Category Archives: Seashore Information

11/29/11

Seashell Holiday Crafts – Give A Little Bit Of Hatteras Island This Holiday Season

While basking in the sun and strolling along the shoreline during your Hatteras Island vacation, you are bound to have come across many unique and beautiful seashells. You collected them in buckets, coolers – even pockets – and took them home with you at the end of your stay.

Now what? Since the holiday season is rapidly approaching, (oh who are we kidding – it’s HERE!) why not take some of those treasures you have collected and use them to create one-of-a-kind holiday seashell crafts? They are the perfect way to have a little bit of Hatteras Island for the holidays! They also make wonderful gifts to give to your loved ones. What’s better than receiving something someone else put love and care into?

We have compiled a few simple craft ideas you can try. Don’t limit yourself to just these ideas though. The possibilities are endless!

Holiday Wreath:
What you’ll need: Seashells, wreath, clear nail polish, a glue gun or crazy glue, ribbon, and decorations like bows, ornaments, strings of beads, glitter, etc.
Best shells to use: Whole scallops, clams, and arc shells.
How to do it: Paint all the shells with a heavy coat of clear nail polish so they look like they just washed up from the ocean – or – glue white glitter on them to make it look like sand or snow. Once your shells have dried, place them where you want them on your wreath (available at dollar stores and craft stores). Using a glue gun or crazy glue, glue them to the wreath. Continue gluing bows and/or other decorations you want on the wreath. Once dried, add a hanger or ribbon to hang your pretty creation on a door or wall.

Holiday Ornaments:
What you’ll need: Seashells, clear nail polish, a glue gun or crazy glue, ribbon, and decorations like strings of beads, glitter, etc.
Best shells to use: Whole scallops, clams, moon snails, and arc shells.
How to do it: Paint all the shells with a heavy coat of clear nail polish so they look like they just washed up from the ocean. Once shells are dry, loop a ribbon or string of beads into a circle, and glue it to the back of the shell, creating a “hanger” for the ornament. (If you have two similar shells, you can even glue them together, with the loop of ribbon in between the two shells.) Then decorate each individual shell any way you’d like: add glitter, glue a string of beads along the edge of the shell, or even paint holiday designs on the shell.

Mirrors, Picture Frames, Trinket Boxes:
What you’ll need: Lots of shells, a glue gun or crazy glue, clear nail polish, and a plain mirror, a frame you can decorate, or a trinket box. (You can also get cut pieces of mirror at a hardware store, and simply add a hanger to the back.)
Best shells to use: Small, decorative shells, or pretty shell pieces.
How to do it: Glue the shell pieces around the mirror, overlapping each other so that there are no spaces of mirror visible. Once the glue has dried, coat the shells with nail polish to make them shine.
Have fun and get creative, and don’t forget that these ideas are just the start of the number of projects you can do with your seashells. Grab a little glue, polish and paint – there’s no limit to the number of remarkable, one of a kind craft projects you can create with these treasures.

Wall Hangings:
What you’ll need: A nice thin piece of driftwood, approx. 12″ – 18″ long, seashells, rustic twine, fishing line or strong thread, nails or tacks.
Best shells to use: Small decorative shells with tiny holes in them, large enough to pull thread or fishing line through.
How to do it: Create strings of shells by looping the fishing line or thread through each shell and tying a knot, creating an even 8″ – 12″ long string of a dozen shells or so. If the driftwood is sturdy enough, space tacks or nails along the piece of driftwood and tie on each string of shells. If not, simply tie each string of shells to the piece of driftwood. Essentially, you’re forming a “beaded curtain” of shells along the piece of driftwood. Once this is complete, add hardy twine to each side of the piece of driftwood, or around each of the nails, gathering and tying the individual pieces at the top, and creating a hanger for the wall hanging.

The following craft ideas and pictures are via Better Homes and Gardens:

Beach Detailed Flower Holder:
Repurpose a tin can with beach finds. Gluefabric or paper around the clean can. Add desired beach details. To use on a chair back, cut a hole near the top and the bottom of the back of the can, then tie with ribbon threaded through the holes. Or set decorated tin on the table as a centerpiece.

