For those interested in renting Island Jewel

Some of you have requested further info on Island Jewel for possible future trips to the Outer Banks.  I've compiled a number of photographs with descriptions of the cottage.  I would highly recommend this rental to anyone who wants to have a great time on the Outer Banks with a touch of luxurious surroundings thrown in.  Quite honestly, it had everything we needed - from a well equipped kitchen (it even had Tupperware, for God's sake!), to games & puzzles, to beach toys, to an iron & ironing board.  (And I used those 2 items so often - NOT!)  This place even had pint glasses for the bar!!!  My only complaint (yeah, yeah .... you know me .... I gotta bitch about something) is that there was no boardwalk from the cottage to the beach.  I had to actually walk about 50 feet up and over a dune.  Boohoo, eh?

Anyway, here are some *official* sites for Island Jewel and Hatteras Island Resort as well as my photographs.

 

"Island Jewel"

Hatteras Island Resort | Hatteras Real Estate

Hatteras Island Estates

IMPORTANT ANNOUNCEMENT (& will keep updating blog for a while ......)

I still have lots of pics to post and the odd story or two to tell, so I'll keep "blogging" for a while longer.  Organizing my photographs is taking longer than expected, plus, I've barely begun to unpack. 

HOWEVER ........ I am already considering another trip for the same time period next year!  Bugs says that we are destitute (sigh .... you could stick a lump of coal up that man's ass and in a week you'd have a diamond) and *I* can't afford another trip like this past one to Rodanthe, hence, I'm looking for 5-7 people to split the costs evenly of a cottage.  It is either that, or I need to find a full time job to support my habit (i.e. vacationing), and I sure don't want a 40 hour work week.

Interested?  Email me at LDickin628@aol.com.  I've found some great oceanfront cottages that are just as nice as Island Jewel, unless anyone wants to return to IS.

More later .........

Home again, home again - jiggidy jog

I considered listing my "mood" as sad, but it IS nice to be home & I certainly have many, many wonderful memories of my trip.

Susie & I left Edinburg, Indiana Tuesday morning and arrived back in Davenport about 4 o'clock yesterday afternoon.  The unpacking process went smoothly.  We went to Jeff & Carrie's to upload Sue's pictures onto Jeff's computer and then make copies on disks.  Eventually, Jeff & I hope to edit *all* of the photographs (well over 1,000), choosing the best of the best for the official album.  I'll eventually post that here before I end this blog.

After leaving Jeff & Carrie's we met up with Bugs at Bleyart's had some beers and then went to Las Agaves for dinner and then turned in for the night.  Susie left this morning to return to St. Joseph.

I'll post more in a few days.  A lot of stories to tell and more pictures to show!

Still not home!!!!

Well!  Susie & I left Rodanthe on Saturday and we still haven't made it back to Davenport yet!  We have really been lollygaggin' along the highways and byways of America.

The effects of the nor'easter were just beginning as we packed up the truck to leave Island Jewel.  A light rain was falling on us as we pulled out of the driveway.  The ocean was incredibly turbulent, with high waves rolling in from the east & the northeast.  The ocean was covering our bonfire site, and at times, nearly reaching the dune line! 

It sounds as though we got outta Rodanthe just in time - Sunday morning the s-curves were flooded, quite effectively negating all travel north of the village.  (Damn .... if only we had stayed 1 more day.)

Susie & I shopped on our way off the Outer Banks - lotsa stops along the bypass and beach road.  Found many good deals with all of the end of season sales.  Got a couple of really pretty sarongs trimmed with shells for $10, Jennifer's birthday present (Jen, remind me when your birthday rolls around), and some stuff for my mom, Bugs, Chris and me, me, me.

After leaving OBX around 4 in the afternoon, we headed west - once again via Roanoke Island, as Bugs was concerned about the storms & flooding in Virginia.  (Had to scratch our visit to Monticello off our list.)  Stopped at Mackey's Ferry Peanuts and picked up munchies to take to co-workers, then drove on to the Chapel Hill area where we spent the night.

Sunday morning we were up bright & early and meandered through North Carolina, spending a few hours in Mount Airy - the little town that Mayberry was based on.  Of course, everything was Andy, Barney, Aunt Bea and Opie oriented, but it was very interesting to see.  And, it really was a cute little town.  Did some shopping there, too.

After leaving Mount Airy, we took the back roads until we were in Virginia.  We drove through the mountains, enjoying the fall foliage.  The leaves are just beginning to turn, but quite a few trees were blazing with color.  We reached Beckley, West Virginia around 6 p.m., and toured Tamarack - what a super place to shop!  It is all *stuff* made by West Virginians - paintings, foodstuffs, furniture, clothing, music, glass works, quilts, etc.  Overpriced, but well worth a stop every time I go to the Outer Banks.  Of course, I dropped more $$ there.  We spent the night just west of Charleston.

This morning, we awoke to heavy fog, so took our time leaving the motel.  Again, we took many back roads through West Virginia and then Kentucky.  We stopped in Greenup Co., Kentucky so that I could go to the courthouse and check out my great x 5 grandfather, Pleasant Webb who resided there after killing a man in Hanging Rock, Ohio in 1810.  I've never learned Pleasant's eventual fate and hoped to find him in the courthouse records, but, alak & alas, today was Columbus Day (as if anyone cares), so the courthouse was closed. 

