Town of Manteo preserves another piece of history

On Saturday, Nov. 5, 2005, the Town of Manteo held a dedication ceremony for the Manteo Weather Tower. In 1904, the Weather Bureau established the original station with Mr. Alpheus Drinkwater in charge. The tower was used to fly signal flags to warn mariners of approaching bad weather. At night, tower's red and white signal lights flashed it's message. This original tower was first placed on top of the Dare County courthouse and later moved to the family land of John Booth. Recently the town acquired permission to restore the tower and move it to Town property. The Booth family graciously allowed the town to refurbish the tower and supplied the original signal lights to be affixed upon it. The Manteo tower is believed to be one of only five operational towers still in use, and may be the only one to have all its original signal lights intact.

The tower now stands on the Manteo waterfront near the Marshes Lighthouse replica.

Still a little chilly, windy, today

The day after a small nor'easter' passed by the ocean is still a bit rialled up. There is a steady breeze from the north putting a little nip in the air but not too much for a couple of hardy beachwalkers all bundled up.



Another of the ocean up close:

Windy and wet

The weather is surprising nasty already here today. It is raining, sometimes pretty hard and steady, and the winds are gusting to about 24 mph. The low pressure cell has already developed right off the Hatteras coast on the north end of the front which picked up Wilma. The outflow clouds from Wilma are linked up with this front all the way up past NC.

Cooler tonight and a little cloudy

We have had the far outer most cloud bands of Wilma actually reaching this far today. It is cooler today, but so far has been dry. There is a rainband from the storm showing up on the local radar just offshore of Cape Hatteras but that is not an unusual place. Hopefully it will stay offshore. Also hoping the storm center passes well east of here and does not stir up too much wave action!

Cooler today but still pretty clear

It was much cooler today (around 60 degrees) most of the day, but still not too bad on cloudiness yet. We are experiencing the further outlying bands of clouds being pulled north from Wilma already. There are rainbands offshore showing on the local radar. We just hope they stay offshore. It is deadly still as far as the wind. Tomorrow promises to be wetter and darker. Let's just hope this stays far enough offshore that the wave action is not too great.

Nags Head one step closer to beach nourishment

In its Oct. 5th meeting the Nags Head Board of Commissioners approved a proposal by an engineering firm to prepare the final design and permits for nourishing 10 of the 12 miles of its towns beaches. The nearly $27 million project will require a general obligation bond to finance it, which will have to be approved by voters in the town. The earliest construction could begin will be spring 2007.

Another beautiful day

It was another really beautiful day here on the Outer Banks. Nice and warm wonderful fall weather. There doesn't seem to be a lot going on lately that's news around here so I haven't been posting much. If any of you have any topics you would like to see covered please leave me a note in the comments. Always looking for new ideas.

Finally a beautiful sunny day!

It was a totally miserable week on the Outer Banks as far as the weather goes. Rainy, misty, cool, cloudy, some breeze, you name it. But today the cloud pack has finally moved offshore and we have gorgeous sunshine, and a little northwest breeze. It is 70 degrees currently and promised to be just a magnificent day.

Catching air on the Outer Banks

Kitesurfers found the conditions wonderful this weekend on the Outer Banks, as the northeast winds kicked up the surf and produced 15-20 winds. This surfer was enjoying the day at Pea Island.

Old Timers Stories

Now that the immediate threat of storms has died away, I wanted to share an experience with you. Last week, while we were under hurricane warning from Ophelia, we went to my in-laws to check on them in Kitty Hawk village. We spent the morning sitting around the kitchen table listening to the old folks tell stories of hurricanes past. I love hearing all these old stories, and wish I could record them all before they pass on. Their memories are valuable.

My mom in law related her memories of one of the hurricanes of 1933. She was ten years old at the time and the family was living in the residence located at the Kitty Hawk Coast Guard Station. Her father was a chief boatswain mate at the time in the Coast Guard. Being so isolated from the rest of the world out here on the Outer Banks at the time, they had no knowledge that a hurricane was even brewing, much less aimed directly at them. Usually the older members of the family "read" the sky, the water, and relied on the "glass" to tell them when the weather was declining. The "glass" was a barometer. On this day in the fall of 1933, the glass was dropping rapidly and the father began to prepare his family for storm conditions. It seemed to be a particularly bad storm headed toward them.

