My friend Al Scarborough stopped by several days ago to pose a riddle for me based on an observation he'd just made.
"Philip," he said, "can you tell me a feature that is built into every modern automobile but is seldom used? However Ocracoke islanders, and even many visitors, use this feature routinely?"
Can you guess the answer to the riddle? If you think you know, please leave a comment.
If no one solves the riddle by the end of the day I will post a clue in the comments section.
Our current Ocracoke Newsletter is a 1938 article about Capt. Gary
Bragg, waterfowl hunting, and wooden decoy carving. You can read it
here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112116.htm.
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The "your seatbelt isn't buckled" alarm.
ReplyDeleteTom, that isn't what Al had in mind...but it is a good answer!
DeleteIs the answer funny? I would say third gear or what ever allows someone to drive on the beach. Or the radio as there is nothing broadcasting with a strong enough signal. Or the ash tray no one smokes cigarettes anymore. The air conditioner as everyone wants the fresh sea air filling their lungs. Sorry if I guessed multiple times.DD
ReplyDeleteYou should use your radio! We have a GREAT radio station! WOVV, 90.1 FM, We're Ocracoke's Village Voice.
DeleteWindshield washer? Mine gets a lot more use on the islands!
ReplyDeleteParking brake? Rarely use it away from Ocracoke, but always set it when on the ferry, as directed by the ferry personnel.
ReplyDeleteThe answer is not funny. It is just a standard feature that is seldom used by most drivers...but is often used by islanders when leaving or returning to the island. It is not a third gear, a radio, an ash tray, A/C or the windshield washer. Not even the parking brake, although I count that a very good answer. I know that most drivers don't use the parking brake very often except when on the ferry.
ReplyDeleteFirst clue: Al's answer to his riddle also involves the ferry.
DeleteReclining seats
DeleteFolding mirrors!! The best are the rare vehicles with power folding mirrors...our 94 Isuzu Trooper had them...and they always got used on the Ferry. :-)
ReplyDeleteCongratulations Coastal Dave!... reclining seats (specifically the driver's side reclining seat) is Al's answer to the riddle. We think it is rare for most drivers to recline their seats all the way back, but that's exactly what islanders do as soon as we board the ferry. But I think folding mirrors are another good answer. I can't think of many other places than on the ferries to use them.
ReplyDeleteMany thanks to all who enjoyed the riddle and ventured a guess.
I don't sleep on the ferry. There's too much pretty to see.
ReplyDeletewhat? The ferry is only interesting for the first 30 minutes...most people use their reclining seats when they know they have to face 2 1/2 hours of boredom. time passes faster. now if there was a way to do away with the drone of the engines that would make for a peaceful trip.
ReplyDeleteI was going to guess collapsible rear view mirrors.
ReplyDeleteAwesome riddle!
ReplyDelete