To catch up on Ocracoke news, click here
It’s not every winter that the island has extended freezing temperatures as it’s having this week, and, fortunately, the island was spared the brunt of winter storm Grayson.
Since the island in winter is just as beautiful as in the warm months, we share some photos of the beach and elsewhere taken the first week of 2018.
To catch up on Ocracoke news, click here
By Peter Vankevich
For many, if not most hikers, walking the 1,175 miles of the North Carolina Mountains-to-Sea Trail (MST) would be a daunting challenge, but not for Jennifer Pharr Davis, who is no stranger to long trails. She has the distinction of once having been the fastest known person to ever complete the Appalachian Trail (AT).
Pharr Davis of Asheville sojourned with her family in Ocracoke in November during her hike of the MST, which passes through Ocracoke and ends in Dare County at Jockey’s Ridge State Park, the tallest sand dune on the East Coast.
A writer, lecturer and advocate for nature trails, she has completed the 2,185-mile Appalachian Trail three times, a feat for which one completion is a lifetime goal for many hikers.
In 2011, Pharr Davis gained international fame by completing the trail in 46 days, 11 hours and 20 minutes for which she received the “Female Performance of the Year” award by Ultrarunning Magazine.
An amazing average of 47 miles per day, this was the fastest known time ever on the trail that spans from Georgia to Maine. For most hikers, this takes four to six months. Though her record time has since been surpassed, Pharr Davis remains the fastest woman finisher.
In 2012, she was named a National Geographic Adventurer of the Year.
She has since slowed down a bit owing to her getting married and starting a family.
Slowing down for Pharr Davis means a less lengthy “walk in the woods” along the MST, which she began Aug. 15 at the western trail head, Clingmans Dome in the Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Her support crew was her husband, Brew Davis, and their two young children, Charley and Gus. Davis, also an endurance athlete and a bluegrass performer who recently released his first CD.
Although she has hiked and led hikes extensively in the western sections of the MST, Pharr Davis wasn’t planning on hiking the entire trail, but she did so to draw attention to the MST’s 40th anniversary this year.
Dedicated in 1977 to “encourage a love of the outdoors and help people experience this amazing trail that’s right outside our back doors,” the MST was made an official land-based unit of the state park system by the N.C. General Assembly on Aug. 2, 2000.
The MST is the highest long-distance trail in the eastern United States where it crosses Mount Mitchell at 6,684 feet. It passes through four national parks and two national wildlife refuges, connects to 10 state parks, goes through three national forests, provides a view of lighthouses and includes two ferry rides connecting Ocracoke –Cedar Island and Hatteras.
Out of the mountains, it passes small Piedmont farms and coastal swamps, colonial and textile towns and crosses 37 of North Carolina’s 100 counties.
Still a work-in-progress with almost 700 miles of footpaths complete, temporary routes on back roads and bicycle paths fill the gaps.
“The beauty of doing the entire MST is to see firsthand the many distinctive cultures of the state,” Pharr Davis said.
Highlights of her journey included passing through Sampson and Bladen counties and meeting a farmer whose farmland was obtained from a land grant in the
1700s. He gave them a tour of the farm that cultivated sweet potatoes.
She also got great pleasure when Charley and Gus got to watch a turtle rescue at Topsail, which inspired the young children on their own initiative to clean the beach to save the turtles.
While she hiked, Gus turned 1 and daughter, Charley, turned 5. At this stage of her life, setting record times is no longer a priority.
“I wasn’t racing down the trail trying to set a record, but there were days that I was rushing to get to a road crossing where I could nurse Gus,” she wrote in a dispatch. “Other times, it took over an hour to go a mile because I was sharing the path and looking for ‘treasures’ with Charley.”
Her love affair with long-distance hiking began in her early 20s.
“Growing up (in Hendersonville), I never did a lot of hiking or backpacking,” she said. “But after graduating from Samford University (Alabama) in 2004, I wanted to take on a major challenge.”
A challenge she considered was hiking the Appalachian Trail.