Once in Kentucky, we again left the interstate system and motored around Paris, Kentucky, viewing the phenomenal horse farms and estates scattered about the country side.  Wow.  How beautiful.  Not only the old homes and horses, but the entire area looks like a movie set.

Tonight we are just south of Indianapolis and will arrive back home in Davenport tomorrow afternoon.  Sigh .... sad face ..... boohoo .....

I'll post some final thoughts within the next few days.  

Later on Friday - late afternoon

Well ...... here I am again!  It seems that Hatteras Island is battening down the hatches for the anticipated nor'easter predicted for tonight.  We've definitely seen an increase in the roughness of the ocean - swells way out on the horizon, thunderheads to the north of us and a pick up in wind speed.  The weather station keeps giving the wind speed in knots, so I'm not sure what that translates to in mph.  But, it's windy!!

From what we've heard, from Bodie Island (the next island up from us) on north, conditions have rapidly deteriorated.  However, it was sunny all day here in our little paradise and still is, although we can see the storms north of us.  It could be an interesting night and tomorrow, as highway 12 is already flooded north of here.  I do enjoy a good OBX storm - I've been through a few out here and they are really wild!

So ...... if highway 12 is flooded tomorrow, I wonder if we can stay a day longer??  Susie suggested we leave this evening, as soon as we could get packed.  My retort was, "Are you insane?"

Here's some more pictures, including the bone Susie (aka Nellie Myrtle) found.  Looks like a metatarsal bone to me.  Also, took some photos of the ocean & will take some more this evening for comparison.

And Then There Were 2

Today's Danish word:

Havregryn = oatmeal

Early this morning, Soren & Birgit left the Island Jewel.  I was so sad to see them go.  They were wonderful guests who became, I believe, great friends. 

Soren and Birgit are driving to Norfolk, where they will catch a flight to Detroit (?!?) and then to New Orleans.  I do believe that Soren will shed a tear or two when he turns in his little Pontiac to the car rental agency.  It is a spiffy car with all of the bells & whistles (and HORN - hahaha, Soren), and if it were possible, I'm sure the Pontiac would return to Denmark with Soren.

Last night, the four of us went to Owens' Restaurant for dinner after a full day at the beach.  We had a great waiter - Josh.  It was funny ..... after we sat down and were served our drinks, I said to Josh, "I'm-gonna-talk-really-fast-so-they-can't-understand-me-give-me-the-bill-after-dinner."  It worked!  Both Soren and Birgit looked a little confused at my machine gun verbal assualt on Josh, but they didn't pick up a word I said.  LoL

As usual, the dinner was lovely, although too much food.  We all ordered different seafood platters, so that we could sample a little of everything.  There were crabcakes, Oysters Rockefeller, broiled & fried scallops, broiled and fried shrimp, coconut shrimp, flounder, lump crabmeat, calamari, and clams. 

Today, Susie & I are going to start packing up.  Severe storms are forecast for the day, but it is bright and sunny now.  We will need to pack between stints at the pool and beach!

I'll try and make another entry this evening, but if not, I may be incommunicado until my return to Iowa.

It's sooooo quiet here .....

The Island Jewel has been very quiet with only the 4 of us here, although Susie is always good for a conversation or two.   Last night we had a Mexican dinner.  It was rather amusing, as I asked Soren og Birgit if they had ever heard of enchiladas.  They assured me that they had, but looked somewhat askance at the idea of enchiladas for dinner.  I set the table with rice, frijoles and enchiladas.  I served the enchiladas, calling them by name and Soren & Birgit laughed.  It seems in Denmark, the word for silage (feed for cows) sounds like enchiladas!!  I bet they were very nervous about dinner for a few hours prior!

The Danes had a good time up in Corolla - went to the top of the light, toured the Whalehead Club, etc.  I am so happy that they are enjoying themselves.

Today is their last day at Island Jewel.  I'll be so sad to see them leave.  We are doing the beach today, then tonight we're dining at Owen's.

Here's some pics of last night's dinner and some random shots of this 'n that.

Oh, by the way ...... thanks for the comments!  Patty, I've found it much easier to play Yahtzee! on the deck overlooking the ocean than when I'm driving & eating pizza!  Chris ..... you're right, the storm sleep was my best ever!  LoL

Wednesday, October 4

After viewing the sunset last evening, we returned to Island Jewel, where Harry had prepared a meal of chicken & noodles, cucumbers & onions, and roasted asparagus.  It was all very good, but the asparagus was exceptionally good!

After dinner, we headed to the beach, lit our bonfire (someone had stolen some of our wood) and just kicked back and relaxed around the fire.  We had the fixin's for S'mores, so introduced Soren og Birgit to that American delicacy.  Also had a bottle of Bailey's - we all had a sugar high by the time we left the beach.

I loved the bonfire .... sooooo relaxing, especially with the waves pounding very near.  Once the fire died down and the embers were glowing, I tried to talk everyone into walking barefoot on the coals, but all declined my suggestion. 

