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!