Shells and Twine Bookmark:
Craft a lovely bookmark to remind you of days at the beach. Natural string fits right in with seashore finds, such as shells, buttons, and bottle caps. Knot eight 18-inch-long strands together at one end to make the main bookmark; knot 8 inches below the first knot, or farther depending on
the size of the book. Drill holes in items to attach to the string ends or use hot glue.

Seashell Candles:
Clean shells and let dry. Melt small chunks of a paraffin block or old candle stubs in the top of a double boiler. Cover the work surface with plastic or newspaper. Slowly and carefully pour melted wax into shells. Quickly put a wick in the center of the wax. Let cool about 30 minutes. Never leave burning candles unattended.

Beach Memory Jars:
Bring home beach memories to store in a jar. Collect clear jars and bottles. Put shells and sand inside. Label each container with rub-ons or stickers to spell out the name of the destination.

Have fun with these projects! Happy Holidays from your friends at Surf or Sound Realty!

11/2/11

Cape Hatteras Welcomes Anglers for the 54th Annual Cape Hatteras Angler’s Club Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament

The best surf fishing teams on the East Coast are heading into the breakers on Hatteras Island the morning of November 3rd to kick start the 54th Annual Cape Hatteras Angler’s Club Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament.

With 120 teams, this is the premier surf fishing tournament in the United States, and Surf or Sound Realty is proud to be a sponsor!

Action continues around Buxton through Friday afternoon. The individual angler Bob Bernard Individual Surf Fishing Tournament is happening Saturday.

Anglers compete for points based on catches of various species that meet minimum points requirements. Fish bigger than the minimums earn extra points.

For a schedule of events, click here. From your friends at Surf or Sound Realty – best of luck to all of the anglers participating in the event!

10/13/11

Anglers Are Heading to Hatteras Island to Participate in the 26th Annual Capital City Four Wheelers Surf Fishing Tournament

Surf or Sound Realty is a proud sponsor of the 26th Annual Capital City Four Wheelers Surf Fishing Tournament. The event is taking place in Cape Hatteras October 15th and 16th.

Capital City Four Wheelers, or CCFW, is a family-oriented four wheel drive club in the Richmond, Virginia area that formed in 1983. They hold a number of activities each year. One of their main events is their Surf Fishing Tournament, which they hold in Cape Hatteras, NC during October. It is a fund-raiser event that lets them give back to the community.

Anglers will compete for prize monies in the following categories: Red Drum, Blue Fish, Trout, Flounder, Sea Mullet, Croaker and Spot. Anglers may only win in one category. A prize will also be awarded to the child (12 and under) who catches and weighs in with a CCFW official, the largest fish by weight.

A trash pickup contest will also be held. Every year CCFW asks fishermen and their families to help keep the beaches clean and free from man-made waste. CCFW sponsors a contest where you can win a prize by gathering beach trash in a garbage bag and bringing it to the Trash Station at Ramp 44 or Ramp 34 from 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, October 15. Turn in trash, get a ticket! The winning ticket will be drawn at the weigh-in on Sunday, October 16.

Besides the Trash Pickup Contest, there will be a raffle for a custom rod and reel combo to benefit a local Hatteras Island charity. Tickets will be sold during the morning meetings Saturday and Sunday, with the winner to be drawn during the Sunday meeting.

Participants will meet at the Fessenden Center in Buxton at 8:00 a.m. on Saturday, and 9:00 a.m. on Sunday. There will be a total of 600 participants. CCFW will allow late registration on a first come, first served basis in the Fessenden Center for anyone wishing to enter the tournament. For more information log onto http://capitalcityfourwheelersrva.com or email Tournamnet@capitalcityfourwheelersrva.com.

Good luck from your Hatteras Island friends at Surf or Sound Realty!

**All photos are via davidaherron.com from the 2010 tournament.

08/24/11

Dare County Orders Evacuation of All Visitors – Hurricane Irene Update 8/24: 7:13PM

The Dare County Control Group has ordered a mandatory evacuation for all visitors throughout all of Dare County effective 8:00 a.m., Thursday, August 25.

All visitors are urged to make preparations and leave the area. Dare County Emergency Management urges visitors to take all personal belongings with them during evacuation. Other preparation steps are available at www.ReadyNC.org and www.darenc.com

Although the mandatory evacuation order is for all Dare County visitors, residents are advised to take proper precautions and make general storm preparations. This effort should include securing all loose items outdoors. Monitor local news outlets for further advisories from the National Weather Service and state and local emergency management officials.

