Outer Banks Link Love: 2.3.12 – Island Happs

Posted on February 3, 2012

Outer Banks Link Love

Here’s this week’s edition of Outer Banks Link Love – all the stories/links I couldn’t get to on the blog this week.

When I’m faced with a good news/bad news situation, I’m the type of person that likes to get the bad out of the way first so I can end on a good note. So, let’s look at the not-so-great links first.

Five months after Hurricane Irene wreaked havoc on the Outer Banks, her effects are still being felt. Sands that shifted during Ms. Irene’s visit have created some of the worst shoaling conditionsthe ferries have seen between Hatteras and Ocracoke. Add this channel to the list of dredging needs on the OBX!As a reminder, here’s what Hurricane Irene looked like:
While we’re on the subject of that nasty lady Irene, the news broke this week that a decision on how to find a “permanent” – permanence is all relative on a sand bar – solution to fix the breaches on Hatters after Irene’s visit has been delayed. It was determined that the engineers need more time to assess a possible 7 mile bridge that would run from the Ranger Station Inlet, currently spanned by the temporary bridge, to the village of Rodanthe on Hatteras Island. Hmmmm…so how do we access all of the PUBLIC conservation land then?
In a previous edition of OBX Link Love, I shared the news that Corolla is getting pretty close to getting it’s first new school since 1957. Eh, not so fast. Seems the NC State Board of Education may wait another month to make their vote on the new OBX charter school. Bureaucracy at its finest.
Here’s a nice story of an islander visiting another island – from Maine to the Outer Banks. It’s a good description of an OBX trip and the hospitality they encounter. It’s interesting the think that “island life” is a different sort of existence…but I guess it is.

Should I close with food or art? Tough one. Let’s start with food and close with art…

Did you know there is an Outer Banks chowder? Yep, we have our own chowder, thank you very much. Here’s a list of 7 Popular Chowders Across the US. ”Outer Banks” Clam Chowder does not include cream. Instead, the standard recipe is thickened with flour and seasoned with plenty of pepper.
Here are the results from the 34th Annual Frank Stick Art Showshowcasing the art of OBX locals. 110 entries! And here’s the best in show…congrats Ray Mathews.
Frank Stick Art Show - Best in Show - Ray Mathews

Time Capsule:

Here’s the beach report from 2.4.2011. It was definitely a chilly winter last year, but the FISH WERE BITING! Not so much this year. And my winter beard was giant…and awesome. Makes me want to bring that beast back. Hmmmmm.

Outer Banks Link Love: 1.27.12 – OBX Beach Driving Restrictions?!

Posted on January 27, 2012

Outer Banks Link Love

Happy Friday! Time for a little OBX link love.

Here are all of the Outer Banks stories that I couldn’t cover this. Let’s jump right into the fire with one of the most controversial topics the OBX has dealt with.

Outer Banks Beach Driving Restrictions
This has been years in the making, but it seems the hammer has finally been dropped. Permits are now required for Hatteras beach driving. And as the icing on the cake of disappointment, drivers will also be required to take a short “educational program.” Yikes! I love nature and birds as much as the next guy, but I’m not a fan of snatching our freedom and adding bureaucracy to our lives. Oh well. Life rolls on. But make sure you get your permit before you hit the beach on Hatteras. Fines are no fun.

Oregon Inlet Debate
While we’re on the subject of a sticky situation, let’s discuss the debate surrounding Oregon Inlet. Over the past few months, we’ve shared posts discussing the fact that Mother Nature is gradually – or not so gradually – closing the channel at Oregon Inlet. Oregon Inlet is crucial to the Outer Banks. It is a necessity to get boats out of the Sound and into the open ocean. Without Oregon Inlet, the OBX fishing industry – commercial and recreational – would change drastically. Question/debate is who pays to keep it open. Thanks to a great interview by the Outer Banks voice, long-time OBX resident Moon Tillett helps us understand that this debate is nothing new.

Wave Energy at Jennette’s Pier
Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head is super cool. Gorgeous architecture, live examples of local fish from the NC aquarium, great fishing off the pier, a pretty sweet surf spot, and a whole bunch of “green” energy going on. Check out this video of a new wave energy conversion tool they recently tested off the end of their. Rad!

PS – Checkout our webcam focused on the Pier…and the sweet surf spot.

Outer Banks History: Burnside’s Expedition

Posted on January 26, 2012

Outer Banks History: Burnside's Expedition

The Outer Banks is well-known for some obvious reasons – gorgeous beaches, great weather, fabulous beach vacations, etc. – but I often find that OBX lovers miss some of the less obvious magic.