In reviewing the historical data available on the internet today, I see that two hurricanes made direct hits on the Outer Banks, both with 105-110 mph winds. My mom in law couldn't remember exactly if this was the August storm or the September storm, but it makes little difference. She said when the waves began to break on top of the dunes, then they departed for a safer location further west in Kitty Hawk Village. At the time this residence and station were quite a good ways back from the ocean, so the waves must have been very big. The workshop of this residence still stands today in its original location near the Kitty Hawk intersection. The year of 1933 was a very bad year for hurricane prone areas. I believe to date it is the only year which comes close in numbers of storms to the one we are currently experiencing.

By the year of 1936, the family had saved up their pennies and had invested in a new fangled RCA radio. They could receive a few AM stations. Everyday at noon, they gathered around the dinner table to listen to the weather broadcast. On this summer day in 1936, they learned that a hurricane of great proportions was headed toward them as reported by ships at sea. This time they had time to prepare and leave well before the storm.

My father in law asked me if we were on information overload. I thought about this a minute and agreed that yes, we sure do have the best and finest resources at our disposal today in this age of instant information. And maybe, sometimes we do receive TOO much information, but I believe everyone agreed their lives are much improved with advanced warnings. After all, they now call me to find out "What does the internet say about the storm now?"

Beautiful sunset

It was one of those really colorful hurricane skies tonight near sunset. I've always remarked about the sky turning yellow in a hurricane, and tonight it was spectacular. There has been no tide water in Manteo, thank goodness. The wind has died down so hopefully the water will just trickle back instead of rush back. It seems for the most part the Outer Banks dodged this one.

5pm Thursday update

So far this one has not been too bad at all. We have had Nor'easter's worse than this many, many times. I did find a few scenes out and about today.


The angry ocean at Jeanette's Pier in Nags Head, NC.


The sound is very dry as the east winds have pushed all the water onto the west shores away from the Outer Banks. These geese were standing in the mud of Sugar Creek at RV's in Nags Head, where they usually swim.


The HurricaneTrack.com hurricane intercept team was stationed in Kill Devil Hills, as were many news crews.


The Dominion Power company crew trucks were lined up at the Clarion hotel in Kill Devil Hills, NC.


The Avalon Pier in the angry ocean.


Darrell's Rest. in Manteo closed to patrons and sandbagged their parking lot to keep out the tide water.

Thursday morn update

While I can't say that it's beautiful day in the neighbor this morning, it really is not too bad. Some rain, but really not too heavy. Some wind, but the highest gust recorded at the Manteo airport overnight was about 33 knots. Power is still up, thank goodness. The brunt of the storm stayed offshore and south of us. The heaviest rain shield is still offshore and looks like it will remain there. Headed over to the beach in a little bit on errands, so I'll take a look around with my camera. More later.

A few more signs of preparation

Went on a quick reconnaisance run about 2pm today. Found a few signs of those who would rather be safe than scramble. The Manteo Furniture store was emptying its lower level of furniture and appliances and hauling it to higher safety. The Elizabeth Two ship had a few more storm lines attached.



And what do you do with your bulldozers that are clearing your new soundside site for new condos when a tide water storm is approaching? Well, you drive them on higher ground!



And we hope this is not too prophetic.....



All of the auto dealers in Manteo have moved their cars to higher locations. The Manteo Marine store has drug a Carolina skiff inside and is loading it with all the items normally stocked on its low lying shelves.

But other places it seemed very much business as usual. The Pirates Cove Marina was normal- it seems not many boats have vacated. Darrells Restaurant in Manteo was still open and serving and not out sandbagging their doors and parking lot yet. And of course the grocery stores and especially the liquor store were very busy.

