There's a new pub serving Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands – publication, that is. The Island Free Press is an independent newspaper locally edited by Irene Nolan. Irene was the editor of the Island Breeze for many, many years.
The Island Free Press publishes news online about Hatteras and Ocracoke that is "up to date and down to earth." Currently there's a very interesting story about the Mirlo Beach area and the struggle between the NC Department of Transportation and homeowners there.
The Island Free Press also publishes slide shows that highlight the work of the area's many gifted photographers. You can see pictures of surfing during Tropical Storm Noel, Santa sightings, the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club fishing tournament and much more.
Visit the Island Free Press at www.islandfreepress.org. - Shelby Kinnaird
Saturday, December 22, 2007
Thursday, December 6, 2007
Hwy. 12 in Ocracoke to be closed Jan. 2 - March 15
Hwy. 12 on Ocracoke Island will be closed between the National Park Service campground and the Pony Pens from Jan. 2 through March 15, 2008. There will be a three mile detour on the beach for 4WD vehicles only. Other vehicles will need to use the Swan Quarter and Cedar Island ferries.
The closure is necessary in order to replace seven wooden bridges with wider concrete structures.
The closure is necessary in order to replace seven wooden bridges with wider concrete structures.
Liquor by the drink defeated
Hatteras Island residents voted on the liquor by the drink referendum on Nov. 6, 2007. Unofficial results were 855 against and 657 for. Beer and wine only will continue to be served at the island's restaurants.
Saturday, November 24, 2007
Wahini's Bites the Dust
One of the best places on the island for live music is no more. Wahini's Surf Grill in Buxton closed its doors for good in late October 2007. Ruth Wyand, one of our favorites, was the last featured musical artist.
Rick's favorite Wahini's story is the one where a young waitress asked him if he wanted dessert. He said "I'd like to hear what you have, but then we're going to Uncle Eddy's for ice cream." The waitress said "I'm not going to waste my time then." Rick was, uncharacteristically, speechless. A few minutes later, the waitress walked by our table with a very large piece of chocolate cake that would make any food stylist proud. "See what you could have had?" she asked him. Boy, did she have his number.
Speaking of Uncle Eddy's ... Isaac, the owner, has opened a coffee shop called Island Perks in the Wahini's location. He features coffee drinks and all kinds of freshly baked goodies. I was in there around 3 pm today and the white chocolate raspberry scones had just come out of the oven. I didn't have one, but I certainly was tempted.
Rumor has it that some of the Wahini's folks are going to start a mobile catering business that tracks along with the surfing competitions along the East Coast. Keep an eye out for them. – Shelby Kinnaird
Rick's favorite Wahini's story is the one where a young waitress asked him if he wanted dessert. He said "I'd like to hear what you have, but then we're going to Uncle Eddy's for ice cream." The waitress said "I'm not going to waste my time then." Rick was, uncharacteristically, speechless. A few minutes later, the waitress walked by our table with a very large piece of chocolate cake that would make any food stylist proud. "See what you could have had?" she asked him. Boy, did she have his number.
Speaking of Uncle Eddy's ... Isaac, the owner, has opened a coffee shop called Island Perks in the Wahini's location. He features coffee drinks and all kinds of freshly baked goodies. I was in there around 3 pm today and the white chocolate raspberry scones had just come out of the oven. I didn't have one, but I certainly was tempted.
Rumor has it that some of the Wahini's folks are going to start a mobile catering business that tracks along with the surfing competitions along the East Coast. Keep an eye out for them. – Shelby Kinnaird
Tuesday, September 4, 2007
Another Day, another Wonderful Mystery
Another Day, Another Wonderful Mystery
September 4, 2007
Yesterday was another fabulous sunset over the Pamlico Sound here on
Slightly to the south the water was still, almost glassy, then: What was that?- something jumped. Something disturbed the surface of the water, then again, and again. There were no birds flying - no ducks or seagulls on the surface of the water. But the water was alive with ripples and splashes. We had to investigate. We walked over to the bulkhead of our rental house, Sound Mind and Body. We stood near the edge and watched. Forty feet out for the length of the bulkhead and extending to the water in front of either neighbor’s house the water was alive with random splashes and ripples. Generally, it was a quick little movement and set of ripples, as if a fish had come to the surface, turned on its side, and plunged back into the water. Once or twice we heard the slap of what we thought was something bigger, only to turn to see a large rippling disturbance of water where we had not been looking.
The sun had set; but the horizon was still light in horizontal bands of gray and orange and darkening blue. You could see the silver look of the water to the horizon, shimmering. There were a few paths of still water through that shimmering dimpled water that cut diagonally to the horizon. I could see the curve of the earth on the horizon and lines shooting diagonally to meet it. It looked like a giant exercise in illustrating the vanishing point.
All the while the water was disturbed in front of us. It was quiet except for the random plop from whatever was moving under the surface of the water. The jet skis and the birds had called it a day. Every minute or so a disturbance would emanate from a spot and there would be trails shooting in four or six directions; often in a narrow field, as if a bottle rocket had been set off and exploded just under the surface hurtling its flames in the same general direction. Were we watching one group of fish being chased by some bigger ones? Did a big fish move into a group of little ones and did the little ones all jump at once?
We didn’t know. But in the quiet and the cool of the evening it was quite a show and one that had no doubt been repeated for years and years before. Every sunset is different. Every morning brings new surprises. When I was younger I didn’t realize this. I didn’t appreciate it. Now, thank goodness, I do.
Rick Kinnaird
Saturday, September 1, 2007
Craving Bath and Beauty Products?
My stepdaughter, Katie, came for a visit a few weeks ago and we did some shopping. We discovered a cute little shop in Hatteras Village called Crave Beauty Boutique. Their motto is "helping to make Hatteras Island beautiful...one pair of glossy lips at a time" and they invite folks to come in and browse their collection of "lotions and potions, cosmetics, creams, scents, gifts and all things girly."
Katie sings with an a cappella group at Wellesley called the Widows. She was looking for dark eyeshadow (the Widows, you see, wear all black during performances) and little gifts for her secret Widow. Katie mentioned a chocolate-flavored lip balm product she had found on the West Coast called Ganache for Lips. She told Crave owner, Cherry Moskalik, that she hadn't been able to find it anywhere except California. Cherry made a note and asked for my email address.
A couple of weeks later while vacationing in Maine, I got an email from Cherry saying Ganache for Lips was now available at Crave. Talk about customer service!
Around the same time, I got an email from someone who had picked up one of my business cards at Ugli Mugs in Avon. Linda Gardner, co-owner of Nantucket Skin Care, wanted an update to her web site, www.nantucketskincare.com. Would you believe her products are featured at Crave? Well, it IS a small island.
If you're into "all things girly," I suggest you visit Crave in the Stowe on Twelve shopping center or online at www.cravebeautyonline.com. Tell Cherry that Shelby sent you. - Shelby Kinnaird
Katie sings with an a cappella group at Wellesley called the Widows. She was looking for dark eyeshadow (the Widows, you see, wear all black during performances) and little gifts for her secret Widow. Katie mentioned a chocolate-flavored lip balm product she had found on the West Coast called Ganache for Lips. She told Crave owner, Cherry Moskalik, that she hadn't been able to find it anywhere except California. Cherry made a note and asked for my email address.
A couple of weeks later while vacationing in Maine, I got an email from Cherry saying Ganache for Lips was now available at Crave. Talk about customer service!
Around the same time, I got an email from someone who had picked up one of my business cards at Ugli Mugs in Avon. Linda Gardner, co-owner of Nantucket Skin Care, wanted an update to her web site, www.nantucketskincare.com. Would you believe her products are featured at Crave? Well, it IS a small island.
If you're into "all things girly," I suggest you visit Crave in the Stowe on Twelve shopping center or online at www.cravebeautyonline.com. Tell Cherry that Shelby sent you. - Shelby Kinnaird
Sunday, July 29, 2007
OBX® Marathon Set for November 11
The second annual OBX® Marathon, Gateway Bank Half Marathon and Kelly's Hospitality Group Fun Run will be held on Sunday, November 11, 2007. The range of running events is offered for everyone from serious competitors to novices.
The 26.2 mile event will be a USA Track & Field Association certified and sanctioned qualifying race for the Olympic Trials and the Boston Marathon. USATF has named the OBX Marathon as its North Carolina Association Championship event.
Proceeds from the event will benefit two local charities – the Dare Education Foundation and the Outer Banks Relief Foundation.
For more information, visit www.obxmarathon.org. – Shelby Kinnaird
The 26.2 mile event will be a USA Track & Field Association certified and sanctioned qualifying race for the Olympic Trials and the Boston Marathon. USATF has named the OBX Marathon as its North Carolina Association Championship event.
