Day Trip

I took a trip with some islanders up to Hatteras the other day. Of course they didn’t realize I was there since they couldn’t see me. It was a beautiful day and just felt like going for a spin. Luckily if you live on the island you can get a ferry pass, so we didn’t have to wait – and there was a long line of cars. Some had to wait for the next ferry. Coming back the line was really long so it was really nice to just get in the priority line and be loaded first. Course the islanders pay a lot of taxes and have to go off the island to reach a dentist, pharmacy, any large stores – so they certainly deserve to not have to wait to get going or get home.

There is lots of noise on the island about the ferry system these days. Seems the big ferries can’t run until they dredge out the channel more. We got stuck on the small ferry, but just for a few minutes and we got going again. Most didn’t realize – but I notice such things. Anyway, sure beats the old ferries we just to have to take.

It wasn’t until 1950 that a car ferry ran between Hatteras and Ocracoke. It made three scheduled departures a day and for an extra fee would make an extra trip – bringing four cars for a fee of five dollars a car. In1957 the state took over the Hatteras ferry route and made four daily runs. A private ferry started going between Ocracoke and Cedar Island in early spring of 1960, but couldn’t make ends meet. Finally the state took over the Cedar Island ferry in December 1960. It wasn’t until 1977 that the state started the Swansboro to Ocracoke ferry. So, all in all things have certainly improved. With all the growth of tourism, more improvement is needed, so I hope that happens.

It was a great trip – couldn’t have asked for a prettier day. Was fun go leave the island but glad to return in just a few hours.
Spirit of Sam Jones (SOSJ)