End of an Era – Sunset on Beach Road
The End of An Era – Sun Sets on Winks Store.
Last week the Outer Banks lost another landmark – Not to a storm, flood or fire. No it was Mother Time. After 57 years, Miles Davis closed the family grocery store for the last time. Mile’s parents opened the store as the Virginia Dare Hardware in 1953. But over time as more visitors needed beach and food supplies, they expanded to sell just about everything you needed to enjoy your vacation.
For many years, Winks and Anderson’s store were the only markets on the beach. Miles always had a smile and time to just chat. I was probably 10 years old when I first ran into the store for a paper or lotion or maybe a hundred other things.
Thanks for the memories and camaraderie for all those years. When I stopped in, you always had time to just be you – a good friend. The Outer Banks will never be the same. Good Luck, Miles.
Re: Wishin for Spring
On January 16, the First Mate, our youngest son and myself attended the annual Saltwater Sportsman National Fishing seminar in New Bern, North Carolina.
If you are interested in a great time, learning alot about the local waters, meet nationally and locally recognized fishing professionals, then this is the event.
Between the experts, the hosts and vendors, the day was full of fun and excitement. Not only did we receive 6 plus hours of fishing instruction, grab bag full of manuals and guides, we enjoyed an opportunity to meet the local guides and “pick their minds” to the best techniques and secret spots.
The program only deepened my “cabin fever” to get back out on the water. And Spring is just around the corner.
Meet Your New Captain
On November 14, I completed the final step to achieving the OUPV 6 Pack Captain’s License.
The course involved 56 hours of class room lecture and hands on plotting exercises.
To ensure you are competent in the course materials, you must pass exams in Navigational Rules, navigation safety, deck safety, deck general and complete an intense plotting exam.
In addition to being physically fit, you need security clearance from the Homeland Security and character references.
Very involved certification process, but worth every part. A dream come true.
Tropical Storm Ida
The Outer Banks was hit by a massive tropical storm on Veteran’s Day 2009.
The storm brought with it over 19 foot waves and 45 mph winds gusting higher.
Fifteen foot waves struck the beach and dunes for three days.
It began by covering the road with rain and water up to 5 inches. Then the tides began to take effect.
Dunes were breached in many areas including under homes and between many building.
Spilling onto the beach roads.
The continued to accumulate. With the ground saturated, it just layed there.
Now homes began to break apart. Debris, trash and yes, furniture and appliances were scattered about.
More later.
Party Time !!!
It’s fall and I can’t believe we have arrived at the best fishing season on the outer banks.
Weather begins to turn cooler but the water temperature remains comfortable between the 60 and 70. Weather during the changing seasons can be very fickle but that’s what makes it challenging and worth your time.
Speckled Sea trout (keepers must be at least 14 inches), double hook ups of large Spot, taylor blues, puppy drum, flounder, pompano and of course the famous and most sought after – Rockfish or Stripe Bass.
It’s like a huge buffet. Only thing you need to time. So lets party!!
Move of the Century
Can you believe that it’s been 10 years since the Cape Hatteras light house was moved?
In 1999, she sat just 120 feet from the approaching seas. This National Treasure has always been a comforting sight to approaching seafarers. But Mother Nature was relentless to her demise. And without the support of the federal government, she fall would into the sea and lost forever.
In 1999, the massive “move of the century” would take the tallest U.S. lighthouse 2900 feet from it’s original spot. It took 23 days starting June 17th to July 9th to complete the move after many years of planning.
Today, the Cape Hatteras lighthouse stands as a proud sentry, shining her beacon miles into the sea. She is still 1600 feet from the water and it will be over 100 years before another move will be needed. But with our continued support, she will stand proud and guide us for many years to come.
On, Friday, October 2, 2009, the Park Service, locals and our nation in spirit will celebrate this milestone. Wish you were here to join us. Just think if you miss it, this won’t happen for another 100 years.
Keeping Them Alive
Fishing is like playing cards. Sometimes you can influence the outcome by having an ace in the hole. Well fishing with live bait is like having that “Ace”.
There are many types of baits but I have found that live shrimp out performs any other.
When fishing with live shrimp, it is important to use only active shrimp. Many friends ask, well how do I keep them alive?
I use a combination of flo-troll bait holder or a variable speed aerator. It is important to only buy fresh live shrimp. Check for aggressive ones only.
But having fresh shrimp is only half of the process. Placing the shrimp on the hook properly ensures your invitation will be accepted.
Tightlines and live shrimp might just give you that “Ace” in the hole.
Nice Waves
Well, Hurricane Bill came and went. It was just a Saturday event. During his trip he gave us some real nice waves – but no wind or rain. Only Carolina blue skies. Red flags were flying.
The first mate and I went out just before high tide to enjoy his fury. As predicted, the waves were tremendous – at least 14 feet high on their crests. The huge waves would crash on the beach followed by another and another. At high tide the water almost covered the entire beach. It was amazing watching the surf creep toward the dunes with relentless pounding crashes. As one wave toe would reach the beach another would crash over it. It was almost as though each incoming wave was racing toward a finish line.
Rip currents were numerous along the beach. With so much water being pushed ashore, the sand bars easily gave way to the escaping seas.
Not a good fishing day– this was a watching day. Nature’s power and fury – Just Beautiful.
Waiting for Bill
Hurricane Bill’s effect will be felt along the Outer Banks this weekend. High surf with many rip currents – but no rain and minimal wind. Amazing that a catagory “125mph” storm just a short distance off shore will produce nothing but a wimper. Though the “word” is out on the Banks – “NO SWIMMING”.
We are expecting spectacular wave action starting Saturday morning – up to 17 feet.
I took this interesting picture of cloud formation just over the ocean yesterday. It appears to resemble a wine carafe. I believe the message from this picture is to get a bottle of wine and head to the beach for the “Bill Show”. We just might do that!!
NCsaltaire 