Monday, September 26, 2005
It's Slowed Down
As expected things have slowed down on the island but folks don't know what they're missing. This is the best time of the year here. Golden warm days with low humidity, the ocean is still warm and we can turn the AC off in the evening and drift off to sleep to the sound of the ocean. This is also the time of year we have company come to visit and we can actually spend a little time with them or we might have a chance to get away for awhile and explore other places. We have a dear friend visiting from New Jersey this week, our youngest son, his wife and our two year old granddaughter are flying in from Indianapolis on Wednesday and both my husbands' family (about 20) and my family (7) are coming next week so we're going to have a wonderful time! We'll do some fishing, some claming, a lot of eating and I know a lot of laughing. Here's wishing all of you golden days, good friends and family and a lot of laughing. Jude
Friday, September 23, 2005
Guest Writers
Look for several other folks to be posting journal entries in the next few weeks. I will be trading houses with friends from the mountains of North Carolina. Lou Ann will join me for a while, and I'll be able to visit with my son and his family, near Asheville.
I am hoping that Jude, Dallie, & Dale will take turns keeping you informed about the island while I am gone. Maybe my daughter, Amy, will write occasionally, too. And maybe my friends from the mountains will add a post now and then. If they miss a few days here & there, please be patient.
It's always hard to leave Ocracoke, but I am looking forward to seeing Lou Ann and my other grandchildren, and being in the mountains in the fall. I'll be back in early October.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here:http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm .
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I am hoping that Jude, Dallie, & Dale will take turns keeping you informed about the island while I am gone. Maybe my daughter, Amy, will write occasionally, too. And maybe my friends from the mountains will add a post now and then. If they miss a few days here & there, please be patient.
It's always hard to leave Ocracoke, but I am looking forward to seeing Lou Ann and my other grandchildren, and being in the mountains in the fall. I'll be back in early October.
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here:
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Wednesday, September 21, 2005
A Little Worn
The Island is just about back to normal after the hurricane of last week but she always looks a little worn and tattered for awhile. The leaves on the trees are brown and curled. The cedars and pines were burned by the salt wind. The streets and paths are littered with leaves and sticks and even with the late summer warmth it smells like Autumn. From what I've heard the fishing is great, clamming is great, the crowds have thinned to a trickle and the beach is gorgeous and the water warm. We are so very thankful we were spared and our hearts are with those on the Gulf Coast who have lost so much. We live on such a fragile little spit of sand way out here in the ocean so, as Peter Stone used to say, "What can you expect?" 99% of the time this is heaven.
Monday, September 19, 2005
Church Belfry
Thanks to Woody Billings for these photos of the inside of the Methodist Church Belfry. The wooden wheel was made by my father, Lawton Howard. The closeup shows the metal plate with his name and the date, 1979.
Sometimes 1979 seems like such a short time ago, but then I remember that I had hair back then!
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Sometimes 1979 seems like such a short time ago, but then I remember that I had hair back then!
Our current monthly Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the Old August Storm of 1899, published September 15, 2005. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm.
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Sunday, September 18, 2005
Hurricanes
Today is September 18, the two-year anniversary of the Outer Banks' encounter with hurricane Isabel. This major storm brought strong winds & high tides, cut a new inlet just north of Hatteras Village, and seriously affected the economies of Hatteras and Ocracoke.
This year, as we all know, the Gulf Coast was devastated by hurricane Katrina; and Ophelia left her mark on Eastern North Carolina just days ago.
One hundred and six years ago a major hurricane visited Ocracoke & Hatteras islands. It was probably the most devastating storm to hit this area since anyone has been keeping records.
You can read the story on our Ocracoke Newsletter: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm
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This year, as we all know, the Gulf Coast was devastated by hurricane Katrina; and Ophelia left her mark on Eastern North Carolina just days ago.
One hundred and six years ago a major hurricane visited Ocracoke & Hatteras islands. It was probably the most devastating storm to hit this area since anyone has been keeping records.