Jeff, Susie & I were up bright and early for the sunrise this morning.  Kind of a boring sunrise, but the dolphins were out and about. 

And then there were 4 ....... Jeff, Carrie & Harry departed today, leaving only Susie, Soren, Birgit & myself.  The Danes headed to the northern beaches to go to the Currituck Light, the Whalehead Club, etc.  They have not yet returned.

Must start dinner.  I laid around the pool all day, so haven't even started cooking  ........ sigh ........

 

Tuesday's Sunset

Jeff, Susie and I ran up to the old inlet bridge and shot the sunset.  Damned mosquitoes were very annoying, but the sunset was lovely.

Tuesday, October 3rd - Does anybody read this?

If you're reading this, I'd sure appreciate a comment or two.  I'm beginning to wonder if anyone is actually reading this!

Carrie cooked dinner last night.  She went to the Food Lion to get round steak - just plain ol' round steak - and the butcher commented that she must be from the mid-west.  How funny!  I guess folks back east don't use that cut of meat!  Anyway, she found a more than adequate substitute and made a very tasty meal of strips of steak and bacon rolled into little individual pinwheels and roasted in the oven.  Very, very good!

As usual, everyone went off to do their own thing today.  Soren & Birgit went to the beach and then hiked up to Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station.  They have not returned yet.  Jeff, Carrie and Susie went to Duck.  Harry mysteriously disappeared, as he is wont to do.

I, as usual, laid around the pool and read.  After a few hours in the pool, I plopped my fanny down in the porch swing on the third level, read some more and watch the cute surfer dudes.  Yikes.  As Paris Hilton would say, "They're hot."  My thoughts were those of Mrs. Robinson.  Ku-ku-ka-choo.

 

Monday? Just stuff

Talk about a downer for vacation ..... I don't understand how someone can go into a school and kill innocent children.  It just makes me sick.  It's all too crazy for me to understand.

Today was pretty much low key around the cottage.  Not because of the shootings (we didn't hear about them until late this afternoon), but because we've all gotten into "island time."  I didn't wake up until nearly 9 - I slept for almost 12 hours.  Hmmmm ....

Susie, Soren & Birgit went to the NC aquarium and the Elizabethan Gardens.  I'd post pics of their adventure, but Susie hasn't uploaded her photos yet.  They said they had a good time.

I, on the other hand, did ........ nothing.  Went down to the ocean and finished a book, then hiked back to the cottage pool and started reading another.  "Ohplease" from the OBX Connection, is renting the cottage next door, so she & I sat together, watching her little guy play on the beach.  How relaxing.

The big news of the day ...... Jeff & Carrie completed the jigsaw puzzle!!!!

I'm wondering how I'll readjust to being back in Iowa - I'll surely miss the constant sound of the ocean.  I'll especially miss standing at the kitchen sink, washing dishes and watching the waves roll in, the surfers, the fisherman and the dolphins.  At night, I lay in bed and fall asleep hearing the sea.  This is the best that I've slept in years.

Here are some pics of the interior of the cottage.  It's been absolutely perfect for our needs.  Never have I rented the same cottage twice, however I would seriously consider this place again.

 

Saturday & Sunday Morning 9/30 & 10/1

Kind of sad this morning 'cause Jen left to return to Iowa.  I think she had a great time while she was here, though.  But, she should have stayed the entire 2 weeks.

Yesterday everyone did their own thing ...... Soren, Birgit and Susie went to the Kitty Hawk Heritage Festival and then to Outer Banks' Beachcomber Museum, where Nellie Myrtle Midgette's collection is located.  Jen & I drove up later in the day to view the sea glass, shells, lanterns ..... too many things to list ..... that Nellie collected over the decades.    Here is another site about the museum:  Mattie Midgette's Store

Last night we watched the Iowa & Ohio State game, tailgating in the kitchen!  We cooked brats and had potato salad, bean salad, deviled eggs & chips.  Susie made a delicious apple crisp & topped it with ice cream.  Yum!  All of us Iowa fans were being armchair quarterbacks ...... a lot of cheering, yelling, screaming and cussing!  Soren & Birgit found our game face antics quite amusing, I think.  We tried explaining American football to them, but even though they politely nodded, I'm fairly sure they were confused about the rules.

Today was been pretty laid back ...... I'm getting ready to go to the beach.  I'm being careful about staying in the sun too long this year.  It sucks to get old with the worries of *aging* skin.  Bah.

Maybe more tonight!

Danish Dinner of Friday Evening

Here are the photos of Birgit's incredible dinner!  Soren attempted to show us proper usage of our untensils in Danish fashion ...... I'm hopelessly American in my fork & knife style!

Vacation Halfway Point Saturday 9/30

Yesterday was a GREAT day!  We loaded up in 2 cars & left Island Jewel around 9:30, drove to Buxton and stopped at the Orange Blossom to pick up some Apple Uglies for the ferry ride.  Had to wait about 30 minutes for the ferry, but it was such a beautiful day, we just walked around the docks, marina and shops.  We ate our Apple Uglies while crossing Hatteras Inlet, sharing our breakfast with the seagulls.