Proceeds from the event will benefit two local charities – the Dare Education Foundation and the Outer Banks Relief Foundation.
For more information, visit www.obxmarathon.org. – Shelby Kinnaird
Bodie Island Lighthouse Reopens to Public
The base of the Bodie Island Lighthouse will reopen to the public on Tuesday, July 31, at 10 a.m. The base has not been open since pieces of cast iron fell from a balcony and upper window in 2004. The National Park Service recently completed an emergency stabilization project to improve safety at the lighthouse. The base will be open for public viewing, but the tower will not be available for climbing.
The lighthouse, built in 1873, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Volunteers will be on hand to tell stories about the lighthouse and about future restoration projects.
The Bodie Island Lighthouse visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during summer months. The base of the lighthouse will be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Labor Day. The lighthouse is located just north of Hatteras Island and Oregon Inlet. – Shelby Kinnaird
The lighthouse, built in 1873, is on the National Register of Historic Places. Volunteers will be on hand to tell stories about the lighthouse and about future restoration projects.
The Bodie Island Lighthouse visitor center is open daily from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. during summer months. The base of the lighthouse will be open on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. through Labor Day. The lighthouse is located just north of Hatteras Island and Oregon Inlet. – Shelby Kinnaird
Thursday, July 19, 2007
Coastal Blue Opens in Avon
Rick and I tried the newest restaurant in Avon last night - Coastal Blue. It took over the space vacated by Blue Parrot and is in the same shopping center with Ocean Air (formerly Windsurfing Hatteras).
This was a "date night" for us and we've been looking for a new special occasion restaurant on the island ever since Austin Creek Grill closed. The closest we'd found up to this point was Mack Daddy's. Ocean Blue, while not quite up to Austin Creek standards, was very, very nice. We sat by the windows and had a great view of kitesurfers practicing their aerials in the waters of the sound.
The first thing to arrive at our table was warm rosemary bread with soft butter. It was delicious. I was very sorry I have to monitor my carb intake (diabetic, you know) when they offered us a second round.
Rick ordered a goat cheese and roasted garlic appetizer ($8); I went with shrimp and grits ($10). Rick's appetizer came with some crispy seasoned bread, roasted red peppers and kalamata olives. All were very good when smeared and stacked on top of the bread. As far as the shrimp and grits were concerned, the grits were well-seasoned and very tasty (and I'm not a big grits fan). The shrimp and accompanying broth were fine, but kind of bland. The shrimp and grits would be a complete winner if they could find a way to perk up the shrimp.
One really nice thing about Coastal Blue is that they offer regular sized entrees and "small plates." Many of the entrees sounded really good. As soon as I saw the menu I told Rick I knew what he was going to order. He, of course, ordered the pork tenderloin with figs ($18). He has this thing for fresh figs, you see. I ordered a small plate of the crabcakes ($10), which is a big step for me outside of Maryland. Living near Baltimore for more than 15 years spoiled me. Most of the crabcakes I've had on the island tend to be too much filler and too little crab for my taste. Also, the crab in them is usually finely shredded. I like my crabcakes with jumbo lump crab, no filler and a nice crust. Coastal Blue did not disappoint. My small plate included one perfect crabcake that had a crispy crust made with ... potato chips! I also had some very tender asparagus and a nice pineapple salsa. It was definitely the best crabcake I've had on the island and may very well have been the best one I've ever had outside of Maryland.
For dessert, we split some tiramisu, made on the premises by none other than our waitress. Thank goodness we didn't have to lie when she asked if we liked it.
All in all, we were pleased with the food, service and atmosphere. We'll definitely go back. – Shelby Kinnaird
This was a "date night" for us and we've been looking for a new special occasion restaurant on the island ever since Austin Creek Grill closed. The closest we'd found up to this point was Mack Daddy's. Ocean Blue, while not quite up to Austin Creek standards, was very, very nice. We sat by the windows and had a great view of kitesurfers practicing their aerials in the waters of the sound.
The first thing to arrive at our table was warm rosemary bread with soft butter. It was delicious. I was very sorry I have to monitor my carb intake (diabetic, you know) when they offered us a second round.
Rick ordered a goat cheese and roasted garlic appetizer ($8); I went with shrimp and grits ($10). Rick's appetizer came with some crispy seasoned bread, roasted red peppers and kalamata olives. All were very good when smeared and stacked on top of the bread. As far as the shrimp and grits were concerned, the grits were well-seasoned and very tasty (and I'm not a big grits fan). The shrimp and accompanying broth were fine, but kind of bland. The shrimp and grits would be a complete winner if they could find a way to perk up the shrimp.
One really nice thing about Coastal Blue is that they offer regular sized entrees and "small plates." Many of the entrees sounded really good. As soon as I saw the menu I told Rick I knew what he was going to order. He, of course, ordered the pork tenderloin with figs ($18). He has this thing for fresh figs, you see. I ordered a small plate of the crabcakes ($10), which is a big step for me outside of Maryland. Living near Baltimore for more than 15 years spoiled me. Most of the crabcakes I've had on the island tend to be too much filler and too little crab for my taste. Also, the crab in them is usually finely shredded. I like my crabcakes with jumbo lump crab, no filler and a nice crust. Coastal Blue did not disappoint. My small plate included one perfect crabcake that had a crispy crust made with ... potato chips! I also had some very tender asparagus and a nice pineapple salsa. It was definitely the best crabcake I've had on the island and may very well have been the best one I've ever had outside of Maryland.
For dessert, we split some tiramisu, made on the premises by none other than our waitress. Thank goodness we didn't have to lie when she asked if we liked it.
All in all, we were pleased with the food, service and atmosphere. We'll definitely go back. – Shelby Kinnaird
Saturday, July 14, 2007
Piping Plover Controversy Heats Up Again
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has proposed closing a significant portion of Hatteras Island beaches in order to supply an appropriate habitat for the wintering population of the piping plover, an endangered species. "Wintering" can run from July to May.
The three closures would be:
- a significant part of Pea Island
- from the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse jetties to ramp 49 (Frisco airport)
- the southern part of the Hatteras Inlet
Closures would mean no driving on the beach and no fishing. Walking along the beach would also be prohibited in the designated areas.
The piping plover is a small shorebird that winters along the coast of the U.S. from North Carolina to Texas, along the coast of eastern Mexico and on some of the Caribbean islands. We wrote an article about the piping plover in our March 2006 e-zine: http://www.halfvastenterprises.com/ezine/2006_mar/feat2.shtml.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is soliciting comments on their proposal. You have until July 30, 2007 to make your voice heard. For more details about the proposal, please visit http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/piplch/piplch.html. Send your comments about the proposal to ncplovercomments@fws.gov. - Shelby Kinnaird
The three closures would be:
- a significant part of Pea Island
- from the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse jetties to ramp 49 (Frisco airport)
- the southern part of the Hatteras Inlet
Closures would mean no driving on the beach and no fishing. Walking along the beach would also be prohibited in the designated areas.
The piping plover is a small shorebird that winters along the coast of the U.S. from North Carolina to Texas, along the coast of eastern Mexico and on some of the Caribbean islands. We wrote an article about the piping plover in our March 2006 e-zine: http://www.halfvastenterprises.com/ezine/2006_mar/feat2.shtml.
The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service is soliciting comments on their proposal. You have until July 30, 2007 to make your voice heard. For more details about the proposal, please visit http://www.fws.gov/nc-es/piplch/piplch.html. Send your comments about the proposal to ncplovercomments@fws.gov. - Shelby Kinnaird
Wednesday, July 11, 2007
About Hatteras
We're in the process of putting up a new website about our rental house, Sound Mind and Body. Shelby managed to snag www.hatterasislandhouse.com for the url - pretty cool.
Any rate I was writing a piece that explained things to do and places to go for the web-site. I just started making a list and I put an explanation up at the top. We are planning on filling in specific names of places later, this is a list of the type of activities you can do. Take a look, see what you think and get back to me if I missed something.
About Hatteras
If you talk to anyone local for more than five minutes you will be asked one question for certain, “Do you fish?” If your answer is, “No” you will no doubt be quietly dismissed. If you don’t have a rack on the front of your vehicle to hold fishing poles and another on the back to hold a cooler, if you don’t have a four wheel drive with oversized tires, then you will be viewed with grave apprehension.
To come to Hatteras is to fish and it has been that way for as long as people remember. Recently, in the last half century, people have showed up with surf boards, wind surfing gear and most recently kite boarding equipment. It’s one of the windiest spots in the United States. The Pamlico Sound with its shallow depth and sandy bottom is the perfect place to learn to windsurf or kiteboard because, in most places on the Sound, if you fall off your board you can stand up with your feet firmly planted on the bottom.