The Dare County Control Group will meet again on Thursday, August 25 after the 5:00 p.m. storm advisory has been issued by the National Hurricane Center. Further evacuations should be anticipated as Irene moves closer to the Outer Banks.

At this time there are no new reentry stickers being issued. The previously issued stickers, for 2008/2009, are still valid. Residents can also use a North Carolina driver’s license showing a Dare County address. Property owners may use a Dare County tax bill with proper identification for reentry.

A high rip current risk remains in effect, through Thursday evening, south of Rodanthe, NC.

All NPS Campgrounds, Ocracoke, Frisco, Cape Point and Oregon Inlet, closed at noon today and the reservation system has been temporarily suspended. The Silver Lake Marina NPS docks closed at noon today and the Ocracoke Visitor Center, Hatteras Island, Bodie Island and Wright Brothers and Fort Raleigh Visitor Centers will remain open until close of business today and then will remain closed until further notice.
Previously scheduled evening programs for August 24 are cancelled. Lifeguard beach operations at Ocracoke, Buxton, and Coquina Beach closed at 5:00 p.m. today until further notice.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse closed at 6:00 p.m. today until further notice. All park special programs scheduled for Founder’s Day, Thursday, August 25th, have been cancelled. Regularly scheduled Fall Interpretive programming will resume after the storm passes the area.

The Flags Over Hatteras event, scheduled for August 25-28, has been postponed until further notice.

Ocracoke beaches are closed to off-road vehicles and all other beaches in the National Seashore will close to off-road vehicles by 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 25th.

Dare County garbage pickup will be done on a regular basis through Friday, August 26.

The Town of Nags Head will collect ALL residential trash on Friday, August 26. There will be will no residential or commercial trash collection on Saturday, August 27. The recycling trailers located at Nags Head Town Hall and at the Huron Street public beach access will be not be available until after Hurricane Irene has passed. All commercial recycling is suspended until after the storm. The bulk item/brush drop off yard located across from Nags Head Public Works will be closed Saturday, August 27.

Updates and bulletins will be issued on an as needed basis and will be available on www.darenc.com and Government Access Channel 20.

As soon as we have more information available, we will post a message on our Facebook page and here on our Blog site.

www.facebook.com/surforsound and https://hatterasblog.surforsound.com/

08/24/11

Hurricane Irene Update 8/24 – 3:00 PM

Dare County Activates the Joint Information Section

The Dare County Control Group has activated the Joint Information Section (JIS) in preparation for Hurricane Irene. All information regarding local government agencies in Dare County will be released through this source effective today.

Dare County Emergency Management is closely monitoring reports from the National Hurricane Center and plans are in place to handle whatever contingency may arise. Residents and visitors are encouraged to monitor local news outlets for further advisories from the National Weather Service and state and local emergency management officials.

The Dare County Control Group will meet later today, after the 5:00 p.m. storm advisory has been issued by the National Hurricane Center, to further assess the situation and take whatever action is necessary to assure public safety. Although Hyde County has issued an evacuation order for Ocracoke, there have been no evacuation orders issued, at this time, for any portion of Dare County.

Residents and visitors should now be making general storm preparations. This effort should include securing property and making contingency plans for evacuation, in the event an evacuation is ordered. Predetermining a destination is recommended. If an evacuation is ordered, consider calling ahead to make arrangements. During storm events, there are no emergency shelters operated in Dare County. North Carolina Emergency Management will operate shelters elsewhere and information will be announced later as it is made available.

The Ferry Division of NCDOT is assisting with the evacuation of Ocracoke Island running regular departure times from Ocracoke to Hatteras on a first-come, first-serve basis. All other ferry routes will continue to operate normal schedules until such time as they are required to tie up vessels for safety.

Rip current hazards are at a high risk in southern portions of Dare County including Hatteras Island. Wind and wave conditions at this time support a dangerous rip current advisory and are life threatening to anyone entering the surf.