Once on Ocracoke Island, we stopped at the pony pens and some of the group went over to the beach - Susie finally saw her dolphins!!!  Wending our way down island, we met back up at the lighthouse ...... thank goodness Susie had packed walkie-talkies, so each car load was able to keep track of the other. The lighthouse was open, and a lady talked about the history of the light.  Very interesting ..... I had never been in Ocracoke light before.  We then shopped a bit, walked around the village looking at the sites, then went to the Jolly Roger for a bite of lunch.  Talk about the perfect atmosphere for a seafood lunch. 

We ferried back to Hatteras Island, delighting in the antics of the dolphins frolicing around the ferry.  They really put on a show for us!  It was better than Sea World!  After a leisurely drive back up island, we watched the sunset over the sound.  Incredible.

Birgit cooked dinner again!  Words cannot describe how excellent it was - and the presentation was beautiful.  She (& Soren) made 3 courses - the first was a fish pate, second was a gorgeous salad, potatoes with a brown sauce, and a sage rubbed pork loin.  Our dessert was a rice and almond pudding-like dish with a cherry sauce.  Oh, it was all so GOOD!

See the photos by Jeff & me to view our day!  The dinner pics are in the next entry.

Friday September 29

Everyone is up bright & early today!  We are taking the ferry to Ocracoke Island for the day. 

Yesterday was a beach day for the most part.  Susie, Harry and Jen climbed Hatteras Lighthouse and then went to an art gallery cocktail party.  (Susie & Jen received an invitation to it the other day.) 

Then Birgit cooked a WONDERFUL dinner for us last night.  Beef with sauteed onions, potatoes and beets.  It was excellent and we all enjoyed it very much.

Great sunset last night and sunrise this morning.  Check out the pics!

Thursday September 28

Everyone did their own thing yesterday.  Soren, Birgit & Susie hiked the Pea Island trail.  More on that later.  Jeff & Carrie drove to the south end of the island and bummed around.  Jen laid out on the beach all day.  I spent the day poolside, reading.  Wow, the water in the pool is COLD!  Soren has been swimming daily - Danish people must have a high tolerance for freezing temperatures.  I was not aware that water could be that cold without formation of ice.  I also watched the kite boarders for a while.  It looks like it would be a blast - they really fly along!

The adventure of the day was the Pea Island hike.  Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge is just north of Rodanthe.  Soren, Birgit & Susie left for their trek in the late morning, returning mid-afternoon.  I'll let Susie tell the story:

"Pretty day, lots of Large white herons, geese, ducks, ibis, Great Blue Heron, Tri-color Heron,  AND one million mosquitoes.  It was an intense walk for all of us.  The folks from Denmark will remember our day at Pea Island.  The walk ended perfectly tho, with a 2 mile walk down a nearly empty beach.  Finding beach treasures of shells and driftwood.  Watching the birds feed in front of the tides and scurrying back up the beach to avoid getting wet from the waves.  Walking along until we saw the wreck of the Orient in the surf.  A lover-ly ending to our day.  What a relief.  Fortunately, here in the Island Jewel area, there are no biting bugs!!  As Birgit said, "There were many, many mosquitoes, NO JOKE ........."   

I felt soooo sorry for them when they returned to the Island Jewel ..... tired, sweaty and bloody. 

Harry arrived last night, and once again introductions were made.  It's really been fun seeing all of these strangers interacting with one another.  We all had drinks on the top deck and played Yahtzee! and worked on the 2 puzzles.  Then we had dinner - see picture.  After dinner we had coffee & Kahlua ...... very relaxing and a lot of conversation.

Today is a beach day.  I won't be out for very long, as I burned a bit yesterday at the pool.

More later!!!! 

 

 

Tuesday, September 25, 2006

Thought I'd write something quick before heading to the beach. 

Everyone has been staying busy doing fun things!  Soren og Birgit climbed the Hatteras Lighthouse yesterday and Susie & Jen went shopping.  I just bummed around on the decks at the cottage and watched the ocean.  Lots of dolphins and fishing boats were seen from the front decks.

Last evening we played Yahtzee! and Birgit won.  Beginner's luck or Danish luck?  The English/Danish dictionary has been put to use a few times, but all in all, communications are pretty good.  Although, this morning I believe that Soren was exasperated!  We were talking and we couldn't properly translate a phrase ..... he said, "Why can't you speak Danish?!?!" 

Be sure to look at the pics.  Now that I've figured out how to upload directly from the camera, I'll be posting lots more.

Gotta run ...... the ocean is calling my name.

We Are In Rodanthe!!

Sorry about the delay in posting the first "official" vacation entry, but I've been too busy and/or tired to write anything.  Plus, I had to figure out how to hookup to the Internet.  I was hoping that the cottage would have broad band, but, alak & alas, no such luck.  Yesterday I tried connecting via dial up ...... I didn't realize that the laptop had two phone jacks ..... and of course I was using the wrong one.  I finally saw the other jack this morning.  So, I'm up and running!!

Here's a quick recap of the past few days.  Susie arrived in Davenport on Wednesday.  We finished packing up the truck Thursday morning and got on the road at 10:00 a.m.  Had great driving weather, no construction, no traffic jams, etc.  Decided to keep driving until we were tired and made it to Beckley, WV.  That's a long ass drive!  Thirteen hours.  Of course, we couldn't find any room vacancies in Beckley - there was a state wide convention of EMT's, firefighters and law enforcement agencies there.  We drove on and got a room in Beaver, WV. 