Sound Mind and Body has a house fully equipped to meet the needs of fishing folk, kite boarders and wind surfers. It features lockable outdoor storage with racks to hold your surf boards and high enough to leave your windsurfing sails completely rigged while they dry over night. For the adventuresome nature lovers there is a two person kayak to explore the many channels and nooks to the north or the harbor and Canadian Hole to the south.
Things to do and Places to do them:
Fishing – Charter (for ocean or Sound), Pier, Surf, or just cast a line off the bulkheaded yard into the Sound.
Water Sports – windsurfing, kiteboarding, surfing, wave runners, skim boarding, boogie boarding, body surfing, swimming (ocean, pool, sound),
Drinking and Pool –
Restaurants –
Coffee Shops and Ice Cream –
Shopping
Mini-golf, Go-Karts, Amusement Parks,
Museums, Historic Sites – Bird Ranch, Indian Museum
Music – Live at
Nature, Birding, Kayaking,
Rentals – Bikes, Beach Equipment
Galleries and Crafts –
Beach Access, parking, ramps, and elsewhere
Flights and Ferries, Limos and Taxis
Bakeries
Hardware
Golf
Crabbing and Cruising
Fitness and Spa
Hair and Nails
Bringing in the catch
Parasailing and Pontoons
Children’s Activities: ranger programs, fishing class, soundside treasure hunt
Painting Pottery
Historic Tours
Cooking Demos
Storytelling
Horseback Riding and Scuba Diving
Life Saving Station and Weather Service
National Seashore, Pea Island, Hatteras Lighthouse
Tattoos and Motorcycles
Massage and Advice
UFO’s
Winter Retreats – for business groups, for writers, artists, musicians
Nights in Rodanthe
Any rate I was writing a piece that explained things to do and places to go for the web-site. I just started making a list and I put an explanation up at the top. We are planning on filling in specific names of places later, this is a list of the type of activities you can do. Take a look, see what you think and get back to me if I missed something.
About Hatteras
If you talk to anyone local for more than five minutes you will be asked one question for certain, “Do you fish?” If your answer is, “No” you will no doubt be quietly dismissed. If you don’t have a rack on the front of your vehicle to hold fishing poles and another on the back to hold a cooler, if you don’t have a four wheel drive with oversized tires, then you will be viewed with grave apprehension.
To come to Hatteras is to fish and it has been that way for as long as people remember. Recently, in the last half century, people have showed up with surf boards, wind surfing gear and most recently kite boarding equipment. It’s one of the windiest spots in the United States. The Pamlico Sound with its shallow depth and sandy bottom is the perfect place to learn to windsurf or kiteboard because, in most places on the Sound, if you fall off your board you can stand up with your feet firmly planted on the bottom.
Sound Mind and Body has a house fully equipped to meet the needs of fishing folk, kite boarders and wind surfers. It features lockable outdoor storage with racks to hold your surf boards and high enough to leave your windsurfing sails completely rigged while they dry over night. For the adventuresome nature lovers there is a two person kayak to explore the many channels and nooks to the north or the harbor and Canadian Hole to the south.
Things to do and Places to do them:
Fishing – Charter (for ocean or Sound), Pier, Surf, or just cast a line off the bulkheaded yard into the Sound.
Water Sports – windsurfing, kiteboarding, surfing, wave runners, skim boarding, boogie boarding, body surfing, swimming (ocean, pool, sound),
Drinking and Pool –
Restaurants –
Coffee Shops and Ice Cream –
Shopping
Mini-golf, Go-Karts, Amusement Parks,
Museums, Historic Sites – Bird Ranch, Indian Museum
Music – Live at
Nature, Birding, Kayaking,
Rentals – Bikes, Beach Equipment
Galleries and Crafts –
Beach Access, parking, ramps, and elsewhere
Flights and Ferries, Limos and Taxis
Bakeries
Hardware
Golf
Crabbing and Cruising
Fitness and Spa
Hair and Nails
Bringing in the catch
Parasailing and Pontoons
Children’s Activities: ranger programs, fishing class, soundside treasure hunt
Painting Pottery
Historic Tours
Cooking Demos
Storytelling
Horseback Riding and Scuba Diving
Life Saving Station and Weather Service
National Seashore, Pea Island, Hatteras Lighthouse
Tattoos and Motorcycles
Massage and Advice
UFO’s
Winter Retreats – for business groups, for writers, artists, musicians
Nights in Rodanthe
Sunday, July 1, 2007
Leave your bottle rockets at home
If you're thinking of heading to Hatteras to celebrate July 4th with your own fireworks display, think again. As of June 1, possessing and discharging fireworks on Hatteras Island became illegal. This includes bottle rockets, Roman candles, firecrackers, cherry bombs, and even sparklers.
Most rental companies now include language in their leases stating that, if you violate the fireworks laws, you will be asked to vacate your rental home immediately (no refunds). If the police get involved, you may also have to pay a $250 fine.
The ban came about because of an incident that happened in Brigand's Bay in Frisco last January. Someone shot off bottle rockets in winds that were gusting over 30 mph and caught their neighbor's lawn on fire. The yard was destroyed, but fortunately, there was no damage to the house.
There will be public fireworks displays on July 4th at the Avon Pier and at Ramp 55 in Hatteras Village. Festivities in Avon will begin at 5 pm with a pig-pickin' and fireworks around 9:30 pm. The Hatteras fireworks will begin just after sunset. – Shelby Kinnaird
Most rental companies now include language in their leases stating that, if you violate the fireworks laws, you will be asked to vacate your rental home immediately (no refunds). If the police get involved, you may also have to pay a $250 fine.
The ban came about because of an incident that happened in Brigand's Bay in Frisco last January. Someone shot off bottle rockets in winds that were gusting over 30 mph and caught their neighbor's lawn on fire. The yard was destroyed, but fortunately, there was no damage to the house.
There will be public fireworks displays on July 4th at the Avon Pier and at Ramp 55 in Hatteras Village. Festivities in Avon will begin at 5 pm with a pig-pickin' and fireworks around 9:30 pm. The Hatteras fireworks will begin just after sunset. – Shelby Kinnaird
Sunday, June 24, 2007
Take Me Fishing
The National Park Service has teamed up with the Cape Hatteras Anglers Club to offer free surf fishing lessons each Tuesday and Thursday morning during the summer. All you need to bring is bait.
Rick, my stepson Alex, and I took one of the lessons last week. We arrived at ramp 43 (near the lighthouse) just before 8 a.m. with bloodworms and shrimp. The lesson started with some information about casting. Nancy, a member of the anglers club, taught us how to hold the rod and how to cast. Then we went and picked rods, grabbed rod holders and found our spot in the surf.
We cut up our bait, put it on hooks and proceeded to cast. We all did pretty well and only got tangled up with each other's lines a couple of times.
Rick and Alex each caught a mullet. There were members of the anglers club around at all times to offer tips and help identify fish.
You can sign up for "Take Me Fishing" at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Visitor Center. When you register, you'll be given a handout that explains a little bit about the program and provides tips about fishing. The program started on June 12, 2007 and will run through August 30, 2007. – Shelby Kinnaird
Rick, my stepson Alex, and I took one of the lessons last week. We arrived at ramp 43 (near the lighthouse) just before 8 a.m. with bloodworms and shrimp. The lesson started with some information about casting. Nancy, a member of the anglers club, taught us how to hold the rod and how to cast. Then we went and picked rods, grabbed rod holders and found our spot in the surf.
We cut up our bait, put it on hooks and proceeded to cast. We all did pretty well and only got tangled up with each other's lines a couple of times.
Rick and Alex each caught a mullet. There were members of the anglers club around at all times to offer tips and help identify fish.
You can sign up for "Take Me Fishing" at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Visitor Center. When you register, you'll be given a handout that explains a little bit about the program and provides tips about fishing. The program started on June 12, 2007 and will run through August 30, 2007. – Shelby Kinnaird
Sunday, June 17, 2007
The Best Father's Day Ever
I hate to brag. Well, no I don’t but what did you get for Father’s Day?
Maybe, a lovely mug hand painted by those who love you? Or maybe a card that said you were the best dad in the whole world? Or maybe you got a tie to go with that pair of hush puppy slippers you got last Christmas?
What did I get you ask?
Oh well, I got something that shows my children truly love and understand me. I got the official Office Space kit. Yes, that’s right. Now if you haven’t seen the movie Office Space I would highly suggest you got out to Wal-Mart and pay the $6.88 to get the DVD and watch it. The movie features Jennifer Aniston and Ron Livingston. You may not know Ron Livingston by name but you’ll immediately recognize him as being one of those actors you know from somewhere. The tall guy from Scrubs who was the gay cop in Wild Hogs is also in the movie. Office Space deals with life in an office and they nail it. They show the inanity and stupidity that invades much of corporate life. Jennifer Aniston is perfectly cast as the TGIFriday type waitress. I think it’s her best role.