After orientation with Warren Doyle, director of Appalachian Trail Institute, she set out in the spring of 2005, starting in Georgia and finishing at the Mount Katahdin Summit in Maine in about five months.
Those months became a life-changing event and wilderness hiking became her passion.
The next year, she hiked to the summit of Africa’s Mt. Kilimanjaro.
Pharr Davis has now hiked more than 12,000 miles in all 50 states and on six different continents–the Bibbulmun Track in Australia and numerous trails in Europe and South America.
Adopting a trail name is part of AT culture, and hikers write notes in journals in the huts along the trail. Her Samford degree was in Greco-Roman classics which inspired her to adopt the moniker “Odyssa,” which became the title of her 2011 book, “Becoming Odyssa: Adventures on the Appalachian Trail” (Beaufort Books).
Profiled in many media outlets, including the New York Times and NPR, in 2008 she founded Blue Ridge Hiking Co., with the belief that “the trail is there for everyone at every phase of life” and with the goal of getting people—especially women and children–outdoors on their own terms.
The company leads half-day, full-day and overnight trips in the Blue Ridge Mountains surrounding Asheville.
Upon her completion, she offered this observation:
“The main purpose of the Mountains-to-Sea Trail is not to walk across the state of North Carolina; that’s a fringe benefit. The path’s largest impact will be felt by individuals and families across the state who transform their bodies, think through their thoughts and grapple honestly with their emotions on a section near their home. Long-distance hiking is a luxury, but being able to recreate outdoors and enjoy natural areas is a necessity. It is what we were made to do. Regardless of whether you are walking across the state or hiking in your backyard, the Mountains-to-Sea Trail allows us to be who we are and discover who we can become.”
To see an interactive map of the Mountains to Sea Trail, click here
Ocracoke was spared the brunt of the “bombogeneisis” storm Thursday affecting the East Coast, though it still had freezing conditions, a brief power outage and a light covering of snow and ice.
As the storm departed Thursday morning, Ocracoke was sunny but cold Thursday with daytime temperatures above freezing prompting a melt. Below-freezing temperatures will continue tonight (Thursday) with temperatures in the lows in the low 20s through Sunday night.
Daytime highs will be in the 20s and low 30s Friday through Sunday, with temperatures climbing into the low 50s on Monday and higher through Saturday, according to Weather Underground.
Tommy Hutcherson, owner of the Ocracoke Variety Store, noted that “plenty of people” on the island have come into the hardware store to repair burst frozen pipes.
“If you have an extended freeze, you have burst pipes,” he said, and suggested that people leave a faucet on in a steady stream, not just a drip.
Ferry service was suspended Wednesday night and into Thursday.
Due to road conditions, Hyde County Government offices will be closed on Friday, Jan. 5. Hyde County Manager Bill Rich said the convenience site on Ocracoke will open Friday at 10 a.m. It was closed Thursday.
Ocracoke School has a half day Friday beginning at 11:55 a.m.
Tideland EMC, which serves Ocracoke, reported a power outage at 5:53 a.m. Thursday owing to an “issue” in Frisco, but power was restored by 8 a.m.
National Park Service properties—Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial—will remain closed on Friday.
Beach access ramps will remain open to off-road vehicles and pedestrians at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, but some beach routes may be hazardous and impassable during both high and low tide conditions, said National Parks of Eastern North Carolina Superintendent David E. Hallac.
Rangers observed significant erosion of many beachfront areas over the last 24 hours.
“I am hopeful that all of our visitor centers and off-road vehicle permit offices will reopen this weekend and I urge everyone to use caution when driving or walking along beaches that have experienced significant erosion,” Hallac said.
To catch up on Ocracoke news, click here.
Editor’s note: See important information below about breaker shut off and restoration to prevent system overload when power is restored, should there be a loss of power
With the National Weather Service’s latest forecast, also here ,calling for a winter weather advisory for eastern North Carolina, Tideland Electric Membership Corporation is expecting widespread power outages in to members served in Hyde, Dare, Pamlico, Craven, Beaufort and Washington counties.
