Lorraine, a distant Ocracoke cousin, stopped by yesterday with a box full of papers her sister had collected. One included an account by C.C. Austin, master of the Diamond Shoals lightship during the 1933 hurricane. The ship was anchored thirteen miles off shore of Cape Hatteras. The hurricane hit the Outer Banks on September 15 and drove the ship, which was moored in place by a 5,500 pound mushroom anchor attached by 24,000 pounds of chain, five miles onto the Outer Diamond Shoals. Winds were clocked at 120 miles per hour. The first of many breakers to wash over the ship broke a port in the pilot house and struck the captain, lacerating his face and neck. One of the crew members was nearly washed overboard.

The lightship lay in the breakers for more than six hours as the storm sent wave after wave over the deck, carrying away life boats, ventilators, and anything else not bolted down. At times there was three feet of water in the engine-room bilges.

As the eye of the storm passed by Captain Austin was able to maneuver his ship into the open ocean. By 9 a.m. they were sixty miles east, northeast of the Cape Hatteras lighthouse. They had survived one of the worst storms ever to have struck the Outer Banks.

Captain Austin received a commendation from President Roosevelt for the "exceptional character of the services performed in saving this vessel, and in the protection of the shipping along the coast...."

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Captain Rob's essay, "Schooner Windfall Sails into the Final Sunset." You can read it here:http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052110.htm.

Ocracoke is an interesting place. Yesterday afternoon as I stepped out the front door of the Village Craftsmen I greeted one of the island's sixth graders walking up Howard Street. She continued toward the Community Store, and I turned down Lawton Lane. After not very many feet I heard footsteps behind me. It was the sixth grader.

"I have a joke for you," she said with a smile.

"The famous philosopher Rene Descartes walks into a bar. The bartender says, 'Would you like a beer, sir?'

"'I think not,' replies Descartes, and with that...he vanishes."

Granted, this joke didn't elicit the belly laughs we had Sunday night telling stories about clams with false teeth (and you may be shaking your head if you haven't studied philosophy), but it does illustrate the interesting makeup of this small island community.

Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Captain Rob's essay, "Schooner Windfall Sails into the Final Sunset." You can read it here:http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052110.htm.

My cousin Sylvia and her friend Marie came over to the island this past weekend to visit Earl O'Neal. We sat on the pizer Saturday afternoon and talked for more than an hour. Sylvia and Marie came back to join us for supper. We shared stories, talked about childhood memories of Ocracoke, and laughed about our relatives' antics.br /br /Earl told us he had a photograph of my father right after a hurricane. He was standing in water up to his neck. Well, actually he wasn't standing. He was being silly and kneeling, making it look like the water was much higher than it was! He also has a photo of my father holding a smiling clam. My dad had taken out his false teeth and inserted them between the open shells.br /br /After supper we walked across the lane to visit Blanche. More stories flowed forth, and we all laughed some more. Blanche says the Howards always liked to laugh. She says it keeps us young. My Aunt Thelma is 97 years old. As she often reminds me, "No fools, no fun."br /br /Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Captain Rob's essay, "Schooner Windfall Sails into the Final Sunset." You can read it here:a href="http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052110.htm"http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052110.htm/a.div class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6559692-4223739970414354440?l=villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com' alt='' //div

Today is not the day for relaxing on the beach. A light rain has been falling all morning, and span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error"forcasters/span are calling for a 70% chance of rain all day, with a possibility of thunderstorms. The sky is pewter gray. Pearls of water are dripping from the cedars, live oaks, and span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-error"yaupons/span. The scene from my window is so different from the bright, sunny days of last week, but there is a certain tranquil beauty in this rainy, span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected"springtime/span morning.br /br /br /Our latest span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error"Ocracoke/span Newsletter is Captain Rob's essay, "Schooner Windfall Sails into the Final Sunset." You can read it here:a href="http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052110.htm"http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052110.htm/a.div class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6559692-4619650502606444505?l=villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com' alt='' //div

The weather this spring has been super -- warm, sunny days, just great to be outside in the yard, on the beach, or out on the water...and cool evenings, perfect for sleeping with the windows open. Forecasts are calling for some rain this week, which will be good for gardens and lawns, but daytime temperatures should remain in the low to mid seventies, and nightime temps will be in the mid sixties. We're enjoying it while it lasts.br /br /Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter is Captain Rob's essay, "Schooner Windfall Sails into the Final Sunset." You can read it here:a href="http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052110.htm"http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052110.htm/a.div class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6559692-5254832735157938370?l=villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com' alt='' //div