The movie is just full of all kinds of wonderful little things that point up the silliness of much of modern life. I won’t tell you anymore about the movie but I will tell you what is in the kit:
- Milton’s Red Stapler, (the one I got is not a Swingline 50 and it’s more tomato than red but I’m being picky.)
- Lumberg’s Initech Mug, he’s the boss and he walks around with a coffee mug asking people to work on the weekends and doesn’t wait for their reply.
- “IS THIS GOOD FOR THE COMPANY?” banner
- Starter “Flair” button, my button says, “It looks like someone has a case of the Mondays.” Flair is the term Jennifer’s boss at the restaurant uses to talk about the “cute” buttons the wait staff wears on their suspenders at the restaurant. She has several meetings with her boss about her “Flair” and how much she should wear.
- PC LOAD LETTER sticker, this was the message that kept coming up on the copier all the time when the copier didn’t work.
- A “Jump to Conclusions” mat, the game that one of Ron’s co-workers came up with after being nearly killed in an auto accident.
- Five “T.P.S.” Report Covers – through out the movie Ron is asked and reminded to use the new cover sheet on the T.P.S. reports. No matter what he says he’s continually reminded of this. It is never explained what a T.P.S. Report is.
- A 32 page book full of useful tips, such as:
o Answers to the consultant question, “What would you say you do around here?”
o Fun Ways to use your red stapler:
Give it a name and insist that everyone call it by its name
Put a piggy bank next to your stapler and insist that everyone pay you to use it
Etc.
o Bill Lumbergh’s line that he used on our man Ron, I mean Peter, “Say Peter, I’m going to need you to go ahead and come in on Sunday ‘Kay?”
o “PC Load Letter”? What the f*ck does that mean?
o Starter Flair speech, “Well fifteen is the minimum. Well it’s up to you whether you want to do the bare minimum or, well Brian for exampl has 37 pieces of flair.” (What motivation! Huh?)
It’s just too good.
I am a very happy and pleased father this Father’s Day.
And then to hear my daughter got it at the bargain table at Barnes and Noble! Well, that makes me even prouder. It shows she cherishes her Scotch roots. And she shared the giving with my son. What a perfect Father’s Day.
Now if you’ll excuse me I have to go play a rousing game of “Jump to Conclusions” while standing under the “Is it good for the company?” banner.
Maybe, a lovely mug hand painted by those who love you? Or maybe a card that said you were the best dad in the whole world? Or maybe you got a tie to go with that pair of hush puppy slippers you got last Christmas?
What did I get you ask?
Oh well, I got something that shows my children truly love and understand me. I got the official Office Space kit. Yes, that’s right. Now if you haven’t seen the movie Office Space I would highly suggest you got out to Wal-Mart and pay the $6.88 to get the DVD and watch it. The movie features Jennifer Aniston and Ron Livingston. You may not know Ron Livingston by name but you’ll immediately recognize him as being one of those actors you know from somewhere. The tall guy from Scrubs who was the gay cop in Wild Hogs is also in the movie. Office Space deals with life in an office and they nail it. They show the inanity and stupidity that invades much of corporate life. Jennifer Aniston is perfectly cast as the TGIFriday type waitress. I think it’s her best role.
The movie is just full of all kinds of wonderful little things that point up the silliness of much of modern life. I won’t tell you anymore about the movie but I will tell you what is in the kit:
- Milton’s Red Stapler, (the one I got is not a Swingline 50 and it’s more tomato than red but I’m being picky.)
- Lumberg’s Initech Mug, he’s the boss and he walks around with a coffee mug asking people to work on the weekends and doesn’t wait for their reply.
- “IS THIS GOOD FOR THE COMPANY?” banner
- Starter “Flair” button, my button says, “It looks like someone has a case of the Mondays.” Flair is the term Jennifer’s boss at the restaurant uses to talk about the “cute” buttons the wait staff wears on their suspenders at the restaurant. She has several meetings with her boss about her “Flair” and how much she should wear.
- PC LOAD LETTER sticker, this was the message that kept coming up on the copier all the time when the copier didn’t work.
- A “Jump to Conclusions” mat, the game that one of Ron’s co-workers came up with after being nearly killed in an auto accident.
- Five “T.P.S.” Report Covers – through out the movie Ron is asked and reminded to use the new cover sheet on the T.P.S. reports. No matter what he says he’s continually reminded of this. It is never explained what a T.P.S. Report is.
- A 32 page book full of useful tips, such as:
o Answers to the consultant question, “What would you say you do around here?”
o Fun Ways to use your red stapler:
Give it a name and insist that everyone call it by its name
Put a piggy bank next to your stapler and insist that everyone pay you to use it
Etc.
o Bill Lumbergh’s line that he used on our man Ron, I mean Peter, “Say Peter, I’m going to need you to go ahead and come in on Sunday ‘Kay?”
o “PC Load Letter”? What the f*ck does that mean?
o Starter Flair speech, “Well fifteen is the minimum. Well it’s up to you whether you want to do the bare minimum or, well Brian for exampl has 37 pieces of flair.” (What motivation! Huh?)
It’s just too good.
I am a very happy and pleased father this Father’s Day.
And then to hear my daughter got it at the bargain table at Barnes and Noble! Well, that makes me even prouder. It shows she cherishes her Scotch roots. And she shared the giving with my son. What a perfect Father’s Day.
Now if you’ll excuse me I have to go play a rousing game of “Jump to Conclusions” while standing under the “Is it good for the company?” banner.
Tuesday, June 5, 2007
Employees Must Wash Hands
Let me ask you this. You go into the rest room at the restaurant and you see the sign "Employees Must Wash Hands." I want to know have any of you stopped and waited?
Waited for what? Waited for an employee to come wash your hands. That's what the sign says. Maybe, I'm being too literal. Or maybe someone ought to write the sign to make clear what they mean.
How about this. How about a law that says when a store has a sign up that says open you are allowed to open the door and go in the store. The fact that the door is locked either because they didn't unlock it, or only unlocked one side of a double door, or that they closed and left the neon sign on saying, "OPEN" doesn't matter. You might have walked into the door and broken it down because it was supposed to swing in and couldn't because there was a dead bolt into the concrete floor and how were you to know? Or maybe you yanked on the door and it didn't budge so you hooked it up to your tow hitch with a chain and ripped it open?
Maybe that's a little extreme. Here's another extreme idea. If you aren't in your seat doing your job for eight hours a day (okay, make it seven and a half), after three days your fired. We'll get someone else who can do the job. That's the standard that's applied to anyone working in a factory, you are expected to be on the job and if you aren't after three days your fired. Why do I bring this up? Because I want this simple standard applied to both the congresspeople in the House of Representatives and the senators in the Senate. I also want the rules enforced. There is a rule that says that every bill must be read out loud three times before being passed. I'll bet if they really did that and if they had to sit in their seats and listen to the bill the size of the bills would drop dramatically.
Why did I tell you this? I'm not sure it's been on my mind and I've got to tell someone. I was going to tell you all about all the various Hatteras and vacation rental things that Shelby and I have going on but I just wrote about that in my blog, http://letterstohank.blogspot.com/
So why don't you go there to learn all that good stuff?
Let's talk wine. Here's a mini-mini review:
Est! Est!! Est!! Yeah that's the name of an Italian white which if my Latin serves me correctly means, "It is!" (repeated 3 times with increasing emphasis). My mini-review, "It ain't." It's one of those "not bad" cheap white wines, not good but not bad, slightly acidic on the tongue on top of the palette. Nothing to write home about or buy again.
Thirsty Lizard - This falls right into the type of wine I'm drinking this summer, regular bottle/cute label. They say it's a white but it's really a blush. It's another "not bad" wine - not good/not bad. Tending more toward bad than good. Slight fruity and kool-aid taste with residue left in the mouth. It gets you nicely skunked in a few glasses, of course that's true of most wine for me now-a-days.
Time for the weather report - We got a storm yesterday and the day before that, the remnants of Low Pressure system "Bob"; I think it was Bob. Lots of rain, which was good for the new lawn at Sound Mind and lots of wind, which wasn't so great. It's cool in the shade provided the wind blows, which it has been at 20-30 mph, in the sun it's been brutal. Now it's sunny with gentle gusts.
Waited for what? Waited for an employee to come wash your hands. That's what the sign says. Maybe, I'm being too literal. Or maybe someone ought to write the sign to make clear what they mean.
How about this. How about a law that says when a store has a sign up that says open you are allowed to open the door and go in the store. The fact that the door is locked either because they didn't unlock it, or only unlocked one side of a double door, or that they closed and left the neon sign on saying, "OPEN" doesn't matter. You might have walked into the door and broken it down because it was supposed to swing in and couldn't because there was a dead bolt into the concrete floor and how were you to know? Or maybe you yanked on the door and it didn't budge so you hooked it up to your tow hitch with a chain and ripped it open?
