Good morning. Here’s the Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Friday, February, 11, 2011.
This video was shot at the Bladen St. beach access in Nags Head, just north of the Nags Head Pier.
Great change from yesterday’s snow. The sun is out, and the temps have returned to 50′s. I took advantage of the nice weather, and took a walk on the beach with my son, Finnley, and my dog, Marley. Almost feels like spring, not quite, but it seems like spring is getting close…I heard today that the official start of spring is only 37 days away!
This nice weather should stick with us through the weekend and into next week. Temps in the 50′s, blue skies, and bright sun.
No surf to report, and judging by the forecast, we probably won’t have any decent swell until the end of next week, but surf conditions change quickly, so I’ll keep an eye on it.
Rock fish are still biting. No boats were able to get out yesterday due to the weather, but I’ve gotten reports all week of boats heading out of Oregon Inlet catching their limit of stripers, and we’re talking big guys…40 – 50 pound rock fish!
The North Carolina Golf Panel’s “Top 100 You Can Play” was recently published in the official 2011 North Carolina Golf Guide, and three OBX courses made the elite list.
There are more than 550 courses in North Carolina, so cracking the top 100 is quite an honor, and to have three courses in the top 100 in a small region like the Outer Banks is remarkable. The list was determined by a scoring system that asks 150 panelists to consider the course’s conditioning, routing, design, strategy, memorability, fairness, variety and aesthetics.
The Currituck Club (No. 42), Kilmarlic Golf Club (No. 59) and Nags Head Golf Links (No. 67) made the list.
WorldGolf.com notes that “Compared to other regions of the state, the Outer Banks has relatively few courses. But the high quality and memorable settings are further attested to by these lofty rankings.
Congratulations to all three courses…especially Kilmarlic Golf Club. Seaside Vacations is a proud partner with Kilmarlic. Take a look at Club Seaside for more information about a complimentary golf clinic and special guest rates for Seaside Vacations’ guests.
Outer Banks Golf
Description of Kilmarlic Golf Club from WorldGolf.com:
“Best known as host site of the North Carolina Open in 2004 and 2009, Kilmarlic Golf Club is nestled among 605 acres of maritime forest and sprawling wetlands. Award-winning golf course architect Tom Steele’s classic design creates stimulating challenges with its outstanding layout and conditioning, as it meanders through canopies of giant oak, pine and dogwood that exemplify the natural beauty of North Carolina’s Outer Banks and illustrate Kilmarlic’s unique partnership between golf and nature — not to mention a remarkable 15 acres of coastal ponds and lakes creating scenic natural hazards.”
The New York Times recently ran an article about the great amenities vacation rental homes offer. The NYT mentioned that due diligence is a must with vacation rental homes. Unlike hotels, there is no brand-standard that you can expect from individual vacation homes, so it’s important to make sure the end product is what you expect. Renting from a well-established property management company is a great start, but it is always wise to ask a few questions to ensure the quality.
As a follow-up to the original article, the New York Times ran a second article highlighting questions you should consider when renting a vacation rental home, and speaking from experience on both sides of the vacation rental business (guest and renter), I can assure you that these questions are well worth the time and effort it will take to ponder the answers, and every homeowner and/or property manager should be happy to answer these questions for you.
Location: Be sure to ask for specifics about the location, including the kind of details you may not be able to tell just from looking at a map; view, distance to attractions and stores.
Configuration: You should ask for details about how the house sleeps the number of people it claims to sleep as well as where and how big the bedrooms and bathrooms are.
Child and Pet Friendly: If the house is described as “child friendly” or “pet friendly,” make sure to ask for the property’s definition of those terms since they may not necessarily line up with how you define them.
Surroundings/Activities: Be sure to ask the homeowner or property manager for recommendations of favorite places to eat and things to do so you can vacation like a local rather than as a tourist.
PS – Take a look at our Club Seaside events…talk about living like a local!
Amenities: Ask about what kinds of household amenities are provided so you can determine whether you need to bring your own hair products, dish-washing detergent, seasonings for cooking, and whether you can just arrive and settle in or whether you’ll need to stop at the supermarket first.
Cleaning Fees: Ask for specifics about cleaning fees and surcharges and especially about if and when extra cleaning fees are charged.