In anticipation of this weather event, all NPS Campgrounds, Ocracoke, Frisco, Cape Point and Oregon Inlet, will close at noon today. The Ocracoke Campground reservation system has been temporarily suspended. The Silver Lake Marina NPS docks will close at noon today, Wednesday, August 24, 2011. The Ocracoke Visitor Center, Hatteras Island, Bodie Island and Wright Brothers and Fort Raleigh Visitor Centers will remain open until close of business today, Wednesday, August 24, 2011, then will remain closed until further notice. Previously scheduled evening programs for August 24 are cancelled. Lifeguard beach operations at Ocracoke, Buxton, and Coquina Beach will close at 5:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, August 24, 2011 until further notice.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will close at 6:00 p.m. today until further notice. All park special programs scheduled for Founder’s Day, Thursday, August 25th, have been cancelled. Regularly scheduled Fall Interpretive programming will resume after the storm passes the area.

The Flags Over Hatteras event, scheduled for August 25-28, has been postponed until further notice.

Ocracoke beaches will be closed to off-road vehicles by 6:00 p.m. today and all other beaches in the National Seashore will close to off-road vehicles by 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 25th.

Dare County garbage pickup will be done on a regular basis through Friday, August 26.

The Town of Duck Emergency Operations Team has met and is preparing for the event.

The Town of Nags Head is watching Hurricane Irene closely. At this point, there are no changes to operating hours or Town services.

Contractors are reminded by the Dare County Planning Department to secure all loose materials at job sites.

Updates and bulletins will be issued on an as needed basis and will be available on www.darenc.com and Government Access Channel 20.

As soon as we have more information available, we will post a message on our Facebook page and here on our Blog site.

www.facebook.com/surforsound and https://hatterasblog.surforsound.com/

08/24/11

NC DOT Plans For Likely Closure of N.C. 12

The Associated Press

Published: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 12:28 p.m.
Last Modified: Wednesday, August 24, 2011 at 12:28 p.m.

North Carolina transportation officials planning for the arrival of Hurricane Irene say they are prepared for damage to the main highway and bridge serving the Outer Banks.

DOT spokeswoman Nicole Meister said Wednesday that workers are positioning heavy equipment on Hatteras Island to keep N.C. 12 open as long as it is safe for crews to work. The island highway is routinely covered with water and sand during big storms.

Immediately after the storm, workers will inspect the aging Bonner Bridge. The two-lane span is the only link to the mainland for Outer Banks residents. Meister says the bridge will not be opened unless engineers are sure it is safe.

Ferries will be standing by to handle vehicle traffic if the road remains closed following the hurricane.

As soon as we have more information available, we will post a message on our Facebook page and here on our Blog site.

www.facebook.com/surforsound and https://hatterasblog.surforsound.com/

08/24/11

National Park Service Visitor Centers, Campgrounds and Beach Closures Due to Threat of Hurricane Irene

The National Weather Service is predicting that the effects of Hurricane Irene will impact the Outer Banks Group units, Cape Hatteras National Seashore, Fort Raleigh National Historic Site and Wright Brothers National Memorial, by Friday, August 26, 2011 with storm conditions continuing through Sunday, August 28, 2011.

In anticipation of this weather event, all NPS Campgrounds, Ocracoke, Frisco, Cape Point and Oregon Inlet, will close at noon today, Wednesday, August 24, 2011. The Ocracoke Campground reservation system has been temporarily suspended. The Silver Lake Marina NPS docks will close at noon today, Wednesday, August 24, 2011. The Ocracoke Visitor Center, Hatteras Island, Bodie Island and Wright Brothers and Fort Raleigh Visitor Centers will remain open until close of business today, Wednesday, August 24, 2011, then will remain closed until further notice. Previously scheduled evening programs for August 24 are cancelled. Lifeguard beach operations at Ocracoke, Buxton, and Coquina Beach will close at 5:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, August 24, 2011 until further notice.

The Cape Hatteras Lighthouse will close at 6:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, August 24th until further notice. All park special programs scheduled for Founder’s Day, Thursday, August 25th, have been cancelled. Regularly scheduled Fall Interpretive programming will resume after the storm passes the area.

The Flags Over Hatteras event, scheduled for August 25-28, has been postponed until further notice due to the threat of Hurricane Irene.

In preparation for the storm, Ocracoke beaches will be closed to off-road vehicles by 6:00 p.m. today, Wednesday, August 24th; all other beaches in the National Seashore will close to off-road vehicles by 6:00 p.m. on Thursday, August 25th.