Maybe that's a little extreme. Here's another extreme idea. If you aren't in your seat doing your job for eight hours a day (okay, make it seven and a half), after three days your fired. We'll get someone else who can do the job. That's the standard that's applied to anyone working in a factory, you are expected to be on the job and if you aren't after three days your fired. Why do I bring this up? Because I want this simple standard applied to both the congresspeople in the House of Representatives and the senators in the Senate. I also want the rules enforced. There is a rule that says that every bill must be read out loud three times before being passed. I'll bet if they really did that and if they had to sit in their seats and listen to the bill the size of the bills would drop dramatically.
Why did I tell you this? I'm not sure it's been on my mind and I've got to tell someone. I was going to tell you all about all the various Hatteras and vacation rental things that Shelby and I have going on but I just wrote about that in my blog, http://letterstohank.blogspot.com/
So why don't you go there to learn all that good stuff?
Let's talk wine. Here's a mini-mini review:
Est! Est!! Est!! Yeah that's the name of an Italian white which if my Latin serves me correctly means, "It is!" (repeated 3 times with increasing emphasis). My mini-review, "It ain't." It's one of those "not bad" cheap white wines, not good but not bad, slightly acidic on the tongue on top of the palette. Nothing to write home about or buy again.
Thirsty Lizard - This falls right into the type of wine I'm drinking this summer, regular bottle/cute label. They say it's a white but it's really a blush. It's another "not bad" wine - not good/not bad. Tending more toward bad than good. Slight fruity and kool-aid taste with residue left in the mouth. It gets you nicely skunked in a few glasses, of course that's true of most wine for me now-a-days.
Time for the weather report - We got a storm yesterday and the day before that, the remnants of Low Pressure system "Bob"; I think it was Bob. Lots of rain, which was good for the new lawn at Sound Mind and lots of wind, which wasn't so great. It's cool in the shade provided the wind blows, which it has been at 20-30 mph, in the sun it's been brutal. Now it's sunny with gentle gusts.
Wednesday, May 16, 2007
Cocktails on Ocracoke; is Hatteras next?
Mixed drinks are now being served in restaurants on Ocracoke. Until Hyde County voters passed a referendum in August 2006, folks only had the option of drinking beer or wine while dining out. Howard's Pub served the first mixed drink (a Bloody Mary) on Feb. 11, 2007.
Not all restaurants plan to take advantage of the new law, however. Some have no plans to add cocktails to their menu and others want to see what customer demand is like before they make a commitment. Small establishments still cannot serve liquor because of ABC laws which require that 30% of food and beverage sales in restaurants serving mixed drinks must be food and the restaurants must have indoor seating for at least 36 people.
On Hatteras Island, establishments still only serve beer and wine. Some restaurants, however, have "brown bagging" licenses which allow customers to bring in their own bottles of liquor. Hatteras restaurant owners who want to sell cocktails are circulating a petition that calls for a vote on the issue. They need signatures from 25% of the island's registered voters in order for an election to be held. The group has until about June 23 to collect the signatures and they are already more than halfway to reaching that goal. - Shelby Kinnaird
Not all restaurants plan to take advantage of the new law, however. Some have no plans to add cocktails to their menu and others want to see what customer demand is like before they make a commitment. Small establishments still cannot serve liquor because of ABC laws which require that 30% of food and beverage sales in restaurants serving mixed drinks must be food and the restaurants must have indoor seating for at least 36 people.
On Hatteras Island, establishments still only serve beer and wine. Some restaurants, however, have "brown bagging" licenses which allow customers to bring in their own bottles of liquor. Hatteras restaurant owners who want to sell cocktails are circulating a petition that calls for a vote on the issue. They need signatures from 25% of the island's registered voters in order for an election to be held. The group has until about June 23 to collect the signatures and they are already more than halfway to reaching that goal. - Shelby Kinnaird
Monday, May 14, 2007
Ocrafolk Festival 2007
The Ocrafolk Music and Storytelling Festival will be held in Ocracoke Village on June 1-3, 2007. The free festival features artists, musicians and storytellers. There will be weekend performances, a Friday night community potluck and auction, a Saturday night square dance, a Sunday morning gospel sing plus a fig cake bake-off, a restaurant waiter competition and more.
For more information, visit www.ocrafolkfestival.org.
For more information, visit www.ocrafolkfestival.org.
While we were out ...
We've been out of town for a couple of weeks and it seems like a lot happened while we were away.
First, there was the storm. Apparently, a 40-foot wave hit the beach near Rodanthe and the ocean washed over the road in at least three places: just south of the Bonner Bridge (Oregon Inlet), at the S-curves and in the town of Rodanthe. Fortunately for us, there was no soundside flooding with the storm.
Second, the film crew for Nights in Rodanthe showed up. You may have noticed the house called "Serendipity" - the first one on the left in Mirlo Beach as you approach from the north. Well, it's now sporting a sign that says "The Inn at Rodanthe" and there is a lot of activity around the house. This is where the film will be shot. We heard that the film crew was excited to be able to get footage of the storm last week. They weren't so happy, however, when they couldn't get off the island after filming because the road was washed out. Ah, life on Hatteras. - Shelby Kinnaird
First, there was the storm. Apparently, a 40-foot wave hit the beach near Rodanthe and the ocean washed over the road in at least three places: just south of the Bonner Bridge (Oregon Inlet), at the S-curves and in the town of Rodanthe. Fortunately for us, there was no soundside flooding with the storm.
Second, the film crew for Nights in Rodanthe showed up. You may have noticed the house called "Serendipity" - the first one on the left in Mirlo Beach as you approach from the north. Well, it's now sporting a sign that says "The Inn at Rodanthe" and there is a lot of activity around the house. This is where the film will be shot. We heard that the film crew was excited to be able to get footage of the storm last week. They weren't so happy, however, when they couldn't get off the island after filming because the road was washed out. Ah, life on Hatteras. - Shelby Kinnaird
Saturday, April 14, 2007
Movie to be Filmed in Rodanthe
The book Nights in Rodanthe by NC resident Nicholas Sparks is being made into a movie and will be filmed in Rodanthe and Wilmington, NC. The movie will star Richard Gere and Diane Lane.
Shooting is expected to begin in late May 2007. The release date is currently scheduled to be June 6, 2008.
Who knows, if you're on Hatteras Island this summer, you may bump into someone famous!
- Shelby Kinnaird
Shooting is expected to begin in late May 2007. The release date is currently scheduled to be June 6, 2008.
Who knows, if you're on Hatteras Island this summer, you may bump into someone famous!
- Shelby Kinnaird
Friday, April 13, 2007
Fishing Licenses Now Required
As of 2007, any person age 16 and up who wants to fish in coastal waters for recreation in North Carolina must purchase a fishing license. You may purchase a 10-day, annual or lifetime license.
A 10-day license is $5 for NC residents and $10 for nonresidents. An annual license is $15 for NC residents and $30 for nonresidents. A lifetime license for NC residents up to age 64 is $250 and $15 for age 65 and over. A lifetime license for nonresidents is $500.
On Hatteras Island, licenses may be purchased at Askins Creek Store (Avon), Dillon's Corner (Buxton), Frank & Fran's (Avon), Frisco Shopping Center (Frisco), Frisco Tackle (Frisco), Shoreline Beach Mart (Rodanthe), Teach's Lair Marina (Hatteras), The Fishin' Hole (Salvo) and Village Marina (Hatteras). You can also purchase a license online at
http://www.ncwildlife.org/fs_index_01_license.htm.
Note you do NOT need a license when you hire a charter boat. Charter boat operators typically purchase blanket licenses to cover their customers.
For more information, call the Department of Marine Fisheries at 800-682-2632 or visit http://www.ncwildlife.org/fs_index_01_license.htm. - Shelby Kinnaird
A 10-day license is $5 for NC residents and $10 for nonresidents. An annual license is $15 for NC residents and $30 for nonresidents. A lifetime license for NC residents up to age 64 is $250 and $15 for age 65 and over. A lifetime license for nonresidents is $500.
On Hatteras Island, licenses may be purchased at Askins Creek Store (Avon), Dillon's Corner (Buxton), Frank & Fran's (Avon), Frisco Shopping Center (Frisco), Frisco Tackle (Frisco), Shoreline Beach Mart (Rodanthe), Teach's Lair Marina (Hatteras), The Fishin' Hole (Salvo) and Village Marina (Hatteras). You can also purchase a license online at
http://www.ncwildlife.org/fs_index_01_license.htm.
Note you do NOT need a license when you hire a charter boat. Charter boat operators typically purchase blanket licenses to cover their customers.
