Re. the mailboat Aleta: a reader recently asked, "Before and after the period you mention for the Aleta,1940s - early 1950s, how
did mail and people get to the island? What kind of boat and from what port?"
A full answer to this question will require more than a few sentences, so I will just give several brief comments today. I will write a lengthier history of the US Postal Service on Ocracoke for an upcoming monthly Ocracoke Newsletter. Look for that article in the next few months.
The Ocracoke Post Office was established in 1840. Prior to that time letters were carried to and from the island by family and friends, or by entrusting them to ship captains.The first "mail boats" were probably "bugeyes" (two masted sailboats) that also carried passengers and freight.
By the early 1900s mail was carried back and forth across Pamlico Sound (from Beaufort, and later from Atlantic, North Carolina) on motor powered mail boats. These included the Meteor, the Hero, the Viola, the Lillian, The Kitty Watts and the Ripple. The Aleta carried mail and passengers from 1938 to 1952. The Dolphin was Ocracoke's last mail boat. It operated until 1964, although mail also came by way of Hatteras soon after Frazier Peele established a private ferry service across Hatteras Inlet in 1950. Charles McWilliams (Charlie Mac) drove the mail truck (a WWII era Dodge Power Wagon) to the north end of Ocracoke (either on the hard beach at low tide, or on a deeply rutted sand road farther back) for a number of years.
Today mail is still delivered to Ocracoke across Hatteras Inlet.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Wednesday, November 14, 2012
Tuesday, November 13, 2012
Visible Shipwrecks
On October 22, 1878, the schooner Altoona wrecked at Cape Hatteras.All seven crew members were rescued along with some of her cargo. In 1962 or 1963 the hull of the Altoona was uncovered and became a tourist attraction.
The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce web site, http://www.outerbankschamber.com/main/directions-to-visible-shipwrecks-obx/, provides directions to locate the remains of the Altoona plus six other visible wrecks on the Outer Banks, including one on Ocracoke.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
The Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce web site, http://www.outerbankschamber.com/main/directions-to-visible-shipwrecks-obx/, provides directions to locate the remains of the Altoona plus six other visible wrecks on the Outer Banks, including one on Ocracoke.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Treasure Island Day
Since tomorrow is Robert Lewis Stevenson's birthday and the day in 1750 that treasure stolen from ships anchored at Ocracoke was buried in the Carribean, John Amrhein, author of Treasure Island: The Untold Story has declared November 13th to be Treasure Island Day.
"A new history has come to light about [Robert Lewis Stevenson's] Treasure Island. It was real. On November 13, 1750, fifty chests of treasure that had been stolen from a Spanish galleon at Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina, were buried on a deserted island in the Caribbean. And because of Stevenson’s family ties to the Caribbean, he had to have known about it." (from John Amrhein's website: http://www.treasure-island-day.com/)
When you read the original Treasure Island by Robert Lewis Stevenson, keep an eye out for the name Israel Hands. Stevenson got the name from a member of Blackbeard's crew:
"[Blackbeard's] air of intimidation extended to his own crew. Just before he was killed at Ocracoke, Blackbeard had sat down to some drinking with some of his crew. He secretly pulled out two pistols under the table, blew out the candle, crossed the pistols and fired, hitting his master, Israel Hands, in the knee and maimed him for life. When asked why he did it his response was to say that if he did not now and then kill one of them, they would forget who he was. That wound may have been responsible for Hands being ashore at Bath when Blackbeard was killed. He was later pardoned. Had he been hanged or killed with Blackbeard, Robert Louis Stevenson would probably not have borrowed his character for Treasure Island. He was killed by Jim Hawkins at Treasure Island." (from John Amrhein's website: http://www.treasureislandtheuntoldstory.com/blackbeard.htm)
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
"A new history has come to light about [Robert Lewis Stevenson's] Treasure Island. It was real. On November 13, 1750, fifty chests of treasure that had been stolen from a Spanish galleon at Ocracoke Inlet, North Carolina, were buried on a deserted island in the Caribbean. And because of Stevenson’s family ties to the Caribbean, he had to have known about it." (from John Amrhein's website: http://www.treasure-island-day.com/)
