Brass Cannon
"There is nothing -- absolutely nothing -- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats." -- Kenneth Grahame
Yesterday afternoon Lachlan and I walked down to the Community Store...just to sit for a spell on the porch and chat with people. Ignatious was there (he's dyed his mohawk brunette), and various other people walked by. After a while Cyrus (Captain Rob's brother-in-law) came up on the porch. He was waiting for the Windfall to return to the dock with his seven year old son Elias and several other kids. He told me how much Elias enjoyed my Wednesday evening story of the rescue of six sailors from the wrecked three masted schooner Sarah D. J. Rawson in 1905.
Lachlan and I walked down on the dock when we spied the Windfall. I'll be sailing with Rob and his son Emmet in October in the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race. They wanted to show me their new brass cannon (an important complement on a racing schooner, especially for saluting other vessels during the parade of sails). In a few minutes we were pulling away from the dock, headed out into the sound.
We weren't gone long...just long enough to get far enough away from the village before firing the cannon. Emmet loaded the blank cartridge, we put our fingers in our ears, and he struck the firing pin. Ka-boom!
The cannon is not very big (you can hold it in the palms of your hands), but it carries a powerful punch. Lachlan was impressed!
"There is nothing -- absolutely nothing -- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter, Looking for the Wahabs of Ocracoke, was written by Dr. James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082110.htm.
Yesterday afternoon Lachlan and I walked down to the Community Store...just to sit for a spell on the porch and chat with people. Ignatious was there (he's dyed his mohawk brunette), and various other people walked by. After a while Cyrus (Captain Rob's brother-in-law) came up on the porch. He was waiting for the Windfall to return to the dock with his seven year old son Elias and several other kids. He told me how much Elias enjoyed my Wednesday evening story of the rescue of six sailors from the wrecked three masted schooner Sarah D. J. Rawson in 1905.
Lachlan and I walked down on the dock when we spied the Windfall. I'll be sailing with Rob and his son Emmet in October in the Great Chesapeake Bay Schooner Race. They wanted to show me their new brass cannon (an important complement on a racing schooner, especially for saluting other vessels during the parade of sails). In a few minutes we were pulling away from the dock, headed out into the sound.
We weren't gone long...just long enough to get far enough away from the village before firing the cannon. Emmet loaded the blank cartridge, we put our fingers in our ears, and he struck the firing pin. Ka-boom!
The cannon is not very big (you can hold it in the palms of your hands), but it carries a powerful punch. Lachlan was impressed!
"There is nothing -- absolutely nothing -- half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats."
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter, Looking for the Wahabs of Ocracoke, was written by Dr. James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082110.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Wir Wünschen Dir Eine Gute Reise, Molly!
We wish you a good trip, Molly!
Molly Lovejoy, one of our Ocracoke High School students, leaves today for Austria. She will be staying there for an entire year as an exchange student sponsored by Youth For Understanding.
Over the last twenty years we have had numerous exchanges between Ocracoke School and Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. Molly's sister Emma recently spent a year in Denmark; my daughter Amy went to Germany as one of the island's first exchange students.
Molly, we wish you well on your new and exciting adventure in Europe. We'll miss you, but know you will have one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Be sure to keep us posted now and then about life in Austria.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter, Looking for the Wahabs of Ocracoke, was written by Dr. James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082110.htm.
Molly Lovejoy, one of our Ocracoke High School students, leaves today for Austria. She will be staying there for an entire year as an exchange student sponsored by Youth For Understanding.
Over the last twenty years we have had numerous exchanges between Ocracoke School and Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America. Molly's sister Emma recently spent a year in Denmark; my daughter Amy went to Germany as one of the island's first exchange students.
Molly, we wish you well on your new and exciting adventure in Europe. We'll miss you, but know you will have one of the most rewarding experiences of your life. Be sure to keep us posted now and then about life in Austria.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter, Looking for the Wahabs of Ocracoke, was written by Dr. James Zogby, president of the Arab American Institute. You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082110.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Wahabs of Ocracoke
Earlier this month my good friends Jim & Eileen Zogby were visiting the island. Jim, who is of Lebanese descent, and president of the Arab American Institute, stopped by one afternoon and we sat on the pizer chatting for more than an hour. He shared with me a recent article he wrote about searching for the Wahabs of Ocracoke. Jim graciously agreed to let me publish his article (along with a few photographs) as our latest Ocracoke Newsletter.