You can read the story on our Ocracoke Newsletter: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news091505.htm
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Saturday, September 17, 2005
Clean Up
Rain this morning....and another power outage, however cleanup progresses. Electricity has been restored. The sun is out now, and the sky is bright. Mostly the village looks a bit bedraggled, but folks are powerwashing their boardwalks & ramps, cutting up fallen tree limbs, picking up debris, and drying out their belongings. Everyone is thankful that we had so little tide.
Village Craftsmen will reopen this afternoon at 1 o'clock. In a day or so I'm guessing that nearly everthing will be open again. Check this link for ferry information: http://www.ncferry.org. Click on "Important Traveler Alerts" for the latest bulletins.
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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Village Craftsmen will reopen this afternoon at 1 o'clock. In a day or so I'm guessing that nearly everthing will be open again. Check this link for ferry information: http://www.ncferry.org. Click on "Important Traveler Alerts" for the latest bulletins.
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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Friday, September 16, 2005
Ferry Report
From the NC Ferry Division website (http://www.ncferry.org), Friday, 09/16/05:
Hurrican Ophelia Update
Due to conditions caused by Hurricane Ophelia, ferries are operating as follows:
- Cedar Island - Ocracoke: Suspended until further notice
- Hatteras: Modified schedule - departs hourly from both sides from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m.
- Swan Quarter - Ocracoke: Modified schedule - departs from Swan Quarter at 9:30 a.m, 12:30 p.m. and 4 p.m.; departs Ocracoke at 9:30 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
It is expected that all routes will resume regular schedules on Saturday, September 17.
Call 511, the state's free travel hotline or 1-800-BY-FERRY for up-to-date information on ferry operations.
Blue Sky
Well, enough to make a pair of Dutchman's britches anyway. The wind has just about stopped altogether. And no rain. The worst case predictions of serious soundside flooding never materialized.
Power was off throughout the night but came back on about a half hour ago. Haven't heard anything about Highway 12, when the ferries will resume operations, or when visitors will be allowed to return to the island.
For now, we're ready to start cleanup, especially of downed tree limbs.
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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Power was off throughout the night but came back on about a half hour ago. Haven't heard anything about Highway 12, when the ferries will resume operations, or when visitors will be allowed to return to the island.
For now, we're ready to start cleanup, especially of downed tree limbs.
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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Thursday, September 15, 2005
2:00 Hurricane update..
Dear Friends,
I was able to have a brief talk with Philip a short time ago amidst the Hurricane.
The electricity has been down since last night. The winds were clocked at 80 miles per hour last night although currently he thought they were about 40 miles per hour.
So far there is no tide water in the Village. He did take a brief walk and noticed tree limbs down on Howard Street, but nothing major.
The storm is long and arduous. He is reading..napping..listening to the wind blow.
I only wish I could join him in a long game of Scrabble!!
I'll try and keep you posted. We are only having brief chats to save his cell phone for emergencies.
He wanted me to thank all of you for your concern.
Until I have more news,
Lou Ann
I was able to have a brief talk with Philip a short time ago amidst the Hurricane.
The electricity has been down since last night. The winds were clocked at 80 miles per hour last night although currently he thought they were about 40 miles per hour.
So far there is no tide water in the Village. He did take a brief walk and noticed tree limbs down on Howard Street, but nothing major.
The storm is long and arduous. He is reading..napping..listening to the wind blow.
I only wish I could join him in a long game of Scrabble!!
I'll try and keep you posted. We are only having brief chats to save his cell phone for emergencies.
He wanted me to thank all of you for your concern.
Until I have more news,
Lou Ann
Emergency Generator
All during the night the winds howled. Trees bent over and rain, at times, fell in torrents. The power went out sometime after midnight. I'm guessing that the wind velocity reached 75 - 80 mph.
At the present time winds continue to buffet the island, but it's probably blowing at about 40 mph, still from the northeast. Tideland Electric fired up our emergency generator about an hour ago.