Over on the beach, a couple of highway patrol cars are stationed at Whalebone junction presumably to stop anyone without credentials from heading down to Hatteras. The ocean is a bit more choppy today but not too churned up. The wind is persistant southeast.

This is just south of Whalebone junction in Nags Head.



And what flies as well as the red "no swimming" flags? An orange OBX flag!



A bit tattered, but fly on, baby!

Just beginning to cloud up

It is just beginning to cloud up and getting just a little breezy here on Roanoke Island. Still no rain here (well, except for maybe literally three drops). It seems to be pretty much business as usual here on the Island. I did see a couple more businesses boarding up. The hurricane warning has now been extended up to the Virginia line. Just still more wait and see. Like watching paint dry.

It's gonna fish!

It is still calm and dry here in Manteo and on the northern Outer Banks this evening. There is just a thin layer of high clouds moving in at present. The 5 pm track takes the storm still further to the right and curves it sooner than before. So it is my prediction that this one will fish-- go out to sea without touching land. That's a big ya-hoo from me!
The potential for sound side flooding could have been very great had the storm stayed on that track taking it slowly up the Pamlico sound. In history books, I had read about storms of the olden days which produced storm surges from the INSIDE of the banks, pushing water over the banks into the ocean as the eye passed.
I personally have survived one particular "storm surge" hurricane which put quite a few feet of water into the town of Manteo in a big hurry, actually washing cars off the highways!!!! I was not anxious to see that again.
But today, I saw only one store on the entire length of the beach boarded up. The locals, in my opinion, are not taking this one seriously at all, and by that I mean, most of us believe that we have seen far worse many times and this one is a wimp! I personally did a little prep but not much. Mainly just stuff I needed to do anyway before winter.
I like the excitement of storms. I have always been fascinated by the weather, and its power. But this one just didn't do it for me. I'm glad it is fishing!

11 am track looks better

The 11 am track now takes the storm a little more east and south, and FASTER! That's looking better and better for less flooding rains and winds for less time.

Super quiet over here in Manteo this morn

Hardly a breath of wind this morning here in Manteo, but from all indications that will begin to change today. This looks to be a very slow moving event and WHEN it finally gets here, there will be rain and wind for two days. Right now the NHC is projecting the path to be right over the Outer Banks most of the Thursday so we will see some flooding from the rainfall. More later as conditions develop.

Weather Channel in town

I did a little photogging along the upper Nags Head beaches today to see what was happening. Of course the biggest news is not really the hurricane; it's the fact that the Weather Channel is in town. Jim Cantore is set up already on the Nags Head Pier doing broadcasts every half hour. It seems kinda ironic since today is such a beautiful beach day, just a bit windy. The surf is not even that bad today compared to the weekend.



The broad cast always brings out its share of people seeking to be on TV. It was interesting just standing back in the dunes watching those parading out onto the beach to wave at the camera hoping for a chance to be seen.





And down the beach a few miles further south at the Jeannette's Pier the surf was just a little churny. High tide was just past about 2 hours at the time this pic was taken.







And of course THIS is what most should be paying attention to:

Headed over to the pier in a little bit

I am headed over to the beach area and the Nags Head Pier in a little while to get a few pix and do an update on the surf conditions. Check back with me this evening.

Opehlia being felt

Already the outer bands of Opehlia's energy and clouds are being felt along the Outer Banks. The ocean was a rolling, churning mass today. The sea birds were stocking up on food at the water's edge. Only a few tourists braved the blasting sand on the beaches. No rain yet, but it's on the way, so they say. Already the beach erosion is an issue. The winds were due mostly to the strong pressure gradient between the hurricane and the high building to the north. Supposedly that high is what will drive the system into South Carolina and not up on the Outer Banks. But who's to say... tomorrow it will be different!

