Ocracoke 2

Ocracoke Island, NC
No LL

This is the second time this year we visited Ocracoke Island.  The first time, last May, we stayed here four days seeking shelter from a gale.

I know many of you have been here as tourists.   Ocracoke really is a delightful tourist stop.  I'd say it must be the jewel of the outer banks.   It certainly beats the hyper development of places like Roanoke Island.    For example, look at the picture below.  As I ham it up on the stage where they show the Lost Colony Pagent, behind me is an area so developed that it looks like downtown Philadelphia. 

By contrast, Ocracoke appears to be developed just enough (As of today.  I have no idea what their future holds.)   It retains a small town atmophere and outer banks culture.   I tried talking to the ferry captains on the radio a few times and their brouge is so strong I could hardly understand them.  See Hoi Toide.

We had a great surprise when we arrived here.  In the harbor was Viking Rose , a Westsail 42 (not 32), with Richard, Penny and their dog Otis aboard.   They are great cruising friends and we're delighted to meet up with them once again.

On the down side, this island and this week is invested with the most voracious mosquitoes I've ever seen.   During a 10 minute walk back to the boat yesterday I had to kill up to 20 of those things on my arms and legs.  Worse, every one I killed was full with my fresh blood.   The little buggers could land and bite in just seconds.    At night, we kept the boat shut tight except for the screened hatch in the companionway.   Dozens of mosquitoes butted their heads furiously on that screen trying to get at us.