When you read the original Treasure Island by Robert Lewis Stevenson, keep an eye out for the name Israel Hands. Stevenson got the name from a member of Blackbeard's crew:
"[Blackbeard's] air of intimidation extended to his own crew. Just before he was killed at Ocracoke, Blackbeard had sat down to some drinking with some of his crew. He secretly pulled out two pistols under the table, blew out the candle, crossed the pistols and fired, hitting his master, Israel Hands, in the knee and maimed him for life. When asked why he did it his response was to say that if he did not now and then kill one of them, they would forget who he was. That wound may have been responsible for Hands being ashore at Bath when Blackbeard was killed. He was later pardoned. Had he been hanged or killed with Blackbeard, Robert Louis Stevenson would probably not have borrowed his character for Treasure Island. He was killed by Jim Hawkins at Treasure Island." (from John Amrhein's website: http://www.treasureislandtheuntoldstory.com/blackbeard.htm)
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Sunday, November 11, 2012
Sandy Shells
I haven't had much time to get to the beach, but I have found a few nice shells each time I've been there. Scotch bonnets are the North Carolina state shell and one of my favorites. Here is a picture of some of the shells I've come home with.
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| Shells found after Sandy |
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Saturday, November 10, 2012
"Mailboats"
The mailboat Aleta carried mail and passengers to & from Ocracoke in the 1940s and early 1950s (see http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052007.htm for more information). The "mailboat" was a variation of the shad boat, a type of vessel first built by George Washington Creef on Roanoke Island in the late 1800s.
The shad boat (with wide beam, round stern, and graceful lines) evolved from dugout log boats. It was ideally suited for fishing in rough water near inlets and in Pamlico Sound. The North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill in 1987 designating the shad boat the "State Boat of North Carolina.""
According to Michael B. Alford in his book, Traditional Work Boats of North Carolina, "during Prohibition times shad boat builders found a lucrative business in supplying boats to dealers in illegal alcoholic beverages...." These boats were "euphemistically referred to as mail boats," and "for obvious reasons they usually were furnished with more powerful engines than their fishing cousins."
The Harker's Island story of the misadventures of the Adventure, a prohibition era rum runner, is told in the song "The Booze Yacht" (sung to the tune of "The Sidewalks of New York"). I'm not sure if the Adventure was a "mailboat" but this fun song is still popular on the coast of North Carolina.
This way, that way, to the Cape they’d run.
The coming of the Adventure, put the fishing on the bum.
Some lost their religion and back-slid by the score,
The “King Lock” stoppers they stood waist high
When the Booze Yacht run ashore.
Times have changed since those days.
When some were up in their “Gs”.
Others, they are down and out, but most feel just like me.
Some would give a hundred, and some a little bit more,
To see another time like that
When the Booze Yacht run ashore.
The shad boat (with wide beam, round stern, and graceful lines) evolved from dugout log boats. It was ideally suited for fishing in rough water near inlets and in Pamlico Sound. The North Carolina General Assembly passed a bill in 1987 designating the shad boat the "State Boat of North Carolina.""
According to Michael B. Alford in his book, Traditional Work Boats of North Carolina, "during Prohibition times shad boat builders found a lucrative business in supplying boats to dealers in illegal alcoholic beverages...." These boats were "euphemistically referred to as mail boats," and "for obvious reasons they usually were furnished with more powerful engines than their fishing cousins."
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| Mailboat Aleta |
Down around the “Beehive,” Harker's Island retreat,
Every night and morning the fishermen would meet.
One day there came a rounder; came running by the door,
Said, “Boys, let’s go to Cape Lookout;
There’s a Booze Yacht run ashore.”
Every night and morning the fishermen would meet.
One day there came a rounder; came running by the door,
Said, “Boys, let’s go to Cape Lookout;
There’s a Booze Yacht run ashore.”
This way, that way, to the Cape they’d run.
The coming of the Adventure, put the fishing on the bum.
Some lost their religion and back-slid by the score,
The “King Lock” stoppers they stood waist high
When the Booze Yacht run ashore.