For more information, call the Department of Marine Fisheries at 800-682-2632 or visit http://www.ncwildlife.org/fs_index_01_license.htm. - Shelby Kinnaird
Friday, March 30, 2007
Things are picking up
Kiting Meeting with The Park Service
A meeting was held with the kiteboarding community at the Fessenden Center last week.
Most of the shop owners attended as did two of the Park Service’s rangers.
The rangers were asking for help and seeking input concerning kite boarding on Hatteras Island.
They want to make everyone’s experience as positive as possible and wished to review some complaints that they had received and were asking for guidance to be able to tell visitors.
Number one issue was what to do when someone is driving on the beach and comes upon kite lines strung out on the sand (or parking lot.)
Generally, if the vehicle pauses the owner of the lines is near by and will move them. If not the driver should cross the lines VERY SLOWLY so as to not tangle them. It was also remarked that a courteous kiter would not set up their lines in a parking lot or on the driveable part of the beach. In the case of the beach setup they may be do that when getting ready to launch and should be near the lines.
A discussion ensued about safe procedures. The main point was that people need to be understanding and courteous be they kiters, fishermen, or families out for an outing. The Parks do not limit activities in most areas; therefore people can do them where ever they like but a call for common sense is in order. As on person noted, “Flying a kite doesn’t make you an idiot.” Neither, does holding a fishing rod or spreading out a beach blanket; but many at the meeting had examples of people being discourteous, or just not thinking, in this regard.
Examples included:
- Setting up kites in the parking lot of Canadian Hole or the narrow neck of land between Canadian Hole and Kite Point.
o All in attendance agreed that they would encourage kite boarders to go all the way to Kite Point to fly.
- Fishing from Kite Point
o While it is true one could fish from their it is one of the few really good places to launch and land kites, while one could fish there and kiters would do all they could to avoid such a person it was suggested that the Park Service do what they can to discourage fishing in such a place and to encourage, via signs, for kiters to come to Kite Point.
Other flying spots and parking lots were discussed. It was generally agreed that popularity of spots was increasing and control and moderation, along with courtesy and good manners, would carry the day. It was also mentioned by the Park Service that nesting spots changed from year to year and month to month and that the park service sent out a group e-mail to inform people where these spots were. Anyone can get on the e-mail list by calling the Superintendent’s office.
Also mentioned was the fact that no one is to fly within 150 feet of the power lines at Canadian Hole. Posts are placed in the ground marked white with red tops to show where that demarcation is.
A meeting was held with the kiteboarding community at the Fessenden Center last week.
Most of the shop owners attended as did two of the Park Service’s rangers.
The rangers were asking for help and seeking input concerning kite boarding on Hatteras Island.
They want to make everyone’s experience as positive as possible and wished to review some complaints that they had received and were asking for guidance to be able to tell visitors.
Number one issue was what to do when someone is driving on the beach and comes upon kite lines strung out on the sand (or parking lot.)
Generally, if the vehicle pauses the owner of the lines is near by and will move them. If not the driver should cross the lines VERY SLOWLY so as to not tangle them. It was also remarked that a courteous kiter would not set up their lines in a parking lot or on the driveable part of the beach. In the case of the beach setup they may be do that when getting ready to launch and should be near the lines.
A discussion ensued about safe procedures. The main point was that people need to be understanding and courteous be they kiters, fishermen, or families out for an outing. The Parks do not limit activities in most areas; therefore people can do them where ever they like but a call for common sense is in order. As on person noted, “Flying a kite doesn’t make you an idiot.” Neither, does holding a fishing rod or spreading out a beach blanket; but many at the meeting had examples of people being discourteous, or just not thinking, in this regard.
Examples included:
- Setting up kites in the parking lot of Canadian Hole or the narrow neck of land between Canadian Hole and Kite Point.
o All in attendance agreed that they would encourage kite boarders to go all the way to Kite Point to fly.
- Fishing from Kite Point
o While it is true one could fish from their it is one of the few really good places to launch and land kites, while one could fish there and kiters would do all they could to avoid such a person it was suggested that the Park Service do what they can to discourage fishing in such a place and to encourage, via signs, for kiters to come to Kite Point.
Other flying spots and parking lots were discussed. It was generally agreed that popularity of spots was increasing and control and moderation, along with courtesy and good manners, would carry the day. It was also mentioned by the Park Service that nesting spots changed from year to year and month to month and that the park service sent out a group e-mail to inform people where these spots were. Anyone can get on the e-mail list by calling the Superintendent’s office.
Also mentioned was the fact that no one is to fly within 150 feet of the power lines at Canadian Hole. Posts are placed in the ground marked white with red tops to show where that demarcation is.
Kiting Meeting with The Park Service
Kiting Meeting with The Park Service
A meeting was held with the kiteboarding community at the Fessenden Center last week.
Most of the shop owners attended as did two of the Park Service’s rangers.
The rangers were asking for help and seeking input concerning kite boarding on Hatteras Island.
They want to make everyone’s experience as positive as possible and wished to review some complaints that they had received and were asking for guidance to be able to tell visitors.
Number one issue was what to do when someone is driving on the beach and comes upon kite lines strung out on the sand (or parking lot.)
Generally, if the vehicle pauses the owner of the lines is near by and will move them. If not the driver should cross the lines VERY SLOWLY so as to not tangle them. It was also remarked that a courteous kiter would not set up their lines in a parking lot or on the driveable part of the beach. In the case of the beach setup they may be do that when getting ready to launch and should be near the lines.
A discussion ensued about safe procedures. The main point was that people need to be understanding and courteous be they kiters, fishermen, or families out for an outing. The Parks do not limit activities in most areas; therefore people can do them where ever they like but a call for common sense is in order. As on person noted, “Flying a kite doesn’t make you an idiot.” Neither, does holding a fishing rod or spreading out a beach blanket; but many at the meeting had examples of people being discourteous, or just not thinking, in this regard.
Examples included:
- Setting up kites in the parking lot of Canadian Hole or the narrow neck of land between Canadian Hole and Kite Point.
o All in attendance agreed that they would encourage kite boarders to go all the way to Kite Point to fly.
- Fishing from Kite Point
o While it is true one could fish from their it is one of the few really good places to launch and land kites, while one could fish there and kiters would do all they could to avoid such a person it was suggested that the Park Service do what they can to discourage fishing in such a place and to encourage, via signs, for kiters to come to Kite Point.
Other flying spots and parking lots were discussed. It was generally agreed that popularity of spots was increasing and control and moderation, along with courtesy and good manners, would carry the day. It was also mentioned by the Park Service that nesting spots changed from year to year and month to month and that the park service sent out a group e-mail to inform people where these spots were. Anyone can get on the e-mail list by calling the Superintendent’s office.
Also mentioned was the fact that no one is to fly within 150 feet of the power lines at Canadian Hole. Posts are placed in the ground marked white with red tops to show where that demarcation is.
A meeting was held with the kiteboarding community at the Fessenden Center last week.
Most of the shop owners attended as did two of the Park Service’s rangers.
The rangers were asking for help and seeking input concerning kite boarding on Hatteras Island.
They want to make everyone’s experience as positive as possible and wished to review some complaints that they had received and were asking for guidance to be able to tell visitors.
Number one issue was what to do when someone is driving on the beach and comes upon kite lines strung out on the sand (or parking lot.)
Generally, if the vehicle pauses the owner of the lines is near by and will move them. If not the driver should cross the lines VERY SLOWLY so as to not tangle them. It was also remarked that a courteous kiter would not set up their lines in a parking lot or on the driveable part of the beach. In the case of the beach setup they may be do that when getting ready to launch and should be near the lines.
A discussion ensued about safe procedures. The main point was that people need to be understanding and courteous be they kiters, fishermen, or families out for an outing. The Parks do not limit activities in most areas; therefore people can do them where ever they like but a call for common sense is in order. As on person noted, “Flying a kite doesn’t make you an idiot.” Neither, does holding a fishing rod or spreading out a beach blanket; but many at the meeting had examples of people being discourteous, or just not thinking, in this regard.
Examples included:
- Setting up kites in the parking lot of Canadian Hole or the narrow neck of land between Canadian Hole and Kite Point.
o All in attendance agreed that they would encourage kite boarders to go all the way to Kite Point to fly.
- Fishing from Kite Point
o While it is true one could fish from their it is one of the few really good places to launch and land kites, while one could fish there and kiters would do all they could to avoid such a person it was suggested that the Park Service do what they can to discourage fishing in such a place and to encourage, via signs, for kiters to come to Kite Point.
Other flying spots and parking lots were discussed. It was generally agreed that popularity of spots was increasing and control and moderation, along with courtesy and good manners, would carry the day. It was also mentioned by the Park Service that nesting spots changed from year to year and month to month and that the park service sent out a group e-mail to inform people where these spots were. Anyone can get on the e-mail list by calling the Superintendent’s office.