"Looking for the Wahabs" is a delightful piece of journalism relating his visit with islander Myra Wahab some years ago, and her stories about the Wahab ancestors, shipwrecked Arab sailors who landed on Ocracoke's shores more than two hundred years ago.
You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082110.htm.
"Looking for the Wahabs" is a delightful piece of journalism relating his visit with islander Myra Wahab some years ago, and her stories about the Wahab ancestors, shipwrecked Arab sailors who landed on Ocracoke's shores more than two hundred years ago.
You can read the article here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news082110.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Henry
On Monday night, as we were setting up Deepwater Theater for Amy's, David's, & my weekly show "You Ain't Heard Nothing Yet, Strange Stories & Quirky Tales of Ocracoke Island" a 22 year old college student wandered by to see what was going on. Henry had left Oregon a month earlier with a pack on his back, exploring cities and small towns along the way.
Henry was immediately likable with his broad smile, easy manner, and bright eyes. We soon learned that he was an aspiring writer. He had been drawn to our notice about island stories. Immediately he pitched in, helping us set up chairs and arrange the stage. We became fast friends. He stayed for the show, and we invited him to spend the night in the tree house behind the Village Craftsmen.
We've since learned what an interesting fellow Henry is. He has been, literally, around the world, and we heard stories of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and India. In just a few days (this is Henry's very first visit to Ocracoke) he's already discovered more about the island than many people do in years.
Today he wants to walk down to Springer's Point. Lachlan hasn't met Henry yet, but he wants to! Maybe we'll all go out to Teach's Hole in the boat, and Henry can wade ashore to explore the Point while we enjoy some time swimming.
Ocracoke is a beautiful area, and we have a wonderful community. An added advantage is the interesting people we meet who pass through.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
Henry was immediately likable with his broad smile, easy manner, and bright eyes. We soon learned that he was an aspiring writer. He had been drawn to our notice about island stories. Immediately he pitched in, helping us set up chairs and arrange the stage. We became fast friends. He stayed for the show, and we invited him to spend the night in the tree house behind the Village Craftsmen.
We've since learned what an interesting fellow Henry is. He has been, literally, around the world, and we heard stories of Europe, Australia, New Zealand, and India. In just a few days (this is Henry's very first visit to Ocracoke) he's already discovered more about the island than many people do in years.
Today he wants to walk down to Springer's Point. Lachlan hasn't met Henry yet, but he wants to! Maybe we'll all go out to Teach's Hole in the boat, and Henry can wade ashore to explore the Point while we enjoy some time swimming.
Ocracoke is a beautiful area, and we have a wonderful community. An added advantage is the interesting people we meet who pass through.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Aquamarine
Lately the ocean has literally been "aquamarine," a magnificent pale blue-green color. Oftentimes on the Outer Banks the powerful waves churn up fine particles of sand as they crash against the shoreline. This gives the water a deeper, less vibrant color. But now and then conditions are just right and the ocean becomes transparent, even as waves roll up on the beach. Yesterday was like that. Standing in chest deep water I could see my feet on the bottom...until a wave gently picked me up and then set me back down.
It was Zen-like.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
It was Zen-like.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Ocracoke's Fishing Tradition
I know I wrote about this almost exactly one year ago, but I was recently reminded that, although there have always been fishermen on Ocracoke, for many years this was not primarily a fishing village. I think many writers and journalists simply assume that Ocracoke must have always been a traditional fishing village. After all, this is an island surrounded by some of the best fishing waters on the east coast. They fail to understand how difficult, time-consuming, and expensive it would have been to carry fish to mainland markets before 1938, the year the ice plant was built. Prior to that year there was no electricity on Ocracoke, hence no way to make ice for preserving fish. In addition, gasoline powered skiffs were just beginning to replace sail skiffs, slow, sometimes dangerous, and often unreliable transportation to the mainland. Ocracoke didn't have ferry service until the 1950s, and the paved road to Hatteras wasn't constructed until 1957.
A quick perusal of census records confirms the above. Ocracoke's 1850 census lists 28 pilots (men with knowledge of the local waters who guided sailing ships through the inlet and across the sound to mainland ports), 10 seafarers, three dozen laborers, merchants, mechanics, etc., and only 5 fishermen. The 1860 census lists 13 pilots (the more navigable Hatteras inlet had opened in 1846 and many pilots moved there), 18 mariners, and only one fisherman!