Cancellation Policy, Keys and Problems: If the cancellation policy is not specified in the contract, be sure to ask about it, and how you’ll get the key. You should also be sure to ask for details about how far the property manager or emergency contact lives from the vacation rental should you need assistance.
With the aid of computer models, it has been calculated that the ship was 110 feet long by 20 to 30 feet wide. It was broad and slower-moving and most likely used for hauling merchandise, and its 12-inch by 12-inch beams were made from European white oak.
The wreck dates from the early to mid-1600s, making it the oldest among the hundreds of shipwrecks found on the North Carolina coast.
Now let’s fast forward to the present day.
The Pilot is reporting that the wreck, believed to be the oldest shipwreck found in North Carolina, is now sitting on concrete exposed to the harsh Outer Banks elements. The wreck lasted 400 years beneath the ocean surface, but the elements above water are quickly drying and cracking the aged ship, and experts are scrambling to determine the best way to save it; regular baths, soak it for years in a preserving agent, coat in sugar water, saturate it in expensive silicon oil, freeze dry it, some or all of the above?
Preserving 12-tons of shipwreck is no easy task, especially when funding is limited. There are no right or wrong approaches. Every shipwreck is different and a wide variety of variables must be considered. The simple question of whether the wreck should be inside or out, is not very simple. And if the wrong approaches are chosen, the detrimental effects are irreversible.
The experts understand their time is short, but they also know that they only get one shot at preserving the artifact, so the plan of action must be timely, but it must also be correct.
The wreck was lost for 400 years, and now that it’s been discovered, the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum is doing everything in their power to make sure it isn’t lost for good.
Good morning. Here’s the Outer Banks Snow Report for Thursday, February 10, 2011.
This video was shot at the Wright Brothers Monument and the Avalon Pier (both in Kill Devil Hills) at 9:00 AM this morning.
The Outer Banks has turned into a winter wonderland. Snow is falling and the wind is blowing. There’s a heavy wind coming out of the north at 20+ mph, and about an inch of the white stuff is on the ground.
No sledding at the Wright Brothers Monument yet, but the kids are out of school today, so I suspect there will be some flying down the hill soon.
No surf today. The fish are still biting, but boats won’t be able to make it out of Oregon Inlet, so the fishing is on hiatus today as well.
The snow is pretty, but I’m ready for spring. Bring on the sunny, warm weather. The good news is the sun will return tomorrow and stay through the weekend, and temps will climb back to the 50′s by the weekend.
Enjoy the snow while it lasts!
Outer Banks - Wright Brother Monument in the Snow - 2.10.11
Outer Banks - Wright Brother Monument in the Snow - 2.10.11
The Outer Banks is quickly becoming a runners paradise; mild weather, flat terrain, and an abundance of great races all year long.
There are two great races coming up to kick off the spring season in April; The Flying Pirate Half Marathon and the First Flight 5K.
Saturday, April 9, 2011
to Sunday, April 10, 2011 7:30 AM
Kitty Hawk/Kill Devil Hills/Nags Head
Event:
FLYING PIRATE HALF MARATHON
Date & Time::
Sunday, April 10, 2011
Start Time: 7:30AM wave start
Note: Wave Start is mandatory
Fee Scale:
$55 Early Bird – until April 25, 2010
$65 4/26/10 – 10/31/10
$75 11/01/10 – 4/01/11
$80 EXPO
Refunds:
All net proceeds go to charity; there are no refunds, no transfers and no deferrals for any reason.
EXPO:
Friday, April 8, 2011: 3PM – 8PM
Saturday, April 9, 2011: 9AM – 6PM
Race Day:
Race Day Start – 7:30AM (wave start)
Course Time Limit – 5 Hours
Post Race Party
Sunday, April 10, 2011
9AM – 2PM
Transportation
Shuttle buses to the Start will be provided for race participants. Shuttles will also be available from the finish line back to shuttle parking areas. Shuttle schedule will be posted on the website closer to race day.
Timing
The Half Marathon will be timed by utilizing the Chronotrack Timing System.