Times have changed since those days.
When some were up in their “Gs”.
Others, they are down and out, but most feel just like me.
Some would give a hundred, and some a little bit more,
To see another time like that
When the Booze Yacht run ashore.
This way, that way, to the Cape they’d run.
The coming of the Adventure, put the fishing on the bum.
Some lost their religion and back-slid by the score,
The “King Lock” stoppers they stood waist high
When the Booze Yacht run ashore.
The coming of the Adventure, put the fishing on the bum.
Some lost their religion and back-slid by the score,
The “King Lock” stoppers they stood waist high
When the Booze Yacht run ashore.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Friday, November 09, 2012
Thursday, November 08, 2012
Ocracoke Election Results
The Hyde County unofficial election results were released yesterday about 1 pm. Frankly, I found the information a tad confusing*.
Anyway, this is what I gleaned about Ocracoke's votes:
Obama -- 193 votes on election day/117 one-stop votes/total of 310 votes
Romney -- 94 votes on election day/60 one-stop votes/total of 154 votes
Johnson -- 6 votes on election day/0 one-stop votes/total of 6 votes
There were also a number of Hyde County absentee votes, but these were not listed by precinct.
All told, Hyde County cast 1157 votes for Obama (Democrat), 1183 votes for Romney (Republican), and 15 votes for Johnson (Libertarian). Goode received no votes in Hyde County.
You can read the entire list of results here: http://hydecountync.gov/docs/Hyde_unofficial_results.pdf.
* For example, one category was listed as "Presidential Preference (DEM)" (the choices were O'Bama [sic]/Biden, Romney/Ryan, Johnson/Gray, & Virgil Goode) and another category was "Straight Party" (the sub-categories were Democratic, Republican, & Libertarian). I couldn't tell if the "Presidential Preference" category (Why was "DEM" in parentheses?? There was no "REP" counterpart.) also included the "Straight Party" numbers or not (I am guessing they did).
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Anyway, this is what I gleaned about Ocracoke's votes:
Obama -- 193 votes on election day/117 one-stop votes/total of 310 votes
Romney -- 94 votes on election day/60 one-stop votes/total of 154 votes
Johnson -- 6 votes on election day/0 one-stop votes/total of 6 votes
There were also a number of Hyde County absentee votes, but these were not listed by precinct.
All told, Hyde County cast 1157 votes for Obama (Democrat), 1183 votes for Romney (Republican), and 15 votes for Johnson (Libertarian). Goode received no votes in Hyde County.
You can read the entire list of results here: http://hydecountync.gov/docs/Hyde_unofficial_results.pdf.
* For example, one category was listed as "Presidential Preference (DEM)" (the choices were O'Bama [sic]/Biden, Romney/Ryan, Johnson/Gray, & Virgil Goode) and another category was "Straight Party" (the sub-categories were Democratic, Republican, & Libertarian). I couldn't tell if the "Presidential Preference" category (Why was "DEM" in parentheses?? There was no "REP" counterpart.) also included the "Straight Party" numbers or not (I am guessing they did).
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Wednesday, November 07, 2012
Deadrise
Traditional island skiffs were often flat bottom boats.These wooden boats were typically built upside down, with the bottom planks added last. The bottom planks ran from side to side, not from bow to stern. These boats were simple to construct, and could be built economically in just a few days. They were suitable for the calmer and shallower waters of Pamlico Sound.
A deadrise boat is better suited for rougher water. The deadrise boat is v-shaped in cross-section. Typically the forward section of the deadrise skiff is more sharply v-shaped, and the stern area much flatter. Bottom planks of a deadrise boat are laid fore and aft, not side to side.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
A deadrise boat is better suited for rougher water. The deadrise boat is v-shaped in cross-section. Typically the forward section of the deadrise skiff is more sharply v-shaped, and the stern area much flatter. Bottom planks of a deadrise boat are laid fore and aft, not side to side.
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| An Ocracoke Island Deadrise Skiff |
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Tuesday, November 06, 2012
Election Day
Don't forget to vote!
Polls on Ocracoke open today at 6:30 am at the Community Center. They will remain open until 7:30 pm.