Of course fresh fish, clams, crabs, and other seafood have been the primary food on island tables since the 1700s. By the second half of the twentieth century commercial fishing had become a major source of income for many local residents. In spite of a number of setbacks, today Ocracoke's fishing related commerce continues to grow and thrive, thanks in large measure to the Working Watermen's Association. You can read more here.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
A quick perusal of census records confirms the above. Ocracoke's 1850 census lists 28 pilots (men with knowledge of the local waters who guided sailing ships through the inlet and across the sound to mainland ports), 10 seafarers, three dozen laborers, merchants, mechanics, etc., and only 5 fishermen. The 1860 census lists 13 pilots (the more navigable Hatteras inlet had opened in 1846 and many pilots moved there), 18 mariners, and only one fisherman!
Of course fresh fish, clams, crabs, and other seafood have been the primary food on island tables since the 1700s. By the second half of the twentieth century commercial fishing had become a major source of income for many local residents. In spite of a number of setbacks, today Ocracoke's fishing related commerce continues to grow and thrive, thanks in large measure to the Working Watermen's Association. You can read more here.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Pancakes and Family
David called this morning and invited me over for breakfast. Pat & Steve (David's parents) were coming, and even though he didn't know what we would be having, he thought we would like starting the day together. As it turned out, we had pancakes and eggs...they were delicious...and another enjoyable time as an extended family.
Today is just beautiful -- temperatures in the low eighties, and bright skies -- I think I'll go to the beach!
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
Today is just beautiful -- temperatures in the low eighties, and bright skies -- I think I'll go to the beach!
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Saturday Morning
I didn't get to venture out in the boat Thursday, as I had hoped. I can't remember the reason. But I did go out this morning (just got back, in fact). David's mother and father (Pat & Steve) are visiting for a week or so, and they'd never been out in my boat. So we all slathered on our sun screen, packed water bottles and peanut butter crackers, and walked down Howard Street to the Community Store dock. In addition to Pat & Steve, Amy, Lachlan, and David came along.
We didn't do much...just motored out toward the South Point, then turned around and anchored a little way off shore. We all jumped overboard and frolicked in the Sound for over an hour. The water was warm, but refreshing; the bottom, sandy and delightful. We jumped and played, tossed a small football, laughed and swam, and floated around on a foam board. It was one of those mornings that reminds one how wonderful it is to be alive...and to live surrounded by family, friends, beauty and natural treasures.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
We didn't do much...just motored out toward the South Point, then turned around and anchored a little way off shore. We all jumped overboard and frolicked in the Sound for over an hour. The water was warm, but refreshing; the bottom, sandy and delightful. We jumped and played, tossed a small football, laughed and swam, and floated around on a foam board. It was one of those mornings that reminds one how wonderful it is to be alive...and to live surrounded by family, friends, beauty and natural treasures.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Shooting Stars
Rain fell in torrents around supper time last night. So we thought the sky would be totally obscured throughout the evening, but we were wrong. By 10 o'clock the storm clouds had moved on, leaving a vast array of sparkling stars overhead. The Milky Way stretched across the heavens from one end to the other.
Bill & Lida invited me to their yard to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower, an annual celestial event that peaks around August 12. As earth passes through debris from the Swift-Tuttle comet tiny particles (most about the size of a grain of sand, and traveling 50 times as fast as an automobile on the Interstate) bombard the atmosphere and streak through the sky as they burn and disintegrate.
In an hour's time we saw several dozen "shooting stars," a few spectacular enough to elicit simultaneous expressions of wonder and awe.
Ocracoke Island must be one of the best places to view meteor showers (we don't have much light polution, after all), but shooting stars should be visible throughout the country for several more days. It is well worth your time to find a place away from city lights (maybe in your own back yard), and sit quietly for an hour tonight and just gaze up into the night sky. With or without shooting stars it is spectacular.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
Bill & Lida invited me to their yard to watch the Perseid Meteor Shower, an annual celestial event that peaks around August 12. As earth passes through debris from the Swift-Tuttle comet tiny particles (most about the size of a grain of sand, and traveling 50 times as fast as an automobile on the Interstate) bombard the atmosphere and streak through the sky as they burn and disintegrate.