Yesterday I published our latest Ocracoke Newsletter. This month we are honored to have a guest columnist, Captain Rob Temple of the Schooner Windfall. Many of our readers may have heard that the Windfall has been retired (though Captain Rob has not). Ocracoke now has another schooner (Windfall II) in Silver Lake harbor, at the Community Store dock.br /br /You can read Captain Rob's essay, "Schooner Windfall Sails into the Final Sunset," here:br /a href="http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052110.htm"http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news052110.htm/adiv class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6559692-6113812791749807499?l=villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com' alt='' //div

On Monday a reader left the following comment on this journal: "As I recall, there is also a pretty good view of the outside shower behind the house . . . if you care to watch naked people covered with soap."br /br /The reader was referring, of course, to my outdoor shower...the one with the copper shower head, stained glass window, and view of the cedars, oaks, and starry sky.br /br /br /a href="http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/shower2010b.JPG"img style="WIDTH: 323px; HEIGHT: 460px; CURSOR: hand" border="0" alt="" src="http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/shower2010a.JPG" //abr /br /Regarding the naked people (or person): Just click on the photo (if you dare)!br /br /Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter celebrates colorful islander Don Wood (1936-1998). You can read it here: a href="http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042610.htm"http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042610.htm/a.div class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6559692-3717489310565146578?l=villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com' alt='' //div

The other day I was looking through a few items I saved after my father died. He was born on Ocracoke, and worked on boats his entire life. In 1939 he purchased a book for $1.00, "The Ship's Medicine Chest and First Aid at Sea" (published, 1929).br /br /In 1952, when I was 7 years old, he wrote this note inside the front cover, "This book has been a big help to us when any one of the family was sick. Hope to pass this book down to my boys. It has been worth the cost I paid for it."br /br /Of course much of the information in the book is now outdated. Scurvy is a disease seldom encountered in the 21st century. And few of us today are prepared to surgically treat family or friends stricken with various venereal diseases.br /br /Some of the book's information might be useful during a catastrophic emergency (e.g. "How to Tie an Artery"), although most of us today gladly defer to health care professionals.br /br /I found the following entry of interest: "One of the great menaces to health aboard ship is vermin. Of these, the most prevalent is the cockroach, a filthy insect which can be gotten rid of by frequent fumigations and scrupulous cleanliness."br /br /I was reminded of an account mentioned in a book, "Batavia's Graveyard," that I read several years ago: "The captain of one Danish East Indiaman was so maddened by the plague of scuttling vermin on board his ship that he offered his sailors a tot of brandy for every thousand cockroaches they killed. Within days the crushed bodies of 38, 250 insects had been presented to him for his inspection."br /br /I believe I'll keep "The Ship's Medicine Chest" both to preserve a bit of history...and also just in case I might need it following a hurricane or other disaster. But let's hope I don't.br /br /--------------------------------------------------------------------------------br /br /[Ocracoke residents: Don't forget to get your re-entry stickers at the Community Center!br /ulliThursday, May 20, 1pm - 4pm/liliFriday, May 21, 9am - 12pm]/li/ulbr /Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter celebrates colorful islander Don Wood (1936-1998). You can read it here: a href="http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042610.htm"http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042610.htm/a.div class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6559692-286083563342967669?l=villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com' alt='' //div

This morning Lou Ann reminded me of one of our favorite Ocracoke stories. A neighbor decided it was time for a new vehicle. He'd had his old pickup truck for many years, so he drove it to Norfolk and traded it in for a new one. As he was driving his new vehicle out of the lot he noticed the salesman running behind him waving his arms in the air. The Ocracoker stopped and rolled down his window as the salesman approached.br /br /"How do you get the key out of the ignition?" the salesman wanted to know. "It seems to be permanently stuck."br /br /"Beats me," the islander said. "I haven't had the key out of the ignition for fifteen years!"br /br /--------------------------------------------------------------------------------br /br /[Ocracoke residents: Don't forget to get your re-entry stickers at the Community Center!br /ulliWednesday, May 19, 4pm - 7pm/liliThursday, May 20, 1pm - 4pm/liliFriday, May 21, 9am - 12pm]/li/ulbr /Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter celebrates colorful islander Don Wood (1936-1998). You can read it here: a href="http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042610.htm"http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042610.htm/a.div class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6559692-9186028469533661481?l=villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com' alt='' //div

