Saturday, March 22, 2014

Dolphins

I went to Portsmouth Island a couple of weeks ago with Dick & Cheri, friends from Concord, NC. On the way over we encountered several pods of dolphins. Dick made a video, and pulled a few still shots for me to share with our readers. It is always a treat to see dolphins in Pamlico Sound.
















Out latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a reprint of a 1948 article about the Mail Boat Aleta, "Boat Hauls Mail, More." You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news032114.htm.

17 comments:

  1. Anonymous11:54 AM

    Philip..this is a unrelated sidebar to your post..what is at Springers Point,anything? My wife wanted to go out of our way to see it. I told her there was just sand bushes and water sand bushes and water..and more sand. If there was ANYTHING there it would all be in her head. Thanks.

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    Replies
    1. If by "anything" you mean buildings, historic structures, interpretive displays, etc., then there is not much there -- just a grave site, an old cistern, and small signs identifying vegetation.

      However, the trail leads through a small but the only remaining maritime forest in the village. It passes by some of the largest live oaks on the island, and comes out on the shore of Pamlico Sound. From there you can see Portsmouth Island to the southwest; and just off shore is Teach's Hole, where Blackbeard the pirate was killed and beheaded.

      So, I'd say there is much more at Springer's Point than sand bushes and water. It is a beautiful area of the island.

      Delete
  2. Anonymous12:20 PM

    Philip--Have you ever written about the steamship Ocracoke?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. This blog post might be what you are referring to: http://villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com/2012/07/ocracoke-railroad-agent.html.

      Frankly, I do not know the name of this steamship. Maybe it was the Ocracoke. Leave another comment if you are thinking about another vessel.

      Delete
    2. I remember that blog. According to Cecil Bragg in his 1973 "OCRACOKE ISLAND: PEARL OF THE OUTER BANKS" (which I know you own) it was the Ocracoke.(chapter 14 pages 140-3

      Delete
    3. Anonymous2:59 PM

      I remember that blog. In Cecil Bragg's
      "0cracoke Island: Pearl of the Outer Banks" he says in chapter 14 - page 140-4 it was the Ocracoke.
      I know you own this book.

      Delete
    4. Many thanks for this information. I had completely forgotten all of the detailed information about the steamship "Ocracoke" in Cecil Bragg's book. I think I will share this in a future Ocracoke Newsletter. I even know where I can find a photograph of the steamship.

      Delete
    5. Anonymous5:27 PM

      Fantastic!
      I know your readers would enjoy it.

      Delete
  3. Anonymous1:05 PM

    hey Anon 11:54. I've been to Springers Point. Don't waster your time. You can see Portsmouth island sure but what are you looking at - just a tree skyline. You can see lots of Large Live Oak trees up and down the coast. After you see them then what? If your on Ocracoke and need something to do (which is very common) then take a walk there. Once you spend 5 minutes there it's all over. To go out of your way...it's a wasted trip leading to nowhere but a dead end.

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  4. Anonymous1:30 PM

    your right. I just googled it and there is nothing there. I also read a few comments on the place and it would be a waste of time. Portsmouth would only be a tree outline and a old grave is well....just a old grave that you walk around. thanks buddy for the heads up. you just saved up 2 hours that we can spend on something more interesting.

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  5. Anonymous8:15 AM

    Here are reviews of almost two dozen people who think Springers Point is wonderful. http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g49407-d3513028-Reviews-Springer_s_Point_Preserve-Ocracoke_Outer_Banks_North_Carolina.html#REVIEWS

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  6. Anonymous11:17 AM

    some people love to slaughter hogs each year. this does not mean it's wonderful. I've been there. No matter what anyone says it's just a eroded corner of Ocracoke. Period. Use the 30 minute walk that it takes to visit that dead end to visit the Craftman shop instead.

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  7. Anonymous11:30 AM

    hey hey hey...enough....run it into the ground.
    PHILIP...what do you know about the new baseball field on Ocracoke. Is it going yet? Are there games being played there yet? I could go for a a good game when I visit Ocracoke this May. Any info?? Thank you.
    ps: How do you say cool when all this crap is running down hill on your site? ha

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just heard (unofficially) that the new ball field received a sizable grant, and that it will be ready for games this season.

      Re. blog comments: Everyone is entitled to his or her own opinion. I only delete comments if they are inappropriate, not if they simply disagree with me.

      Delete
    2. Sundae9:03 PM

      The Ocracoke Community Park did receive a large grant from the Outer Banks Community Foundation, and the Ocracoke Occupancy Tax Board also voted to fund the completion of the ball field.
      It should be complete by the end of June -- too late for this year's baseball season (which has already started), but in plenty of time for next year!

      Delete
  8. Anonymous5:56 PM

    Thanks for being cool...and helpful. The Millers

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  9. Anonymous10:43 AM

    These comments are choice. But so many overlooked the fact the land is Owned by a conservation trust organization and has been open to the public for nearly ten years now. I suppose bird watching and enjoying tranquility is not on some folks list of things to git er dun.
    I don't know if the ghost hunter had special permission to visit at NIGHT -- this ghost hunter mentioned in a story I read on line -- after a google search of spingers point ocracoke island. Honestly how can anyone consider exploring OI a waste of time?? Gee, all the effort and planning and reservations I mean, can one actually hop on the ferry and walk into a hotel and ask and expect to find accommodations without any reservations????

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