Also mentioned was the fact that no one is to fly within 150 feet of the power lines at Canadian Hole. Posts are placed in the ground marked white with red tops to show where that demarcation is.
Saturday, March 17, 2007
Hatteras Awakens
Pi Day (3.14 – get it?) has passed as has the Ides of March (3-15) things are starting to wake up around here. People that haven’t been answering their phone because they were in Florida are back. The grass is starting to turn from straw to shades of green.
Five kite boarders were out at Canadian Hole the other day and they were cranking, probably locals and instructors getting in some good flying before they have to start instructing. Signs on restaurants are changing from looking for help to announcing when they are opening. The local giant boogie board T-shirt shop turned on their neon “open” signs, which will no doubt stay on - even when they are closed - until they shutdown in the fall.
The temperatures have been in the high 60’s low 70’s most of the time until today when a big front with heavy duty winds came through and dropped us into the 40’s.
People back in Maryland asked us what we were going to do down here in the winter and now we are wondering where the winter went.
Other folks have asked me do I fish and the answer is that I have been fishing three, no make that four, times in my life. But I’ve got a host of folks who have offered to teach me. I think fishing must be a Zen like activity; being one with the elements and all that. I do need to get out there and do it; just like I need to get out there and start kite boarding, wind surfing and regular old plain surfing.
There’s a lot going on and I frankly don’t know when I’ll get around to doing all of it.
- Rick
Five kite boarders were out at Canadian Hole the other day and they were cranking, probably locals and instructors getting in some good flying before they have to start instructing. Signs on restaurants are changing from looking for help to announcing when they are opening. The local giant boogie board T-shirt shop turned on their neon “open” signs, which will no doubt stay on - even when they are closed - until they shutdown in the fall.
The temperatures have been in the high 60’s low 70’s most of the time until today when a big front with heavy duty winds came through and dropped us into the 40’s.
People back in Maryland asked us what we were going to do down here in the winter and now we are wondering where the winter went.
Other folks have asked me do I fish and the answer is that I have been fishing three, no make that four, times in my life. But I’ve got a host of folks who have offered to teach me. I think fishing must be a Zen like activity; being one with the elements and all that. I do need to get out there and do it; just like I need to get out there and start kite boarding, wind surfing and regular old plain surfing.
There’s a lot going on and I frankly don’t know when I’ll get around to doing all of it.
- Rick
Wednesday, March 7, 2007
Oyster Shell Recycling
North Carolina has started an oyster shell recycling program. Apparently, baby oysters thrive when they attach themselves to hard surfaces and their favorite hard surface is other shells. NC is trying to revive the declining oyster population.
A pile of oyster shells placed in the right spot will produce more oysters and attract other beneficial organisms such as algae, worms, crabs, minnows and fish to the area. One person may not have enough shells to create one of these oyster reefs. However, if many people contribute shells, scientists will be able to build large reefs in areas known to be prime oyster territory. Some of the species attracted to oyster reefs include mussels, shrimp, speckled trout, striped bass, turtles and flounder.
On Hatteras Island, there are three recycling drop-off locations. In Avon, head to Village Grocery. If you're facing the entrance to the store, the recycling bin is to the right. In Rodanthe/Waves/Salvo, the drop-off location is the Recycling Center, Rodanthe Harbor (Myrna Peters Rd.) In Hatteras Village, go to Burrus Red & White (intersection of Hwy 12 and Kanlar Rd.)
There are additional recycling locations in Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Wanchese and other counties in NC. For more information, visit http://www.ncdmf.net/shellfish/recycle1.htm. - Shelby Kinnaird
A pile of oyster shells placed in the right spot will produce more oysters and attract other beneficial organisms such as algae, worms, crabs, minnows and fish to the area. One person may not have enough shells to create one of these oyster reefs. However, if many people contribute shells, scientists will be able to build large reefs in areas known to be prime oyster territory. Some of the species attracted to oyster reefs include mussels, shrimp, speckled trout, striped bass, turtles and flounder.
On Hatteras Island, there are three recycling drop-off locations. In Avon, head to Village Grocery. If you're facing the entrance to the store, the recycling bin is to the right. In Rodanthe/Waves/Salvo, the drop-off location is the Recycling Center, Rodanthe Harbor (Myrna Peters Rd.) In Hatteras Village, go to Burrus Red & White (intersection of Hwy 12 and Kanlar Rd.)
There are additional recycling locations in Nags Head, Kill Devil Hills, Wanchese and other counties in NC. For more information, visit http://www.ncdmf.net/shellfish/recycle1.htm. - Shelby Kinnaird
Saturday, February 24, 2007
Four Reds and a Whine
Four Wines
I have done something I swore I would never do. I bought wine based on its clever label and its cute name. I always thought this was a bad idea. My thinking was that anyone who needed a clever name or cute label probably had terrible wine. What you should look for, I told myself, was an unpretentious label. Kind of like shopping for a bank as Steve Martin pointed out (You don’t put money in Fred’s Bank; you put it in United Fidelity and Guarantee blah blah blah – because it sounds better, more secure.) Likewise a wine should have a name like Chateau Clos Du Pretencion because that sounds old and established.
I was wrong. Well, no I wasn’t wrong. At the time I made that decision, not to buy wine based on cute label or clever name, I think it was a sound decision because all the wine at the time that I can think of that fit that category was pretty bad. (I can’t recall any of them right now – of course.)
Then cracks began to appear in my thinking. First, came Bully Hill, if you don’t know the story it’s pretty good. The Taylors of Taylor wine lost their rights to their name in connection with the wine business. Coca-cola had bought it and sued them. The Taylors were no longer allowed to use the name Taylor – kind of like Ray Kroc driving the MacDonald Brothers out of business. Any rate the Taylors created Bully Hill winery with goat caricatures (as in “They got my name but not my goat.”)
Their wine is pretty good.
So now people like the Gallos are trying to gain respect by making premier wines. What do they do to sell it? They try to get snobby by winning contests and having glam photos of their wines taken; having a fourth or fifth generation Gallo walk around the fields and talk to you like one of the Coors do in the Rocky Mountains.
So now the stodgy looking labels are producing some pretty pissy wines.
A few weeks ago I went in to Village Grocery and picked up a bottle of Tempra Tantrum. The label is all red with a picture of a bull on it in small white letters it says, “See Red.” The label also says it’s a 2003 Tempranillo/Shiraz from Valencia Spain.
Okay, I’ll try it.
Cost around $11, I don’t remember but all these wines are in the 10-14 dollar range.
This is an outstanding wine. It is what a red should be. Good, hearty, no after taste, fills the palette (that means you taste it all through your mouth.
We were up in north in Nags Head and Kitty Hawk the other week and I heard of this place at Mile Post 6 called Chip’s. He has a wine and beer store and he offers wine classes. Unpretentiousness is his hall mark. He’s a real nice guy. Any rate I saw some more cute labels; too cute to pass up: Wrongo Dongo, Rabid Red (with the second R turned backwards like Toys R Us), and Twin Beaks (from Australia featuring a drawing of two ostriches’ necks and faces.)
All were good solid wines, though not quite as good as Tempra Tantrum. Wrongo Dongo 2004 is described as a Jumilla Red, whatever that is, and the most memorable thing about it was that it actually had sediment in the bottom of it. Red wine bottles are made with a “shoulder” as they call it to catch the sediment that may be at the very bottom of the bottle. Most wines today are so made that you never get any sediment – a sign to my wine snob side that says that the wine has been so blended and whirled and pasteurized that whatever character it may have had has been lost. Not Wrongo Dongo! It had a good almost full bodied taste that had a little bit of tang to it.
Rabid Red described on the label as a California 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon 35%, Petite Sirah 28%, Syrah 18%, Tempranillo 17% Grenache 1%, Zinfandel 1% is a good solid red too. As was Twin Beaks, it is described as a 2004 Australian Merlot from South Eastern Australia and the back of the label says the birds on the front are Emus not Ostriches; I stand corrected. - Rick Kinnaird
I have done something I swore I would never do. I bought wine based on its clever label and its cute name. I always thought this was a bad idea. My thinking was that anyone who needed a clever name or cute label probably had terrible wine. What you should look for, I told myself, was an unpretentious label. Kind of like shopping for a bank as Steve Martin pointed out (You don’t put money in Fred’s Bank; you put it in United Fidelity and Guarantee blah blah blah – because it sounds better, more secure.) Likewise a wine should have a name like Chateau Clos Du Pretencion because that sounds old and established.
I was wrong. Well, no I wasn’t wrong. At the time I made that decision, not to buy wine based on cute label or clever name, I think it was a sound decision because all the wine at the time that I can think of that fit that category was pretty bad. (I can’t recall any of them right now – of course.)