I know, it’s tough to pull ourselves off the beach to see what else is around, but WOW, the Outer Banks is amazing beyond the beach. I could give a long list of reasons for my amazement, but for purposes of this post, I’m going to stick to one subject, OBX history.

The Outer Banks has sooo much history – the Wright Brothers, Blackbeard the Pirate, The Lost Colony, shipwrecks, Civil War battles, sunken WWII submarines, wild horses descending from Spain!

It’s bizarre to think the OBX is such a popular vacation destination, but the massive amount of history goes unnoticed by the majority of visitors.

OK, I agree, history lessons are not quite as fun as toes in the sand. But let’s spend a few minutes to realize what’s going on around us. And to help with this, we’re going to drop some OBX history knowledge on you all year long. Every month, we’re going to pick a piece of Outer Banks history and pass it along you.

So next time you have your toes stuck in the sand, you can tell everyone about the great history all around us…even if the beach won’t release it’s grip.

Stay tuned, more great Outer Banks history to come.

Let’s start with a bit of OBX Civil War history. January marks the start of “Burnside’s Expedition.”

Here is Wikipedia’s description of Burnside’s Expedition:

Burnside’s North Carolina Expedition (also known as the Burnside Expedition) was a series of engagements fought along the North Carolina Coast between February and June 1862. The expedition was part of Winfield Scott’s overall Anaconda Plan, which aimed at closing blockade-running ports inside the Outer Banks. The amphibious operation was carried out primarily by New England troops under Brig. Gen. Ambrose E. Burnside and assisted by the North Atlantic Blockading Squadron under Captain Louis M. Goldsborough.

You may have noticed in Wikipedia’s description that the battles took place between February and June. But I just said January marks the start date. What gives?!

Take a peek at the caption on the monument pictured above. As is the case at this time of year, OBX weather is unpredictable and often dangerous. Nor’easters love the winter months on the Outer Banks, and Burnside’s Expedition got off to a late start because once the fleet (80 ships!) took off from VA, Mother Nature threw them for a loop. Two days after lifting anchor, the fleet hit a strong nor’easter trying to cross Hatteras Bar, and reassembling the fleet in Pamlico Sound was delayed until February due to stormy weather.

OBX weather strikes again! You really can’t beat Mother Nature…she has our number.

There’s your Outer Banks history lesson for the month. Hope you enjoyed…and took notes.

Can’t wait to see what February has in store for our OBX history!

Highway 12 Makes Travel & Leisure’s List of Most Iconic Drives

Posted on October 17, 2011

Of course we know the Outer Banks is one of the most beautiful places on earth, but its always nice when people who have seen places all over America and the OBX is one of the most memorable. Travel and Leisure recently released a list of 32 of America’s Most Iconic Drives and the Outer Banks’ famous Highway 12 made the list.

“Linked together by ferry crossings, and never rising more than a few feet above sea level, Highway 12 skips along the series of barrier islands that form Cape Hatteras, separating the usually placid waters of Pamlico Sound from the frequently raging Atlantic Ocean. Though many sections were flooded and damaged by Hurricane Irene, Highway 12 is an unforgettable drive, winding past sand dunes, landmark lighthouses, and historic villages.’

Although Highway 12 did see alot of damage during Irene, we are lucky enough to have parts of it back open and access to Hatteras Island restored. If you aren’t to far away, nothing beats a fall trip down to Cape Hatteras National Seashore or Pea Island. The scenery is absolutely beautiful and the fishing is excellent during the fall. If you want to wait until summer make sure you plan on checking out some of the great hang gliding and kite surfing outfitters along Highway 12.

Here is a neat video of some of the early recovery efforts in Hatteras from the air, not long after Hurricane Irene hit the Outer Banks.

Ocean Tells Tales of Shorelines Past

Posted on August 15, 2011

Divers off the Outer Banks coastline have found a German U-701 submarine believed to have entered American waters in 1942 to destroy Navy ships during World War 2. The vessel is believed to hold the bodies of 7 soldiers and is just the first of many underwater military graveyards to be researched by the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration.

The Administration is aiming to document and photograph the dozens of warships that disappeared below the surface and to produce a comprehensive report on the wartime shipwrecks. Supporters hope to channel the findings into museum exhibits or film productions that raise awareness of an often-forgotten part of WWII history.

