Yesterday was the first day I've been clamming this season. We left the dock right after noon and were out in the Sound in short order. Four of us got our limit (200 clams per boat) in about an hour. There is nothing quite like wading out in Pamlico Sound on a bright spring day, pushing a clam rake along the sandy bottom. It is just plain relaxing and thoroughly satisfying. You simply walk along, taking in the beauty of the sky, water, and surrounding islands, watching pelicans diving and crabs scurrying nearby, happy to be alive. The dull clunk of the metal tines against a clam shell brings you back to practical concerns, and before you know it your wire basket is so full it is sinking below the surface.
Back home you open your clams, top them with bacon & Parmesan cheese, and arrange them on a cookie sheet. Invite some friends over and slide the clams under the broiler. Fifteen or twenty minutes later scoop them out of their shells and lay them on saltines. Your "clams casino" couldn't be any fresher, or tastier. Savor them with your favorite drink while sitting on the pizer, chatting about the day as the sun sinks lower in the western sky.
It's hard to find a more rewarding way to spend a spring day.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Saturday, May 31, 2008
Thursday, May 29, 2008
Wednesday
I had a dental appointment yesterday. When I asked Amy which ferry she thought I should take to get to the dentist at 10:30 David piped in with "the tooth ferry!"
After the dentist (it was a routine appointment, though I need to go back next week for a crown) I had lunch in Manteo with a friend, then visited Manteo Booksellers (a must stop if you are a book lover and will be visiting Manteo) and, later, the Christmas Shop (last year this iconic Outer Banks business had ongoing sales, liquidated all of their merchandise, displays, and office equipment, and "closed forever." Now they've re-opened again!). Other errands took me "up the beach" for gardening & office supplies, then to a cafe for supper. I left Nags Head at 6:30 and arrived in Hatteras village about 8:00, where I joined friends in a rental cottage for a few hours of low stakes poker. Caught the midnight boat back to Ocracoke, and collapsed in bed at 1 am. It was a long day.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
After the dentist (it was a routine appointment, though I need to go back next week for a crown) I had lunch in Manteo with a friend, then visited Manteo Booksellers (a must stop if you are a book lover and will be visiting Manteo) and, later, the Christmas Shop (last year this iconic Outer Banks business had ongoing sales, liquidated all of their merchandise, displays, and office equipment, and "closed forever." Now they've re-opened again!). Other errands took me "up the beach" for gardening & office supplies, then to a cafe for supper. I left Nags Head at 6:30 and arrived in Hatteras village about 8:00, where I joined friends in a rental cottage for a few hours of low stakes poker. Caught the midnight boat back to Ocracoke, and collapsed in bed at 1 am. It was a long day.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Wednesday, May 28, 2008
Ali's Ocracoke Odyssey
I arrived here on Ocracoke two weeks ago, and even those two weeks seem to have flown by. I've been finding my bearings in that time, learning where things are, figuring out work schedules and other more complicated things like how to feed myself or change my sleep habits so I wake up more than fifteen minutes before I have to be at work. I thought it might be a good idea to let you all know exactly how I came to be on Ocracoke, since it seems like everyone has a good story about how they ended up here, whether its for a vacation, a summer or lifetime. My name is Ali, I'm 18 and from Vermont, but I go to Bishop's University in Quebec, and I have just finished my first year there. As second semester was winding down and I was considering my options for summer employment, I was less than enthusiastic about my prospects. Most of the summer jobs available were low paying and boring, and not at all how I had envisioned my summer. Going to school in Canada also let me on a slightly different mindset, where a lot people aren't home at all in the summertime, instead escaping away to cottages or traveling or getting jobs tree planting in the middle of nowhere.