We were back on the road Friday morning at about 9:00 a.m.  I took a different route to OBX ..... went south at Richmond, then east through NC at Rockey Mount.  It is a longer drive, so won't do that again, but did see a lot of interesting sites!  The tobacco harvest has begun, and saw lots of drying barns in Kentucky, West Virginia, Virginia and North Carolina.  Likewise, it is cotton & peanut pickin' time.  We made a stop at Mackey's Ferry Peanuts ..... free samples!  I bought fresh peanut butter (yum!) and some blistered peanuts (yum again!)  I tried the boiled peanuts ...... blech. 

We arrived in Nags Head around 7:00 p.m. - ended up getting a room at Owens' Motel, as the Sea Foam was full up.  Susie & I had dinner at Sam and Omies .... we split a seafood platter, shrimp, scallops, oysters, clams, flounder, french fries, collard greens and slaw - there was so much food, we couldn't finish it! 

We woke up early Saturday morning and went shopping for a while, then watched the kite boarders.  That looks like fun, but too fast paced for me.  After getting groceries at the Food Lion, we got the key for the cottage. 

Wow!  The Island Jewel is NICE!  The photos on the website do not do it justice.  It's large enough for all of us, but still cottage cozy.  The views from the cottage are incredible - both sea and sound from levels 2, 3 and 4. 

Jen got in Saturday evening, then Soren and Birgit Sunday afternoon. 

Must run for now ...... I'm making NC BBQ for dinner.  More later!

September 19 - National Talk Like a Pirate Day

Avast, me hearties!  Today tis National Talk Like a Pirate Day, the one day a year ye land lubbers can drink yer grog and blow yer hornpipe (or yer matey's), and no one will look askance at ye!

Over the past century, problems facing the modern buccaneering community have increased and are many fold.  According to the Sir Nigel Papers, these problems include (but are not limited to):

• The lack of suitably undefended and overladen Spanish treasure Galleons
• The fall in the value of Doubloons and rubies
• Not many people know what a Doubloon is anyway
• The inability to obtain any kind of life insurance or healthcare coverage
• The inability to attract new recruits via any means but the devious and underhand

But, be assured ..... anyone can talk like a Pirate.  Basic Piratese consists of ahoy, avast, aye, aye-aye and arrrrrrrr.  Further explanation ot the proper usage of these words can be found at the Five A's.   Arrrrrrrrr!

Another helpful instructional video is Pirate grammar, consisting of learning Pirate speak for daily situations.

So, ye buxom wenches, should today a likely buccaneer ask to drop anchor in yer lagoon, permission to board, and fire his cannon through yer porthole, you may wish to visit the Pirate to English translation page, just to see what he really wants.

Let us don our frilly shirt, polish our wooden leg and go watch a good flogging after a day of plundering and pillaging! 

Oregon Inlet Lifesaving Station

Should we travelers successfully traverse the Herbert C. Bonner bridge in our journey, the first interesting sight to our left will be the old Oregon Inlet Lifesaving Station.

In 1897, Jessie Etheridge deeded 10 acres of waterfront land to federal officials to be used for the erection of the lifesaving station.  Ninety-one years later, the Coast Guard abandoned this station, leaving it to weather the elements of a harsh and unforgiving barrier island climate. 

Oregon Inlet is well known as one of the most dangerous inlets in America with its constantly changing navigational conditions consisting of shoals, eddys, whirlpools and tides.  The waters of the inlet have insidiously caused destruction of the Herbert C. Bonner Memorial Bridge (or as we fondly call it, "That Goddamned Bridge"), the only link to the mainland by automobile.

Sadly, the Lifesaving Station has suffered neglect over the last 18 years, facing extinction with the shifting sands that slowly reclaim what was their's nearly 100 years ago.  Dunes, beginning to cover the structure, leave only an eerie reminder of what was once a bustling area.

I can recall when this Oregon Inlet Lifesaving Station was in operation.  (Okay, yeah, I feel old.)  So many of these old stations, that once lined the Outer Banks every 7 miles, have remained empty & abandoned.  However, more have been converted into restaurants, B & B's, museums and private homes.

A wonderful example of the renovation of a station is the Chicamacomico Lifesaving Station located only a few blocks from where we'll be staying in Rodanthe.

Many thanks to BlueJay for sharing this photograph.      

3 Full Days Left in Iowa

I can't believe that the time has flown by so quickly!  A major set back today - my beloved laptop crashed & burned, hence, leaving me computerless.  ARRRRGGGGHHHHHH!  Everything for the trip is on it ..... recipes, menus, phone numbers, cottage info, travel info .......

I called the Geek Squad and made an appointment for the computer tomorrow morning.  However, this evening I decided to try to turn it on one more time and, lo & behold, it's running like Sea Biscuit.  BUT, I'm still taking it in for a check up tomorrow.  Tomorrow I'm also getting a toe job (hmmmmmm), my hair cut and an echocardiogram.  I don't know what I dread more ..... the results of my echo or my pedicure.  I'm concerned that the pedicurist will take one look at my tootsies and tell me that there is no hope for lovely feet on the beach.