$3.27-3.45 at least right now

There are a couple of cars in line at each pump here in Manteo at every gas station. I've seen one station with "out" signs on the regular so far. Prices at 2:30 pm today were $3.27 regular up to $3.45 premium. Also saw a couple of people filling up gas cans too. I think everyone is just a little scared right now with the unknown. I have heard one station manager say they would not receive any more gas until Monday. That could be significant for visitors coming to the OBX for Labor Day weekend vacations.
Update from tonite: The "high priced leader", Nags Head Jockey's Ridge Shell was at $3.39 for regular and $3.62!!!! for premium. Yikes! Texaco Red Apple in Manteo is OUT OF GAS!

Beautiful weather

The weather is absolutely gorgeous today. A light east, northeast wind, exception clarity to the air, and just cool enough to be very pleasant. I must say that there seems to be still a large number of tourist here for this time of year. The roads are still packed and the restuarants still very busy. I can't tell that there has been ANY lessening to the crowds just yet. That is unusual for this late into August. The retailers should be happy this year.
Our schools started back today, so the buses and parents had to work around the visiting population. We have been blessed this year not to have any "tropical" visitors (hurricanes) so maybe the shoulder season this year for tourism will still be good.

Pirates' Cove Tourny ends on record note

The Sea Hag remained the top dog at the end of the Pirate's Cove annual billfish tournament. With 1217 + points, the boat stayed at the dock the last day, but still remained the leader at the end of the day. Record numbers of fish were hooked and released at this year's tourny due to the combination of the light northeast wind and the filling moon, which brings in the marlin to feed. Well over 500 billfish were hooked and released resulting in also a record single prize purse at Pirate's Cove. The Sea Hag team took top honors in six of eight catagories which netted them over half a million dollars in prize money. Also according to the Bacardi rep a record $20000 in rum was consumed at the bar! A good time was had by all!
The Sea Hag is a 61' Blackwell locally built Carolina sportfisher boat.

Santa arrives on the Sea Hag

Checked in on the Pirates' Cove Tourny yesterday afternoon. The Sea Hag regained the overall boat leadership. Almost 400 white marlin have been hooked and released through yesterday. Groups of spectators lined the docks around 5 pm yesterday to cheer on the boats as they arrived back into port. As I was walking on down the docks, a particularly loud cheering caught my attention. I turned to watch as the leader, Sea Hag, arrived, with none other than the jolly old elf himself aboard in full regalia. No wonder they are the leader-- they have Santa! And me without a camera!

Lots of catch and release at Pirates Cove Tourny

We turned into Pirates Cove yesterday on the way home and saw lots of blue and white flags flying. It looks like the tournament is a huge success this year. The weather has been good and the turnout very good. As of Wednesday, 311 whites have been caught, and 18 blues. Almost all were released. I wanted to get a picture or two, but there was NO place to park! The overflow had already spilled across the main highway and they were parking on the road to the state boatramp under the bridge!

Large wave sets today, Irene off the coast

The waves were rolling in nice large sets today, with tropical storm Irene sitting off the coast a few hundred miles. Southern Shores beaches near high tide today still hosted a number of swimmers enjoying the waves amid screams of glee.

Art show in Manteo

The annual Outdoor Art Show was held in downtown Manteo August 10 & 11. The weather was mostly cooperative, although a bit hot. At least it did not pour down rain all day each day. There were quite a number of artists exhibiting many trades from jewelry to painting to photography to wood carvings and more. The booths were lining the waterfront boardwalk.



It was interesting to see that only a very few of the booths were by local artists. One of my favorite people in the world, Mr. Ellie Grumiaux, was one of the watercolor exhibitors. Here's Ellie with some of his work.



Ellie does excellent watercolor and pen and ink pieces depicting historical buildings and scenes around the Outer Banks, and surrounding areas. His pieces can be found on exhibit at the Greenleaf Gallery in Duck, and at the Seaside Art Gallery in Nags Head.
See Link at Seaside Art Gallery- Grumiaux Ellie also does commission work. He can paint a portrait of your special beach cottage or favorite Outer Banks landmark. Ellie and his wife, Wray, reside in Southern Shores.

Sunset was beautiful tonight

Sunset over the Croatan Sound at the Dare County airport was quite striking tonight. It was more like a winter northwester sunset than summer time, but very much enjoyed. A light breeze was keeping things cool, and the shrimpers were hauling them in right offshore.