Widespread power outages are expected along much of the east coast including eastern North Carolina. Some areas of the Tideland service territory may experience blizzard conditions with snowfall up to 10 though Ocracoke may see one to two inches of snow.
Highest winds through the region are expected in Hyde and Dare counties with varying estimates: between 23 mph in Swan Quarter, 40 mph or higher on Ocracoke and 41 mph in Rodanthe. Also, sound side flooding and overwash on Hatteras may occur.
Forecasters do not anticipate ice accumulation east of Swan Quarter, including Ocracoke. Currently, at 6:44 p.m., Ocracoke is experiencing rain and wind and the low is forecast to be around 30 degrees with winds at 25 to 40 mph and could occasionally gust over 50 mph.
Snow accumulations are forecast to less than one inch.
Tideland said dangerous ice accumulations are most likely to occur between New Bern and Belhaven.
Ice accumulation on power lines along with sustained winds can lead to galloping lines, a phenomenon for which there is little remedy other than manually beating the ice off the lines when and where possible.
In addition to all Tideland EMC personnel, the co-op has brought in 15 additional contract linemen and 10 tree trimmers to assist in power restoration as needed.
Because storm conditions are expected to peak between midnight and 6 a.m. Thursday, it is possible crews may not be able to respond to power outages until daybreak or when roads are deemed safe enough for travel.
Consumers are asked to plan for the possibility of extended outages throughout the day Thursday and into Friday.
If power does go out, consumers are asked to practice breaker shut off by cutting off all but one breaker for interior lights. When power is restored, breakers should be cut back on one at a time to help prevent utility system overloads.
Here is some other weather-related news.
The North Carolina Ferry Deivision announced that due to deterioting weather conditions, the Hatteras to Ocracoke route will be suspended at 9 p.m.
The Ocracoke School will make an announcement early tomorrow morning regarding its open status on their Facebook page Ocracoke School Campus.
Hyde County government offices closed Wednesday afternoon and will be closed on Thursday.
“We will evaluate conditions Thursday regarding Friday’s operational status,” said Hyde County Public Information Officer Donnie Shumate in an email.
National Park Service visitor facilities at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site, and Wright Brothers National Memorial, will be closed on Thursday.
Visitor facilities, including visitor centers and off-road vehicle permit offices, at all three parks are scheduled to return to normal operating hours on Friday.
During the storm, rough surf and ocean over wash are possible. Beach access ramps will remain open to off-road vehicles and pedestrians at Cape Hatteras National Seashore, but some beach routes may become hazardous and impassable during both high and low tide conditions.
To catch up on Ocracoke news, click here
A winter storm warning for the Outer Banks has been revised with more snow, up to 3 inches possible overnight. The National Weather Service’s latest update (Wed. 10:48 a.m.) stated that a combination of high winds and surf, snow and freezing rain will cause very hazardous conditions beginning as early as this afternoon and peaking tonight into Thursday morning.
The storm is expected to start with freezing rain which will convert to ice when making contact with frozen trees and the ground. Overnight, winds are expected to be 35 to 45 mph with gusts up to 60 mph which may cause downed trees and power lines causing power outages.
Thursday’s high will be 34 degrees then freezing temperatures are expected into Saturday.
Driving conditions will be hazardous and travelers should keep an extra flashlight, blankets, food and water in their vehicles in case of an emergency. The latest road conditions for the state can be obtained by calling 511.
To catch up on Ocracoke news, click here.
By Connie Leinbach
Charles and Sanna Wetherill came all the way from Finland to attend the annual Ocracoke Oyster Roast on Saturday.
The couple, along with their young son, Samuel, discovered the food event—and Ocracoke—on the internet as they planned their Outer Banks vacation this week.
“This was just completely, kind of random,” Charles said as the family visited the Ocracoke Working Watermen’s exhibit in Community Square after feasting on oysters at the Ocracoke Seafood Co., (aka, The Fish House).
