Gorgeous Fall Weather on the Outer Banks & Great Surf Near “Nights in Rodanthe” House
Mother Nature offered another beautiful fall day on the Outer Banks. The bright sun brought the temperatures to the mid 60’s matching the water temperature, and a light breeze streamed from the West. Residents and vacationers alike ventured outdoors to take advantage of this great time of year on the Outer Banks. The crowds have dwindled and the weather is ideal.
Fortunate for all occupants of this remote destination, the Outer Banks has an enormous amount of outdoor activities to offer. It was a great day for hunting for treasures on the beach or exercise along the “Beach Road.” The fall brings one of the best times for fishing and surfing on the Outer Banks, and yesterday the fish were biting and the waves were building.
The beaches are practically vacant at this time of year. The shoreline is dotted with fishing enthusiasts hoping for the big catch and sections of the water with prime waves had groups of rubber clad surfers enjoying clean chest to head high waves. A day like this could make your week, your month, or even your year if you are fortunate enough to be here on vacation.
Great vacation rentals are available year round.
Outer Banks Wild Horse Study
The proper size of the wild horse herd on the Outer Banks continues to be a contentious subject.
Currituck County officials, The Corolla Wild Horse Fund, and the Currituck National Wildlife Refuge have been debating the size of the herd for years. The three parties agreed on a management plan in 1999 which set the limit of wild horses to 60, but as of September the count is up to 101. The Wild Horse Fund feels the size of the herd needs to be increased to at least 120 to 130 to encourage long-term health. A recent study conducted by a genetics expert indicates that the wild horses have a low genetic diversity stemming from the breeding patterns of a small herd; this low genetic diversity can lead to defects in the future. The National Wildlife Refuge is concerned about the impact the wild horses, especially a larger herd, have on the surrounding environment.
A recent article by Jeff Hampton in the The Virginian-Pilot points out that additional science will soon be added to the debate. “The Corolla Wild Horse Fund plans to commission a study led by North Carolina State University that would examine the effect of the herd on marshes and grasses crucial to waterfowl habitat,” said Karen McCalpin, executive director of the fund. The study would also measure the impact of humans and feral hogs in the area.
-
Flickr Photos
More Photos Subscribe to My Podcast