I decided to look for an adventure of my own. I was home for a weekend, and I had remembered seeing some summer jobs on the Outer Banks. My mother and Jude go way back, from when my mom used to sell for my grandfather's company, Montgomery School House Wooden Toys, which they carried once upon a time at the Village Craftsmen. After getting the idea from Jude, we had vacationed down to Ocracoke a couple times about ten years ago. I asked my mom if she still had Jude's number (or rather, her friend down on Ocracoke's number since at the time I didn't know her name or what a big part she was going to play in my summer.) I called up Jude that evening, and explained who I was, and asked if she knew of anyone who was looking for work or any place to stay. A week or so went by, and Jude called back saying she had a place for me to stay and place for me to work too. After talking to my mom, I called her the next day and accepted. The semester ended, I gathered up my things and set off driving down to Ocracoke. That's how my story begins.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
I decided to look for an adventure of my own. I was home for a weekend, and I had remembered seeing some summer jobs on the Outer Banks. My mother and Jude go way back, from when my mom used to sell for my grandfather's company, Montgomery School House Wooden Toys, which they carried once upon a time at the Village Craftsmen. After getting the idea from Jude, we had vacationed down to Ocracoke a couple times about ten years ago. I asked my mom if she still had Jude's number (or rather, her friend down on Ocracoke's number since at the time I didn't know her name or what a big part she was going to play in my summer.) I called up Jude that evening, and explained who I was, and asked if she knew of anyone who was looking for work or any place to stay. A week or so went by, and Jude called back saying she had a place for me to stay and place for me to work too. After talking to my mom, I called her the next day and accepted. The semester ended, I gathered up my things and set off driving down to Ocracoke. That's how my story begins.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Tuesday, May 27, 2008
Self-Guided History Tours
At the end of last season Lou Ann & I developed two self-guided history tours that we recorded and uploaded to MP3 players. Over the winter we had some issues with the technology, but I believe that has now been solved, and the players are available for rent (just $7.50 each).
If you are interested in renting one of our players (we have two distinct tours) on your next visit to the island, please check out our web page with Frequently Asked Questions. As an extra bonus, on that web page you'll find a picture of me at 4 or 5 years old, with my mama and grandmama, on the porch of the house I now live in.
These tours are NOT duplicates of our Ghost & History Walks. The MP3 tours have different stories and information, and can be enjoyed at your convenience, either on foot, or by bike.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
If you are interested in renting one of our players (we have two distinct tours) on your next visit to the island, please check out our web page with Frequently Asked Questions. As an extra bonus, on that web page you'll find a picture of me at 4 or 5 years old, with my mama and grandmama, on the porch of the house I now live in.
These tours are NOT duplicates of our Ghost & History Walks. The MP3 tours have different stories and information, and can be enjoyed at your convenience, either on foot, or by bike.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Monday, May 26, 2008
Happy Memorial Day!
I heard one of the Cedar Island/Swan Quarter ferry personnel telling a chagrined motorist this morning, "we're booked solid all day long." I guess he and his family will be "driving around" by way of Hatteras, or spending the night on Ocracoke.
It has been a sunny, low-humidity, almost bug-free weekend. Could hardly be any better. And I just got final figures on the Firemen's Ball, which was held on Saturday. The live auction brought in $11,230.00 (almost a thousand dollars more than last year), the silent auction netted over $2000.00. The total revenues for the all-day affair amounted to right around $57,000.00.
Thanks to everyone who helped with this fundraiser...and an especially hearty thank you to all of our firefighters and others who keep the organization solvent and healthy!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
It has been a sunny, low-humidity, almost bug-free weekend. Could hardly be any better. And I just got final figures on the Firemen's Ball, which was held on Saturday. The live auction brought in $11,230.00 (almost a thousand dollars more than last year), the silent auction netted over $2000.00. The total revenues for the all-day affair amounted to right around $57,000.00.
Thanks to everyone who helped with this fundraiser...and an especially hearty thank you to all of our firefighters and others who keep the organization solvent and healthy!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the brave and courageous members of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Sunday, May 25, 2008
May Newsletter
We have just published our latest Ocracoke Newsletter, an account of the bravery & courage of the men of the US Life Saving Service. You can read it here.
Saturday, May 24, 2008
Fireman's Ball
The annual fundraiser for the Ocracoke Fire Department was held today. What a great turnout. The organizers started cooking the pig at 5 am. The actual pig pickin' started 12 hours later outside the Community Center. Folks lined up under a tent for barbecue, Cole slaw, potatoes, and soft drinks and/or beer. A silent auction drew people into the building, and by 7 o'clock the building was full of islanders and visitors ready to bid on donated items at the live auction. The auction was a huge success. A quilt went for $1200.00, and an antique church pew brought nearly a thousand dollars. Four decoys sold for a total of almost $500.00. I'll have a full accounting of proceeds in a day or so. When the auction concluded the chairs were stacked in the back and Martin & Friends took to the microphones. The Dune Dogs from Raleigh followed with more danceable rock and roll. It's been a rousing day of good cheer, tasty food, camaraderie, and music to keep folks happy.