As soon as we have more information available, we will post a message on our Facebook page and here on our Blog site.

www.facebook.com/surforsound and https://hatterasblog.surforsound.com/

08/12/11

Hatteras Island Events: This Week on the Outer Banks

We’ve compiled the best Hatteras Island activities, events and fun things to do on the Outer Banks for August 13 – August 20. Below you will find events just for the kids, family events, evening events and a lot of FREE activities to make your Hatteras Island vacation unforgettable!

    FOR THE KIDS

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday
National Park Service Program: Especially for Kids

Time: 11:00 am to 11:45 am. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. This program offers hands-on activities that allow kids to have fun learning about the seashore. Check at the visitor center to learn the topic of the day. Free for all ages.

Monday, August 15
Digeridoo Down Under

Hatteras Library – 9:30 AM. This is a high-energy, Australia-themed program that combines music, puppetry, comedy, and audience participation. This program is free and will last approximately 1 hour. Children under the age of 8 must be accompanied by an adult. The Hatteras library is located directly off of Hwy 12 in the heart of Hatteras village, between the post office and fire station. For more information, call (252)986-2385.

August 16-18
REAL Kids Camp

Time: 10am – 4pm. Location: REAL Watersports in Waves village

Get your son or daughter into the water in a safe and positive instructional environment with the REAL Kids Camp! Let the coaches at REAL show your kids the ropes in and around the water. Surfing, Kiteboarding, Standup Paddleboarding and more. Ages 7-12. Call for information: (866)REAL-548 | (252)987-6000 or visit: REALWatersports.com

Tuesday, August 16
Muster 1861: Children’s Civil War Programs

10:30am – 11:30am at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, located south of the ferry docks in Hatteras Village. Free admission. Call (252)986-2995 or visit graveyardoftheatlantic.com

Tuesday, August 16
Free Kid’s Day with Kitty Hawk Kites -Hatteras & Avon Villages

2 locations and times: 10am -12pm in Hatteras Village -at Hatteras Landing Shops, next to the ferry
4pm – 6pm in Avon village
Shoot water guns, get your face painted, and try out the newest toys and games. For more information, visit kittyhawk.com

Wednesday, August 17
Free Kid’s Day with Kitty Hawk Kites -Rodanthe Village

4pm -7pm at the Kitty Hawk Kites store in Rodanthe at Waves Village. Shoot water guns, get your face painted, and try out the newest toys and games. For more information, visit kittyhawk.com

Wednesday, August 17
Art Under the Oaks

2pm to 5pm at Blue Pelican Gallery in Hatteras village. Ages 4 to 12. This event is free, but please pre-register by calling (252) 986-2244. www.facebook.com/bluepelicangallery.

Thursday, August 18
Children’s Nautical Crafts (ages 3+)

10:30am – noon at the Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum, located south of the ferry docks in Hatteras Village. Free admission. Call (252)986-2995 or visit graveyardoftheatlantic.com

Friday, August 19
Kid’s Painting Class

1pm-2pm at Indian Town Gallery – mile post 65 in Frisco.
This fun art class if for kids ages 6 and up. The cost is $15 and includes materials. What a great vacation memento to bring home from the beach! Please pre-register by calling (252)995-5181.

    FOR THE FAMILY

    Monday & Thursday nights

    Waterfront Concerts at REAL Watersports
    6-10pm The Kona Summer Concert Series featuring The Wilder Brothers Monday nights and MoJo Collins on Thursday nights! -This is a family friendly event! Enjoy the concert outside on the waterfront deck at the REAL Flagship Store in the Village of Waves. Dinner and drinks are available at all shows from MOJOs Sunset Café. Enjoying live music on the Bermuda grass lawn area on a beach blanket or chair is the best way to wrap up any day in Cape Hatteras with your family! For more information, call 252-987-6000.

    Thursday, August 18 & Friday, August 19
    Chain Saw Art Sculpting Demo
    Time: 11am – 4pm Watch chain saw sculptor Nick Tucci sculpt amazing art with a chainsaw! Location: Indian Town Gallery – Mile post 65 in Frisco village. For more information, call (252)995-5181

    Thursday, August 18
    Sea Glass Wrapping Jewelry Class
    Time: 10am – 1:30pm (Classes run 30 minutes and start on the ½ hour -reservations required!). Location: Indian Town Gallery – Mile post 65 in Frisco village. Learn to wrap a piece of sea glass into a necklace pendant with instructor Betty Kungle. Class size is limited to 8, so call early to make reservations! $10 per person plus a $5 kit fee which includes a piece of genuine sea glass! For more information call Indian Town Gallery at 252-995-5181.

