The sea birds have the watch. I'm not sure of the precise
location where I shot this photo, but it was on the Outer Banks of North
Carolina. I enjoy the Outer Banks because, like the Florida Keys, they extend
miles into the ocean. The distance, over water, between the mainland and the
Hatteras Light is about 25 miles. That's roughly half the distance between the
coast of Florida and Grand Bahama Island, the closest island in the Bahama
chain to the U.S.
About 70 miles of the Outer Banks is preserved as the
Hatteras National Seashore. And, of course, as are most ocean locations, the
Outer Banks (abbreviated OBX) is a favorite tourist destination. One of the
endearing things about OBX is that it has not been turned into a cramped,
congested, tourist trap. There are numerous small, family-owned motel and
efficiency apartment accommodations and a few of the larger chain motels. But,
there is a plethora of cottages and beach houses ranging from one or two
bedroom modest dwellings to larger 4, 5 and 6 bedroom homes designed to
accommodate larger families and family groups. As of my last visit, no huge,
glitzy mega monster condos and luxury hotels have appeared. It would be my
guess that this is by design to maintain the family atmosphere of the Outer
Banks. There is also a healthy year round population supported by tourism,
retail, construction/renovation and commercial fishing.
Like any coastal region, one must be aware of Mother Nature.
She can whip up some very destructive storms and hurricanes. These weather
events are certainly not uncommon to those who live on the OBX year round. The
recent Super Storm, Sandy brushed the islands and created some havoc, but last
year's Hurricane Irene dealt a much more direct blow and considerable damage.
However, I still find OBX a perfect place to just go to sit on the beach during
all four seasons and help these sea birds . . . just watch.
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