Congratulations to all of the organizers, the volunteers, and especially to our dedicated fire firefighters!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
Congratulations to all of the organizers, the volunteers, and especially to our dedicated fire firefighters!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
Thursday, May 22, 2008
Good Neighbors
In this age when folks move around so frequently (and hardly know their neighbors) I want to share a story about the value of staying put.
A few days ago I was helping a fairly new resident of Ocracoke install a gas range. Actually his electric range had gone kaput and I mentioned that I had a small gas range he could use. I couldn't find my hand truck (I think I loaned it to someone and haven't gotten it back!), but Frank let us use his (we returned it promptly, by the way).
We found a gas bottle, and I went to the hardware store for the copper tubing. Of course they didn't have enough of the size I wanted, and I really didn't want to wait a week or more, so I took two coils of two different sizes (no need to actually pay for it, or even make a note -- Tommy just told me to take the tubing, measure whatever I used and let him know so he could charge it to me later).
Well, then I needed the fittings to join the two sizes together. I didn't have what I needed, and the hardware store didn't have them either, so I biked around the island looking for a neighbor who might have the right fittings. I found cousin Ed sitting on the Community Store porch (he has everything). Back at his garage we dumped out buckets and cans full of brass, copper, and stainless steel parts. After several minutes we had concocted just the right conglomeration.
I still needed a regulator. After only one phone call David instructed me to go to one of his outbuildings and locate the gas bottle out back, and remove the regulator (he wasn't using gas there any longer). The nuts turned easily, and in a few minutes I was back at my neighbor's with everything I needed. In hardly any time at all (well I did crawl under the house and drill a few holes so we could snake the tubing where it needed to go) we had the gas stove installed and working.
I like knowing that I have neighbors who are always willing to help, and living in one place (Ocracoke in particular) for years creates connections that help make possible what might be next to impossible in many communities.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
A few days ago I was helping a fairly new resident of Ocracoke install a gas range. Actually his electric range had gone kaput and I mentioned that I had a small gas range he could use. I couldn't find my hand truck (I think I loaned it to someone and haven't gotten it back!), but Frank let us use his (we returned it promptly, by the way).
We found a gas bottle, and I went to the hardware store for the copper tubing. Of course they didn't have enough of the size I wanted, and I really didn't want to wait a week or more, so I took two coils of two different sizes (no need to actually pay for it, or even make a note -- Tommy just told me to take the tubing, measure whatever I used and let him know so he could charge it to me later).
Well, then I needed the fittings to join the two sizes together. I didn't have what I needed, and the hardware store didn't have them either, so I biked around the island looking for a neighbor who might have the right fittings. I found cousin Ed sitting on the Community Store porch (he has everything). Back at his garage we dumped out buckets and cans full of brass, copper, and stainless steel parts. After several minutes we had concocted just the right conglomeration.
I still needed a regulator. After only one phone call David instructed me to go to one of his outbuildings and locate the gas bottle out back, and remove the regulator (he wasn't using gas there any longer). The nuts turned easily, and in a few minutes I was back at my neighbor's with everything I needed. In hardly any time at all (well I did crawl under the house and drill a few holes so we could snake the tubing where it needed to go) we had the gas stove installed and working.
I like knowing that I have neighbors who are always willing to help, and living in one place (Ocracoke in particular) for years creates connections that help make possible what might be next to impossible in many communities.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
Tuesday, May 20, 2008
A Modest Proposal
This afternoon we received this comment on our journal re. wireless Internet service on Ocracoke:
"My husband's Cingular/ATT blackberry didn't work last summer. He hopes it will this summer, I do not :)"
I sympathize with the writer, and suggest a modest proposal -- consider leaving your laptop, blackberry, etc. home when you come to Ocracoke. Maybe you can actually survive a week or two without a connection to the Internet. Just a thought. Here are a few suggestions for alternatives to ease the pain:
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
"My husband's Cingular/ATT blackberry didn't work last summer. He hopes it will this summer, I do not :)"
I sympathize with the writer, and suggest a modest proposal -- consider leaving your laptop, blackberry, etc. home when you come to Ocracoke. Maybe you can actually survive a week or two without a connection to the Internet. Just a thought. Here are a few suggestions for alternatives to ease the pain:
- Take a moonlight bike ride around the village
- Walk on the beach after dark and look for shooting stars
- Sit on the Community Store porch and chat with natives and visitors
- Buy a good book or two at Books to be Red
- Go fishing or clamming
- Explore the island cemeteries (there are more than 80 of them)
- Enjoy our island music (at various restaurants and Deepwater Theater)
- Go on a Ghost & History Walk
- Try parasailing
- Learn to surf
- Visit the Ocracoke Preservation Society Museum
- Check out the National Park Service Visitors Center (there might be some programs scheduled that you'd enjoy)
- Join in the square dancing at the Community Store (more information on this later)
- Take a trip to Portsmouth
- Learn to ride a horse
- Attend a Porch Talk at the Museum
- Rent a kayak
- Check out the bulletin board at the Post Office to see what special events are going on
- Take a nap
- Take a cruise on the Schooner Windfall
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
Monday, May 19, 2008
Wireless & Deviled Eggs
Alltel phones work great on Ocracoke. Don't know about Internet. We have Sprint wireless here at Village Craftsmen. Maybe someone else has more information about wireless internet access on Ocracoke.
