Spring has arrived...in many ways. The temperature has finally reached the mid-70s, and visitors are returning. Boats are venturing out into the sound in pursuit of fish, bicyclists are exploring the village, walkers are enjoying the beauty of Howard Street, and sunbathers are lining the beach. A few braver souls are even frolicking in the ocean.

This morning the Friends of Portsmouth Island will be meeting and listening to a presentation by Dr. Stan Riggs. After lunch many of them will be taking a boat ride to Portsmouth. I may be among them. And I believe the weather will be perfect.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

My blog post of a couple of days ago (about an eye splice) has prompted me to mention the bowline today. The bowline is one of the most versatile of knots -- easy to tie, very secure...and easy to untie.

A Loosely Tied Bowline

















To tie a bowline, use the working end (the "active" end of the line) to make a loop (landlubbers can think of this as a rabbit hole). Bring the working end (let's now call that the rabbit) out of his hole, around the back of the standing end (the longer section of the line; we'll call that the tree), and back down the rabbit hole.

Capt. Rob says he can tell you are a seasoned sailor if you can tie a bowline without moving your lips!

The bowline is a great knot to know. It can be used in so many ways. Go ahead...try it.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

I have a habit of leaving my ball cap at neighbors' houses, on chairs at community meetings, in friends' cars. But the cap is distinctive, so folks usually know to bring it back to me.














If you click on the photo to see a larger image you can read the word on the cap. It says "diastematic" but the middle "e" is intentionally faded.

For our readers who may be like my spell checker, and don't know the definition of diastematic, it means "having a space between one's teeth." From the photo you can understand why this is my favorite cap. If you see it lying about somewhere, you now know to return it to me.

And, if you want one for yourself or a gap-toothed friend, you can purchase one here:  http://www.cafepress.com/+black_cap,3673797. (I have no financial interest in the sale of these caps, by the way.)

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

When I was a teenager my father taught me how to splice rope. I don't use this skill often, but every now and again it comes in handy. A few days ago I needed to replace several dock lines for my boat. One of them needed a brass hook attached to the end. I needed to put an eye splice in the line.

Eye Splice













 I haven't taught Lachlan how to splice yet, but he can tie a bowline (with a little help sometimes!).

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

I am not arachnophobic, but I'm not a big fan of spiders either. A few days ago Lachlan was sliding down my porch banister...numerous times, as he often does. Amy and I were sitting in rockers catching up on the day's news, when Lachlan said, "I think that's a black widow spider."

On his next slide down the banister he repeated, "I think that's a black widow spider."

On his third slide (and third pronouncement) I got up to take a look.

The spider was tiny, but I could clearly see the red spot on its back. The spider was busily working on a small web at the intersection of the banister and the porch railing. I captured him (or her) in a jar, and took a look through a magnifying glass. The spider is small, and the glass jar is thick and irregular, but I'm sure it's a black widow. Unfortunately I can't get a good photo, but I found this one on Wikipedia by "Trachemys":

 http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/User:Trachemys












Now I'm wondering what I might find if I haul out the old windows under my house...or even the lawn mower or power washer!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

The Spring Meeting of the Friends of Portsmouth Island will be held on Ocracoke at the NCCAT building this coming Saturday, May 18, at 10 a.m. Guest Speaker is Dr. Stanley R. Riggs, Distinguished Professor, East Carolina University. Pat Kenney, Cape Lookout National Seashore Superintendent, will present an update on Portsmouth.

FPI will offer a round trip ($20 per person) ride to Portsmouth after the meeting – weather permitting.  Lunch will be provided, and all in attendance will be eligible for door prizes.

Henry Pigott's House, Portsmouth Island













More information about Friends of Portsmouth Island is available here:  http://friendsofportsmouthisland.org.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is a history of the Ocracoke Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

Visitors to my house, as well as folks walking down the lane, often ask me about the old iron mattock head that hangs near my yard gate. It is part of a gate closing mechanism. Islanders have used similar items for generations to effortlessly close their gates. Common items used were old window weights and heavy flat irons. In colonial days small cannonballs were often employed as gate closing counterweights.

Gate Closing Mechanism
Closeup of Mattock Head






























The weight hangs from a cord that runs through a small pulley screwed into a horizontal 2 X 4 attached to the top of the gate post. From there the cord extends to the far side of the gate. The gate can be easily opened, and when the gate is released the counterweight slowly pulls the gate shut. It works great!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

Sam ("Uncle Sam") Tolson was born on Portsmouth Island in 1840. When he was 24 years old he traveled to Elizabeth City with a few other islanders looking for work. It was mid-April, 1865, and Sam was immediately arrested by Union soldiers who mistook him for John Wilkes Booth. The resemblance to President Lincoln's assassin (wanted posters had been distributed widely) was so remarkable that Sam Tolson's mates were unable to convince the soldiers they had apprehended the wrong man.