No one knows what to expect once the storm passes and the winds shift. We're hoping Ophelia will move further offshore which should reduce the threat of soundside flooding. I've seen or heard of very little damage -- branches down here and there, even a few trees blown over; and some shingles gone, but I'm hoping not much else. Right now there's little to do except watch and wait.
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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At the present time winds continue to buffet the island, but it's probably blowing at about 40 mph, still from the northeast. Tideland Electric fired up our emergency generator about an hour ago.
No one knows what to expect once the storm passes and the winds shift. We're hoping Ophelia will move further offshore which should reduce the threat of soundside flooding. I've seen or heard of very little damage -- branches down here and there, even a few trees blown over; and some shingles gone, but I'm hoping not much else. Right now there's little to do except watch and wait.
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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Wednesday, September 14, 2005
Last Update for Wednesday
Not much has changed since my last post. Just a bit more rain. However, we are expecting conditions to worsen through the night and tomorrow morning. I will be shutting down the computer in a few minutes, and may or may not have opportunity to post tomorrow (this computer is in my office at Village Craftsmen, and I have no computer in my home).
Forecasters are predicting both ocean and sound side flooding as Ophelia approaches. I will post the next update as soon as it is convenient and safe.
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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Forecasters are predicting both ocean and sound side flooding as Ophelia approaches. I will post the next update as soon as it is convenient and safe.
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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Update
Winds have increased, though only to about 30-35 mph. Out by the water it is brisk. At my house the porch swing is barely moving. Rain is still slight and infrequent. It's been a day for reading and napping.
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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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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Breezy
The first hints of Ophelia have reached Ocracoke. The sky is cloudy and the wind has increased (though it's still little more than a mild breeze, at least on Howard Street). We've had only a few brief and light sprinkles. Fortunately, it seems a tad cooler today, but maybe that's just because of the breeze.
We are hoping this storm moves on out as quickly as possible, though some experts think it may stall over the Outer Banks. There's not much to do right now -- answer a few emails, return several phone calls, and then relax on the porch swing and finish my novel. It's too bad Lou Ann is not here right now. She says she'd bake cookies, and then we could sit on the porch swing together. She even said she'd like to be here to help me clean up after the storm passes. Am I lucky or what?
I'll keep you posted as long as possible.
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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We are hoping this storm moves on out as quickly as possible, though some experts think it may stall over the Outer Banks. There's not much to do right now -- answer a few emails, return several phone calls, and then relax on the porch swing and finish my novel. It's too bad Lou Ann is not here right now. She says she'd bake cookies, and then we could sit on the porch swing together. She even said she'd like to be here to help me clean up after the storm passes. Am I lucky or what?
I'll keep you posted as long as possible.
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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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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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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A Very Quiet Morning
A light rain fell during the night. The sky is partly cloudy. The temperature is near 80. Only a mild breeze is rustling the trees. Other than the twitter of a songbird in the cedar branches Howard Street is eerily quiet.
The weather bureau has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Ocracoke & surrounding areas of the Outer Banks. Forecasts now indicate that Ophelia may not reach eastern North Carolina until sometime on Thursday. The good news is that little strengthening is expected.
Most islanders have completed their hurricane preparations. Now all we can do is wait, and hope for the best.
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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The weather bureau has issued a Tropical Storm Warning for Ocracoke & surrounding areas of the Outer Banks. Forecasts now indicate that Ophelia may not reach eastern North Carolina until sometime on Thursday. The good news is that little strengthening is expected.
Most islanders have completed their hurricane preparations. Now all we can do is wait, and hope for the best.
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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Monday, September 12, 2005
Waiting & Watching
There's not much else to do. Fishermen have mostly brought in their nets, boats are out of the water or secured with extra line, a few cars are parked on higher ground. But Ophelia is moving very slowly. It seems that it will be Wednesday or maybe even Thursday before we feel the full impact of this storm. Nevertheless, at this time many deliveries to the island are being curtailed, and travel to Ocracoke is restricted. We understand that ferry operations will likely be completely suspended later today or early tomorrow.