Then cracks began to appear in my thinking. First, came Bully Hill, if you don’t know the story it’s pretty good. The Taylors of Taylor wine lost their rights to their name in connection with the wine business. Coca-cola had bought it and sued them. The Taylors were no longer allowed to use the name Taylor – kind of like Ray Kroc driving the MacDonald Brothers out of business. Any rate the Taylors created Bully Hill winery with goat caricatures (as in “They got my name but not my goat.”)
Their wine is pretty good.
So now people like the Gallos are trying to gain respect by making premier wines. What do they do to sell it? They try to get snobby by winning contests and having glam photos of their wines taken; having a fourth or fifth generation Gallo walk around the fields and talk to you like one of the Coors do in the Rocky Mountains.
So now the stodgy looking labels are producing some pretty pissy wines.
A few weeks ago I went in to Village Grocery and picked up a bottle of Tempra Tantrum. The label is all red with a picture of a bull on it in small white letters it says, “See Red.” The label also says it’s a 2003 Tempranillo/Shiraz from Valencia Spain.
Okay, I’ll try it.
Cost around $11, I don’t remember but all these wines are in the 10-14 dollar range.
This is an outstanding wine. It is what a red should be. Good, hearty, no after taste, fills the palette (that means you taste it all through your mouth.
We were up in north in Nags Head and Kitty Hawk the other week and I heard of this place at Mile Post 6 called Chip’s. He has a wine and beer store and he offers wine classes. Unpretentiousness is his hall mark. He’s a real nice guy. Any rate I saw some more cute labels; too cute to pass up: Wrongo Dongo, Rabid Red (with the second R turned backwards like Toys R Us), and Twin Beaks (from Australia featuring a drawing of two ostriches’ necks and faces.)
All were good solid wines, though not quite as good as Tempra Tantrum. Wrongo Dongo 2004 is described as a Jumilla Red, whatever that is, and the most memorable thing about it was that it actually had sediment in the bottom of it. Red wine bottles are made with a “shoulder” as they call it to catch the sediment that may be at the very bottom of the bottle. Most wines today are so made that you never get any sediment – a sign to my wine snob side that says that the wine has been so blended and whirled and pasteurized that whatever character it may have had has been lost. Not Wrongo Dongo! It had a good almost full bodied taste that had a little bit of tang to it.
Rabid Red described on the label as a California 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon 35%, Petite Sirah 28%, Syrah 18%, Tempranillo 17% Grenache 1%, Zinfandel 1% is a good solid red too. As was Twin Beaks, it is described as a 2004 Australian Merlot from South Eastern Australia and the back of the label says the birds on the front are Emus not Ostriches; I stand corrected. - Rick Kinnaird
Saturday, February 17, 2007
Restaurant Rumors
We decided to go out for lunch today. I was craving the Italian sub at Sandbar & Grille's new Pizzeria. Unfortunately, Sandbar was closed (even though their posted hours said they should have been open). We ended up at Angelo's in Buxton. The woman there told us several rumors ...
Rumor #1 - Pigman is gone. They've removed the signs from the Buxton location and the one in Kill Devil Hills is also for sale. The woman said the owners had been running the place for years and had just gotten tired of it. Very sad news indeed.
Rumor #2 - Austin Creek Grill in Hatteras Landing (right beside the ferry to Ocracoke) is gone. No word on what happened, but supposedly another Dirty Dick's crabhouse is going in there. This was our "special occasion" restaurant, so we're pretty bummed. Austin Creek also catered our wedding.
Rumor #3 - The Fish House restaurant in Buxton is not planning to reopen in 2007. All winter their sign has said "Thank You." Silly us, we thought it meant "thank you for a great 2006 season," not "thank you for the memories."
Rumor #4 - The Fish Tales restaurant right on the Frisco/Hatteras border is not planning to reopen in 2007 either. What is going on?
Finally, and this is NOT a rumor, the Pickled Steamer in Avon is up for sale. The owner is hoping to sell to someone who will keep the Steamer concept, but who knows how things will turn out. This is one of our favorite places on Hatteras Island. We're anxiously awaiting for it to reopen for the season so we can get the scoop. - Shelby Kinnaird
Rumor #1 - Pigman is gone. They've removed the signs from the Buxton location and the one in Kill Devil Hills is also for sale. The woman said the owners had been running the place for years and had just gotten tired of it. Very sad news indeed.
Rumor #2 - Austin Creek Grill in Hatteras Landing (right beside the ferry to Ocracoke) is gone. No word on what happened, but supposedly another Dirty Dick's crabhouse is going in there. This was our "special occasion" restaurant, so we're pretty bummed. Austin Creek also catered our wedding.
Rumor #3 - The Fish House restaurant in Buxton is not planning to reopen in 2007. All winter their sign has said "Thank You." Silly us, we thought it meant "thank you for a great 2006 season," not "thank you for the memories."
Rumor #4 - The Fish Tales restaurant right on the Frisco/Hatteras border is not planning to reopen in 2007 either. What is going on?
Finally, and this is NOT a rumor, the Pickled Steamer in Avon is up for sale. The owner is hoping to sell to someone who will keep the Steamer concept, but who knows how things will turn out. This is one of our favorite places on Hatteras Island. We're anxiously awaiting for it to reopen for the season so we can get the scoop. - Shelby Kinnaird
Ianjay Cafe Worth a Stop
We made a nice discovery last week - a cute little place in Kitty Hawk (MP 4.5) called Ianjay Cafe. I had seen a write-up about it in a local paper and we'd been wanting to give it a try. One guy runs the place and does all of the cooking. The day we were there, a very nice woman took our order and told us all about the food.
Whenever we go somewhere new, we usually ask the person waiting on us what we should have. The woman recommended the daily special (which I had), the Cali-style Burritos and the Cuban hot pressed sandwich (which Rick had). The daily special was a spicy chicken dish with gingered rice on the side. It was delicious and, for about $8, I also had enough to take home for lunch the next day. Rick's sandwich - roasted pork, boiled ham, provolone, pickles and spicy mustard - also cost about $8 and was very, very good. Other items on the menu include soups, salads, interesting side dishes like chili lime slaw and pickled onions, Asian-flavored pasta, rice dishes, empanadas, Baja-style tacos, quesadillas, casados and other hot pressed sandwiches. My only complaint was that the only iced tea Ianjay served was lightly sweetened. I'm an unsweet kind of girl.
Ianjay advertises themselves as "From East to West, the Caribbean to Asia, and all points between. Come taste the worldly flavors of IANJAY!" They are open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner. They also deliver between MP 1 and MP 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Even though Ianjay isn't on Hatteras Island, we recommend giving them a try on your way into or out of town. Visit them at www.thecoastalexplorer.com/ianjaycafe or phone them at 252-480-3100. - Shelby Kinnaird
Whenever we go somewhere new, we usually ask the person waiting on us what we should have. The woman recommended the daily special (which I had), the Cali-style Burritos and the Cuban hot pressed sandwich (which Rick had). The daily special was a spicy chicken dish with gingered rice on the side. It was delicious and, for about $8, I also had enough to take home for lunch the next day. Rick's sandwich - roasted pork, boiled ham, provolone, pickles and spicy mustard - also cost about $8 and was very, very good. Other items on the menu include soups, salads, interesting side dishes like chili lime slaw and pickled onions, Asian-flavored pasta, rice dishes, empanadas, Baja-style tacos, quesadillas, casados and other hot pressed sandwiches. My only complaint was that the only iced tea Ianjay served was lightly sweetened. I'm an unsweet kind of girl.
Ianjay advertises themselves as "From East to West, the Caribbean to Asia, and all points between. Come taste the worldly flavors of IANJAY!" They are open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. for lunch and from 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. for dinner. They also deliver between MP 1 and MP 10 from 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. and from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
Even though Ianjay isn't on Hatteras Island, we recommend giving them a try on your way into or out of town. Visit them at www.thecoastalexplorer.com/ianjaycafe or phone them at 252-480-3100. - Shelby Kinnaird
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Welcome to the New and Improved Half Vaster
Welcome to the Half Vaster blog.
We've moved from being a monthly e-zine to a blog; but we’ll still cover the same topics: fishing, wind sports, things to do, food, local business news, and now that we are living here we can give you more up to the minute detailed, insider info.
We feel the new format will allow us to get news to you more quickly, which may be important if you are coming down in the next week.
Back issues of the e-zine are available at:
http://www.halfvastenterprises.com/ezine.shtml
Most people put in a cheery note about how happy they are to be moving to new technology, but not me; I complain and mumble (as opposed to kick and scream.)
In addition to the regular stuff I did last year I plan on doing a wine review: mostly inexpensive wines (but not cheap rock gut, although the line may be close.) Most of the wine I will probably purchase from Harry at Village Grocery in
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