And don't forget to get your "I voted" sticker to remind your fellow citizens to cast their ballots.
As we all know, this will be a close election. When it is over let's all work together for the benefit of our nation no matter who wins.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Polls on Ocracoke open today at 6:30 am at the Community Center. They will remain open until 7:30 pm.
And don't forget to get your "I voted" sticker to remind your fellow citizens to cast their ballots.
As we all know, this will be a close election. When it is over let's all work together for the benefit of our nation no matter who wins.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Monday, November 05, 2012
Don't Believe Everything You Read
Several days ago a friend read me this passage from a book of local photos and stories: "Ocracoke Harbor is also called Silver Lake. It used to be called Cookie Creek. It got its new name in 1923 when dredging turned it into an almost perfect circle of water..."
The original name of the harbor was "Cockle Creek," not "Cookie Creek." Maybe this was a typo. Also, the harbor was re-named "Silver Lake" when it was dredged around 1938, then again in 1942, not 1923. At least that is my understanding. According to my father, the "creek" as Ocracokers call it, was about the same size as it is today...just much shallower. There were two narrow streams or "guts" that continued all the way to the bald beach. These were filled in when the harbor was dredged in 1942.
You may also see signs identifying the Community Store area of the village as "Down Creek." Traditionally this has been called "Around Creek," not "Down Creek." The area near the lighthouse is "Down Point."
The "Down Point Decoy Shop" may cause some confusion. It was originally established down point...then moved to its present location around creek. But David O'Neal retained the name. Check it out. David is a master carver and collector of superior carvings.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
The original name of the harbor was "Cockle Creek," not "Cookie Creek." Maybe this was a typo. Also, the harbor was re-named "Silver Lake" when it was dredged around 1938, then again in 1942, not 1923. At least that is my understanding. According to my father, the "creek" as Ocracokers call it, was about the same size as it is today...just much shallower. There were two narrow streams or "guts" that continued all the way to the bald beach. These were filled in when the harbor was dredged in 1942.
You may also see signs identifying the Community Store area of the village as "Down Creek." Traditionally this has been called "Around Creek," not "Down Creek." The area near the lighthouse is "Down Point."
The "Down Point Decoy Shop" may cause some confusion. It was originally established down point...then moved to its present location around creek. But David O'Neal retained the name. Check it out. David is a master carver and collector of superior carvings.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Sunday, November 04, 2012
Beautiful Sunshine
It's a beautiful day on Ocracoke today. The waves are gentle and a crisp breeze is blowing in. It's the perfect day for a walk on the beach. Perhaps I'll even find a few shells. They often wash up on the beach in greater numbers after a storm. If I locate any pretty ones, I'll post a photo.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Saturday, November 03, 2012
Basketball Fish Fry
Visitors to Ocracoke often ask us what we do in the winter. One answer is Basketball! The school Middle School and High School girls and boys teams keep us busy cheering and stomping and have a great time.
The Varsity Boy's team is hosting a Fish Fry Fund Raiser today (Nov. 3) at SmacNally's from 1 to 4 PM. For $10 a plate you get fish and hush puppies, beans and slaw. And Dune Dogs will be providing live music from 2 to 5.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
The Varsity Boy's team is hosting a Fish Fry Fund Raiser today (Nov. 3) at SmacNally's from 1 to 4 PM. For $10 a plate you get fish and hush puppies, beans and slaw. And Dune Dogs will be providing live music from 2 to 5.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Friday, November 02, 2012
Puttin' On A Show!
This Saturday Night, Nov. 3, Bland Simpson and Don Dixon will be at the Community Center at 7:30 for a presentation of of their popular Songs and Stories of the Sounds and Seas...with a King Mackerel or Two! The performance will include some special "just for Ocracoke" material.
This is a fund raiser for the Community Square Revitalization Project. Tickets are $25. All the ticket proceeds and donations made at the door will go to the Project. Space is limited; get your reservation by calling Merle Davis, 252-928-2587.