Joyce Reynolds has served as pastor of the Ocracoke United Methodist Church for more than eight years, longer than any other minister in island history. And she will be retiring in June. On Sunday evening parishioners and friends gathered at the Community Center to celebrate her life on Ocracoke and wish her well as she prepares to move to Hickory, NC.br /br /A crowd gathered on the ramp outside the Community Center to greet Joyce as she arrived with David Tolson on his motorcycle (she told me she was more accustomed to riding Hondas than Harleys).br /br /a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bo6MgZjcmu0/S_Efh3HmmlI/AAAAAAAAAYA/rsCSHjhxyQc/s1600/joyce.JPG"img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 239px;" src="http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_Bo6MgZjcmu0/S_Efh3HmmlI/AAAAAAAAAYA/rsCSHjhxyQc/s320/joyce.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5472189688823847506" border="0" //abr /br /(Click on photo to view a larger image.)br /br /Joyce has been an active part of the Ocracoke community, serving on various committees, helping in a variety of projects (her t-shirt quilts are ever popular items at island raffles), and volunteering with local organizations. Over the years she has been an active member of the Ocracoke Fire Department, helped distribute meals on wheels, clerked at the Preservation Society Museum, tutored at the school, and volunteered at the library, among other things.br /br /Joyce is a no-nonsense kind of person who has always seen her calling as ministering, not only to the church, but to the entire community. Thus, it was no surprise to see the Community Center packed with neighbors and friends. Every seat was filled, with many standing to enjoy good food (it was a potluck dinner), fellowship, music, and a few short speeches.br /br /The new Methodist minister will not be arriving until the first of August, so Joyce has agreed to stay on through July. We hate to see Joyce leave the island, and we wish her all the best in her retirement. At the same time we look forward to meeting the new Methodist minister in August.br /br /If you see Joyce around the village be sure give her a hug and tell her how much we will miss her.br /br /Our latest Ocracoke Newsletter celebrates colorful islander Don Wood (1936-1998). You can read it here: a href="http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042610.htm"http://www.villagecraftsmen.com/news042610.htm/a.div class="blogger-post-footer"img width='1' height='1' src='https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/tracker/6559692-2993618651629460014?l=villagecraftsmen.blogspot.com' alt='' //div

Saturday, July 18, 2009 BRBRBy Jennifer Preyss BRStaff Writer for The A href="http://www.dailyadvance.com/news/vacationers-help-needy-families-726249.html"Daily AdvanceBR/A DIV class=subheadline H3Pa. families give 2 families $1,400/H3BRWhen Currituck locals get the urge to complain about tourists this summer, they might want to consider what three families vacationing from Pennsylvania are doing to make life a little easier for the area’s neediest residents. BRBRFor the second year in a row, the Malagise family of Freedom, Pa., the O’Donnell family of West Mifflin, Pa., and the Wilson family of Bethel Park, Pa., have donated money to help an area family struggling to make ends meet. BRBRAccording to Ginger Candelora, executive director of Interfaith Community Outreach, the families were vacationing on the Outer Banks last summer when they discovered that behind the Outer Banks’ beautiful beaches and tourist attractions, there was a rising unemployment rate and hundreds of families in dire financial straits. BRBR“They were just talking one night around the pool and said, 'It’s hard to believe you’ve got so many poor people living in the middle of paradise,’” Candelora said. BRBRCandelora isn’t sure how the families learned about ICO, but they contacted her office and inquired about making a donation to local family in need. BRBR“They said they wanted to donate money, but they wanted to write the check themselves and give it to the person, rather than go through ICO,” Candelora said. “We don’t usually do that, so we found a Currituck lady who was in the hospital, she had contracted a virus, and was facing eviction from her home. We told (the families) they could write a check to her landlord.” BRBRThe vacationers agreed, and wrote a $400 check to the woman’s landlord. BRBRWhen the families returned for a vacation this summer in Duck, they again contacted ICO and inquired about making a donation to another family. This time, they wanted to donate an even larger sum: $1,000. BRBRAs Candelora went through her 44 faith outreach networks and the Departments of Social Services in Currituck and Dare, one family rose to the top as a perfect candidate for the donation. BRBRA young Dare County family was struggling to pay bills after the husband had lost his construction job. Their troubles mounted after his hours at a local restaurant — where he had found another job — were cut. BRBR“He finally found full-time work at Food Lion, but they were hurting with their finances and about one and one-half months behind in their rent,” Candelora said. BRBRInterfaith was familiar with the family because that’s what it does: helps needy families in Dare and Currituck counties by providing them with emergency services and funding. Since January, the ecumenical outreach program and its network of donors between Moyock and Hatteras have helped more than 500 families in the two counties. BRBRThe families left quietly about a week ago, and requested their donations remain anonymous. But Candelora, touched by their giving, begged them to go public. BRBR“They wanted to give anonymously, but we wanted to let folks see that our visitors care so much for our paradise,” Candelora said. “And they’re so young. I was impressed with that. It gives us hope."BRBRA href="http://www.dailyadvance.com/news/vacationers-help-needy-families-726249.html"Link to the ArticleBR/A/:OD/DIV

BRBRIMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/41500-38006/SunsetonSoundBEAUTIFUL.jpg"BRBRSTRONGEMFONT face="Courier New" size=3Simple Pleasures of the Outer BanksBRBR/FONTSunsets BRBRSunrises with a great cup of coffee or teaBR/EM/STRONGBRSTRONGEMFresh, Sweet Corn with real butterBRBRPink Crepe Myrtles in downtown ManteoBRBRSmelling the Russian Olive Trees as you drive the road to CorollaBRBRCustard cone from Kill Devils BRBRPicking up lunch from Stop and Shop and eating it at the Avalon Pier parking lotBRBRDriving home with your car windows down on the beach road BRBRChilling on the porch during a rain stormBRBRThe baby rabbits you see in the yard BRBRHaving breakfast at Nags Head PierBRBRWhile you are in Corolla, you see some of the Corolla Wild HorsesBRBRThe new soundside park in DuckBRBRPelicans flying over the oceanBRBRCrossing the Wright Memorial Bridge after being out of town ...whether it is for an hour or a week /EM/STRONG

BROne thing I never hear is "the beach was crowded" when people are referring to the beaches here on the OBX.nbsp; OK, there can be a lot of people on the beaches at any given time but still, there is always lots of room to spread out and even play volleyball, cook out, etc. BRBROne of my co-workers sent me some pictures the other day of a beach in China.nbsp; Two of those are below.nbsp; My questions are:BR1. Where are the bathrooms ... how many are there? BR2. How do they even get wet ...is there enough water? BR3. Where do they all park?BR4. Do they have lifeguards and if so ...how could they possibly see someone in trouble?BRBREnjoy and have a great week,BRYour OBX BloggerBRBRBRBRSPAN style="FONT-SIZE: 10pt; FONT-FAMILY: Verdana"IMG height=450 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/41500-38006/beachinchina.bmp" width=676BRBRIMG style="WIDTH: 677px; HEIGHT: 342px" height=355 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/41500-38006/beachinchina2.bmp" width=711/SPAN

