Yesterday was an incredible day. Sure, Ocracoke has plenty of sunny, blue-skied days, but I’m pretty sure yesterday topped them all. There was a nice easterly breeze that lowered the temperature easily by five degrees anywhere it came in contact with. I had the afternoon off, and had been dying to do some kind of outdoor activity that involved the water. Kayaking was my first idea, as it’s one of my favorite pastimes, and something I rarely get to do lately. The word “sailing”, however, was offered as an option, and it was quickly decided that the day was perfect for a sail.We slipped along in the sound for a good two hours, riding the near-perfect winds that seemed to be drummed up just for us. With the rhythmic slapping of the waves and crackle of the sails, it’s easy to fall into a kind of trance. It wasn’t long before I found myself in such a state, and, as I stared out at the endless water and sky, I thought about how much we take for granted. I know, I know – it’s an age-old lesson. We’ve all heard it or felt it from time to time. Yet, still, it bears thinking upon.
Don’t get me wrong – I love living on Ocracoke. But I realized in the day-to-day toil and grind, I’ve come to neglect key parts of the island and have overlooked that which I do love so much, like being on the water. I think the closest I ever came to seeing Ocracoke from a tourist’s perspective was when I was in college. A twelve-hour trip meant home visits were rare, and, so, when I was able to come home for a bit I relished every second of it. I walked on the beach everyday, I found excuses to get in the water probably every couple hours, and I relaxed.
It’s this appreciation that makes tourists very lucky. They get to see treasures for the first time that we locals see everyday. In our daily errands or rides to work, everything begins to blur together. Of course, I’m not saying we’re blind to what we have; you won’t find a local who wouldn’t say they’re blessed to live here. Sometimes, though, maybe we don’t lend enough mental awareness and time to the enjoyment of island pursuits. So I decided to make a list, for locals and visitors alike, of things we should make time for, or, in the visitors’ case, be aware of as possibilities. There’s a cornucopia of outdoor Ocracoke activities alone, so I’ll narrow the list down for now.
Kayaking – In my opinion, this is one of the best ways to see Ocracoke intimately. You can paddle out to little sandbar islands and have a picnic, or just drift along the contours of the island, spotting all manner of wildlife that doesn’t necessarily venture into the village. Don’t have a kayak? There are plenty places to rent one on the island, and even pick up a guided tour.
Sailing – Of course not everyone owns a sailboat, and for those who aren’t fortunate to have friends who do, there’s always a sunset cruise to be had on the Windfall II. There’s just something so special and ageless to the feel of sailing. Trust me on this one, you won’t regret it.
Fishing – Whether in the surf, the sound or the Gulf, fishing is a very exciting way to experience Ocracoke. From the beginning, fishing was the primary way to make a living before the island became accessible. It’s not only a way of life, but an integral part of Ocracoke’s history. Plus, there isn’t much that can compare to the initial thrill of a tug on your line and the adrenaline rush of fighting to reel in your catch. You just can’t beat it. For visitors, there are multiple charter boats that can take you out for a day of fishing.
Clamming – One of the biggest things I love about summer is clamming. I’m a big proponent for providing for oneself, and clamming is such a nice, relaxing way to bring home some dinner. Don’t get me wrong - there’s work involved, and your arms will get sore, but you get to spend all day in the water and taking your time observing aquatic habitats while hauling in potential clam casinos, fritters and chowder.
Visit Portsmouth – Ocracoke’s “sister” island, Portsmouth is located a hop, skip and a jump just southwest of us. You can take a charter boat over for the day and visit the historic village. Or you can spend the entire day on Portsmouth’s beach, and there’s a good chance you may never see a single person there, giving you the impression that the island was reserved just for you. Portsmouth reminds a lot of the older Ocracoke natives what it was like growing up here. It’s rife with nostalgia, which can even be picked up on by tourists.
And, of course, even just beach bumming is more than a sufficient way to attain appreciation for sun, sand and water. So if you’re a visitor, get out there and really experience some of the best Ocracoke has to offer. If you’re a local, sure, we’ve all got to make a living, but we all need a break once in awhile just for mental health’s sake. Go out and rediscover the things you love best about Ocracoke.
“Until tomorrow and tomorrow and tomorrow”
Your Ocracoke Island Blogger
Chrisi
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