Category: Travel

OBX Great Island Adventure

We have been loosely planning this trip for nearly 3 years. We knew we would have to have a 4wd vehicle capable of moving around on the sand roads on the island.  Gearing up for the trip was a big part of the fun. We were prepared and did not lack a thing.

Explore the Undeveloped Islands of Cape Lookout

Our cabin from this Google earth view is the one on the left.

The Davis Ferry, when we arrived had only one ferry that can handle 2 vehicles.  We headed over as the only vehicle and came back with another pickup truck.  Chugga-chugga-chugga.

Once we got underway on the ferry, the chop was rough.  The truck rocked back and forth and the ride was somewhat exciting. The trip is about 40 minutes from the mainland to the island.

We rented one of the larger cabins on the Great island National Seashore.

The surf was wild on Monday.  Some of the wave were up to 9 feet high.

Cathy kept us very well organized and fed.  She is one of the most adaptable woman I have ever known and am so happy to have her as my constant companion.

This is our indoor rest spot.  We could look out the windows to see the shorline and the crashing surf.  The constant, powerful rolling of the waves is hypnotic.

Our 100 watt solar panel kept the 12 volt deep cycle marine battery charged.  We were able to keep out mobile devices fully charged the entire time we stayed. With little drain on the battery, even after recharging a laptop, the solar panel gave the battery a full charge within a few short hours.

Here you see both phones and a laptop being charged at once.  Charging these up to full charge only drops the battery to about 85%.  It takes only a few hours to bring the battery up to a full charge. I spent about $200 for the folding 100watt solar panel and around $80 for the deep cycle marine battery. Throw in another $40 for the battery box, wiring, fuse, switches, and receptacle and you have a great power system for a little over $300.

Since we could easily recharge our laptops, we watched a full feature movie each night with video files stored on a standalone USB drive.  This feature was “7 Years in Tibet” with Brad Pitt on the night this photo was taken.

 

The propane stove was very workable and much more convenient than a Coleman stove or propane burner alone. Cat made biscuits and toast several meals. It worked out very well.  Pictured is the same percolator pot that Cathy’s parents used when camping.

With the exception of a handful of 4WD vehicles on the beach, it was practically deserted. The peaceful privacy was wonderful.  It’s fun to finally let the stress go and hear yourself think (or not).

The Lodge cast iron grill worked out well.  I started the charcoal with pieces of oak kindling and the constant ocean breeze had the coals white hot in minutes. I’m still working on getting the grill well seasoned.  I purchased 3 split fire bricks to allow it to sit on most any surface.

 

The mornings were inspiring and, again, very peaceful with only the crashing waves breaking the silence along with the numerous waterfowl. The pictures above and below are sunsets over the sound facing the mainland. The small structure is where you can place a generator which allows the cabin to be fully lighted.

Sunrise is beautiful over the dunes facing the sea. 

 

The 12 mile ride at 15-20 MPH to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse was a bit of an adventure on its own.  This is where we realized that a 4WD vehicle is a must to traverse the back road.

 

After a 12 mile trek on the one lane sand back road, we finally made it to the Cape Lookout Lighthouse. It was a bit rainy and overcast.  We saw less than a handful of people.

Some folks were catching fish, but the surf was so rough that the fishing was not optimum.  It was still fun to cast a line out into the raging surf. We spoke with one fellow that told us that someone in his party had landed a 50 pound black drum and it took him 30 minutes to pull it to shore.  There are fish out there.

The refrigeration situation was excellent.  The RTIC 45 quart cooler kept an 11″x11″ block of ice for 7 entire days. This is phenomenal in my opinion. I used a large commercial cole slaw container to freeze the block of ice.  It takes up half the cooler, but one half gives lots of space for long term meat and dairy storage.  The utility tables were great for placing our food items, misc. gear.  Although there is nothing fancy about the cabin interior, it was very adequate and kept us dry during the stormy Monday when there were gale force winds blowing outside. You have to enjoy camping to enjoy staying in these cabins.

By Tuesday, we were soaking up the sunshine on the beach. We had a great time on the Great Island.