Come out to the Community Center and celebrate life here between the Sound and the Sea...and help keep the Community Square as a vital part of our village.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
This is a fund raiser for the Community Square Revitalization Project. Tickets are $25. All the ticket proceeds and donations made at the door will go to the Project. Space is limited; get your reservation by calling Merle Davis, 252-928-2587.
Come out to the Community Center and celebrate life here between the Sound and the Sea...and help keep the Community Square as a vital part of our village.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Thursday, November 01, 2012
Thoughts on the Passing of Sandy
This is Bill posting. Lida and I moved here five years ago this fall. After spending threes days hunkering down against the visit of Hurricane Sandy, I have two thoughts. First, I can now say without hesitation that my least favorite weather is wind. It howled. It gusted. And my house shook and rocked. And this was not a "passing storm"; it carried on for three days. It is not relaxing to lie in bed and feel the house sway. And at several moments when I was not aware of my house swaying and rocking, and found myself standing over my toilet, I was amazed to see the water sloshing around in the bowl. That's where I actually would like to have seen Jim Cantore: down there shouting up to me about why that was happening!
Second thought: About a year ago Lida paid good money for a pair of hip waders. At the time I thought, "What a waste of our money; we already have two good pairs of rubber boots that come up almost to our knees." Then Sunday morning I walked down my front steps in a pair of those babies. The water was within about 2 inches of over topping them and I still had another step to go! At that point I thought "What a smart shopper Lida is!"
Ocracoke came through well. Our thoughts are with those who did not.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Second thought: About a year ago Lida paid good money for a pair of hip waders. At the time I thought, "What a waste of our money; we already have two good pairs of rubber boots that come up almost to our knees." Then Sunday morning I walked down my front steps in a pair of those babies. The water was within about 2 inches of over topping them and I still had another step to go! At that point I thought "What a smart shopper Lida is!"
Ocracoke came through well. Our thoughts are with those who did not.
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm.
Wednesday, October 31, 2012
Ferry & Airport Information
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Tuesday, October 30, 2012
Official NC Ferry Information
MANNS HARBOR — The
North Carolina Department of Transportation’s Ferry Division today
activated the emergency route between Stumpy Point and Rodanthe.
Currently the ferries are not running a set schedule, but are taking the
top three priorities as announced by Dare County and will begin a set
schedule tomorrow. Also, the Pamlico Sound routes will return to a
normal schedule tomorrow under specific re-entry guidelines.
Emergency Route
Wed., Oct. 31, a schedule will be in place to assist Dare County with re-entry. According to Dare County Emergency Management, Priorities One, Two and Three will have access to and from Hatteras Island. Visitors will not be allowed to enter Hatteras Island yet, but will be allowed to depart. Essential commodities, as determined by DCEM will have top priority.
• Priority One includes - Essential personnel (utilities, government, assessment teams, medical/health care), white Disaster Re-entry Permit/Critical Personnel Pass required;
• Priority Two includes - Hatteras Island residents (must have a valid NC driver’s license with Hatteras physical address), personnel of crucial businesses (Orange re-entry permit/Priority II personnel pass required); and
• Priority Three includes - Non-resident property owners and employees of Hatteras Island businesses (2012-2013 Burgundy reentry permit required).
There will be law enforcement in place at the emergency route to determine re-entry status. Please contact Dare County Emergency Management at (252) 475-5655 for additional information on re-entry guidelines.
The Emergency Route schedule beginning Oct. 31, 2012, will be:
• Departing Stumpy Point at 6 a.m., 8, 10, noon, 2 p.m., 4 and 10; and
• Departing Rodanthe at 7 a.m., 9, 11, 1 p.m., 3, 5 and 7.
There may be areas along NC 12 that are impassable at this time due to sand and water on the road, but NCDOT continues working and expects to have all areas of NC 12 south of Rodanthe cleared before the 7 p.m. ferry departs Rodanthe.