While Charles is a native of Annapolis, Md., the family lives in Helsinki where Charles and Sanna met.
They stayed one night on the island and will finish the rest of their vacation in Avon. A visit to the pony pen beach rewarded them with the sight of a pod of dolphins cavorting offshore and dozens of pelicans.
“It was magical,” Sanna said.
A Chesapeake Bay area native, Charles grew up eating raw oysters, but only tried his first steamed oyster at Saturday’s roast.
The family was among the hundreds who lined up for this 12th annual event put on by the Watermen—as a fundraiser and to thank the community.
Along with the 41 bushels of steamed oysters from Frog Island continuously dumped on the tables during the three-hour eat-a-thon, Pattie Johnson Plyler, Fish House manager, said there were 300 pounds of shrimp, “hundreds of pounds” of fried black drum—in a last-minute change of menu from fish stew—and Pony Island Restaurant hush puppies.
New on the menu this year were 1,000 raw oysters from the Woccocon Oyster Co., an oyster farm in Devil Shoals owned by Stevie Wilson.
Wetherill was among the many that gobbled down Wilson’s oysters as fast as Wilson and partners Dylan Bennink and Albert O’Neal could shuck them.
The oysters won first place in November in the Shuck, Rattle and Roll oyster competition at Carteret Community College in Wilmington.
“First place, first try,” Wilson said. “You can’t beat that.”
Nor can oyster farmers elsewhere beat the Ocracoke waters.
“Being 23 miles off the coast, we have a heavy influx of ocean water,” he said. Combine that with the Pamlico Sound and you get high salinity, high quality water in which oysters can flourish.
“Those oysters are incredible,” said Matt Lindner of Rockhill, S.C., about the raw oysters while he was busy at a steam table with three other pals.
Mark Reisinger and Will Steger, both of Maryland, agreed. Steger said the live oysters he gets from the Chesapeake Bay are brackish. Before eating them, he puts the oysters in a basket and floats them in coastal waters for two tides to increase their salinity.
Woccocon harvests year round, Wilson said, and, for now, only supplies local outlets.
“You gotta come to Ocracoke for these,” Bennink said.
Charles and Susan Peele, formerly of Ocracoke and now of Asheville, were vacationing in Frisco and drove to Ocracoke for the day especially for the oyster roast.
“It’s a tradition,” Susan said.
The oyster roast tradition continued for Cathi and Dan Dunnagan of Raleigh, who’ve visited the island for the holidays for the last 12 years.
“We’re here rain or the cold,” Cathi said. “It doesn’t matter.”
Cathi’s loyalty was rewarded Saturday when she found two tiny pearls in her oysters.
By Connie Leinbach
See winter storm warning from the National Weather Service affecting the Outer Banks by clicking here.
Cooler—or rather, warmer—heads prevailed Monday (Jan. 1) when no one braved the freezing temperatures to jump in the ocean for a polar plunge.
Around 2 p.m. New Year’s Day, several vehicles ventured onto the airport beach to see if anyone would continue the New Year’s Day event begun in 2012.
“I have my bathing suit on,” Jenny Scarborough, a plunge aficionado who was among a handful of folks bundled up on the cold and windy beach. After about five minutes, she agreed to forego it this year, as did many others who typically join in since Ocracoke waters (and air temperatures) are relatively mild in the winter.
“I have to touch the water though,” she said and dipped her fingers in the surf. “Let’s go back and play board games,” she said afterwards to Kate Plyler.
Tom Cain and Donald Davis drove out to watch, but soon left, as did William Howard and Kate McNally and Roger Meacham and his daughter Whisper.
“I’d go in, but not today,” Meacham said. Then he rolled up his window and took a drive down Southpoint.
A few visitors awaiting the possible plunge also left.
“I’m glad they decided not to,” said one unidentified woman.