Above is my buddy, my pal, my confident, Jennifer.  I told her that I was going to post a picture of her, so here it is.  Also, one of my darling son.  Both pics were taken at the Nags Head cottage back in 2004.  Oh look!  I also found one of Harry during the same trip! 

If you're new to this site, be sure to check out the archives.  Ya might wanna see the earlier stuff.

 

 

 

 

 

Just This 'n That .... or as they say in Denmark, "Lidt af hvert"

Holy cow!  I am outta Iowa in 8 - yes, eight - days!  I still have lots to do, and the time crunch became apparent when Bugs brought home a gallon of milk .... .and the expiration date is whilst I'm on the Outer Banks!  Yikes or Hooray!!!!  I'm not sure which.

I received a missive from Søren today.  He & his wife, Birgit, will be cooking a traditional Danish dinner during our stay at "Island Jewel".  Some of the group are wondering if any *innards* will be used in the preparation of the meal.  C'mon, you guys .... let's be adventurous!  And more importantly, let's not ask.

It would appear that it has been raining nearly daily on OBX.  There has been some flooding and with the recent passing of Florence, the surf has been causing beach erosion along the shoreline.  I wonder if we will be more oceanfront than previously expected. 

I am a bit annoyed that a sand fence was erected in front of "Island Jewel".  Yeah, yeah ... I realize this fence will help Mother Nature with the building of dunes, but it's an irk factor for me.  And, really .... isn't this trip all about me? 

If you're reading this, be a pal & leave a comment.  I'm actually surprised at how many hits I've had, and I'm still in Iowa!  But, I feel as though I'm performing to an empty room.  I need feedback!  Thanks.

Portsmouth Island

If I may direct your attention to the left-hand side of this page, you’ll notice I’ve added a new link for a favorite site, "Kayaking to Portsmouth." This pictoral journal comes from BlueJay, yet another member of the OBXC. He & his girlfriend recently paddled from Ocracoke Island to Portsmouth Island.

Portsmouth Island lies just southwest of Ocracoke. Accessible only via the water, the island, with its little village of the same name, is now abandoned. The village was founded in 1753, and at one time was one of the largest, most important settlements on the Outer Banks.

For an in-depth history of the island and village, go to Whispers from a Village.

I’ve yet to visit Portsmouth - I’d love to someday, however I have a real aversion to mosquitoes. For now, I’m quite content to visit vicariously through BlueJay's excellent photographs.

19 Days & 36 Rolls of Toilet Paper

Only 19 days until we are embedded with Island Jewel.  Whoohooo! 

Time is really starting to fly now - I still have so much to do before we depart on our adventure.  It seems as though every year I pack more and more to take to the Outer Banks.  As I was making out a list of "stuff" to take for this year's trip, Bugs stated I'd need a U-Haul. 

"Pshaw," said I.  "I'm just taking a few extra things this year, all of which are necessities."

But, maybe he's right.  Is a coffee grinder something I *can't* live without for a few weeks?  In this case .... yes.  With Soren and Birgit staying with us, we'll be drinking a lot of kaffe - which reminds me, I gotta run to Starbucks and pick up beans.  Another thing to pack.

And, yeah .... 36 rolls of toilet paper does sound a bit excessive, but that must be divided between 11 people for 14 days and that's only 1/3 of a roll per person per day.  Factor in copious amounts of beer consumed, that will be about right.  (Hmmm .... factor out the males in that equation.)

Packing my Cuisinart sautee pan and my favorite Henckel knives sounds very nearly, well, snooty.  However, I'll be the primary cook (& probably bottle washer), and honestly, I can't survive without those items.  Same goes for my old lobster pot .... nary a cottage we've rented has ever had a pot big enough for a Low Country Boil.  And, that's on the menu.

I've found a box just perfect to pack the books (NO WAY can I go to the beach without a varied selection of reading material) and I think the Yahtzee game and Scramble Square puzzle will also fit in it.  The beach chairs, beach umbrellas, beach mats, beach towels, beach bags - let's face it - those are all "must packs."  Oh, and the kayak!  The cooler!!  My gosh, can't forget those!

Since groceries are cheaper off the Outer Banks, it is prudent to pack in all non-perishable foodstuffs.  Cases of bottled water take up a lot of room in the vehicle, but if you've ever tasted the water out there, you know that's a must-have.  Of course, the cases of beer will be equal to, or greater than, the amount of water brought.  If worse comes to worse, the water can be left along the side of the interstate, much like the pioneers leaving their belongings along the Oregon Trail.  (Did the pioneer leave his beer behind?  I think not.)  Since the alcohol content in the beer should kill any bacteria in the local water, this is a wise choice.  One must always prioritize.

Maps, music CDs, the cameras, the camera's extra batteries, the camera's extra batteries' charger, sun screen, sun tanning oil, pre-tanning lotion, post-tanning lotion, aloe vera for sun burns, Clinique Eye Repair cream .... oh, my.  The list grows longer.