After he was finally released (some say prominent islanders traveled to Elizabeth City to vouch for him; others claim he was released only after John Wilkes Booth was killed), Sam Tolson returned to Portsmouth and never went back to Elizabeth City.

On Portsmouth Uncle Sam Tolson was known as one of the best dancers on the island. He always carried dancing slippers in his pocket, and it was said that he was so light on his feet that he could dance with a glass of water on his head...and never spill a drop.

Sam Tolson died in 1929 at 89 years old.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

For many generations Ocracoke Islanders relied on rain water for drinking and cooking. Water was collected in cisterns (rain barrels, wooden troughs, and later, brick, concrete block or fiberglass containers).

Old Cistern on Howard Street













You can still see many old cisterns alongside vintage houses in the village.

And, you can see photos of a number of island cisterns here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102110.htm.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

Several times on this blog I have extolled the beauty of an Ocracoke Island outdoor shower. Yesterday morning the sun was shining brightly, the temperature was in the mid-60s, and birds were chirping merrily as I took my shower.

Ocracoke Shower Covered with Vines

















What a great way to start my day!

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

Last week as I was strolling down the beach I noticed a starfish that had just washed up. Although this creature, a Royal Starfish, probably named for its bright purple color, is often cast on the shore in great numbers after storms and hurricanes, it is not so common normally.

The scientific name of the Royal Starfish is Astropecten articulatus. It's margin is orange, giving this starfish a striking appearance.














If you find one of these count yourself lucky, but be prepared for the color to fade as it dries out. Another "treasure from the sea."

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

Quite a few visitors to Ocracoke, and even many residents of the island, are unaware of the role Ocracoke played in the War of 1812.  I have published two Newsletter articles about this. You can read them here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news102112.htm and here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news051706.htm.

Jim Goodwin, creator of Village Craftsmen's "ships in bottles," recently completed a model of the Revenue Cutter Mercury which played a pivotal role in protecting North Carolina from invading British troops.

Revenue Cutter Mercury
Mercury Detail


























Jim's model will be displayed in the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum in Hatteras. Be sure to stop in sometime. The museum is outstanding.

September of this year marks the 200th anniversary of the British blockade of Ocracoke Inlet, and the Mercury's role in thwarting British plans to invade New Bern. Look for a soon-to-be-erected official state highway marker commemorating the event.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

On May 11, 1942 the British armed trawler, HMT Bedfordshire, was struck by a torpedo from a German U-boat. The Bedfordshire sank quickly. All hands were lost. Several days later the bodies of four crew members washed up on the beach at Ocracoke -- Sub-Lieutenant Thomas Cunningham, Telegraphist Stanley Craig, and two others who remain unidentified. The were buried on the island on land donated by the David Williams family.

British Cemetery, 1942














Every year since then islanders, members of the US Coast Guard, and/or representatives from other services (US, British, Canadian, & German) gather to recognize the ultimate sacrifice made by the crew of the Bedfordshire and others in order to protect our shores.

This year the annual ceremony will be held at 11 a.m., Friday, May 10 at the British Cemetery. Everyone is invited to attend.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

Last weekend we saw several egrets wading in water alongside the South Point Road. Amy took this photo of one egret flying aver the marsh. There is something beautiful and inspiring in encountering wildlife in their natural settings. Fortunately, this is a common sight on Ocracoke.














 Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

Last Sunday afternoon I took Amy, David, Lachlan, Sundae, & Mariah to the South Point. We drove out the South Point Road in my pickup truck, stopping periodically to observe the egrets and turtles that were foraging for food in the ditches on each side of the lane. Below are a couple of photos Amy took of two of the turtles. I believe they are Eastern Painted Turtles.



















Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

Walking along the beach, even in spring when more folks are on the island, one still occasionally finds a treasure. Just a few days ago I almost walked right past this scotch bonnet. It had just washed up with the latest wave, and was half covered with wet sand. But there it was, North Carolina's state seashell.

Scotch Bonnet













Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

This week marks the 30th year for the Ocracoke Island Surf Fishing Tournament. Seventy teams from Ocracoke, elsewhere on the Outer Banks, the North Carolina mainland, and other states will compete today and tomorrow for various trophies.