Rainy and yucky today

I haven't been out on the highway over on the beach yet, but today traffic coming into Manteo was backed up to the Midway intersection barely moving. Yucky day so everyone goes shopping! I know retailers pray for rain! I have to go up the beach later today and I'm sure traffic will be horrendous. But we are glad all these visitors are here! Traffic in the summer here is just a fact of life.

Update at 6:45pm: Made it up and back. Got up to an amazing 29 mph in French Fry alley on the return trip! Good going!

Foodlion: re comment: I have not had a really bad problem in the stores this year. For some reason they have been fairly slack of traffic when I've been there, and no, I don't go at 1:30 in the morning! Ususally Saturday afternoon at 5 pm, believe it or not, at the Southern Shores Marketplace store is NOT bad at all! The Nags Head store and Kill Devil stores always seem to have more traffic to me at all hours than the Marketplace store, but then that shopping center is going down anyway, due to the management's decision to run all small businesses out and have only national chains there. Foot traffic is WAY down there. Okay, off the soap box!

Weekend report

The weather has been hot but pretty much dry except for the occasional thunderstorm which wanders by. The crowds are still here despite many schools both north and south of us going back this Monday. The traffic was "average" this weekend, that is to say, not more backed up or slow than in years past. The evenings are pleasant especially near the water.
Last evening we had the occasion to visit with some friends who were staying in an oceanfront hotel in Kill Devil Hills for the weekend. We sat by the pool until after dark and the bugs were not bad, the breeze was pleasing, the children enjoyed the pool until we drug them out. My friends' opinion was interesting on the subject of staying in the oceanfront hotel. They won't be doing it again. This was their first time here in season and they thought THAT'S where IT was at. The kids didn't enjoy the beach at all, wanted to stay in the pool ALL the time. The attractions they wanted to see were elsewhere requiring a drive. Downtown Manteo was their favorite. The dad summed it up with his comment, "I don't understand why anyone would want to spend $300 a night on an oceanfront hotel!"
I realize it is just one opinion, but he went on to say that he has been told many small motels on the oceanfront south of the Outer Banks (near Sunset beach, etc) are just not making it either. He indicated that they had found it no problem whatsoever to get a reservation for four nights, including a weekend here oceanfront, even with short notice. It is no wonder the developers are so easily talking those owners both here and there into selling out.
I did find their perspective on the oceanfront stay quite eyeopening. Not every family who comes to the Outer Banks craves those old mom and pop motels. Not everyone wants to be oceanfront. I suppose it is a good thing that diversity in accommodations exists to serve all who want to be here.

Sea Oatel bites the dust

While in Nags Head today I took a few pics of the demo of the Sea Oatel across from Owens restaurant. I noted the new sign which advertises the oceanfront lots for sale. They have not been listed in the MLS yet, so I don't know a price.

NOW, it's beautiful weather!

Yesterday was gorgeous and today is promising to be equally so. The early morning temp was a very pleasant 72 degrees and the sun is shining brightly. Yesterday afternoon late the puffy little unthreatening clouds made for a colorful sunset all over the sky. It's a wonderful day at the beach!

Enough already with the rain!

Raining again today most all day. Enough! This stalled out front needs to move on out soon. Traffic is very heavy as everyone is off the beach searching for some other entertainment. I think I'd rather have the hot Bermuda high instead of this!
Grass is watered and in hyper-grow mode. Vegetables in the garden are nearly drowned. Could use a bit more sunshine now.

Update on the new Hilton in Kitty Hawk

Here's a pic taken Saturday from the beach road. It's getting bigger and bigger, a much larger footprint than I thought at first.



And another a bit closer.

Massive thunderstorms roll thru

A massive thunderstorm complex just rolled thru the Outer Banks. Extreme lightening and heavy rain in Manteo. Power out for a brief time. Gust front went thru first with high straight line winds. I heard sirens for a time, but don't know any details. At 7pm it has passed to the south of us now. A quick, mighty deluge with lots of lightening, and then it's gone.