Deviled eggs -- the recipe is not all that unique. I just like to include vinegar. Here is the recipe:
6 hard boiled eggs
1/4+ tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp mustard (dry or regular -- depends on what I have)
1 Tbsp vinegar
2 Tbsp mayo (or enough to make it the right consistency)
Sprinkle with paprika
Like I said, nothing unique, but folks seem to like them. Last night they were all gone before I even got in line. By the way, it was a fun evening. Lots of kids. It seemed like the whole school was there. And the young people provided some great entertainment -- on keyboard, guitar, bass, flute, violin, and drums. Oh yes, voice too. Way to go!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
Deviled eggs -- the recipe is not all that unique. I just like to include vinegar. Here is the recipe:
6 hard boiled eggs
1/4+ tsp salt
1/4 tsp pepper
1/2 tsp mustard (dry or regular -- depends on what I have)
1 Tbsp vinegar
2 Tbsp mayo (or enough to make it the right consistency)
Sprinkle with paprika
Like I said, nothing unique, but folks seem to like them. Last night they were all gone before I even got in line. By the way, it was a fun evening. Lots of kids. It seemed like the whole school was there. And the young people provided some great entertainment -- on keyboard, guitar, bass, flute, violin, and drums. Oh yes, voice too. Way to go!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
Sunday, May 18, 2008
Three Potlucks in Four Days
That's right. Three potluck dinners in four days. It must be Ocracoke!
Tonight at 5 pm a bunch of folks will gather at the Community Center to bid farewell to Russ. Russ has worked here on the island for several years (and I still don't know his last name...but no matter, everyone knows who I mean when I say Russ). He sometimes can be found bartending at the Back Porch Restaurant, but mostly he works at the Youth Center with the young folks. I know he will be missed. I heard he is headed to Arizona. See ya soon, Russ.
Tomorrow night there is NO potluck (that I know of), but Tuesday evening is the annual Ocracoke Preservation Society Annual Meeting and Pot Luck Dinner. The speaker will be Kevin Dufuss, who will be sharing information from his latest book The Last Days of Black Beard the Pirate. Can't wait! I'll share more about that in a few days.
Then on Wednesday I have been invited to a pot luck dinner at a friend's house. Just think, three of four days, and I don't have to even think about cooking supper (except I will make my signature deviled eggs).
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
Tonight at 5 pm a bunch of folks will gather at the Community Center to bid farewell to Russ. Russ has worked here on the island for several years (and I still don't know his last name...but no matter, everyone knows who I mean when I say Russ). He sometimes can be found bartending at the Back Porch Restaurant, but mostly he works at the Youth Center with the young folks. I know he will be missed. I heard he is headed to Arizona. See ya soon, Russ.
Tomorrow night there is NO potluck (that I know of), but Tuesday evening is the annual Ocracoke Preservation Society Annual Meeting and Pot Luck Dinner. The speaker will be Kevin Dufuss, who will be sharing information from his latest book The Last Days of Black Beard the Pirate. Can't wait! I'll share more about that in a few days.
Then on Wednesday I have been invited to a pot luck dinner at a friend's house. Just think, three of four days, and I don't have to even think about cooking supper (except I will make my signature deviled eggs).
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
Saturday, May 17, 2008
Saturday, Early Afternoon
It has been so difficult to get any inside work done lately. It must be close to 70 degrees, with bright, sunny skies right now. Neighbors are strolling down the lane with their dogs, or stopping to sit on the steps and chat. Lachlan is running around tossing water balloons. Molly is taking a fiddle lesson from David, and the music is wafting across the yard.
