Archive for August, 2008
Up, up and away
My real job took me to several different locations this past week – Panama City, Florida and Dallas, Texas.
Panama City is a unique place. Not only is it one of the top fishing stops along Florida’s gulf, the scenic coastline and amenities make it a “need to visit” destination. One new area we visited in Panama City was Pier Park. Pier Park, located on the gulf beaches in the heart of the city, was not designed for fishing as the name might indicate. It has over a million square feet of shopping, dining and entertainment for every age group. You got to say, “I been there and done that” at least once.
My second stop this week was Dallas, Texas. Although it was miles from any saltwater, it championed many fresh water lakes that would envy any pole yielding angler. Several locals boast their lakes, parks and recreation activities rival all others. I have to say, there were as many boats being trailed in the Dallas/Lewisville area as I saw in Panama City. This might lead to a pretty good argument. And to add insult to injury, there was a new “Bass Pro Shop” in town. They don’t build outdoor and sporting goods store like this in the middle of nowhere.
I enjoyed my brief visits to both areas but found my time short for anything other than wishing for more time to explore those regions and longing for the smell of salt air from my back porch.
Lazy Dazes
It was another pleasant weekend on the outer banks. Weather was warm, sunny with high fluffy clouds and a slight breeze off the ocean. The island was awash with visitors trying to get in that last week before school begins. There was a hint of afternoon showers but that did not detour anyone’s objective to have that bronze look for the first day back to impress their friends. They say “if you lived here, you be home”.
I spent the weekend searching for a new location to launch the Fantasea II and readying the gear for the fall fishing frenzy. After two trips through the back roads to the tackle shop, mission was accomplished – fishing box re-stocked. (Oh, did I tell you, I know roads the visitors don’t)
Next on the agenda, to find that launching spot. I traveled south along the Woods Road Area, on one of the many roads that runs through our many maritime forests. We found the new ramp area busy with visitors having a picnic and chasing water snakes off the floating docks. A slight sprinkle of rain began once we parked. I quickly scoped out the access and retreated back to our vehicle. Second objective met. Fantasea II and I will return to this little part of paradise once the summer season has concluded. This is the solitude that the locals yearn for every year about this time.
In Search of Perfection
We took a trip on Saturday along the Carolina coast. Our trip ended at Eagle Trace on the Pamlico near Chocowinity. Chocowinity is a small town on the Pamlico River, just south of Washington, North Carolina.We had a dual purpose for our short trip – attend our annual HOA meeting and search for new fishing holes.
Once the meeting was finished, we were off in search of that forgotten fishing spot. We didn’t have to travel far. The community has a small private marina on the Pamlico for the homeowners. We climbed through the security chains and proceeded to venture out on the long pier and finger docks.
I carried my six foot spinning rod and medium buck-tail. I was surprised at the noise coming from the waters surrounding the docks. As I spied closer to the surface of the river, I noticed thousands of bait fish. Jumping, splashing and just acting frantic. As if they were being chased. And I came to find they sure were. A local fisherman had landed his limit of monster flounder, just the day before. Although, my techniques were un-successful that day, I knew that I would have to return one day soon – even if it were just for the view.
Oh, Deer, Someone is Coming for Lunch
The Outer Banks is known for many things: excellent fishing and boating, beautiful weather, outstanding beaches, many outdoor sporting activities and famous landscapes. With over 120 miles of beaches and thousands of homes, the landscape styles can be as diverse as the planting guides at our neighborhood Home Depot.
We have lived in the Outer Banks for over nine years. Each spring, we work the lawn and gardens around the house to show that a Maryland “green thumb” can be just as effective in North Carolina. But un-like Maryland, there are insects and pests in the Outer Banks that present a unique challenge and really test your patience. Believe me; we are becoming very seasoned at dealing with these many headaches.
But this week was different. I found that it was not my lack of gardening skills that caused my flowers and shrubs disappear. It turned out to be a hungry visitor to the smorgasbord of my tasty plantings.
I now knew that it was not my fault for the irregular garden designs. I had outside help. And just before breakfast this morning, I snapped her picture. I tried to scare her away. But both she and I knew that lunch will be served without my interference later that day.
I haven’t given up on the flowers yet, but I am close. Stay tuned.
Two Redskins among six inductees
CANTON, Ohio (AP) – Former Washington Redskins teammates Art Monk and Darrell Green are among the six players who are about to be enshrined at Canton, Ohio. Nothing else to say about this – the crowd said it all with a four minute standing ovation.
Pinnacle of Summer
This past weekend marked the pinnacle of the summer season in the Outer Banks. The weather turned just perfect for this special time of the year. Ocean temperatures have finally reached the upper 70’s, with just enough sun and clouds to make it a great “beach day”. The siren of our deep blue sea was no match to high gas prices and the teetering economy. Everyone was going to the beach, no matter what.
In my town, thousands of visitors and residents braved the chore of carrying beach equipment, dodging cars on incoming highways, and loading themselves down, just to find that small patch of sand they would own for the afternoon. The sights were amazing – children running over the sand to the water with that shriek of excitement and parents breathing that sigh of relief of finally making it. Neither tired parents nor children cared for the toys and flip flops that were dropped on the way. There would be time to retrieve those items later. I am just glad to have been there to enjoy this little piece of heaven.
NCsaltaire 