The good news is that this is not now a severe hurricane. However because Ophelia is moving so slowly, emergency management personnel are expecting an extended storm which could mean soundside and/or ocean flooding.
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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The good news is that this is not now a severe hurricane. However because Ophelia is moving so slowly, emergency management personnel are expecting an extended storm which could mean soundside and/or ocean flooding.
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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Sunday, September 11, 2005
A Holiday of Sorts
The island is very quiet. All non-residents have been evacuated. Islanders are busy making last minute plans for hurricane Ophelia -- turning porch rockers upside down, taking boats out of the water, cleaning up yard clutter, even patching a roof or boarding up windows. But most folks are calm and relaxed. This storm shows no signs of becoming extreme or catastophic.
In fact, most Ocracokers are enjoying a few days of a forced vacation. Talk is of get-togethers, pot lucks, parties, maybe even a square dance. It looks like the storm is still 2 - 3 days away. We'll keep you posted.
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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In fact, most Ocracokers are enjoying a few days of a forced vacation. Talk is of get-togethers, pot lucks, parties, maybe even a square dance. It looks like the storm is still 2 - 3 days away. We'll keep you posted.
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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Saturday, September 10, 2005
Ophelia
Forecasts for hurricane Ophelia now suggest that she might make landfall on the southern North Carolina coast. Consequently, Hyde County officials have now issued a mandatory evacuation of Ocracoke Island for all non-residents.
Although I don't anticipate significant impact from this storm, we have all been fooled before (remember Alex last year?). Check back later tonight or tomorrow for more information as it becomes available.
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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Although I don't anticipate significant impact from this storm, we have all been fooled before (remember Alex last year?). Check back later tonight or tomorrow for more information as it becomes available.
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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Friday, September 09, 2005
Alligator
No, not the reptilian version. The submarine version. In 1863 the U.S. Navy's first submarine, the "Alligator" was lost in a fierce storm off Cape Hatteras.
Today a joint expedition of NOAA (The National Oceanic & Atmosmpheric Administration), with support from the Office of Naval Research, continues a previous search for the Alligator.
According to NOAA's web site, the present survey, which is based on Ocracoke Island, "is part of an ongoing effort by NOAA, ONR and partners to solve the mystery of the Alligator's fate, while promoting scientific and historical research, education and ocean literacy."
The hunt will continue for four days, employing "a robot sub and metal detector and other remote sensing equipment."
You can read more from NOAA here.
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.]
Today a joint expedition of NOAA (The National Oceanic & Atmosmpheric Administration), with support from the Office of Naval Research, continues a previous search for the Alligator.
According to NOAA's web site, the present survey, which is based on Ocracoke Island, "is part of an ongoing effort by NOAA, ONR and partners to solve the mystery of the Alligator's fate, while promoting scientific and historical research, education and ocean literacy."
The hunt will continue for four days, employing "a robot sub and metal detector and other remote sensing equipment."
You can read more from NOAA here.
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.]
Thursday, September 08, 2005
Another Story
I just returned home a few hours ago. I left yesterday morning for an eye appointment on Wednesday afternoon in Elizabeth City and a dental appointment today in Nags Head. (Otherwise routine tasks can be very time-consuming when you live on Ocracoke!)
On the way back yesterday I stopped at an antique store. In the course of purchasing a couple of small items I discovered that the owner is originally from Hatteras Island. We visited for almost two hours, swapping tales and stories. Here is one he told me about one of his kin:
It was years ago and Tom wanted a load of sand to put on the floor of a shell shop he was opening in response to the growing influx of tourists to the Outer Banks. It hadn't been many years since the federal government had created the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. For generations islanders had been accustomed to digging sand from the beach for mixing cement and for other projects, but now that practice was outlawed.
Tom asked a cousin who had the equipment if maybe he could get him one or two loads of sand. "Tom, you know it's not allowed no longer. Them park rangers are out there on that beach thick as fleas," he said. "And it wouldn't be right. That beach is protected federal property now."