P BRIMG style="WIDTH: 376px; HEIGHT: 452px" height=512 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/41500-38006/10.jpg" width=428BRBRWhat a nice surprise we got today when Lorrie from Outer Banks Epicurean dropped off some gift bags with all kinds of local goodies in them./P PAmy Huggins has started a new business here on the beach and each Tuesday.nbsp; Inside each bag (which you get to keep) is an assortment of items that are grown, caught, roasted, harvested or crafted by hand on the Outer Banks of North Carolina by some of our good neighbor businesses./P PSample 10 homegrown tastes of the Outer Banks; All lovingly packed in a reusable insulated bag. /P PHere are the items featured today/P PSTRONGFood DudesBR/STRONGMilepost 9 on the Beach Road, Kill Devil HillsBRhabenero peppa sauce (spicy!)BR[habenero peppers, red onion, lime juice, tomatoes, brown sugar, BRsalt, garlic, apple cider vinegar]/P PSTRONGFarmer 2 ForkBR/STRONGMilepost 4.5 on the Bypass, Kitty HawkBR2 bean + local tomato summer chiliBR[local tomatoes, kidney beans, white beans, local roasted red peppers,BRorganic cilantro, garlic, chili powder, toasted cumin,BRlocal matamuskeet sweet onions, house ground beef]/P PSTRONGTarheel Produce/Outer Banks HoneyBR/STRONGMilepost 6 on the Bypass, Kill Devil HillsBRlocal honeyBR[raw honey from outer banks bees in wanchese]/P PSTRONGTommy’s MarketBR/STRONGHighway 12N, Village of DuckBRtommy’s secret seasoning blendBR[top secret]/P PSTRONGOuter Banks EpicureanBR/STRONGA href="http://www.OuterBanksEpicurean.com"www.OuterBanksEpicurean.com/Anbsp; BRMobile Outer Banksnbsp;BRmint-ginger-orange slawBR[cabbage, local organic herbs (lime mint, chocolate mint,BRlemon balm, cilantro) orange juice and zest, ginger, garlic, rice vinegar,BRsesame oil, outer banks sea salt, pepper]/P PSTRONGCoastal Provisions MarketBR/STRONGSouthern Shores Crossing, Southern ShoresBRchocolate paveBR[sugar, butter, bittersweet chocolate, egg, brandy]/P PSTRONGBagels to BeefBR/STRONGOuter Banks Kettle CornBRThe Market Place, Southern ShoresBRkettle cornBR[popcorn, sugar, coconut oil, salt, lots of love]/P PSTRONGTarheel Produce/Outer Banks HoneyBR/STRONGMilepost 6 on the Bypass, Kill Devil HillsBRlocal honey [raw honey from outer banks bees in wanchese]/P PSTRONGFatboyz Ice Cream and GrillBR/STRONGMilepost 16, Beach Road, Nags HeadBRchocolate dipped waffle cone bitesBR[secret waffle batter, bittersweet chocolate, sugar]/P PSTRONGOuter Banks Sea Salt BR/STRONGDebuts today! To order: A href="http://www.outerbanksepicurean.com"www.outerbanksepicurean.com/ABRhand harvested local sea saltBR[evaporated water from the atlantic ocean, kitty hawk]/P PSTRONGDistribution Locations:BR/STRONGCoastal Provisions Market Southern Shores Crossing, Southern ShoresBRTommy’s Market Highway 12N, Village of DuckBRFarmer2Fork Milepost 4.5 on the Bypass, Kitty Hawk BRBagels to Beef The Market Place, Southern Shores/P P$20 (includes the bag!)BRspecial pricing available for large orders/P PAVAILABLE ONLY ON TUESDAYS; SUMMER 2009BRAmy HugginsBRA href="mailto:amyhuggins@mac.com"amyhuggins@mac.com/ABR(c) 252.267.7884/P POuter Banks EpicureanBR252.305.0952BRA href="mailto:info@outerbanksepicurean.com"info@outerbanksepicurean.com/ABRA href="http://www.outerbanksepicurean.com"www.outerbanksepicurean.com/A/P

Pnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; /PSTRONGDuck's Annual Fourth of July ParadeBR/STRONGJuly 3rd. Starts at 9 a.m.nbsp; Afterwards there isnbsp; music by Ruth Wyland and Friends at the Duck Town Park. For registration information please contact the Town at 252-255-1234. Website: A href="http://www.TownofDuck.com"www.TownofDuck.com/Anbsp; BRBRSTRONGRoanoke Island Festival Park in ManteoBR/STRONGJuly 4th. 8 p.m. A pre-fireworks show featuring music and dance. Outdoor Pavillion in the Park. 252-475-1500. Website: A href="http://www.roanokeisland.com"www.RoanokeIsland.comBRBR/ASTRONGKill Devil Hills Fireworks DisplayBR/STRONGJuly 4th at dusk.nbsp; Located at the Avalon Pier on Milepost 6 on the Beach Road. Website: A href="http://www.kdhnc.com"www.kdhnc.com/ABRBRSTRONGNags Head Fireworks DisplayBR/STRONG9:25 p.m. Nags Head Fishing Pier at Milepost 11.5 on the Beach Road. Presented by the Town of Nags Head. Website: A href="http://www.TownofNagsHead.com"www.TownofNagsHead.com/ABRSTRONGBRManteo BR/STRONGJuly 4th is a full day of fun featuring children's games, contests and a flea market. That night, enjoy the NC School of the Arts Pops Concert at A href="http://www.roanokeisland.com/"Roanoke Island Festival Park/A.nbsp; Enjoy the fireworks displacy over the Roanoke Sound. Website:A href="http://www.manteo.govoffice.com"www.manteo.govoffice.com/ABRBRSTRONGCorollaBR/STRONGJuly 4th. Saturday from 5 p.m. until ? Free Admission. The fireworks display starts at dusk but come early to enjoy food and music. Please bring a blanket or chairs.nbsp;nbsp; Website:nbsp;A href="http://www.VisitCurrituck.com"www.VisitCurrituck.com/A. Please note that the boat ramp at Currituck Heritage Park will be closed on Saturday, July 4.nbsp;BRBRBRnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; BRIMG height=706 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/41500-38006/fireworks.jpg" width=617A href="http://www.kdhnc.com"BR/AA href="http://www.kdhnc.com"BR/ABR