It is just too nice to sit here at the computer and type a blog, so I'll bid you adieu, and go back outside to enjoy the day.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
It is just too nice to sit here at the computer and type a blog, so I'll bid you adieu, and go back outside to enjoy the day.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
Friday, May 16, 2008
Who'da Guessed?
Jude here. Last evening when Frank and I were getting in the truck in front of the Hemp Shop which is next door to Village Craftsmen, Woody Billings and his friend Terry ( hope that's the correct spelling) and her beautiful dog with a french name I can't remember stopped us. Woody said , "Jude how come there wasn't a blog today?" Well you could have knocked me over. As I sputtered an excuse I realized that quite a few folks must read our blog, even here on the island. That is neater than you know what... It feels so great having a connection with people who love the island. I'm a very down to earth person, much more so than Philip I believe. I have animals, I garden, I have a scotch every evening when I get home and I weep at sad things. Philip is much more sophisticated but we both have stories to tell. Right now I'd like to tell you that Jaren has been working sooooo hard on our website and is doing a great job. We have a lot of wonderful new things that I have found for the shop and she is getting them on the website as fast as she can. So have a look at the site and be sure and come in when you're here. Life is good, life is exciting. Have a great weekend!
Wednesday, May 14, 2008
Anniversary and other things......
Today, May 14th marks the umpteenth anniversary of my moving to Ocracoke many years ago. I came on my own but soon our sons Matty and Travis and finally Frank, my husband, followed. I told them, guys, I have found HOME! And indeed it has been a good one with great neighbors , save one or two. Living on Ocracoke is not easy and not for everyone but for the few of us it's close to heaven. It's hard to believe the years have gone so quickly...whew what a reality check. Later today our first summer employee arrives from Vermont. Her name is Ally or Allie ( not sure ) and her Mom and I have been friends for years. She'll live in the famous Gypsy Wagon out back of the shop and so her "Ocracoke Odyssey" will begin. Philip and Jaren and I spent some time yesterday making the wagon "homey" and welcoming. Today I'll pick a bouquet of roses and jasmine to put on her table and maybe take her out to dinner after her long journey. It'll be good to have her here.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
Tuesday, May 13, 2008
Fall in May
The temperature has dropped twenty degrees...and it's windy. It sure feels like fall. But we all know it's just temporary. Unfortunately, one of my jobs for today is to power wash the outside shower behind the Village Craftsmen. I'm not looking forward to it, but we have a new summer employee coming tomorrow, and I want to clean things up around here.
We apologize for not posting these last several days. As Jude mentioned last week, we've been very busy. Among the many things going on was the annual Memorial in honor of all of the men and women who were killed protecting our shores in WWII, and especially the crew of the HMT Bedfordshire that was sunk offshore on May 11, 1942. As many of our readers know, four of these sailors are buried on Ocracoke in the British Cemetery. The Memorial is always a moving experience.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
We apologize for not posting these last several days. As Jude mentioned last week, we've been very busy. Among the many things going on was the annual Memorial in honor of all of the men and women who were killed protecting our shores in WWII, and especially the crew of the HMT Bedfordshire that was sunk offshore on May 11, 1942. As many of our readers know, four of these sailors are buried on Ocracoke in the British Cemetery. The Memorial is always a moving experience.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
Thursday, May 08, 2008
A Quick Thank You
Philip and I have been very busy today with projects we just can't put off any longer. I'm sure you all have some of those too. They're the kind that , when finally done, make you feel so darn good. We'd like to thank those who take the time to comment on our blog. We don't always have time to answer but we do read them. As far as the election results, we respect everyone's opinion and therefore will express none of our own. As far as ANY of the candidates
being Ocracoke kind of people? Not so much. Storm comin', gotta run.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
being Ocracoke kind of people? Not so much. Storm comin', gotta run.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
Wednesday, May 07, 2008
Election Results
Just thought many of our readers would be interested in knowing how the Ocracoke Democratic Primary turned out:
Hillary Clinton won with 143 votes. Barack Obama had 133.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
Hillary Clinton won with 143 votes. Barack Obama had 133.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
Monday, May 05, 2008
Elizabeth II
I was sitting on the porch of the Community Store yesterday evening, chatting with Fowler & Chloe, when Amy stopped by with Lachlan. Other neighbors and friends came by also. About 6:30 Peggy stepped onto the porch with the news that the Elizabeth II was on its way to Silver Lake, and would be arriving in about 15 minutes.