Shot of the truck bed as we began loading up before we headed west for the mountains.  Loading and unloading is the hardest part of it all, but it is very economical and it’s a good workout. We believe this sort of camping is only done in a moderate climate since it does take some work.

Helpful tips for those who may want to stay on the Great Island National Seashore on the Outer Banks of North Carolina:

  • Bring fresh water.  The water is potable, but not as fresh as the water most of us normally enjoy. We took 12 gallons and used maybe 6-7 for about 4 days.
  • There is cell service on the island, so don’t think you are completely isolated.  The reception can be sketchy though.
  • A 4 wheel drive vehicle is necessary in my opinion.  Many folks drop their air pressure down to 20 pounds. I left mine at 40 pounds. The park ranger told me that since the sand was still wet after a great deal of rain, I’d be fine.  I never had any issues.  Of course, the Nito Terra Grappler G2 tires are excellent and they handled it with no sweat.  Keep in mind that if you can’t talk someone into getting you out of a fix in the sand, there are only 2 services that will come out and pull you out at a minimum charge of $500-$800.  Take a recovery strap rated for your vehicle, D-rings, shovel, and boards to help get you out of a sandy rut.
  • Bring books, games, cards, and other things to keep you entertained, especially when it rains which it did during part of our stay.  We brought  our own power system and portable devices and that helps too.  Fishing, cooking, and walking along the beach take up a lot of time as well as a few naps too.
  • Your fishing bait will not stay fresh very long unless you keep if constantly iced down and even then, since it is uncooked seafood, it won’t last long.  So keep that in mind.  There is no bait for sale on the island, only ice and fuel.  Fish will strike on artificial bait.
  • The cabins are very basic, so don’t expect too much.  There is a LOT of salt and sand to deal with.  Bring whisk brooms, bench brushes, etc. and expect to do a lot of sweeping.  We had a piece of astroturf rug and a woven rough rug for indoors and that makes a BIG difference in tracking sand.  There are a lot of charcoal remnants here and there mixed in with the sand in spots, so expect your feet to get fairly dirty over the course of a day.  The shower is great, bring a small scrub brush to get your feet clean in the cabin. The stall shower in our cabin was very workable.
  • Make sure you bring a good cooler or you will be purchasing $5 bags of ice every few days.  I can’t say enough about our RTIC cooler (a YETI clone) which worked extremely well for keeping out highly perishables.
  • Prepare to sleep well. The mattresses on the bunk beds are a bit deceiving.  There are much “cushier” than you would first believe.  Cat brought mattress pads and sheets as well as our sleeping bags.  It was very comfortable.  After a full day of activity here, you pass out when your head hits the pillow.  All you hear are the white noise of the crashing waves pounding on the beach.
  • I would NOT advise coming here in the summer unless you have a generator and portable air conditioner.  Spring and Fall are the best times even though the storms are usually more prevalent during those time periods.  In late April, the nights were in the mid 50s F.  and up to the low 70s F. during the day. Perfect temperatures for camping like this.
  • Finally, a place where you can hear yourself think. Have FUN!!

PS – Head to the nearest carwash after returning to the mainland.  You’ll want to get as much of that salt and sand off the vehicle as soon as possible.

Beating the Summertime Blues

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It’s been a good summer and hot!  Cat and I spotted a couple of barred owls outside our home one morning on Mother’s Day.  We’ve enjoyed hearing them call to each other the early morning hours.

The 12 tomato plants have provided plenty of great fruit this year even though it has been quite dry.  All I’ve had to do is pick them and water occasionally.  Lycopene heaven. They taste very good this year and will surely miss them this coming winter.

We spent the July the 4th weekend in the Pisgah National Forest on the Blue Ridge Parkway camping in the mountains.  The temperature was in the  mid to late 70s with lows in the early 60s at night. Perfect.  It was in the 90s down below.  I believe we were camping just above 5,000 feet.  It is gorgeous up there.

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Later this month we travel to Vancouver Island along the Johnstone Straits outfitted by Grey Wolf Expeditions.  We’ll be camping for 4 days whale watching, salmon fishing, kayaking,  and simply relaxing.