BRMore Information A href="http://www.firstfriday-roanokeisland.com"HEREBR/ABRIMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/41500-38006/fridayJuly.jpg"

BRSeveral readers sent in more suggestions for the Outer Banks Rules blog that was posted the other day.nbsp;nbsp; They were good ones, so here is Chapter Two.nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; BRBRBR UL LIWhen you are in the grocery store, do not wear sunglasses unless you have (a) pink eye (b) a black eye (c) are a fugitive LIHang up your cell phone while you are (a) at lunch in a restaurant (b) in your car unless you are the passenger (c) at dinner anywhere LISit on the deck in the early morning and watch the sun come up LIWhen you are on a bike, please be careful. Look around you. Please stay within the Bike Path--do not go onto the Beach Road proper.nbsp; LIGo to the NC Aquarium and take the kids. LIUse recyclable bags when you go to the store LIFill up your holes that you made at the beach. Someone might break an ankle LIThe sun is brighter and hotter than you think ... wear sunscreen LIDrink lots of water or Gator Ade while you are out in the heat LITip your wait person well LISlow down...there isnbsp; no fire. One good tip---unless you are at a stoplight on the by-pass (the big road); don't even try to make a left turn.nbsp; Take a right, then a left and then a right again or stay on the Beach Road. Trust me on this during the summer months. LITurn down the music at night--your next door neighbors might go to bed earlier than you LIGo get the Fish Tacos at Mama Kwan's in KDH LICheck out the Manteo Waterfront. LIMake sure you know the physical address of the home you are renting LISit on the deck iin the evening and watch the sunset.nbsp;/LI/UL PThank you again for choosing to come to the Outer Banks. BRUntil Next Time, BRJMnbsp;/PIMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/41500-38006/blog.jpg"BRBR

BRnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; IMG style="WIDTH: 616px; HEIGHT: 595px" height=1092 src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/41500-38006/cookingclass.jpg" width=1134BRnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; BRBRBRLooking for something really different to do while here? Are you a chef at heart?BRBROuter Banks Epicurean is offering cooking classes every Thursday and Friday right here on the Outer Banks. BRBRSUMMER 2009BRBRCOOKING CLASSES EVERY THURSDAY AND FRIDAYBRBRThe Lesson: Cookin' Outer Banks StyleBRTake a homegrown cookin’ class featuring tips, techniques and recipes focused on foods grown, caught, harvested or crafted by hand on the Outer Banks of North Carolina.BRBRLearn how to prepare local watermen's freshest catches!BRBRClasses emphasize the Slow Food philosophy and changing weekly recipes use the freshest available seasonal, local, seafood and produce.BRBRThe best part? You get to taste everything!BRThursdays, 4:00 pm - 6:00 pm | Fridays, 7:00 pm - 9:00 pmBRBRClasses held at Tommy’s Bagels to BeefBRThe Market Place Shopping Center, Southern ShoresBRClass size limited. Reservations required.BRBRVisit A href="http://www.outerbanksepicurean.com/"FONT color=#336699www.OuterBanksEpicurean.com /FONT/Afor class topics, other classes and food tours!BRBRCall 252.305.0952 for reservations or more info.BRBR$49 per personBR$59 with wine sampling BRBRIf you attend a class please let me know how it was.nbsp; BRThanks,BRYour OBX BloggerBRJM