    Friday, August 19
    Advanced Sea Glass Jewelry

    Time: 2 classes to choose from: 2:30pm and 4:30pm Location: Indian Town Gallery – Mile post 65 in Frisco village

    Advanced sea glass necklace class lasts about 2 hours and costs $30. In this class, students will make a complete sea glass necklace using beading and wrapping techniques. Ages 12 and up. Please call and pre-register for all classes. For more information call Indian Town Gallery at 252-995-5181.

    Friday, August 19
    Frisco Jubilee Live Music Performance

    The Frisco Jubilee is an evening of musical entertainment for the whole family comprised of some of the best performers from Hatteras and Ocracoke Islands. Locals and tourists alike have discovered the rich musical heritage that exists on the Outer Banks and at the Jubilee you will hear some great music that ranges from standards and blues to bluegrass and gospel as well as original poetry. The Frisco Jubilee performance is at The Little Grove Methodist Church, mile post 67 in Frisco. The show starts at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are sold at the door for $10 per person. Call 252-995-3540 for more information.

    Saturday, August 13 & 20
    Join us for a good ole fashion Fish Fry at two locations on Hatteras Island: Hatteras Village and Avon Village, every Saturday evening in the summer.

    Hatteras Village Fish Fry. 5-7pm
    Hatteras Fire Station, 57689 NC 12
    Enjoy locally caught fried fish along with hushpuppies, cole slaw and potato salad. For almost six decades, the folks in Hatteras Village have hosted this fish fry. Sponsoring the fish fry is the Ladies Auxiliary at the fire department. Proceeds go to the Ladies Auxiliary, the Hatteras United Methodist Church and the Hatteras Village Civic Association.

    Kinnakeet (Avon Village) Fish Fry. 5-7pm
    Avon Fire Station, 40159 Harbor Rd.
    Enjoy fried fish, locally caught by Kinnakeet watermen. The fish fries fund civic association programs.

    More fun FAMILY activities:

    The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum
    The Graveyard of the Atlantic Museum offers weekly events throughout the summer. Admission is free and the museum is fun for all ages!
    The museum is located south of the ferry docks in Hatteras Village and is open Monday – Saturday 10am to 4pm.
    Monday: Maritime Movies showing at 11am and 2pm

    Tuesday:“Tuesdays@2:00 Speaker’s Series-My Life as Taffy of Torpedo Junction-Carol Dillon 2pm-2:45pm

    Wednesday: Island Quilting Traditions 10am to noon; Civil War Mini-talks with Drew Pullen 2pm -2:30pm and 3pm-3:30pm.

    Thursday: Canvasback Decoys with Sam Green 12:30pm – 4pm

    Friday: Maritime Movies showing at 11am and 2pm.

      SUMMER PROGRAMS

    The Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station and the National Park Service offer Daily Summer Programs. Below are some fun events for you to check out during your Hatteras Island vacation!

    WHEN THE SUN GOES DOWN… Evening events on Hatteras Island offered by the Park Service

    Tuesday, August 16
    Evening Campfire

    Time: 8:00pm. Location: Buxton Lifeguarded Beach. -Spend an evening under the stars hearing stories of the Outer Banks. Topics may include shipwrecks, pirates, sea life, and legends. Bring a beach chair, a blanket, flashlight, and bug spray.

    Wednesday, August 17
    Night Lights

    Time: 8:30pm to 9:30pm. Location: Pre-register at Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Join a ranger for a short walk to search the tide line for glowing marine plankton and the sky for planets and constellations. Find out why protecting the dark is valuable to both people and wildlife.

    Thursday, August 18
    Night Climb
    Time: 8pm and 9pm. Location: Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Enjoy a guided tour of the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. ..at NIGHT!
    You will need to pre-purchase Night Climb tickets in person between 8:15 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the lighthouse ticket booth Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday on the week you intend to climb. Each program is limited to 30 participants and tickets are sold on a first come, first served basis. Tickets are non-refundable and children must be at least 42″ tall. Bring a flashlight!

