesday, June 05, 2007

Welcome Back Lou Ann

What a wonderful weekend of storytelling, art, fine crafts, and music. Howard Street and School Road were alive with activity as the Ocrafolk Festival participants enthralled us with their talents.

But the best part of the weekend was that Lou Ann arrived on Friday. She barely set her bags down before I took her to the pot luck dinner and auction. The next day she put together a presentation by local children on island history. I didn't get to see it, but it sure sounded like fun (it was island history presented through interpretive dance!).

We've been happily busy ever since -- visiting with my brother who came for the weekend, and with friends of Lou Ann from the Midwest, going out to dinner with Donald Davis' storytellers, and just sitting on the porch swing in the late afternoon enjoying the sunset (this may account for the lapse in a couple of journal entries recently).

Look for us both at the Village Craftsmen or around the corner at our house. Welcome back to the island, Lou Ann. It's so good to have you here.

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Sunday, June 03, 2007

Festival

Music, storytelling, dance, good food....the Ocrafolk Festival has it all. Festivities began Friday evening with a huge (and I mean huge) pot luck dinner at the Community Center. The building was packed, and folks spilled out into the parking area where tables had been set up. After the meal the auction started. An hour and a half later the festival was almost $4500 richer, and participants went home with handmade pottery, jewelry, paintings, and a feeling of solidarity.

Yesterday was non-stop music and storytelling on both the Howard Street stage and the Live Oak stage (on School Road). Artisans and craftspeople had booths set up between the stages, and there was great energy and high spirits throughout the day.

This morning musicians and singers kicked off the day with a gospel sing. The school gymnasium was filled (rain was threatening so the festival organizers decided to move indoors) as lively songs and familiar hymns filled the room. The audience joined by singing and clapping and tapping their feet.

More activities are scheduled later this afternoon. If you missed this year's festival consider joining us next year (it's always the first full weekend in June). We'll save you a seat under the shade of the cedars and live oaks.

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.

Friday, June 01, 2007

At the Hardware Store

It is always good to be reminded that Ocracoke is a special community. Yesterday I stopped in the hardware store looking for a somewhat unusual faucet assembly. I sure was hoping they'd have it so I could have my sink operating again, but I wasn't too surprised to learn that our small hardware store didn't keep that item in stock. Holly offered to order it for me, of course. The earliest I could get it would be late next week, though.

As I was explaining what I needed, David Scott Esham, owner of the Pony Island Motel, overheard the conversation and told me he had a used faucet that I could have. I followed him to his motel, and sure enough, he had just what I needed.

It is nice to have good neighbors. This is what makes a stellar community. And Ocracoke is that. So I'll offer a little plug for David Scott and his business. On your next visit to Ocracoke consider booking a room at the Pony Island Motel....and tell David we sent you!

Take a journey back in time with our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. You can capture some of the thrill of riding on the old mailboat Aleta by clicking here.