Awards:
Prize Money by Division
Open: Top 3 Male & Female and Top 3 Male & Female Masters
Age Group Awards
OBSE awards the toop three male and female finishers for all 5K, 8K, marathon and half marathon races. For the Flying Pirate Half Marathon, the 10-14 age group awards will be limited to runners age 12-14 years old.Age Groups: 10-14; 15-19; 20-24; 25-29; 30-34; 35-39; 40-44; 45-49; 50-54; 55-59; 60-64; 65-69; 70-74, 75+
Registrants under 18:
Outer Banks Sporting Events Organizing Committee has set minimum age limits for participants under the age of 18:
10 yrs. old = 8K
12 yrs. old = ½ marathon
16 yrs. old = marathon
Questions regarding this policy, please email Jim Snyder at info@obxse.org.
It’s never too early to start thinking about summer…especially considering the OBX is going to get hit with snow tonight!
The town of Duck, NC puts together an awesome schedule of free, fun, and family-friendly events every summer, and 2011 is no exception. Music, magic, story-telling…there’s something for everyone and it’s all freelicious!
Here’s the 2011 highlights:
ANNUAL 4TH OF JULY DAY PARADE – JULY 4, 2011 at 9:00 A.M.
Duck’s seventh annual Fourth of July Parade will be held on Monday, July 4, 2011 at 9:00 a.m., with an after-event following at the Duck Town Park featuring music by Ruth Wyand & Friends, refreshments, and the awarding of parade trophies. The one-mile parade route is the same annually and begins at the crest of the hill on Scarborough Lane going eastward, continues down Ocean Way, and then turns onto Christopher Drive. No part of the parade is on Duck Road (SR 12). Please plan to come early to get the best parade viewing spot. For more information or to register an entry for the parade, visit www.townofduck.com/4thofjuly.htm.
SPECIAL SATURDAY CONCERT WITH THE LANGLEY WINDS
The United States Air Force Heritage of America’s Langley Winds Woodwind Quintet will be in Duck for a special free performance on Saturday, June 11, 2011 beginning at 6:00 p.m. in the Town Amphitheater. This is the band’s second appearance in Duck and we are thrilled to have them back on our stage. For over 10 years, The Langley Winds have been inspiring audiences with a musical repertoire which includes a wide variety of popular, patriotic, and chamber music selections. Mark your calendars and plan to join us for this very special concert.
“DUCK UNPLUGGED” SINGER/SONGWRITER SERIES – TUESDAY EVENINGS
New to the schedule for 2011 is “Duck Unplugged”, our four-week long singer/songwriter series. The concerts will be on Tuesdays from July 5, 2011 through July 26, 2011 beginning at 6:00 p.m., and will be held in the Town Amphitheater. The current schedule of performances is (subject to change):
Tuesday, July 26 – Coyote: Marcy Brenner & Lou Castro
SUMMER MUSIC SERIES – THURSDAY EVENINGS
This popular evening concert series returns for its fifth season. For eight weeks, local musical groups will take the stage at the Duck Town Park Gazebo. The concerts begin at 6:00 p.m., and are on Thursday evenings from June 23, 2011 through August 11, 2011. The current schedule of performances is (subject to change):
Thursday, June 23 – The Rajun Cajuns (New Orleans Style Dance/Rock)
Thursday, June 30 – Aquarium (Jam Rock & Blues)
Thursday, July 7 – The Fuzz Band (Jazz, Funk, Blues, Hip Hop)
Thursday, August 11 – The Little Kings (Dance Rock & Soul)
MORNING THEATER AND MUSIC SERIES – TUESDAY MORNINGS
The cast from The Lost Colony Musical Theater will be in Duck on Tuesdays from July 5, 2011 through August 9, 2011 presenting a musical song and dance preview of The Lost Colony production. All shows are at 10:00 a.m. and will be held in the Duck Amphitheater. Each week will be a little different so plan to join us for one, or all, of the shows!
FAMILY MAGIC SHOW – WEDNESDAY MORNINGS
Witness incredible illusions, mind-bending magic, comedy, and audience participation the entire family will love — live on stage! OBXtreme Magic features some of the most incredible magic and illusions performed by world-renowned illusionists Clive Allen & Tracy.
This six-week long series of shows will be held at 10:00 a.m. at the Town Amphitheater on Wednesdays from July 6, 2011 through August 10, 2011, and is underwritten by Kellogg’s Supply and The Cottage Shop.