 

Super Strong Homemade Insect Repellent Recipe

Fair warning: this stuff stinks when it is wet! (though the smell disappears as it dries).  Supposedly, the recipe is based on a recipe that was used by thieves during the Black Plague to keep from getting sick. It was used to avoid catching the disease and to keep the flies and other pests away. According to legend, it worked and they survived… but it definitely makes a great insect repellent these days! Its also very inexpensive to make and you may have the ingredients in your kitchen!

Vinegar of the Four Thieves Insect Repellent Ingredients

  • 1 32 ounce bottle of Apple Cider Vinegar
  • 2 TBSP each of dried Sage, Rosemary, Lavender, Thyme and Mint
  • At least quart size glass jar with airtight lid
  • How to Make the Vinegar of the Four Thieves Insect Repellent
  1. Put the vinegar and dried herbs into large glass jar.
  2. Seal tightly and store on counter or place you will see it daily. Shake well each day for 2-3 weeks.
  3. After 2-3 weeks, strain the herbs out and store in spray bottles or tincture bottles, preferably in fridge.
  4. To use on skin, dilute to half with water in a spray bottle and use as needed.

Use whenever you need serious bug control!
(Note: This mixture is very strong and has been reported to have antiviral and antibacterial properties)

37 Priceless Dalai Lama Quotes

Avery Island Jungle Garden
Avery Island Jungle Garden

The 14th Dalai Lama

  1. “I always tell my Western friends that it is best to keep your own tradition. Changing religion is not easy and sometimes causes confusion. You must value your tradition and honor your own religion.”
  2. “It is not enough to be compassionate, we must act.”
  3. “If you can, help others; if you cannot do that, at least do not harm them.”
  4. “Be kind whenever possible. It is always possible.”
  5. “When you are discontent, you always want more, more, more. Your desire can never be satisfied. But when you practice contentment, you can say to yourself, ‘Oh yes — I already have everything that I really need.”
  6. “A good friend who points out mistakes and imperfections and rebukes evil is to be respected as if he reveals the secret of some hidden treasure.”
  7. “Hard times build determination and inner strength. Through them we can also come to appreciate the uselessness of anger. Instead of getting angry nurture a deep caring and respect for troublemakers because by creating such trying circumstances they provide us with invaluable opportunities to practice tolerance and patience.”
  8. “Where ignorance is our master, there is no possibility of real peace.”
  9. “You must not hate those who do wrong or harmful things; but with compassion, you must do what you can to stop them — for they are harming themselves, as well as those who suffer from their actions.”
  10. “When we feel love and kindness toward others, it not only makes others feel loved and cared for, but it helps us also to develop inner happiness and peace.”
  11. “Whether one is rich or poor, educated or illiterate, religious or non-believing, man or woman, black, white, or brown, we are all the same. Physically, emotionally, and mentally, we are all equal. We all share basic needs for food, shelter, safety, and love. We all aspire to happiness and we all shun suffering. Each of us has hopes, worries, fears, and dreams. Each of us wants the best for our family and loved ones. We all experience pain when we suffer loss and joy when we achieve what we seek. On this fundamental level, religion, ethnicity, culture, and language make no difference.”
  12. “Compassion is not religious business, it is human business, it is not luxury, it is essential for our own peace and mental stability, it is essential for human survival.”
  13. “Life is as dear to a mute creature as it is to man. Just as one wants happiness and fears pain, just as one wants to live and not die, so do other creatures.”
  14. “Every single being, even those who are hostile to us, is just as afraid of suffering as we are, and seeks happiness in the same way we do. Every person has the same right as we do to be happy and not to suffer. So let’s take care of others wholeheartedly, of both our friends and our enemies. This is the basis for true compassion.”
  15. “I don’t know whether the universe, with its countless galaxies, stars and planets, has a deeper meaning or not, but at the very least, it is clear that we humans who live on this earth face the task of making a happy life for ourselves. Therefore, it is important to discover what will bring about the greatest degree of happiness.”
  16. “We need to learn how to want what we have NOT to have what we want in order to get steady and stable Happiness”
  17. “An open heart is an open mind.”
  18. “Sometimes one creates a dynamic impression by saying something, and sometimes one creates as significant an impression by remaining silent.”
  19. “I believe all suffering is caused by ignorance. People inflict pain on others in the selfish pursuit of their happiness or satisfaction. Yet true happiness comes from a sense of inner peace and contentment, which in turn must be achieved through the cultivation of altruism, of love and compassion and elimination of ignorance, selfishness and greed.”
  20. “Share your knowledge. It is a way to achieve immortality.”
  21. “We are but visitors on this planet. We are here for ninty or one hundred years at the very most. During that period, we must try to do something good, something useful with our lives. If you contribute to other people’s happiness, you will find the true goal, the true meaning of life.”
  22. “Someone else’s action should not determine your response.”
  23. “The very purpose of our life is to seek happiness.”
  24. “One problem with our current society is that we have an attitude towards education as if it is there to simply make you more clever, make you more ingenious… Even though our society does not emphasize this, the most important use of knowledge and education is to help us understand the importance of engaging in more wholesome actions and bringing about discipline within our minds. The proper utilization of our intelligence and knowledge is to effect changes from within to develop a good heart.”
  25. “Happiness doesn’t always come from a pursuit. Sometimes it comes when we least expect it.”
  26. “Anger is the ultimate destroyer of your own peace of mind”
  27. “Let us try to recognize the precious nature of each day.”
  28. “If a problem can be solved it will be. If it can not be solved there is no use worrying about it.”
  29. “Time passes unhindered. When we make mistakes, we cannot turn the clock back and try again. All we can do is use the present well.”
  30. “With realization of one’s own potential and self-confidence in one’s ability, one can build a better world.”
  31. “It is very rare or almost impossible that an event can be negative from all points of view.”
  32. “We discover that all human beings are just like us, so we are able to relate to them more easily. That generates a spirit of friendship in which there is less need to hide what we feel or what we are doing.”
  33. “Non-violence means dialogue, using our language, the human language. Dialogue means compromise; respecting each other’s rights; in the spirit of reconciliation there is a real solution to conflict and disagreement. There is no hundred percent winner, no hundred percent loser—not that way but half-and-half. That is the practical way, the only way.”
  34. “Because we all share an identical need for love, it is possible to feel that anybody we meet, in whatever circumstances, is a brother or sister.”
  35. “If I am only happy for myself, many fewer chances for happiness. If I am happy when good things happen to other people, billions more chances to be happy!”
  36. “It is our collective and individual responsibility to preserve and tend to the environment in which we all live.”
  37. “pain is inevitable,suffering is optional… we have bigger houses,but smaller families. More conveniences,but less time. We have knowledge,but less judgements; more experts,but more problems ; more medicines but less health.”