Cold temperatures will continue throughout the week. Wednesday will bring a bit of a respite with temperatures reaching the mid-40s and rain is expected. Wednesday night may bring some snow and feezing rain creating dangerour icy condition.
The night-time freezing temperatures are expected into early Sunday morning and may result in freezing and burst pipes that have already occurred to some residences. To read about possibly preventing this, click here.
According to reports from NOAA, the coldest week of our winter so far is upon eastern North Carolina.
“For inland, high temperatures may not get out of the 20s inland Monday,” Erik Heden of the Morehead City National Weather Service office, said in a press release.
Ocracoke will be a bit warmer as the weather today (Monday) will be mostly sunny, with lows in the 20s and a high near 30. A north wind around 26 mph will contribute to the wind-chill factor making it feel colder.
According to Weather Underground, Arctic high pressure will build into the area from the northwest through Tuesday bringing the coldest temperatures of the season.
Temperatures Tuesday are forecast in the low 20s and a high around 32. Wednesday, the temperature will rise to the mid-40 degrees, but then with another surge of Arctic air, go down into the 30s again on Thursday and Friday. Saturday’s temperatures will be back in the 20s.
The NWS service models having been showing a potential large storm in the ocean for several days now.
While most of the storm itself will be well removed from our area, over the past 48 hours the trend has been slightly farther west which would result in our area being brushed by the far western edge of the storm.
It is still three days out from coastal North Carolina and the disturbance that may spawn this storm is still in Western Canada, Heden said. For now, the NWS says to be aware that with cold air in place we have the potential for some snow starting Wednesday afternoon with the most impactful period being Wednesday night.
The Happy New Year’s Day polar plunge today (Monday, Jan. 1) is scheduled for 2 p.m. at the airport ramp. Jason Wells, who set the time, posted on his Facebook page that everyone is reminded to swim at their own risk and he doesn’t recommend it for those that are not in good shape. Several plunges in the north have been canceled due to the extreme cold.
As the year closes, we look at some of the top newsworthy events that impacted Ocracoke and take a peek at 2018.
Power outage
The big story of the year began early on July 27. Ocracoke got sucker punched in the middle of its high season when PCL Construction crews rebuilding the Bonner Bridge drove a piling through the underground cable at the bridge’s southern end causing a blackout to Hatteras and Ocracoke islands. Officials ordered visitors to leave both islands. Tideland EMC, Ocracoke’s electric company, brought in temporary generators until full power was restored Aug 3.
PCL set up an online system for compensation. Some have received reimbursements for lost wages and business; others are still waiting. Several lawsuits against PCL are in court while construction of the bridge continues–to be completed in late 2018.
Hurricanes: Island brushed, not battered
Three major hurricanes, Irma, Jose and Maria, all threatened to strike the Outer Banks. Unlike the Caribbean and Texas, Ocracoke was spared the brunt of these storms, although Maria caused a second mandatory visitor evacuation further hurting business.
A new county commissioner
Islander Tom Pahl defeated incumbent John Fletcher in the November 2016 election. Pahl got right to work. He set up a new Ocracoke Waterways Commission to deal with ferry access and other important water-related issues. He helped improve and stabilize several important committees and held open meetings to discuss contentious issues, such as passenger ferry tram service funding and the 2 percent increase of the Occupancy Tax. While not all agree with Pahl’s views and votes, he has reached out to the community and has listened to islanders, sometimes modifying his positions. Not many politicians at any level are like that these days.
Third best-beach award
In 2007, Ocracoke Island gained international fame by being named No. 1 on “Dr. Beach’s Annual America’s Best Beaches.” This was the first time a beach outside Florida or Hawaii had been named to the top position on this celebrated top-10 list. Ocracoke returned to the list as the third best beach in 2017.
Compiled yearly by “Dr. Beach,” who is Florida International University Professor Stephen Leatherman, he wrote: “It is my favorite getaway beach, but don’t expect to play golf or stay at the Ritz; the main pursuits are swimming and beachcombing.”
