Fish and Nacho Chips

The 500 plus anglers in the Ocracoke Island Surf Fishing Tournament couldn't ask for more perfect weather. Some big bluefish were caught yesterday afternoon. Last night was quiet in the village--everyone is saving up for the celebratory pig pickin' at the Community Center tonight.

And Tomorrow is Cinco de Mayo.  Margaritas for everyone!

Car Wash Disco

Ocracoke is a great place to live. It is also a challenging place to earn a living.

A frequent dinner party topic is viable enterprises that appeal to visitors and don't take a bite out of another pie. My sister and brother in law came back from a vacation in the Dominican Republic enthusiastic about the many, many car wash discos.

During the day, you hang out, clean and polish the body, engine, tires and interior, and as the sunlight fades, the music gets turned up and the community dance party begins.

We all agreed that while this is not a good business plan for Ocracoke, we should certainly make time to maintain our vehicles, and to dance and party. It's the wisdom of the islands.

the gift of giving

Ocracoke shops have dusted off their shelves, swept the floors, and opened the doors to the Holy Week and Easter visitors. My sister has been in her shop, Over the Moon, re-arranging displays. It's a remarkably effective trick shopkeepers use to make customers think they have new products.

I ran around the shops yesterday looking for belated birthday gifts for both my brother and law and friend Sarah. I saw many items that would enhance my enjoyment of my Ocracoke Island house, but I wasn't shopping for me!

In the end, I went with gift certificates for both, so that they too can have the pleasure of shopping (men like picking out lures, right?).

Back to Work

This afternoon my season officially starts! Today we'll finish setting up the Cafe Atlantic and taste some wines; tomorrow we welcome the first customers of 2012.

Last week my fearless nephews went swimming in the Atlantic, and I followed suit a few days later. Spring is in full swing here on Ocracoke, and there is no reason not to visit, take advantage of off season rates on rental homes, and enjoy the warm welcome that invariably comes at the beginning of the season.

A new banker pony --a stallion from Corolla -- was added to the herd over the winter. Stop by and say hello to Alonso during your visit.

daffodils and bright faces

Spring break means the first small crowds of the season on Ocracoke Island. Everywhere you go, there are out of state license plates in restaurant parking lots, and strolling tourists.

Ocracokers have a tradition of greeting people they pass in the street. It's been nice to say hello to a few unfamiliar faces.

Island homeowners are outside working in their yards and gardens. Yesterday I took a walk to Springer's Point, where half a dozen Ocracoke teenagers were lounging in the sunshine. What a fine idea.

Don't forget about me!

Sorry, dedicated readers. There is a blog that features apologetic posts from neglectful bloggers. I'm trying not to be featured there. (I have been writing about Ocracoke Island, just on OcracokeCurrent.com).

Blue Herons Vacation site is a better place to tell you that Ocracoke is gearing up for the summer. Dajio Restaurant opened last week, and already has good crowds in the dining room and a lively group at the patio bar most nights.

Howard's Pub and Creekside Cafe both open this weekend, and within the month other island restaurants and shops will be ready to do business, including some new ones!

Even though the weather's gotten cool for the first time all winter, the first tourists are arriving, rental homes and vacation cottages are being spring cleaned and readied for the season, and it is clear our long winter after Irene is coming to an end.

The Ocracoke Dolphins won their second baseball game of the season, and their first ever victory for the program, which is new this year. Josie Winstead is a female player on the team. Today she got on base and scored! Way to be an inspiration, Josie!

Flip Flops in February

The sun is warm, birds are singing, and it is the first day of Lent!

My day started with a wine tasting, of all things, and now I'm idling on my porch, reveling in the spring-like weather. Ocracoke is a mighty fine place to be right now. All of my windows are open, my feet are propped up, and I have a stack of magazines at hand.

It feels like being on vacation, which is exactly how a bright, comfy day on Ocracoke should feel.