Pamlico Sound Routes
There will be two return runs at 4 p.m. today from both Cedar Island and Swan Quarter to Ocracoke and a 4 p.m. run from Ocracoke to Cedar Island. Beginning tomorrow, the Pamlico Sound schedule will return to its normal fall schedule of four departures from each side at Cedar Island-Ocracoke route and two departures from each side at Swan Quarter-Ocracoke route. The schedule beginning tomorrow is:
• Departing Cedar Island and Ocracoke at 7:30 a.m., 10, 1 p.m. and 4;
• Departing Swan Quarter at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; and
• Departing Ocracoke to Swan Quarter at 7 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
According to Hyde County Emergency Management, visitors will not be allowed entry at this time but will allow the following:
• Emergency Personnel – Hyde County red re-entry tag or purple priority re-entry sticker;
• Infrastructure – Hyde County yellow re-entry tag or purple priority re-entry sticker; and
• Residents – Hyde County green re-entry tag or green resident re-entry sticker.
For re-entry questions, please call Hyde County Manager at (252) 542-9283 or Hyde County Public Information at (252) 542-0842.
Hatteras-Ocracoke Route
The Hatteras-Ocracoke route will begin operating once sand is cleared off NC 12 from Ocracoke Village to the ferry dock.
Ferry information is available by calling 800-293-3779 (BY-FERRY) and pressing 1, or via Twitter at www.twitter.com/ncdot_ferry.
Emergency Route
Wed., Oct. 31, a schedule will be in place to assist Dare County with re-entry. According to Dare County Emergency Management, Priorities One, Two and Three will have access to and from Hatteras Island. Visitors will not be allowed to enter Hatteras Island yet, but will be allowed to depart. Essential commodities, as determined by DCEM will have top priority.
• Priority One includes - Essential personnel (utilities, government, assessment teams, medical/health care), white Disaster Re-entry Permit/Critical Personnel Pass required;
• Priority Two includes - Hatteras Island residents (must have a valid NC driver’s license with Hatteras physical address), personnel of crucial businesses (Orange re-entry permit/Priority II personnel pass required); and
• Priority Three includes - Non-resident property owners and employees of Hatteras Island businesses (2012-2013 Burgundy reentry permit required).
There will be law enforcement in place at the emergency route to determine re-entry status. Please contact Dare County Emergency Management at (252) 475-5655 for additional information on re-entry guidelines.
The Emergency Route schedule beginning Oct. 31, 2012, will be:
• Departing Stumpy Point at 6 a.m., 8, 10, noon, 2 p.m., 4 and 10; and
• Departing Rodanthe at 7 a.m., 9, 11, 1 p.m., 3, 5 and 7.
There may be areas along NC 12 that are impassable at this time due to sand and water on the road, but NCDOT continues working and expects to have all areas of NC 12 south of Rodanthe cleared before the 7 p.m. ferry departs Rodanthe.
Pamlico Sound Routes
There will be two return runs at 4 p.m. today from both Cedar Island and Swan Quarter to Ocracoke and a 4 p.m. run from Ocracoke to Cedar Island. Beginning tomorrow, the Pamlico Sound schedule will return to its normal fall schedule of four departures from each side at Cedar Island-Ocracoke route and two departures from each side at Swan Quarter-Ocracoke route. The schedule beginning tomorrow is:
• Departing Cedar Island and Ocracoke at 7:30 a.m., 10, 1 p.m. and 4;
• Departing Swan Quarter at 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.; and
• Departing Ocracoke to Swan Quarter at 7 a.m. and 12:30 p.m.
According to Hyde County Emergency Management, visitors will not be allowed entry at this time but will allow the following:
• Emergency Personnel – Hyde County red re-entry tag or purple priority re-entry sticker;
• Infrastructure – Hyde County yellow re-entry tag or purple priority re-entry sticker; and
• Residents – Hyde County green re-entry tag or green resident re-entry sticker.
For re-entry questions, please call Hyde County Manager at (252) 542-9283 or Hyde County Public Information at (252) 542-0842.
Hatteras-Ocracoke Route
The Hatteras-Ocracoke route will begin operating once sand is cleared off NC 12 from Ocracoke Village to the ferry dock.
Ferry information is available by calling 800-293-3779 (BY-FERRY) and pressing 1, or via Twitter at www.twitter.com/ncdot_ferry.