In an hour's time we saw several dozen "shooting stars," a few spectacular enough to elicit simultaneous expressions of wonder and awe.
Ocracoke Island must be one of the best places to view meteor showers (we don't have much light polution, after all), but shooting stars should be visible throughout the country for several more days. It is well worth your time to find a place away from city lights (maybe in your own back yard), and sit quietly for an hour tonight and just gaze up into the night sky. With or without shooting stars it is spectacular.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
The Beach
Yesterday was a superb day to spend a bit of time at the beach! The water temperature was in the mid-70s, so there was no shock when I dove in. The bottom quickly sloped until the water was about chest deep. There the waves were gentle and rolling, making swimming almost effortless. A bit farther out there was a sandbar, and on the other side, larger and more exciting waves.
In spite of a slight littoral current, everyone there seemed to be enjoying the water...the perfect way to escape the midday heat.
It rained torrents last night, with dramatic lightning and booming thunder. I am planning to take the family out in the boat later today. I hope it's not too windy. Wave if you see us out in the Sound!
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
In spite of a slight littoral current, everyone there seemed to be enjoying the water...the perfect way to escape the midday heat.
It rained torrents last night, with dramatic lightning and booming thunder. I am planning to take the family out in the boat later today. I hope it's not too windy. Wave if you see us out in the Sound!
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
October Excursion
One of my neighbors just sent me the following information about a fall adventure trip to Ocracoke Island for women sponsored by Just Get Outdoors.
"[W]hy not join me for my EXPLORING OCRACOKE ISLAND AND THE OUTER BANKS trip this October 3 - 10. October is said to be the best time of the year to visit Ocracoke. This trip has a lot to offer as we explore both land and sea. We'll ramble through maritime forests and old dune habitats and kayak in the open shoreline waters, sloughs and marshes of the Pamlico Sound. Along with birding and (world-class) shelling, this varied excursion offers time spent at the historical Portsmouth Island and Ocracoke Lighthouse. We will have time to sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Pamlico Sound on our sailing tour aboard a traditional gaff-rigged schooner. Also included is some downtime to enjoy the village of Ocracoke - a must - and to relax on the porch and stroll the lovely grounds of the Soundfront Inn, our historic accommodations for this trip."
You can find a full itinerary and more information at http://www.justgetoutdoors.com/details_ocracoke10.html.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
"[W]hy not join me for my EXPLORING OCRACOKE ISLAND AND THE OUTER BANKS trip this October 3 - 10. October is said to be the best time of the year to visit Ocracoke. This trip has a lot to offer as we explore both land and sea. We'll ramble through maritime forests and old dune habitats and kayak in the open shoreline waters, sloughs and marshes of the Pamlico Sound. Along with birding and (world-class) shelling, this varied excursion offers time spent at the historical Portsmouth Island and Ocracoke Lighthouse. We will have time to sit back, relax and enjoy the beautiful scenery of the Pamlico Sound on our sailing tour aboard a traditional gaff-rigged schooner. Also included is some downtime to enjoy the village of Ocracoke - a must - and to relax on the porch and stroll the lovely grounds of the Soundfront Inn, our historic accommodations for this trip."
You can find a full itinerary and more information at http://www.justgetoutdoors.com/details_ocracoke10.html.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Ocracoke's First Lighthouse
Although Ocracoke boasts the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina the present day lighthouse is the second beacon erected to protect shipping in the area. In 1798 a 55' tall wooden pyramid-shaped tower, covered with shingles, was built on "Shell Castle Rock," a 25 acre island of oyster shells just inside Ocracoke Inlet (at the time this was considered the "harbor of Ocracock" since "Cockle Creek" [later renamed "Silver Lake" after it was dredged] was merely a wide, shallow tidal creek).
On Shell Castle Rock John Blount & his partner John Wallace operated a shipping business that included wharves, warehouses, a store & tavern, and a wind-powered grist mill. Legislation establishing the lighthouse prohibited goods to be stored, a tavern to be kept, or merchandise to be sold anywhere on the land set aside for the lighthouse. In addition, no one was to reside there, and the lighthouse was not to be used to "make a stand from which [anyone] may either pilot or lighter vessels." In other words, the lighthouse was an aid erected for the public good and shipping in general. No individuals were to personally benefit from the lighthouse at the expense of others.
