Visitors to Ocracoke sometimes assume that nothing much happens on the island. A conversation with almost any local will change this perception. Yesterday I hardly had time to take a nap! A friend from Manteo has been visiting for the weekend. He asked me to give him a quick tutorial on the basics of web site development. I explained that my knowledge is very, very basic, but he pointed out that it was much more than he knew. So that consumed much of yesterday morning.
After lunch I joined a couple of hundred other folks to remember the life of Larry Williams, a talented and creative native islander who died recently. Many people remembered his numerous contributions to our island community, including his love of history, storytelling, dance, and celebration of family and friends. Larry will be missed by the many people whose lives he touched.
Later that afternoon I had a chance to walk on the beach which was wonderful, as usual, in spite of the blowing sand. After a quick bite to eat I biked out to the school for the annual cub scout pinewood derby. The boys were so excited, and the races were enjoyed by all.
Back home I had just a few minutes before friends came by for a couple of glasses of red wine and time to reminisce and share stories of several decades of island life.
After everyone left I collapsed in bed without even picking up my book. It was a busy and rewarding day.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a history of paved roads on Ocracoke. It may not sound very exciting, but there have been dramatic changes on the island because of the construction of paved roads a half century ago. You can read the newsletter, and see some rare photos here.
To read about Philip's new book, Digging up Uncle Evans, History, Ghost Tales, & Stories from Ocracoke Island, please click here.
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You would make a great scout leader. Have you ever bought a pine wood derby car kit for Lachlan? There is nothing like practicing shaping that block of wood. I think it wood be something to engage him with, as He will no doubt be a scout soon. Is there camping on the island?
ReplyDeletePhilip, in case you haven't heard, you should be getting a light show Tuesday evening at 8pm. NASA is scheduled to do a satellite launch out of Wallops Island, VA. Should be a great sight from Ocracoke! Wish I was going to be there to see it. For more info:
ReplyDeletehttp://www.nasa.gov/centers/wallops/news/tacsat3frontpage.html
Lachlan's a little young yet for scouts, but we'll see. There are three campgrounds on the island; two are private, one is in the national park. Camping in the park is only allowed in the designated campground.
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