They’ve narrowed their focus to a 130-square-mile area of the ocean off the southern end of Hatteras Island, believed to be the site of a critical battle between a German submarine and an Allied convoy en route to Florida. The researchers don’t know precisely how many WWII vessels were sunk off the North Carolina coast, but estimates range from 50 to 80. Some, like the U-701, have been located and identified, but the majority remain undiscovered.

“It’s a sight that would strike fear into any merchant marine’s heart,” said Evan Kovacs, a scuba diver who photographed the submarine days ago. “It’s definitely one of those sights that gets your blood going.”

Outer Banks Makes Dr.Beach’s Best Beaches in America

Posted on May 27, 2011

Looks like the Outer Banks has done it again! Dr. Beach, the beach expert names the OBX as one of the best beaches in America noting its great board surfing, lighthouses, and historic fishing villages.

Here is the list of the top 10 beaches across the U.S:

1. Siesta Beach in Sarasota, Florida
2. Coronado Beach in San Diego, California
3. Kahanamoku Beach in Waikiki, Oahu, Hawaii
4. Main Beach in East Hampton, New York
5. Cape Hatteras in the Outer Banks of North Carolina
6. St. George Island State Park, Florida panhandle
7. Beachwalker Park Kiawah Island, South Carolina
8. Coast Guard Beach in Cape Cod, Massachusetts
9. Waimanalo Bay Beach Park on Oahu, Hawaii
10. Cape Florida State Park in Key Biscayne, Florida

We feel so fortunate to be in the top 5 and hope that everyone has a chance to experience the beauty that the Outer Banks has to offer.

Civil War on the Outer Banks

Posted on April 12, 2011

Civil War on the Outer Banks

The Outer Banks is known for many things – gorgeous beaches, world-class surfing, outstanding fishing, Blackbeard the Pirate, the Wright Brothers first flight – but the Civil War?

Yep, add the Civil War to the long list of OBX attractions.

Today marks the 150th anniversary of the start of the Civil War, so it seems like a fitting occasion to mention the storied history the OBX played in War Between States.

Are you aware that the beaches of the Outer Banks set the scene for the very first Union victory of the Civil War? How ’bout them apples?!

In August 1861, Federal troops captured Fort Hatteras & Clark along the Outer Banks sending a huge morale boost to the North. Up to that point in War, the South had been victorious in every engagement. In addition to the first Union victory, the OBX battle signified a few firsts in the war, including the first combined Army and Navy operation, the first amphibious assault and the first African American gun crew to fire on the Confederates.

There will be a lot of events in the upcoming months to commemorate the anniversary, and the OBX will have our share. The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum plans to commemorate the Outer Banks involvement in the Civil War with their upcoming Flags Over Hatteras event.

The event will include exhibits and lectures that will highlight the importance of these battles and increase awareness the historical significance.

The commemoration at the museum will run from Aug. 22-28, and feature keynote speakers: authors James McPherson and Craig Symonds, and former National Park Service Chief Historian Ed Bearss. Additionally, the event offers:

Blue-Gray Descendants Reunion – Aug. 22-24 – Hatteras Village Civic Center
Flags over Hatteras Conference – Aug. 25-27 – Hatteras Village Civic Center
Exhibits and living history demonstrations – Aug. 27-28 – Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Space is limited for the conference and registration is required. Tickets are $175 per person, with 30 spaces being reserved for students at $75 per student. The fee includes: light refreshments, daily speakers, three evening events, three dinners and all exhibits. For more information or to register, go here.

For more Civil War stories, timelines and documents, visit the North Carolina Department of Cultural Resources website on “Freedom, Sacrifice and Memory” and the 150th commemoration.

U.S. News Loves the Outer Banks

Posted on March 31, 2011

Outer Banks - 2.16.11 - Sun Up on the Sound

The U.S. News Travel Section recently highlighted the Outer Banks. The article gives a quick overview of some great OBX attractions, and then goes on to list their Top 11 “Best Things to Do in the Outer Banks.”

Here’s what U.S. News had to say:

“The Outer Banks have activities for relaxation and for adventure. The quiet beaches are the main draw to the area, but others visit OBX for the horseback riding, hang gliding and water sports. Touring the shipwrecks off the coast, sightseeing at Corolla’s Currituck Beach Lighthouse, Kill Devil Hill’s Wright Brothers National Memorial or Nag’s Head’s Jockey’s Ridge State Park make a happy medium for recent vacationers who desire a more balanced getaway.”