 

Fishing Ocracoke Island in October

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Here’s Why I Got Excited About Fishing and Relaxing on Ocracoke Island in October:

“There is an old saying that tells us the best day to go fishing is today. This is especially true if today happens to fall in October!” – Ocracoke Fishing: October on the Beach

“Prime Time: April through June and mid-September through late November
Why: The drum bite is outstanding. Big bulls, averaging between 40 and 50 inches, arrive in early April, leave for the summer and then return again in the fall.
How: Although these drum can be chased by boat, Ocracoke is the best place to catch a monster red from the surf. “Drumheads” use heavy-action, 12-foot surf rods called heavers to launch eight-ounce leads and menhaden chunks into the stratosphere and onto the outer bar.” – Saltwater Sportsman – 20 Greatest Fishing Spots on Earth

“Ocracoke Island is still part of the Outer Banks, and big surf and coarse-grained beaches are the rule here. This island can be reached by a free state ferry from Hatteras. I enjoy tossing crackers up into the air off the back of the ferry boat and watching the trailing sea gulls put on their acrobatic show. Ocracoke is a special place; it is my favorite getaway beach. Here you will find some of the finest, wild beaches in the country, and the water quality is at the top of the charts as there is literally nothing way out there to pollute it. Don’t come here expecting to play golf or planning to stay at a resort destination hotel; there is no Ritz on the beach or fast food joints for that matter. The main pursuits are swimming (best at Airport Beach area), shelling (especially on the north end), and general beachcombing along the 16-mile long shore. It’s also fun to ride bicycles through the historic village of Ocracoke, located on the south end of the island.” – Dr. Beach on Ocracoke Island

After visiting the outer banks of North Carolina last spring taking the 2 1/2 hour ferry ride over, we decided that we would come back in the fall.  When we visited, there were quite a few people on the tiny island and lots of 4-wheel drive trucks with specialized racks loaded with large rods and reels.  there seem to be more bait shops than grocery markets on the island.  You can tell without a doubt that fishing on Ocracoke Island is BIG.