Although this event is free, tickets will be required for entry as the event is fully underwritten and seating in the amphitheater is limited. All attendees (of any age) must possess a ticket to gain entry to the performance.
Tickets will be available beginning the Monday the week of the show at Kellogg’s Supply/The Cottage Shop, 1201 Duck Road (directly across from the Town Park). There is a six ticket maximum for this event. Tickets will NOT be available at the Town Office or at the Town Park.
Please remember, that ticket holders will be granted entrance to the amphitheater first; and then non-ticket holders will be granted entrance, if space allows, on a first-come, first serve basis. Non-ticket holders are NOT guaranteed entry to this event so please take the time and visit Kellogg’s Supply/The Cottage Shop to pick up your tickets early in the week of the show that you want to attend as these tickets are in high demand.
CHILDREN’S STORY TIME – THURSDAY MORNINGS
Bring the children for story time sponsored by Duck’s two book stores: Duck’s Cottage and Island Book Store. Story time will be held in the Duck Amphitheater at 10:00 a.m. on Thursdays beginning July 7, 2011 and continuing through Thursday, August 11, 2011. Story time is geared to children between the ages of 3 and 7.
5TH ANNUAL DUCK JAZZ FESTIVAL
The Fifth Annual Duck Jazz Festival will be held on Sunday, October 9, 2011 beginning at 11:00 a.m. on the Duck Town Green. Artists for the 2011 show will be announced soon. Plan to join us for this popular event! For more information, please visit duckjazz.com.
All of the events, except for the parade, will take place at the Duck Town Park, 1200 Duck Road, Duck, North Carolina. Please remember to bring a blanket or lawn chair for events being held on the Town Green. Beach umbrellas or tents are NOT permitted within the Town Park. All events will be held outside. In the case of inclement weather or site or performer unavailability, an activity may be cancelled or rescheduled.
For the most up-to-date schedule, please visit townofduck.com, call the Town’s Events hotline at (252) 255-1286, become a fan of the “Town of Duck” on Facebook, or follow us on Twitter at “DuckPR.” Updates, changes, and cancellations will be posted on the Town’s website and at the park.
Good morning. Here’s the Outer Banks Beach, Surf, & Fishing Report for Wednesday, February 9, 2011.
This video was shot just north of the Avalon Pier in Kill Devil Hills at the Hayman St. beach access at 9:00 AM.
It sure is a pretty day, but don’t let the sun fool you…the chill is back. Bright sun and a light NE wind, but temps are stuck in the mid 30′s. The chilly temps will stick with us through tomorrow, and they are even calling for snow tonight!! What happened to the groundhog and spring coming early?!
There is a bit of swell in the water. The ocean is somewhat active, and if it would clean up, it would be in the waist to chest range, but the wind is not cooperating at this point. One forecast I checked said the winds could switch west this afternoon and clean up the surf for a small window of opportunity. But based on the wind forecasts I’m looking at, I think the winds are going to be stuck in the NE pretty much all day. Could be worth a look in the early afternoon though.
The great run on fishing continues. We are still getting a lot of reports of boats heading out of Oregon Inlet catching their fill of rock fish, and we’re talking about big fish…in the 40 – 50 pound range! Still plenty of fish in the area. Unfortunately, still not hearing many reports for catching stripers in the surf, but hopefully that will change soon.
It seems traffic and congestion concerns will keep the proposed bridge out of the small town Aydlett. Instead, the toll booths on the mainland side will be closer to Coinjock.
The proposed bridge is a seven mile, two lane toll project that would cross Currituck Sound and connect the mainland at U.S. 158 near Aydlett with N.C. 12 on the Outer Banks south of Corolla.
The bridge could cut about 50 miles off the drive from Hampton Roads to the Northern Outer Banks. It is expected to reduce traffic congestion as well as provide an alternate hurricane evacuation route for the northern Outer Banks.
Its estimated to cost about $660 million and open in 2016, and the toll could cost drivers $6 to $12 each way to help with funding the project.
Outer Banks Mid-Currituck Bridge Preferred Alternative
Outer Banks - 2.8.11 - Pretty Day at Kitty Hawk Pier
Pretty day. Rainy night turns into sunny morning. Light West wind. No surf, but swell could build today. Surf tomorrow? Great day to be outside fishing. @ Kitty Hawk Beach