Interior Secretary Ken Salazar announced June 2 that the National Park Service (NPS) will offer three fee-free weekends this summer to encourage Americans seeking affordable vacations to visit these national treasures.BRBR"During these tough economic times, our national parks provide opportunities for affordable vacations for families," Secretary Salazar said. "I encourage everyone to visit one of our nation's crown jewels this summer and especially to take advantage of the three free-admission weekends." The 147 NPS sites across the country that charge fees for entry will waive these entrance fees during the weekends of June 20-21, July 18-19, and August 15-16, 2009. This would include the Wright Memorial at Milepost 7!BRBRHere are some places that are always free:BRBROur Beaches! While I find it hard to believe that people PAY to get on the beaches in other parts of the country. I just have never encountered that but my co-workers assure me it is true. Thank goodness, that is not the case here. Our beaches are free, clean and welcoming.BRBRJockey's Ridge in Nags Head. This is a sand dune with over 460 acres--and 90 feet tall. Kite flying, hang gliding, climbing up to see the view and then letting the kids roll back down...they will love it. A href="http://www.jockeysridgestatepark.com/"FONT color=#336699More information /FONT/ABRBRVisit our lighthouses. The Bodie Island Lighthouse, Roanoke Marshes Lighthouse and the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse are free. Take the FREE ferry to Ocracoke Island. It is about a 40 minute trip. The kids can feed the seagulls and you can relax and enjoy the sights.BRBRUpcoming Events this week, free and otherwise:BRBRJune 23 - 26BRSummer Children’s Performance Series Tarradiddle Players present “The Commedia Aladdin”Film Theatre at Roanoke Island Festival Park. 10:30 a.m. Hop on a magic carpet with Aladdin as he summons the powerful Genie of the Lamp and changes his fortunes forever. (252) 475-1500 or A href="http://www.roanokeisland.com/" target=_blankFONT color=#336699roanokeisland.com/FONT/ABRBRJune 23 - August 13BRCharlotte Web’s Barnyard Brunch Waterside Theatre.BRStay after Tuesday’s performance of Charlotte’s Web for this barnyard bonanza! Meet the cast, enjoy fiddle music, learn a barnyard dance, watch Wilbur’s video web-log, play madcap barnyard games and enjoy a simple brunch at the Theatre. Brunch tickets are $8 Youth (11 amp; under) and $16 Adults. Price includes meal and keepsake photo. (252) 473-2127 or A href="http://www.thelostcolony.org/" target=_blankFONT color=#336699thelostcolony.org/FONT/ABRBRJune 24BRWild WednesdaysBRJoin nature photographer, Jeff Lewis, at The Elizabethan Gardens, as he shows stunning photos of the flora and fauna found in The Gardens. Located in our air-conditioned theater. (252) 473-3234 or A href="http://www.elizabethangardens.org/" target=_blankFONT color=#336699elizabethangardens.org/FONT/ABRBRJune 24BRShowcase Magic amp; Comedy Show Kitty Hawk. 7:30 pm at Outer Banks Music Showcase, Milepost 4.5, Kitty Hawk.BRFeaturing World-renowned Illusionists Clive Allen amp; Tracy. View clips at A href="http://www.obxtrememagic.com/" target=_blankFONT color=#336699obxtrememagic.com/FONT/A. Tickets $19.95 Adults, $18.95 Seniors, $7 Children. (252) 261-7505. Event URL: A href="http://www.outerbanksmusicshowcase.com/" target=_blankFONT color=#336699outerbanksmusicshowcase.com/FONT/ABRBRJune 24 - 25BR8th Annual “Under the Oaks” Art Festival 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. / 5 p.m.BREnjoy this annual outdoor art show on the grounds of Currituck Heritage Park with over 100 quality artists showcasing a wide variety of media, musical entertainment, food concessions, and children's activities. Admission is free - $5 parking donation requested. For more information call 252-453-9040.BRBRJune 25BRDiscovery ThursdaysBRDiscovery Thursdays at The Elizabethan Gardens, will include up to five interactive activities that families will enjoy together. These activities will focus on a specific aspect of The Gardens. Participants will gain further understanding and appreciation of The Gardens and Elizabethan Times which they can apply as they later tour The Elizabethan Gardens. Located in our air-conditioned theater. (252) 473-3234 or A href="http://www.elizabethangardens.org/" target=_blankFONT color=#336699elizabethangardens.org/FONT/ABRBRJune 25BRTea with the Queen BRWaterside Theatre.BRHave an audience with Queen Elizabeth I and her royal court. The Queen’s tea also includes a backstage tour of Waterside Theatre and a complimentary souvenir program. Advance reservations required. Tickets are $22 for Adults, $11 for Youth (7-18 years). (252) 473-2127 or A href="http://www.thelostcolony.org/" target=_blankFONT color=#336699thelostcolony.org/FONT/ABRBRJune 25BRSimon’s Pirate Adventure 3 p.m. - 5 p.m.BRCome with your bawdy crew to be dressed like a pirate, talk like a pirate and act like a pirate. Enjoy Simon Fernando’s famous Carolina pirate friends as they reenact their dramatic high seas adventures. Simon’s Pirate Adventure includes a backstage tour of Waterside Theatre, a keepsake photo of you with a pirate and delicious pirate’s feast. 24-hour advance reservations required. Tickets are $22 for Adults, $11 for Youth (7-18 years). (252) 473-2127 or A href="http://www.thelostcolony.org/" target=_blankFONT color=#336699thelostcolony.org/FONT/ABRBRJune 25BRThirsty ThursdaysBRFree fountain soft drink with the purchase of a 3-game laser tag admission. For more information about Gearworks Laser Tag amp; Fun Center visit A href="http://www.obxgearworks.com/" target=_blankFONT color=#336699obxgearworks.com/FONT/A.BRBRJune 25 - 26BRBeach ‘n Blues Festival Pirate’s Cove. 5 p.m. - 10 p.m. BRBlue skies, blue water and the best blues music. Two evenings of great entertainment to share with friends and family while here at the beach. (252) 384-3494BRBRA href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o7N2pVadDz0"FONT color=#336699Outer Banks Video/FONT/A