Tom reflected a moment and said, "Trav, they're not out there after midnight are they?"
His cousin didn't hesitate. "Tom, where was it you said you wanted that sand dumped?"
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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On the way back yesterday I stopped at an antique store. In the course of purchasing a couple of small items I discovered that the owner is originally from Hatteras Island. We visited for almost two hours, swapping tales and stories. Here is one he told me about one of his kin:
It was years ago and Tom wanted a load of sand to put on the floor of a shell shop he was opening in response to the growing influx of tourists to the Outer Banks. It hadn't been many years since the federal government had created the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. For generations islanders had been accustomed to digging sand from the beach for mixing cement and for other projects, but now that practice was outlawed.
Tom asked a cousin who had the equipment if maybe he could get him one or two loads of sand. "Tom, you know it's not allowed no longer. Them park rangers are out there on that beach thick as fleas," he said. "And it wouldn't be right. That beach is protected federal property now."
Tom reflected a moment and said, "Trav, they're not out there after midnight are they?"
His cousin didn't hesitate. "Tom, where was it you said you wanted that sand dumped?"
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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Wednesday, September 07, 2005
A Quiet Morning
Rain during the night has left us a world settled and quiet. Not many folks milling about yet, but the chance of more rain is slight, so we're expecting the village to wake up and get about its business shortly. There's no need to rush, however. We'll just take our time and enjoy the stillness for a while.
[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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[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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Tuesday, September 06, 2005
A Story
Yesterday afternoon I took my grandson, Lachlan, out for a stroll. We stopped by to visit Nathaniel Jackson. He is 77 years old and he entertained us for several hours (actually Lachlan fell asleep, but that allowed me to enjoy Nathaniel's stories uninterrupted). Here is one of the stories he shared:
Years ago, when Ocracoke was a "dry" township, an O'cocker was sitting on one of the benches on Jack Willis' dock. Earlier in the day he'd gotten into a fresh batch of homemade meal wine. He could barely hold his head up. A stranger ambled down the dock and the O'cocker raised his eyes to check him out.
Recognizing a potential source of valuable information, the stranger immediately asked, "Do you know where I can get some beer?"
"Certainly I do," replied the O'cocker, and lowered his head to his knees.
"Where, where?' the stranger inquired, hoping to extract the information before it was too late.
The O'ccoker raised his head one more time, looked the fellow in the eye, and said one word -- "Millwaukee."
[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.]
Years ago, when Ocracoke was a "dry" township, an O'cocker was sitting on one of the benches on Jack Willis' dock. Earlier in the day he'd gotten into a fresh batch of homemade meal wine. He could barely hold his head up. A stranger ambled down the dock and the O'cocker raised his eyes to check him out.
Recognizing a potential source of valuable information, the stranger immediately asked, "Do you know where I can get some beer?"
"Certainly I do," replied the O'cocker, and lowered his head to his knees.
"Where, where?' the stranger inquired, hoping to extract the information before it was too late.
The O'ccoker raised his head one more time, looked the fellow in the eye, and said one word -- "Millwaukee."
[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.]
Monday, September 05, 2005
October Village Days
It's not too early to be thinking about a trip to the island this fall. As I write, the Ocracoke Civic & Business Association is planning for our 2005 Village Days. The dates are October 21-23. There will be opportunities to visit the Ocracoke lighthouse and to view the island ponies up close. Many shops, restaurants, and motels will be offering special promotions and/or discounts. Plans are being made for craft demonstrations (pottery, quilting, & decoy carving), as well as studio/gallery tours, historic porch talks, foot-stompin' music, and even an old-time Ocracoke Square Dance.
Make your reservations now. October is one of the very best months to visit Ocracoke, and Village Days makes it even more appealing.
[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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Make your reservations now. October is one of the very best months to visit Ocracoke, and Village Days makes it even more appealing.
[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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Sunday, September 04, 2005
Windows Wide Open
With temperatures in the mid-70's, a gentle breeze, and only a few scattered clouds, this evening is the perfect time to hoist up the windows, open wide the doors, and enjoy an early taste of fall.