A Day's Catch on Ocracoke, ca. 1953
Photo Courtesy Mary Ruth & Paul Dickson













This tournament is a non-profit venture and has donated thousands of dollars to Ocracoke Island community organizations including the Fire Department, the Ocracoke Youth Center, Ocracoke Child Care, WOVV, and the Ocracoke School.

Of course, the anglers also have quite a lot of fun eating, drinking, and dancing. OISFT is a time-honored tradition. Welcome to our island.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

Last week it looked like the 1930s on Ocracoke! A small caravan of Ford 1931 Model As was on the island. I snapped this photo as they were waiting in line for the Cedar Island ferry.














Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

Calvin O'Neal, born on Ocracoke in 1925, lived directly across the lane from the Methodist Church. For most of his adult life Calvin was a pillar of the church. He sang in the choir, acted as custodian, was a lay preacher, and gave many hours in service to his church and his community.

Calvin O'Neal, Jan., 2012, Courtesy of the Ocracoke Current














Calvin never had a driver's license. For years he walked from his home, then down East Howard Street, to the electric company office (the small building at the base of the dock leading to the Ocracoke Watermen's Exhibit) where he worked.

Calvin loved to laugh, sing and act. He performed in numerous local productions, and was a founding member of the Sea Flats, an island barbershop quartet.

In recent years, because of declining health, Calvin seldom left his home. He died at home on April 17. Family and friends gathered at the Methodist Church on Saturday to celebrate his life. Another link to the Ocracoke before paved roads and ferries has been broken.

To read more about Calvin, click on this link to the Ocracoke Current: http://www.ocracokecurrent.com/21040.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.

On Thursday I mentioned that a neighbor told me there are 29 non-profit organizations on Ocracoke. A reader asked me to list them all. I am not sure who counted the 29 organizations. However, I have come up with my own list. I can't guarantee that every one of these is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit, but each one has island residents who volunteer many hours to benefit this community.They are listed in no particular order.

1. Ocracoke Civic & Business Association
2. Ocracoke Preservation Society
3. Ocracoke Foundation
4. Ocracoke Alive
5. Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department
6. Ocracoke P.T.A.
7. Ocracoke Friends of the Library
8. Ocracoke Methodist Church
9. Ocracoke Assembly of God Church
10. Ocracoke Working Watermen's Association
11. WOVV (our community radio station)
12. Ocracoke Freemasons
13. Ocracoke Child Care
14. Ocracoke Health Center
15. OcraCats
16. Ocracoke Festival (this is a special committee under Ocracoke Alive)
17. Occracoke Folk School (this is a special committee under Ocracoke Alive)
18. Ocracoke Community Park (this is a new organization dedicated to creating a park; it might be a special committee under the Ocracoke Youth Center)
19. Ocracoke Youth Center
20. Wilma Lee (this is a special committee dedicated to the skipjack Wilma Lee, under Ocracoke Alive)
21. Ocracoke Needle & Thread Club (the "Quilters")
22. Ocracoke Boy Scouts
23. Ocracoke Girl Scouts

Some of the following may not qualify because their offices are not located on Ocracoke (though many islanders volunteer to work for, and support, these organizations which benefit Ocracoke), because they have never sought non-profit status (perhaps because only one or two people just see a need and fill it), because they are governmental organizations, or for some other reason.

    22. US National Park Service (islanders volunteer to open the lighthouse for visitors, help with turtle patrols, and volunteer other services)
    23. Wild Bird Rescues (not an official organization; this is the effort of a few residents)
    24. Coastal Land Trust (a NC organization; islanders provide financial and volunteer support to help protect Springer's Point)
    25. Outer Banks Foundation (this is an organization located in Dare County that benefits Ocracoke, and receives support from Ocracoke)
    26. Ocracoke Community Center (this may be a committee of the Civic & Business Association)
    27. Meals on Wheels (I'm not sure who sponsors this service)
    28. Ocracoke Sanitary District (this is the agency that provides municipal water to Ocracoke. I don't know if it qualifies as a non-profit, but I think it does)
    29. Salt Water Connections (an eastern NC organization with support from Ocracoke, but it is not located on the island)
    30. Hyde County Chamber of Commerce (has members from Ocracoke)
    31. Hyde County Hotline (operates a thrift store and referral services on Ocracoke)
    32. Hyde County Transit (I believe the drivers are from Hyde mainland, but this service includes Ocracoke)

I welcome corrections, clarifications and additions from readers.
  
Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of our island Post Office. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042113.htm.