DIVYes, this is a laid back beach town and yes, it is summer. That means relaxation and rest and fun, fun, fun. Great.BRBR/DIV DIVHowever, there are some rules for everyone that will make your time here, no matter if you are here for a week or a weekend or even if you live here, much more pleasant and possibly safer.BRBR/DIV DIVAfter 35 + years of island living and having worked in many businesses here, here is what I have learned:BR/DIV DIV/DIVBR UL LISPANSPANNo socks with sandals. No exceptions. This is just wrong, peopleBR/SPAN/SPAN LIDo not pass a car on the RIGHT if you are on the beach road. Seriously. This is not only rude, it is dangerous. I cannot stress this one enough.BR LIIf you are not sure where you are going (guys, this one is for you) then ASK someone. We are happy to give you directionsBR LISTOP and let pedestrians cross the beach road. There are many places that are designated as crosswalks but you will see folks waiting sometimes at a non designated spot. Do the nice thing.BR LIDo go to John's Drive In on the Beach Road. Get a milkshake and a dolphin boat. You will thank me for thisBR LIPlease shop at the locally owned businesses ... you can tell which ONEs they are.BR LIPlease do not throw cigarrette butts out the window or dump the car ashtray in the driveway or in the sand.BR LIIf you have small kids, ask around for kid friendly restaurants. Most are, but some are truly not.BR LIIf your little one is screaming, crying or running around in the restaurant, please take him/her outside.BR LIDogs are welcome here. We love them, that is why so many A href="http://www.petfriendlyobx.com/" target=_blankFONT color=#336699vacation homes allow pets/FONT/A. Please clean up after your dog. Enough said.BR LII really do not care to read the suggestive slogan on your t-shirt and I am sure many other moms and dads and grandparents feel the same way. Save those for when you are IN the house, please. BR LIGo fly a kite. Seriously, go to Jockey's Ridge in Nags Head and fly a kite.BR LIGo see the A href="http://www.thelostcolony.org/" target=_blankFONT color=#336699Lost Colony Outdoor Drama/FONT/A. You will enjoy it.BR LITake lots of photos. Take them in high resolution. A href="http://www.villagerealtyobx.com/OuterBanks/VacationRentals/photocontest" target=_blankFONT color=#336699Enter our Photo Contest /FONT/Aand perhaps you will win a free week at the beach!BR LILeave the beach the way you found it. BR LIWant to visit a real old fashioned movie theater that still shows movies? Go over to Manteo and watch a show at the Pioneer Theater.BR LITake deep breaths, smell the ocean air and gaze at the water for long periods of time. You will never get this moment back so savor it.BR LIDon't, do not, no way ... forget about drinking and driving. Please don't do it.BRBRRemember that the locals appreciate that you are spending your time and your money here. We want you to come back. /LI/UL PStay safe. And thanks! BRBRUntil Next Time,BRYour OBX BloggerBRnbsp;BRJMBRnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; IMG src="http://images.quickblogcast.com/41500-38006/youngadultsonbeachblog.JPG"BRnbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp;nbsp; BRanother great photo by Kirsten Lewis of www.innatephoto.com/P