Moments ago, lying on my front porch swing playing simple tunes on my harmonica, I could hear a few voices from across the lane and the "clip, clop" of a draft horse pulling a carriage down Back Road. I've dragged myself away from the mellowness of a near-perfect evening to type these few sentences, but I shall not tarry. My daily walk through the village beckons and I must go.
[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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Moments ago, lying on my front porch swing playing simple tunes on my harmonica, I could hear a few voices from across the lane and the "clip, clop" of a draft horse pulling a carriage down Back Road. I've dragged myself away from the mellowness of a near-perfect evening to type these few sentences, but I shall not tarry. My daily walk through the village beckons and I must go.
[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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Saturday, September 03, 2005
Treasure Ship
On this date two-hundred and fifty-five years ago the Spanish Treasure ship, Nuestra Senora de Guadalupe, laden with a million pieces of eight, anchored off of Ocracoke after barely surviving a fierce storm in mid-August. Some reports indicate that a portion of the treasure was spirted away by an unnamed captain of a passing sloop; and the remainder transported to Spain. Others believe the ship broke apart and that her treasure still lies buried beneath the sands at the bottom of Pamlico Sound, somewhere between Ocracoke & Portsmouth Islands.
Very occasionally someone walking our shoreline will find a coin or artifact from years ago. If we ever find anything we'll be sure to let you know. Or maybe you will be the person to locate the "Guadalupe's" treasure, or maybe even Blackbeard's.
Good Luck!
[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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Very occasionally someone walking our shoreline will find a coin or artifact from years ago. If we ever find anything we'll be sure to let you know. Or maybe you will be the person to locate the "Guadalupe's" treasure, or maybe even Blackbeard's.
Good Luck!
[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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Friday, September 02, 2005
A Shopper To Keep An Eye On
As usual, the days before a holiday weekend are quiet. The weather has been gorgeous. Bright sunshine and temperatures in the mid-eighties today. But only a few folks on the island. They are loving it. Not much traffic, beaches to themselves, and leisurely shopping.
Only a few people have stopped by the Village Craftsmen this morning. But I had one shopper that I needed to keep my eye on. He was into everything, trying to pick up pottery & glassware, and rearranging shelves throughout our gallery. He didn't even have any money...not even a credit card. Luckily I snapped this photo in case I need to report anything missing to the authorities.
[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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Only a few people have stopped by the Village Craftsmen this morning. But I had one shopper that I needed to keep my eye on. He was into everything, trying to pick up pottery & glassware, and rearranging shelves throughout our gallery. He didn't even have any money...not even a credit card. Luckily I snapped this photo in case I need to report anything missing to the authorities.
[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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Thursday, September 01, 2005
Thinking About Vacations
Now that August is gone (and the mad rush of the tourist season, too) Ocracokers are thinking about taking some time off. Maybe it will be next week, next month, or in the dead of winter. But thoughts are turning to visits with family and friends off-island, travels to exotic lands, sailing adventures, and even luxury cruises.
Visitors often wonder what islanders do for vacations. We seldom have opportunities to take summer holidays, of course, but we do look forward to some time away from home, just like other folks.
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On a much more somber note, Ocracokers, like people all across our country, are grieving for the residents of New Orleans & the Gulf Coast. One of the best ways to help is a donation to the Red Cross. Islanders know from experience that the Red Cross provided much needed assistance after the serious hurricanes (Isabel & Alex) in 2003 & 2004.
[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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Visitors often wonder what islanders do for vacations. We seldom have opportunities to take summer holidays, of course, but we do look forward to some time away from home, just like other folks.
___________________________
On a much more somber note, Ocracokers, like people all across our country, are grieving for the residents of New Orleans & the Gulf Coast. One of the best ways to help is a donation to the Red Cross. Islanders know from experience that the Red Cross provided much needed assistance after the serious hurricanes (Isabel & Alex) in 2003 & 2004.
[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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