The channel soon shifted, making the lighthouse ineffective. It was struck by lightning on August 16, 1818 and completely destroyed. Our current lighthouse was built on Ocracoke Island five years later.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
On Shell Castle Rock John Blount & his partner John Wallace operated a shipping business that included wharves, warehouses, a store & tavern, and a wind-powered grist mill. Legislation establishing the lighthouse prohibited goods to be stored, a tavern to be kept, or merchandise to be sold anywhere on the land set aside for the lighthouse. In addition, no one was to reside there, and the lighthouse was not to be used to "make a stand from which [anyone] may either pilot or lighter vessels." In other words, the lighthouse was an aid erected for the public good and shipping in general. No individuals were to personally benefit from the lighthouse at the expense of others.
The channel soon shifted, making the lighthouse ineffective. It was struck by lightning on August 16, 1818 and completely destroyed. Our current lighthouse was built on Ocracoke Island five years later.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Rip Currents
Yesterday evening I heard the sad news that a visitor on Ocracoke Island drowned late Saturday afternoon after being caught in a dangerous rip current. Such sobering news always affects Ocracoke residents. We have one of the most beautiful beaches in the country...and ocean swimming is almost always fun and relaxing. However, under certain conditions strong and dangerous currents can form, especially in association with off-shore storms. When visiting the island please stay informed about rip currents and ask our local life guards and park rangers about current conditions.
The full story is available at the island free press web site, along with valuable information about recognizing rip currents, and how to react if caught in one. Click here to read more.
Our hearts go out to the family of the gentleman who died Saturday.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
The full story is available at the island free press web site, along with valuable information about recognizing rip currents, and how to react if caught in one. Click here to read more.
Our hearts go out to the family of the gentleman who died Saturday.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Colin & Rip Currents
I just received the following message from the Hyde Co Emergency Management Office re. ocean swimming at Ocracoke:
...RIP CURRENT RISK NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING...
THE COMBINATION OF HIGH ASTRONOMICAL TIDES AND LONG PERIOD SWELLS FROM TROPICAL STORM COLIN WELL EAST OF THE REGION WILL PRODUCE A HIGH RISK OF RIP CURRENTS THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING.
THE MOST LIKELY TIME FOR LIFE THREATENING RIP CURRENTS WILL BE A COUPLE OF HOURS EITHER SIDE OF LOW TIDE.
LOW TIDE SUNDAY WILL OCCUR AROUND NOON.
Ocracoke's beaches are among the best in the entire United States. The water has been delightfully warm recently, and the waves have been fun to ride. Enjoy the beach...just remember -- it is not a swimming pool. If you are ever caught in a rip tide, don't panic...just swim parallel with the beach (rip currents, though often powerful, are never very wide), then swim back to shore.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
...RIP CURRENT RISK NOW IN EFFECT THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING...
THE COMBINATION OF HIGH ASTRONOMICAL TIDES AND LONG PERIOD SWELLS FROM TROPICAL STORM COLIN WELL EAST OF THE REGION WILL PRODUCE A HIGH RISK OF RIP CURRENTS THROUGH SUNDAY EVENING.
THE MOST LIKELY TIME FOR LIFE THREATENING RIP CURRENTS WILL BE A COUPLE OF HOURS EITHER SIDE OF LOW TIDE.
LOW TIDE SUNDAY WILL OCCUR AROUND NOON.
Ocracoke's beaches are among the best in the entire United States. The water has been delightfully warm recently, and the waves have been fun to ride. Enjoy the beach...just remember -- it is not a swimming pool. If you are ever caught in a rip tide, don't panic...just swim parallel with the beach (rip currents, though often powerful, are never very wide), then swim back to shore.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
National Lighthouse Day
I must admit...I didn't know there was a National Lighthouse Day until I read the comment on yesterday's post. I'm guessing that most Ocracoke islanders don't know this either.
According to the American Lighthouse Foundation, "It was on this day in 1789, that Congress approved an Act for the establishment and support of lighthouses, beacons, buoys and public piers. In Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the signing of the Act and the commissioning of the first Federal lighthouse, Congress passed a resolution which designated August 7, 1989 as National Lighthouse Day."