Bath towels, kitchen towels .... thank goodness bedding is furnished in the Island Jewel.  Aha!  Subtracting the space used for packing sheets, I can bring more beer!  Maybe even some bottled water!

As you can see, this truly is an expedition that we're undertaking! 

I wonder if Lewis & Clark packed a coffee grinder?  (I bet they did.)

Ernesto

Latest resports from the National Weather Service says that Ernesto will probably be upgraded to a hurricane as it passes over the Carolinas' shore.  Let's hope the Island Jewel is sturdier than its successor, which was completely destroyed by Hurricane Isabelle.  If memory serves me correctly, the area where Hatteras Island Estates is now located, was the victim of a wash over during Izzy.  Hence, all of the new construction.

Check out the Rodanthe S-Curves web cam, once Ernesto hits.  The S-Curves are often submerged during storms.  It is already looking rather ominous.  Just think .... whoever is staying in the Island Jewel right now, may become stranded on Hatteras Island for an indeterminate amount of time, if the S-Curves go under.  Geez, that would be ..... uhhhhhh ..... someone remind me to stock up on beer if there is a storm approaching during our stay.  I'm thinking that would NOT be a bad thing.

Lodging

This year, I hope to make the trip to the Outer Banks in 2 days. Being a conservative motorist, I can comfortably drive two 8 hours days and one 5 hour day. However, I am throwing conservative out the window in 2006 and will leave the Mid West on Thursday, arriving in Nags Head on Friday. This way, I can crunch in a bit more beach time and won’t be so rushed when we check in to the Island Jewel on Saturday.

This leaves me with a dilemma. Where to stay Friday night? Since we are taking a slightly different route, in hopes of bypassing routes 168/158 south of Norfolk & the traffic, we’ll arrive smack dab in Whalebone Junction, the southern part of Nags Head. Two of my favorite restaurants are located in the Whalebone Junction area -  Owen's and Sam & Omie's. But, what options have I for lodging?

Okay, if you know me really well, you know that my idea of standard lodging consists of a high rise hotel, with room service, mini-bar, pillow top bedding, on site day spa, four star dining, valet parking and a handy concierge. So, where am I staying Friday night? The Sea Foam Motel ….. in all its turquoise and pink splendor!

The Sea Foam is one of the few remaining Mom & Pop motels on the Outer Banks. Unfortunately, due to the real estate boom, many of these great old places are being torn down to make room for 12 bedroom McMansions. Quite honestly, it’s difficult to watch these old motor courts fall by the wayside …. I haven’t been going to the Outer Banks all that long (only about 20 years), but I recall the days before the bypass and traffic lights were there and the beach road was lined with motels that were NOT national chains.

Maybe I’m looking at the Sea Foam as a last hurrah for the old time beach vacation …. or maybe I’m just cheap and looking to stay close to my favorite places to dine. Even though it’s only a night there, I’m actually looking forward to spending one night at the Sea Foam, as much as I am spending fourteen nights at the Island Jewel.

Who knows?  Vacation 2007 may be spent in a Sea Foam efficiency!  ........ I doubt it, but ya never know!

Bodie Island Lighthouse

Bodie (pronounced "body") Island Lighthouse has been the bane of my photographic career.  To start with, it's in the middle of a large, grassy, flat field.  No water can be seen near the lighthouse & there are no distinguishing land formations.  In other words, other than the light & keeper's quarters, it's a boring composition.  The only way to get a good photograph of this place is if there is either a good sky or dramatic natural lighting, neither of which I have experienced. 

Thanks to my OBX Connection buddies, who have been blessed with such conditions, I can share with you their pics of BI Lighthouse.  Thanks JamesW & Steph

 

Outer Banks Photos from Friends

I have told many of you about what I consider to be the best Outer Banks board there is - OBX Connection.  I recently asked OBX members to contribute their favorite photos to my blog.  As usual, the members responded promptly and with enthusiasm!  They are a great bunch of people.  So, enjoy their photos and I'll post more tomorrow. 

(I'm still learning how to post albums, so be patient.  Consider this a test, as there is a way to label them ..... I'll figure it out eventually ...... I did it before, but can't remember how.)

Edited entry:  If anyone knows how I captioned previous photos, please let me know.

Edited entry:  Jeesh, there must be an easier way to add photos with captions!

Edited entry:  Okay!  I got it!  I think.

 

Outer Banks Lighthouses

I like lighthouses okay.  I don't collect lighthouses and except for one print, I have no lighthouse "stuff" cluttering up my home.  Basically, I think that they are good photo ops.  And, they are probably handy for sailors. 

Here are 3 of the 4 lighthouses that I've visited on the Outer Banks.  I've yet to shoot an adequate Bodie Island picture.  Maybe this year.  The first two photos are of Currituck Beach Light, number 3 is Ocracoke and the last is good ol' Hatteras Light.

Reading at the Beach

There is nothing better than sitting under an umbrella at the beach, with a cold beer in one hand and a great novel in the other.  I love to review books - be they excellent or awful.  Hence, on occasion, I'll toss some thoughts out regarding my recent reading material on here.

Since our vacation will take place in Rodanthe, it's only fitting to have "Nights in Rodanthe" by Nicholas Sparks as my first review.