Sound ferrries to resume normal operations
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Hurricane Sandy Public Advisory 6
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Tuesday Morning
All indications are that Ocracoke village has been spared major damage from hurricane Sandy. I still don't know the full extent of various problems -- flooded cars, tree limbs down, etc. -- but I believe Sandy's impact here is minimal. We are still waiting to learn about the condition of NC Highway 12 on Ocracoke and farther north on the Outer Banks.
In the meanwhile our thoughts go out to all of our friends and fellow citizens in the northeast who are dealing with deaths, severe damage, and widespread destruction from this powerful storm.
In the meanwhile our thoughts go out to all of our friends and fellow citizens in the northeast who are dealing with deaths, severe damage, and widespread destruction from this powerful storm.
High Tide
Amy points to the high tide line for Hurricane Sandy (not as bad as it could have been):
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| High Tide, Hurricane Sandy |
Monday, October 29, 2012
Temporary Bridge
This photo was sent to me moments ago. It is the "temporary" bridge that was erected on Pea Island after hurricane Irene.
Hurricane Sandy Public Advisory 5
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Sailing Vessel Sinks off North Carolina
"Officials say a ship [a 180 foot, 3 masted tall ship] started taking [on] water off our coast and
eventually sank, forcing the crew to abandon ship into 18-foot waves and
40 mile per hour winds off the North Carolina coast."
You can read more here:
http://www.witn.com/breaking/home/Coast-Guard-Rescue-Underway-Now-16-People-In-Lifeboats-Off-NC-Coast-176228331.html
You can read more here:
http://www.witn.com/breaking/home/Coast-Guard-Rescue-Underway-Now-16-People-In-Lifeboats-Off-NC-Coast-176228331.html
Sandy Update
Tide is still covering most of the village, winds are steady at about 20 mph with gusts of 30-35 mph, and the temperature has been in the low to mid 60s. There doesn't seem to be much damage to homes, buildings, or trees in the village.
Our thoughts go out to our fellow citizens to the northeast as Sandy bears down on their coast.
Our thoughts go out to our fellow citizens to the northeast as Sandy bears down on their coast.
Sandy & Portsmouth Island
From The Rocky Mount Telegram:
"South of Ocracoke, a group of people was forced to wait out the storm on Portsmouth Island, a former fishing village that is now uninhabited and accessible only by private ferry.
'We tried to get off the island and the ferry service shut down on us,' said Bill Rowley, 49, of Rocky Mount, N.C., adding that there were about 20 people on the island."
You can read more here:
http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/news/ncwire/ferries-halted-people-stranded-ocracoke-1301637
"South of Ocracoke, a group of people was forced to wait out the storm on Portsmouth Island, a former fishing village that is now uninhabited and accessible only by private ferry.
'We tried to get off the island and the ferry service shut down on us,' said Bill Rowley, 49, of Rocky Mount, N.C., adding that there were about 20 people on the island."
You can read more here:
http://www.rockymounttelegram.com/news/ncwire/ferries-halted-people-stranded-ocracoke-1301637
Hurricane Sandy Public Advisory 4
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Sunday, October 28, 2012
Photos from John
"A couple of pictures of Silver lake taken at 3:15 pm on Sunday with the wind
howling from the north at 40 MPH. Quite a sight."
Advisory 3
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A View From the Wahab Home
This gives a whole new meaning to harbor front property!
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| Photo by Helena Stevens |
And Even More
These photos are thanks to Amy Howard.
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| Blanche's Driveway |
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| High ground parking |
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| From the parking lot of the Ragpicker to the harbor |
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| Ride the Wind kayaks...Hope they are tied down |
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| In front of the Slushy Stand |
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| Harbor flowing in |
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| Blurry from the wind and rain, but dry |
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| Also dry on the corner of Lawton Ln. and Howard St. |
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| School River...I mean School Road |
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| Still rising |
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| School Road in front of Natural Selections |
More Photos
Melissa Garrish Sharber shared these photos with us.