There is also a United States Lighthouse Society. I just yesterday discovered these web sites, so I don't know much about the two organizations, but thought some of our readers might enjoy perusing the sites.
Ocracoke's lighthouse was built in 1823 by Noah Porter of Massachusetts for $11,359.35 (this included the keeper's quarters). It is the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina; the second oldest in the United States (bowing only to the beacon at Sandy Hook, NJ). Standing about 77 feet tall (depending on where you measure) the tower tapers from a diameter of 25 feet at the base to 12 feet at the top. The solid brick walls are five feet thick at the bottom and two feet thick at the top. The electric light bulb in the lantern is surrounded by a fourth order Fresnel lens (a whale oil lamp originally provided the flame).
Ocracoke's plain white lighthouse with a steady beam is arguably the island's most prominent landmark, and is beloved by all.
Happy National Lighthouse Day!
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
According to the American Lighthouse Foundation, "It was on this day in 1789, that Congress approved an Act for the establishment and support of lighthouses, beacons, buoys and public piers. In Celebration of the 200th Anniversary of the signing of the Act and the commissioning of the first Federal lighthouse, Congress passed a resolution which designated August 7, 1989 as National Lighthouse Day."
There is also a United States Lighthouse Society. I just yesterday discovered these web sites, so I don't know much about the two organizations, but thought some of our readers might enjoy perusing the sites.
Ocracoke's lighthouse was built in 1823 by Noah Porter of Massachusetts for $11,359.35 (this included the keeper's quarters). It is the oldest operating lighthouse in North Carolina; the second oldest in the United States (bowing only to the beacon at Sandy Hook, NJ). Standing about 77 feet tall (depending on where you measure) the tower tapers from a diameter of 25 feet at the base to 12 feet at the top. The solid brick walls are five feet thick at the bottom and two feet thick at the top. The electric light bulb in the lantern is surrounded by a fourth order Fresnel lens (a whale oil lamp originally provided the flame).
Ocracoke's plain white lighthouse with a steady beam is arguably the island's most prominent landmark, and is beloved by all.
Happy National Lighthouse Day!
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
What's Your Story?
Late last night I watched episode one of the TV show "What's Your Story?" a documentary featuring Ocracoke's master storyteller, Donald Davis, as he leads 14 people on an entertaining journey of discovering their own stories during one of Donald's week-long Ocracoke Island workshops.
The documentary is a joint venture of Timpanogos Storytelling National Outreach, Kaleidoscope Pictures, BYU Broadcasting, and the Ashton Family Foundation. The program will be re-broadcast through August 12, at which time the second episode will premiere. "What's Your Story?" is available in Utah (home of the sponsoring organizations) and worldwide via satellite TV. You can find more information here (all times are Mountain Daylight Time [two hours earlier than Eastern Daylight Time]): http://www.byutv.org/Show/1996.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
The documentary is a joint venture of Timpanogos Storytelling National Outreach, Kaleidoscope Pictures, BYU Broadcasting, and the Ashton Family Foundation. The program will be re-broadcast through August 12, at which time the second episode will premiere. "What's Your Story?" is available in Utah (home of the sponsoring organizations) and worldwide via satellite TV. You can find more information here (all times are Mountain Daylight Time [two hours earlier than Eastern Daylight Time]): http://www.byutv.org/Show/1996.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Ocracoke Ponies
No one knows for sure how Ocracoke's wild ponies first settled on the island, but the present day herd is almost certainly descended from shipwrecked Spanish mustangs and other horses that came to these shores with the earliest English settlers. Over the years new blood was occasionally introduced. For a colorful story of two circus horses that found their way to Ocracoke click here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072507.htm.
Of course, the Ocracoke ponies played an important part in island history in the mid-twentieth century when my Uncle Marvin Howard organized the celebrated mounted Boy Scout troop.
Today a remnant herd is maintained on National Park Service land midway up the island. Several years ago a new colt was born, and the rangers named him Lawton Howard after my father who always enjoyed visiting the ponies at their pasture and pen. A few days ago Joyce Reynolds sent me the following photos she took of this handsome young steed (click on any photo to view a larger image).
Whether you live on the island, or just visit us, be sure to ride down to the pony pen and absorb a little bit of island history whenever you have the opportunity.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
Of course, the Ocracoke ponies played an important part in island history in the mid-twentieth century when my Uncle Marvin Howard organized the celebrated mounted Boy Scout troop.