"Nights in Rodanthe" was highly recommended and touted by the members of the OBX Connection board.  A couple of dozen board members all raved about how wonderful this novel was - they were wrong.

I'd like to begin the review with the positive aspects of the novel;  the book was marked down from $22.95 to $4.98.

That said, I was incredibly disappointed in the predictable plot and even more predictable outcome.

By page five, I knew that the hero, the love of the heroine’s life, would expire in some very noble way. The only question was not when he would kick the bucket, but how? And even that was disappointing. (Hello Paul! You are 54 years old and can’t drive a Jeep?)

Two people, Paul and Adrienne, both devastated by earlier loves, find each other at a bed & breakfast on Hatteras Island, specifically Rodanthe. (Hence the title. This is the only legitimate reference to the Outer Banks in the book.) There are no other guests at the inn. Even the innkeeper is gone, leaving only Adrienne and Paul. How handy.

But wait! There’s a huge storm brewing off the coast during their stay. Hmmmm … let’s see, nor’easter and anticipated sexual relationship. Anyone making a stormy connection? Because the author sure didn’t. Neither event was little more than a rain shower.

There were at least 3 other subplots within the book, all of which could have added to the overall theme, but none were as well defined as they could/should have been.

I think there was supposed to be some type of mysticism with the conch shell - long known as nature’s image of a certain part of woman’s anatomy. However, in this case, the creature who had resided in the shell had died and started stinking up the beach long before Paul and Adrienne found it.

In their first two days together, there is absolutely no way that the couple could have realized they had found their life-soul-mate when their conversation is so trite, stilted and corny.

Adrienne: “Paul … don’t … “
Paul: “Adrienne …,” he whispered.
Me: “Oh, puhleeze.”

This book captures none of the magic of OBX. It easily could have taken place in any location. Not even the storm generated any excitement. In preparation of the storm, Adrienne did remember to pick up ice at the local general store.

And in preparation of the inevitable boinking, Adrienne did remember to shave her legs.

Many of the OBX board members said they wept whilst reading this. Did I? Yeah. I wept because I actually paid money for such schlock.

Where was the passion? Where was the love? Where was the storm? More importantly, where was the editor?

This read was about as flat and unappealing as a Weeping Radish brew that’s sat out for a couple of days.

Thoughts from 2004

I wrote this at the beach on my last day of vacation in October 2004.

Top 15 Reasons I love the Outer Banks:

1. The sound of the sea cannot be duplicated. I don't care if you buy a tape of ocean sounds, it is NOT the real thing. Ya gotta smell it, to hear it properly.

2. Nature has her own song - the singing of the shells as the surf tosses them onto the beach & then as they wash back to the sea. Their music is as sweet as any choir.

3. Cheese sandwiches, with Miracle Whip, taste best with a little sand for fiber. After the sandwiches have been smushed in the bottom of your beach bag, unrefrigerated, for 4 hours, they taste so good, you don't care that you'll probably contract botulism.

4. There is nothing better than watching little kids dancing to the ocean’s music on the water's edge.

5. Even when you're a grownup, you can still build sand castles, look for shells & fly kites on the beach, & no one thinks you're weird.

6. As long as the beer is cold, who cares if the last swallow is gritty?

7. Your personality undergoes a change at the beach. You become the person you should be in everyday life. You either say "hi" or nod & smile at everyone who passes you. It's like you are sharing a secret with complete strangers ... they know exactly how you feel - because you know they feel the same way.

8. What passes for annoying weeds at home, suddenly becomes beautiful landscaping when they're growing along the beach.

9. Tanned cellulite is more attractive than white cellulite.

10. Five women in a cottage kitchen can cook a gourmet dinner with only basic foodstuffs, 1 pot, 1 pan and a cookie sheet.

11. A rainy day at the beach is better than any day at work.

12. Vacation cottages all need bouquets of fresh cut flowers. They make you smile.

13. Some of the most unusual (& delicious) omelets are created with leftovers on the last night in your cottage.

14. Who cares if the best selling novel you bought for $29.95 & now has sandy, water-logged, & wrinkled pages from reading it on the beach? As long as you enjoyed it, it doesn't matter.

15. You never know how many friends you have until you rent an ocean front cottage. Just make sure the only friends you invite are the ones you love.

T-minus 36 days & counting

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

This is my first entry into the blog.  I hope to have some fun with this and also keep my friends and family informed regarding the upcoming trip to Rodanthe! 

The cast of characters for the trip includes:

Susie:  My cousin from St. Joe, MO.  Her first trip to the east coast.

Jeff & Carrie:  My cousin & his wife from Davenport. 

Jen aka "J-Yo":  One of my best friends.  She works across the hall from me.

Harry:  Another cousin - lives in a 'burb of Washington, D.C.  Harry's friend, Henry, will also be joining us.

Christopher:  My only begotten son. 

Soren og Birgit:  My friends from Denmark.  Their first visit to the USA!!

Me:  'Nuf said.

Our beach headquarters will be "Island Jewel" located in Hatteras Island Estates, Rodanthe.  In comparison to the other cottages shown, Island Jewel is a mutt.  Oh well, we will just have to suffer through 2 weeks staying there, regardless.