According to their official website, http://www.roanokeisland.com/index.php?name=eii, the "Elizabeth II is a composite design of a 16th-century ship and is named after one of the seven vessels that sailed the ocean when Sir Walter Raleigh first brought colonists to Roanoke Island in 1587."
Although the Elizabeth II was not under sail, she was still an impressive sight. I didn't have my camera, but I rode my bike down to the dock this morning and got a picture.
You can click the image to see a larger version.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
According to their official website, http://www.roanokeisland.com/index.php?name=eii, the "Elizabeth II is a composite design of a 16th-century ship and is named after one of the seven vessels that sailed the ocean when Sir Walter Raleigh first brought colonists to Roanoke Island in 1587."
Although the Elizabeth II was not under sail, she was still an impressive sight. I didn't have my camera, but I rode my bike down to the dock this morning and got a picture.
You can click the image to see a larger version.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
Sunday, May 04, 2008
Too Funny...
...to keep to myself:
This evening at a backyard cookout one of my neighbors offered what he called "perhaps the most notable tourist comment" that he'd ever heard. It seems that someone was visiting the Preservation Society Museum several days ago and walked up to the clerk with this question: Do you folks have complete gynecological records for all of the historic families on the island?
Please don't ask what the clerk's reply was. I don't know what it was, but I am certain it was not as noteworthy as the question.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
This evening at a backyard cookout one of my neighbors offered what he called "perhaps the most notable tourist comment" that he'd ever heard. It seems that someone was visiting the Preservation Society Museum several days ago and walked up to the clerk with this question: Do you folks have complete gynecological records for all of the historic families on the island?
Please don't ask what the clerk's reply was. I don't know what it was, but I am certain it was not as noteworthy as the question.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
Saturday, May 03, 2008
Bits & Pieces
Another beautiful day is dawning! Temperatures are predicted to be in the mid 70s today, with bright sunshine. It has been lovely like this for several days.
For those of our readers who are not on the island, the annual Ocracoke fishing tournament is winding down. The island is overflowing with anglers and their families. I learned last night that one team caught a 48"blue fish, possibly a world record (?). It was recorded for the tournament, but I understand it was released before it could be properly documented for any other honors. At least a number of others saw the fish and can vouch for its size. Maybe one of our readers has more details (or even a photo).
Look for upcoming news about the annual British Cemetery celebration next week, the Memorial Day Firefighter's Ball, and the June Ocrafolk Festival. It's not too early to plan a trip to the island to take advantage of these events.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
For those of our readers who are not on the island, the annual Ocracoke fishing tournament is winding down. The island is overflowing with anglers and their families. I learned last night that one team caught a 48"blue fish, possibly a world record (?). It was recorded for the tournament, but I understand it was released before it could be properly documented for any other honors. At least a number of others saw the fish and can vouch for its size. Maybe one of our readers has more details (or even a photo).
Look for upcoming news about the annual British Cemetery celebration next week, the Memorial Day Firefighter's Ball, and the June Ocrafolk Festival. It's not too early to plan a trip to the island to take advantage of these events.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
Thursday, May 01, 2008
Grand Re-opening
At 6 o'clock this morning Leonard was on the porch of the Community Store plucking on his banjo. As the day progressed there was a steady stream of folks (old-timers, new-timers, frequent visitors, first-timers) walking through the doors, complimenting the new storekeepers, James & Susan Paul -- and making purchases.
James & Susan have injected new life not only into the store but also into "downtown" Ocracoke. What a delight to see so many smiling faces as people purchased eggs, milk, fresh produce, canned goods, cereal, ice cream, beer, and wine.
And, as in the past, natives and visitors alike stopped to sit in the rockers or on the bench on the porch. Before long I expect to see old men chatting and carving birds again.
Stop in and support the re-vitalized Community Store. It truly is a community store!
James & Susan have injected new life not only into the store but also into "downtown" Ocracoke. What a delight to see so many smiling faces as people purchased eggs, milk, fresh produce, canned goods, cereal, ice cream, beer, and wine.
And, as in the past, natives and visitors alike stopped to sit in the rockers or on the bench on the porch. Before long I expect to see old men chatting and carving birds again.
Stop in and support the re-vitalized Community Store. It truly is a community store!
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is an account of the 2008 Portsmouth Island Homecoming. You can read it here.
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