Today a remnant herd is maintained on National Park Service land midway up the island. Several years ago a new colt was born, and the rangers named him Lawton Howard after my father who always enjoyed visiting the ponies at their pasture and pen. A few days ago Joyce Reynolds sent me the following photos she took of this handsome young steed (click on any photo to view a larger image).
Whether you live on the island, or just visit us, be sure to ride down to the pony pen and absorb a little bit of island history whenever you have the opportunity.
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Fig Preserves
Ocracoke Island is known for its fig trees...and delicious fig preserves. Several varieties of figs grow on the island, and they begin to ripen in August. According to island old timers this year's crop of figs is one of the most abundant in living memory.
Village Craftsmen has sold locally preserved figs for several years. They are tasty on bread (homemade is the best, of course), marvelous as a topping on ice cream, and perfect for Ocracoke Island's famous fig cake (click here -- http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news040301.htm -- for the recipe).
Many of our readers ask about purchasing fig preserves, but all too often they are out of season when visitors are here on the island. If you would like some authentic Ocracoke Island preserved figs you are now in luck. Because of this year's bumper crop we now have a substantial supply of preserves, ready for shipment anywhere in the US. Just click on this link for more information:
http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/figpreserves.htm.
Remember, this is a seasonal item. When they're gone, they're gone...until next year at least. So order now, and enjoy Ocracoke Island figs in your own kitchen!
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
Village Craftsmen has sold locally preserved figs for several years. They are tasty on bread (homemade is the best, of course), marvelous as a topping on ice cream, and perfect for Ocracoke Island's famous fig cake (click here -- http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news040301.htm -- for the recipe).
Many of our readers ask about purchasing fig preserves, but all too often they are out of season when visitors are here on the island. If you would like some authentic Ocracoke Island preserved figs you are now in luck. Because of this year's bumper crop we now have a substantial supply of preserves, ready for shipment anywhere in the US. Just click on this link for more information:
http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/figpreserves.htm.
Remember, this is a seasonal item. When they're gone, they're gone...until next year at least. So order now, and enjoy Ocracoke Island figs in your own kitchen!
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Bachelors
Lou Ann and I enjoyed an early dinner Sunday night at the Jolly Roger restaurant with friends from off island. As we walked down Howard Street on the way home we heard a raucous din coming from School Road. We immediately remembered that our new radio station was hosting a Bachelor's Auction in the yard of Natural Selections Hemp Shop. We knew we had to investigate!
What a scene we encountered. One of the young men was just stepping onto the porch as we arrived. He strutted a bit, and the bidding began. Hands shot up everywhere, and the bidding quickly escalated from twenty-five dollars to over two hundred dollars. The young women were in a frenzy! More bachelors followed. Prices from one hundred and fifty dollars to close to three hundred dollars were routine. One young man (after tossing his shirt into the crowd) garnered more than four hundred dollars!
Everyone seemed to be in a happy, festive mood. And all for a worthy cause. I haven't heard any figures but I'm certain the event raised several thousands of dollars for WOVV (90.1 on your Ocracoke radio dial).
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
What a scene we encountered. One of the young men was just stepping onto the porch as we arrived. He strutted a bit, and the bidding began. Hands shot up everywhere, and the bidding quickly escalated from twenty-five dollars to over two hundred dollars. The young women were in a frenzy! More bachelors followed. Prices from one hundred and fifty dollars to close to three hundred dollars were routine. One young man (after tossing his shirt into the crowd) garnered more than four hundred dollars!
Everyone seemed to be in a happy, festive mood. And all for a worthy cause. I haven't heard any figures but I'm certain the event raised several thousands of dollars for WOVV (90.1 on your Ocracoke radio dial).
This month's Ocracoke Newsletter is the story of the 1913 wreck of the 6-masted schooner, George W. Wells. You can read it here: http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news072110.htm.
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
Happy Birthday Philip!!
Rob Temple brought this hat over to Philip for one of his gifts, and the truth is, Philip just won't take off the hat. Now we must call him Captain Philip! Thanks for the great gift Rob! (In case you can't read the hat, it says Captain Philip!)
Happy Birthday!
Categories: Outer Banks Blogs