Beach day on July 4 & Man O War

On the beach at Hatteras Island July 4, 2005, we saw this Portugese Man O War washed up in the surf. They used to be fairly common on the Outer Banks beaches, but usually in cooler weather. It was unusual to see one this early in the season. Beware the tenacles of this creature if you see one floating in the water or on the beach. They do pack a whopple of a sting!

Typical, usual summer week here

There's not a whole lot exciting going on down here right now. It's the typical hot hazy summer weather with many visitors on the road. I try to stay home as much as possible to avoid the traffic. Did try one new restaurant this week and suffice it to say, once is enough, so I won't mention it by name. Might be fine for some, but not for me, and not for most of the visitors looking for nice seafood dinners.
Traffic is heavy but no worse than any other year.
I did hear the funniest complaint from a rental guest this week that I've ever heard:
This was through another rental agency, by word of mouth.
The guest called in about the noise outside around their cottage and wondered if the agency could do something. Upon investigation it was noted that they were westside near a swamp and the bullfrogs were singing their hearts out! I believe the agency said they had no control over the frogs. Goes to show what some will complain about!

Hot, Humid and slightly windy

It is definitely summertime here on the Outer Banks. The Hot, Hazy, Humid, usual forecast of summer certainly holds true today. It is a bit windy, which makes you look up to see why occasionally. Glad it's not because we are bracing as is Key West tonight in anticipation of Dennis! One of those (1999) is enough!

Fireworks in Manteo

The fireworks celebration was average and a bit late last night in Manteo. Earlier in the day many turned out for the day long festivites, and staked out a place on the waterfront for the show.


We watched the fireworks from the deck of the Waterfront complex across the harbor from IcePlant island where they shoot the main show. I wanted to see if I could get a pic of the Elizabeth Two ship under the display.

Fourth at the beach

The Fourth of July was a picture perfect chamber of commerce day on the Outer Banks. We spent it at the beach! Never let it be said the beaches are overcrowded here--you just have to know where to go (as evidenced by the following pic!)


It was just us and the Oyster Catchers!

Traffic "normal"

This hyping of the Outer Banks as one of the worst spots for traffic snarrels is just that.... hype. It is no worse than it has been in the last five years. It is no worse on the fourth of July weekend than on any other weekend in the mid summer. I kinda get tired of the posters on other boards constantly reporting on the traffic like it's a new event, and of the Weather Channel reporting this as if it never existed before! It is summer, and everyone, just like you, wants to be HERE! So there's a bit of traffic, big deal! I have had people who live in DC and New York tell me this is NOTHING compared to what they deal with on a daily basis. I guess I get a bit tired of those who want to "Doomsay" the Outer Banks, because in the end, it will do no good. Many, many will come, and we will be GLAD to have them here!
And oh yeah, the fourth of July is NOT THE busiest week here. When I was in the rental management business, it was not unusual at all to have a few vacancies on the week of the Fourth. The busiest time is mid to late July, when EVERY house is filled and the retailers and restaurantuers are HAPPY!

New Hilton construction

Went by and snapped this pic of the new Hilton construction site at the Kitty Hawk pier site yesterday. It's big!

Sunset at RV's gazebo

Snapped this while waiting for my oh-so-good $13.95 more-than-twenty-count shrimp dinner at RV's tonight.

Here's something new- Mileposts

There have appeared recently these new "half" mile posts, in between the old regular mileposts. First time I saw one, it took me a second to read it correctly!

Island Grill in Manteo review

Went and had lunch at the Island Central Grill just south of Manteo today. This is the first time we've tried them and it was great! We had the fried grouper sandwich which was HUGE! The fish was tasty and prepared just right. We chose to dine outside on one of their shaded picnic tables because there was a cool breeze today. They also have a number of tables on their screened porch for dining. Excellent lunch spot, goes on my A list.

Island Central Grill located at 928 S. Hwy 64, in front of the Dare County Justice Center and across from the Silver Bonsai gift shop.