U.S. News Top 11 “Best Things to Do in the Outer Banks”:

1. Outer Banks Beaches
2. Jockey’s Ridge State Park
3. Cape Hatteras National Seashore
4. Pirate Adventures of the Outer Banks
5. Stop-N-Shop Beach Shop
6. Wright Brothers National Memorial
7. Roanoke Island Festival Park
8. Currituck Beach Lighthouse
9. Bodie Island Lighthouse
10. North Carolina Aquarium at Roanoke Island
11. Tanger Outlets Nags Head

New Secrets of the Outer Banks Lost Colony Discovered?

Posted on March 1, 2011

Outer Banks Lost Colony Archeology

The Lost Colony is one America’s oldest unsolved mysteries. Archeology sleuths have long been hot on the trail of the aptly named lost colony. Historians have been puzzled for centuries about just what happened to the group of about 117 English men, women and children of the Lost Colony, considered America’s oldest unsolved mystery. There have been many theories speculating that the colonists were killed by Indians, or that they traveled north in an attempt to reach their original destination near the Chesapeake Bay.

Are we any closer today to solving the mystery? According to some, the mystery has been solved, and according to others we’re not there yet…but getting close.

The Virginia Pilot recently wrote an article about Scott Dawson, an Outer Banks native and local historian, who has been researching the Lost Colony along with archeologists for several years. Dawson, whose lineage traces back to the Croatoan Indians, believes that the Lost Colony traveled from Roanoke Island to Hatteras Island sometime after their leader, Gov. John White, sailed back to England for help in 1587. Hoping to prove this theory and learn more about the Croatoan, Dawson spent several years working with archaeologists at the University of Bristol in England.

In November, Dawson’s work finally paid off when the university sent a team to explore an area in Buxton that he believed had once been the site of an Indian village. The team found a mix of Native American and English artifacts dating back as far as the 17th century.

“We didn’t get Virginia Dare’s pinky ring, but I’m not disappointed,” Dawson said.

The history behind Dawson’s theory – parts of which are shared by other historians – is based on the fact that there were two rival tribes in the area. Relations with the Secotan were hostile, largely because of the actions of another Englishman who ordered a Secotan town burned in 1585.

The Croatoan’s however, had welcomed white people since the first English expedition landed on the Outer Banks in 1584. Abandoned by their leader and surrounded by enemies, the colony may have sought refuge with the Croatoan on Hatteras Island, Dawson theorizes.

Research will continue in late March and early April in the Buxton and Frisco areas.

Dawson recently spoke for the first time about last year’s dig, and his presentation included a slideshow of pictures from the dig, along with several artifacts.

To learn more about the Lost Colony make sure to visit the 74^th season of the symphonic drama opening May 28^th at Manteo’s Waterside Theater.

Outer Banks Surf Art – Daniel Pullen

Posted on January 13, 2011

Outer Banks Surf Art - Daniel Pullen

Way back in October 2009 (seems so long ago now that we’re in 2011!), we ran a post about an art show at Roanoke Island Festival Park that featured Daniel Pullen.

I was reminded of this art show, and Pullen, by a great article The Outer Banks Voice ran about Pullen the other day.

I went to the art show, and I can honestly say that it was some of the most impressive surf art that I have seen. I’m a bit partial because I’m a surfer, but Daniel’s art is very unique. Yeah it’s surf and ocean, but it’s so much more. It’s not the traditional surf and water you expect from surf art.

He is very inventive with his style, his colors are exceptionally bold, and his canvas is always changing; from surfboard to skateboard to street sign to actual canvas. I’m no artist, but Pullen’s work inspired me to pick up a brush and start stroking…well, I bought a brush and thought about stroking. Consider it one of my 2011 resolutions.

Here’s a quick recap of Daniel: Pullen has lived on Hatteras Island for more than 30 years. He is a well-versed, and eclectic artist that is able to bring a very creative style to his photography and painting. His surf photography captures the essesence of the Outer Banks surf experience from the beach and the water, and he uses a variety of unique surfaces for his bold surf paintings.

The Outer Banks Voice article mentions that Daniel’s work may be considered “Urban Surf Art.” It’s tough for me to consider anything related to surf and the Outer Banks as “urban.” For me, surf and the OBX are about as far from “urban” as possible, but I can definitely see an urban flare in Daniel’s art, almost a graffiti-like perspective.

It’s safe to say I dig it!…and I think you will too.

You can view his art at Wood’s Oceanic Arts in Buxton (right across the street from RBC Bank) or his website www.DanielPullenPhotography.com.