    The Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station Summer Programs
    Time: All programs are at 2pm
    Location: Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station – 23645 NC Highway 12, or Milepost 39 ½ (Programs are outdoors and thus weather dependent. Programs are free with Regular Site Admission Fee)

    Monday, August 15
    Nights in Rodanthe the Movie — Behind the Scenes

    Nearly all exterior scenes were actually filmed right here in Rodanthe, where Chicamacomico is located. Site Operations Manager, Linda Molloy, was cast as Jill Torrelson opposite Richard Gere in a brief but pivotal role. Come get the scoop! Linda will autograph and personalize your book and DVD purchases here for a truly unique vacation souvenir. Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station

    Tuesday, August 16
    America’s Forgotten Heroes

    Discover the forgotten yet fascinating history of the United States Life-Saving Service, the original “Storm Warriors” who were the predecessors of today’s U.S. Coast Guard… Absorb the unbelievable details of actual rescues done here, especially the dramatic SS Mirlo story- the most highly awarded maritime rescue in U.S. history, right here! Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station

    Wednesday, August 17
    The Real Taffy Of Torpedo Junction

    This fictional novel tells the daring antics of an independent young teenager living on Hatteras Island during World War II. ‘Taffy” was based on the real-life Carol Dillon, Hatteras Island native. She will enthrall you with her stories of what was fiction and what was not.Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station

    Thursday, August 18
    Beach Apparatus Drill

    The U.S. Life-Saving Service required all stations to practice this rescue method weekly. Chicamacomico is now one of only two places in the country– and the ONLY one to be performed by active-duty US Coast Guard personnel–that performs the complete Drill. It is recommended to arrive by 1:30. Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station

    Friday, August 19
    What Really Happened to The Lost Colony?

    Where did they go? Right here on Hatteras Island, where they actually first started. Scott Dawson’s compelling delivery will have you spellbound. Documentation & evidence abound. Chicamacomico U.S. Lifesaving Station

    FREE Park Service Events:

The Cape Hatteras National Park offers FREE Hatteras Island events for the family and kids of all ages.

Daily in the Summer:
Sentinel of the Shore

Time: Daily 12:00pm to 12:30pm and 2:00pm to 2:30pm. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Learn about the rich history of, and future plans for, the park’s majestic lighthouses.

Daily in the Summer
Hatteras Island – Pirates!

Time: Daily from 4:00pm to 4:30pm. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -In the 1700’s, pirates frequently visited the Outer Banks. Find out why the area was so attractive to pirates and how the golden age of piracy dramatically ended.

Monday, Wednesday, Thursday & Friday
Hatteras Island – Soundside Snorkeling

Time: 2:30 PM to 4:00 PM. Location: Pre-register at Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -It’s not the Caribbean, but the shallow waters of the Pamlico Sound are home to an array of small fish, shrimp, and crabs. Limited to 20 participants.

Monday, Wednesday & Friday
Civil War on the Outer Banks

Time: 5:00pm to 5:30pm. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Join a ranger for a view of the Outer Banks’ role in the Civil War!

Tuesday
Old Days at the Weather Station

Time: 3:30pm to 4:15pm. Location: Hatteras U.S. Weather Bureau Station, in the heart of Hatteras Village.
Join this tour of the restored Hatteras Weather Bureau Station and hear about the villagers who worked there during both tranquil and stormy times.

Tuesday & Thursday
Graveyard of the Atlantic

Time: 5:00pm to 5:30pm. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Countless ships have met their end off the Outer Banks. Learn how storms, shoals, war, and commerce have contributed to the wreckage, and hear stories of those who risked their lives to save the victims.

Wednesday Events:
Explore the Shore: Beach Walk

Time: 8:00am to 9:00am. Location: Old Lighthouse site parking lot
Enjoy an early morning ranger-led walk across the undeveloped ocean beaches of Hatteras Island. Learn about this changing shoreline and the plants and animals that make this dynamic environment their home.

Cast Netting

Time: 9:30am. Location: Pre-register at the Hatteras Island Museum at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Casting a net from shore is one of the oldest methods of fishing. Give it a try or just come to observe the action. You’re welcome to bring your own cast net. Wear wading shoes. Limited to 25 participants.