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| Hwy 12 towards the Variety Store |
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| A back yard |
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| Corner of Back Rd and Hwy 12 (@ Pirate's Chest) |
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| Hwy 12 (looking into the Pony Island Motel lawn) |
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| Hwy 12 from Pirate's Chest looking toward the harbor |
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| Hwy 12 |
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| Hwy 12 looking away from the harbor |
Almost 8 Years and 3 Months From Alex
Sandy is reminding us all of Hurricane Alex. There are reports all over the island of Sound water pouring in. Some are without power, but in our little nook here on Howard St. we are dry and somewhat protected from the winds. I'm not sure how much longer we will be dry as the water is creeping down Blanche's driveway and School Rd. looks like School River instead.
This photo selection is thanks to Miggy O'Neal. Following posts will have photos from other friends as I get them.
This photo selection is thanks to Miggy O'Neal. Following posts will have photos from other friends as I get them.
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| An angry Pamlico Sound |
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| Where is the dock? |
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| Oops... |
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| This gives the buoy a whole new meaning. |
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| Waterway, not driveway anymore. |
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| "At least it's old" |
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| British Cemetery Road (around the corner on the left is the British Cemetery) |
Storm Report
Latest report from a neighbor:
"I rode down to the pony pen about 1 hour ago [about 6 am]. The tide is boiling across the road from the Post Office to past Howard's Pub. Can't get past Van's on Howard Street [about 1/3 of the way from Hwy 12]. The back road [where the Clinic & Fire Hall are located] is totally flooded. The tide is coming up the drive between the Masonic Lodge and the Clinic."
"I rode down to the pony pen about 1 hour ago [about 6 am]. The tide is boiling across the road from the Post Office to past Howard's Pub. Can't get past Van's on Howard Street [about 1/3 of the way from Hwy 12]. The back road [where the Clinic & Fire Hall are located] is totally flooded. The tide is coming up the drive between the Masonic Lodge and the Clinic."
Saturday, October 27, 2012
Hurricane Sandy
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Pesky Sandy
We are getting some wind and rain from the outer bands of Hurricane Sandy. It looks like the hurricane force winds will leave us alone, but we will have high tides and lots of rain to contend with. Unfortunately for all our friends in the northeast, it looks like you will have to deal with the brunt of Sandy. We will be thinking of you as she comes ashore north of us. Tie things down, move things up and get your flashlights ready.
For those of you who want to get an idea of what the weather is like here, check out this site with links to many of the web cams on the Outer Banks.
http://www.wvec.com/weather/cameras/ocracoke-island-airport.html
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
For those of you who want to get an idea of what the weather is like here, check out this site with links to many of the web cams on the Outer Banks.
http://www.wvec.com/weather/cameras/ocracoke-island-airport.html
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Songs and Stories of the Sounds and Seas...
...(with a King Mackerel or Two!).
Don Dixon and Bland Simpson, seasoned and talented performers from coastal North Carolina, have crafted a new and exciting evening performance for Saturday, November 3, 7:30 pm at the Ocracoke Community Center. Their show will include key numbers from their hit musical, "King Mackerel and the Blues are Running" as well as other songs and stories of the Carolina Coast.
Sponsored by the Ocracoke Foundation, this event is designed as a thank-you to our island fishermen and others who have worked to create awareness of Ocracoke's heritage and resources. It is also a fund raiser and "friend raiser" for the Ocracoke Community Square projects.
As Merle Davis commented, "this performance will be a lively and enjoyable time for all... We are in for a treat! Don't miss it!"
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
Don Dixon and Bland Simpson, seasoned and talented performers from coastal North Carolina, have crafted a new and exciting evening performance for Saturday, November 3, 7:30 pm at the Ocracoke Community Center. Their show will include key numbers from their hit musical, "King Mackerel and the Blues are Running" as well as other songs and stories of the Carolina Coast.
Sponsored by the Ocracoke Foundation, this event is designed as a thank-you to our island fishermen and others who have worked to create awareness of Ocracoke's heritage and resources. It is also a fund raiser and "friend raiser" for the Ocracoke Community Square projects.
As Merle Davis commented, "this performance will be a lively and enjoyable time for all... We are in for a treat! Don't miss it!"
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of Ocracoke and the War of 1812. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news112112.htm.
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