Occupancy tax boost with new Tourism Development Authority
After initial vocal opposition, the Hyde County commissioners voted to raise the lodging occupancy tax rate by 2 percent. The new rate 5 percent is still below neighboring Dare County’s 6 percent rate. Monies generated from this additional tax will be managed by a new Tourism Development Authority, which is working with the Occupancy Tax Board as to how both funds will be allocated.
Ocracoke Child Care closes
After several years of challenges and setbacks, Ocracoke Child Care closed in May. The final blow came when not enough qualified classroom teachers could be found. Child care workers are required to have background checks, a physical, inoculations, CPR and other training. The center had struggled with finances for several years and it closed temporarily in August 2015 after a continuing problem with scabies. On the good side, its mortgage was recently paid off. Reopening remains uncertain.
Ocracoke fire department contains two village structure fires
Ocracoke, fortunately, has not had a lot of structure fires, but there were two this year–one in April in a home behind the Variety Store and, most recently, a fire at the Pirates Chest in November. While severely damaging to the building, the Pirates Chest is in the midst of rebuilding, but the home behind the Variety Store was destroyed. No one was injured in either fire.
Rare as they may be, structure fires can be highly dangerous. The island is no stranger to high winds like those in the west that fuel flames and cause the destruction of countless homes, creating the potential of a worst-case scenario. The Ocracoke Volunteer Fire Department responded in a timely and professional manner containing both fires within a half-hour. Without the OVFD’s quick response, these fires could have been far worse. Our firefighters are all volunteers, dedicated to serving the community and deserve to be thanked for their service. Oh yes, they can always use a few more.
Passing of elder islanders
Ocracoke lost several esteemed and beloved residents this year, including Preston “Jule” Garrish, Thomas Midgett, Vivian “Vickie” H. Cobb, James Barrie Gaskill, Russell Newell, Earl O’Neal Jr., Clyde Sherrill Austin, William “Billy” Potter Garrish, Jr., James Kenneth Gordon, Sr. and Merle Davis. They will be greatly missed. For obituaries, click here
Looking forward to 2018
Passenger ferry service
After years of discussion, a passenger-only ferry is under construction and service is expected to begin next summer. With Ocracoke visitors leaving their vehicles on Hatteras Island, the N.C. Ferry Division hopes that the long lines and wait times for car ferry service will improve substantially. Passengers will pay a fee while vehicle ferries will remain free. Making reservations in advance will be one of the big advantages as well as being able to bring bicycles. The plans include a tram service to shuttle visitor around the village. Whether this will be implemented next summer remains to be seen as this service is still under discussion.
Blackbeard’s 300th anniversary
Brace yourself. Nov. 22, 2018, will mark the tricentennial of Blackbeard’s demise off Springer’s Point at the hands of British Lt. Robert Maynard and crew on Nov. 22, 1718. Curious visitors may be asking a lot of questions. Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree Oct. 25 to 28 (with an additional day added) and plans by the Ocracoke Preservation Society’s to honor Lt. Maynard will draw much attention. Expect lots of media and first-time visitors.
Islander James Kenneth Gordon, Sr., died unexpectedly at his home Dec. 28.
He was 82 years old.
He was the husband of Joyce, to whom he was married for 63 years. The couple had known each other since elementary school.
He was preceded in death by his parents, Lucian and Valli Gordon, his brother, Odell Gordon, and a great-granddaughter.
In addition to his wife, he is survived by children Debi, Cindy (Richard), Ken (Christie), and Lisa (Steve); 10 grandchildren and 12 great-grandchildren; his sister, Jean, as well as numerous nieces and nephews.
Per Ken’s wishes, there will be no public service.
During this difficult time, the family would like to thank the loving friends who have provided so much support and prayers.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to an organization close to Ken’s heart, the Ocracoke Working Watermen’s Association (www.ocracokewatermen.org) P.O. Box 1165, Ocracoke, NC 27960).
Twiford Funeral Home, Manteo, is assisting the family with arrangements. Condolences may be expressed here.