Seashore Arts

Time: 11:00am to 11:30am. Location: Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -Get in touch with your artistic side and create a lasting memory of the seashore! Bring a cotton t-shirt or pillow case to create a seashore-inspired masterpiece. Limited to 16 participants.

Thursday
Coast Guard Station Tour

Time: 3:30pm to 4:30pm. Location: Pre-register at Hatteras Island Visitor Center at the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse. -The U.S. Coast Guard and its predecessor, the U.S. Life-Saving Service, have a long and heroic history on the Outer Banks. Sign up today and enjoy a unique tour of an active U.S. Coast Guard Station. Limited to 20 participants.

Outer Banks Events and Activities for the Family -North of Hatteras Island

    Monday through Saturday
    74th Anniversary Season of The Lost Colony

    Time: 8:30pm. Location: Waterside Theatre, Roanoke Island. -Written by Pulitzer Prize winning playwright Paul Green, The Lost Colony tells the story of 117 men, women and children who vanished without a trace more than 400 years ago. Featuring lavish costumes designed by five-time Tony Award winner William Ivey Long and directed by Robert Richmond, the story comes to life summer nights at the open air Waterside Theatre. Children 12 and under $10.00, Group rates for 10 or more. Complete the experience with a Waterside Sunset Picnic and pre-show Backstage Tour at 7 p.m. Reservations required. Call (252) 473-3414 or visit thelostcolony.org

08/11/11

Hatteras Island Anglers Set To Participate In The 28th Annual Pirate's Cove Billfish Tournament

Fishing, fun and friends – that’s what the Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament is all about! The 28th annual event is set to take place August 15th through August 19th in Manteo.

This world class event is shaping up to be another spectacular tournament for anglers! Top prize money is a whopping $850,000 based on 120 entries. A lot of anglers set out with hopes to break the 1,228.5 lb. State Record Blue Marlin caught during the 25th Anniversary of the tournament!

The weekend leading up to the tournament is all about the ladies! The 22nd Annual Alice Kelly Tournament will be held August 14th. The tournament doubles as a fund raiser for the Outer Banks Support Cancer Group. With an entry fee of $500 per boat, it is a great way to have fun and help out our community!

The 28th Annual Pirate’s Cove Billfish Tournament will undoubtedly be a week of fishing, entertainment and activities to be shared with friends to create lasting memories on the Outer Banks. Hatteras Island is home to world class fishing, and Surf or Sound Realty wishes everyone participating in the tournament the best of luck!

07/28/11

Rip Current Awareness

What are rip currents?
Rip currents are channels of water that develop in an opening in a sand bar. Though relatively narrow near the beach, rip currents can increase to over 50 yards in width as they extend up to 1000 feet offshore. The velocity of the water can be as high as 5 mph.

How to identify rip currents?
Rip currents can be identified before entering the water. Look for an area of murky water due to sediment mixing as the channel opened in the sandbar. If the rip current has lasted a long time, the color of the water will appear darker than the surrounding water because of the channel carved by the flowing water. Rip currents will also move objects and/or foam steadily seaward and will cause a break in the incoming wave pattern.

What to do if caught in a rip current?
* Remain calm. Remember, rip currents can pull a swimmer away from the shore but not under the water.
* Swim parallel to the shore until you break free, then swim diagonally toward the shore. Do not attempt to swim directly back toward the shore
* If you cannot swim out of the current, float until it weakens, then swim diagonally toward the shore.
* Ask for help by waving your hands.

Please keep in mind the following Safety Tips:
* Stay out of the water during dangerous surf conditions.
* Know how to swim. Non-swimmers should not rely on floats, such as boogie boards, while in deep water.
* Always swim near a lifeguard.
* Locate rip currents before entering the water.
* Tune in to NOAA weather radio and monitor websites (National Weather Service, Eastern Dare County, NC) and local media for updated surf conditions during your stay on the Outer Banks.
* Check with the lifeguards about rip currents and other hazardous conditions.
* Do not attempt to rescue someone caught in a rip current. Notify a lifeguard or, if there is no lifeguard, yell directions on how to escape, throw the victim something that floats, and call 911.

This information was provided by the National Park Service. For more information on rip currents, ask a lifeguard or check the website at http://www.ripcurrents.noaa.gov.