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Zack’s Take on Ocracoke

“Not a “tourist trap” Ocracoke is a real fishing village with about 1500 permanent residents. Don’t expect to find chain stores or restaurants or supermarkets. Ocracoke is a step back in time and is very quiet and spiritual. You can only get there by water. A ferry runs from Cape Hatteras to the north end of the island. The town is on the very southern end and the rest of the island is entirely open beach with huge dunes and big surf. Being near Cape Hatteras NC they get good waves with a sandy bottom. Once in awhile you see a shark and the incident this past summer at Avon, NC was highly unusual. You see a lot of bottle-nosed dolphin and porpoise. You can still build camp fires on the beach at night and sing and play music under the pitch dark starry sky. We like to organize flashlight-tag through the dunes which stretch for miles. There are 2 good camp grounds on the island and we weren’t bothered when we slept out on the beach. Ocracoke is NOT for wild parties and commercial noise. If you want a great place to surf and get close to nature and God this is it. ”

I Started Gearing Up

I’ve been fishing fresh water all of my life since I was about 7 years old. So, I have always had several rods and reels ready to go to the lake or river.  When camping in the Florida Keys with my Dad in my late teens, he and I caught Mangrove Snappers and Sand Sharks on shrimp.  All of the fish caught in a quiet lagoon.  After learning about the excitement of surf casting and fishing, I realized that I needed larger and more suitable gear for surf fishing.  Since I did not want to spend a fortune on gear, I decided on an 12′ Okuma rod coupled with a Penn Fierce reel, the FRC8000:

Okuma Tundra Surf Glass Spinning Rod
Okuma Tundra Surf Glass Spinning Rod
Penn Fishing FRC8000 Firece Spinning Reel
Penn Fishing FRC8000 Firece Spinning Reel

This combo if far from the top-of-the-line salt water rods and reels, but it will last a while if rinsed off with fresh water and lubricated from time to time. I won’t be a frequent surf fisherman, but I intend to do it from time to time into my retirement.

While I was at it, I purchased a rig that would work for both fresh and salt water.  The rod not a little more than half the length of the Okuma rod, a Shakespeare Ugly Stix GX2v (at 6 1/2 feet long), and a Penn Battle II (BLTII5000) reel.  I figured it would allow for more flexible fishing spots and is not nearly as unwieldy as the Okuma/Penn Fierce combo.

 

Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod
Shakespeare Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod
PENN Battle II Spinning, BTLII5000 Spinning Reel
PENN Battle II Spinning, BTLII5000 Spinning Reel This is a gorgeous reel and smooth as silk

I decided to spool 30lb braided line on both reels.  Their are pro and cons for and against braid and mono-filament lines.  I chose to go the road less traveled. There is a lot more line on the reel after spooling up with braid. I also purchased a clearance spool of 65lb test braided line for my shock leader.

Since I will be using braided line which will slice a finger off in a heartbeat if you are not careful, I got  single finger fishing glove:

Black Non slip Fishing Glove Single-finger Gloves
Black Non slip Fishing Glove Single-finger Gloves

Just in case I happen to get a nice fish on the 12′ rig, I found out that I may need a fish fighting belt so that I’d have 2 hands free to reel the fish up onto the beach:

Angler'S Choice Super Pad Deluxe Belt
Angler’S Choice Super Pad Deluxe Belt

Should I happen to land a big fish, I knew I would need an accurate set of fish scales too:

Rapala 50lb Digital Scale
Rapala 50lb Digital Scale

The scales got decent reviews by a fairly large number of people, so I went with the Rapala 50LB digital scale. The first one I received was DOA, but Amazon made good and I got a replacement within 2 weeks.

Not being familiar with the numerous species of fish along the Outer Banks, the Outer Banks Fish ID Guide was also necessary. This one is heavily laminated and will hold up fairly well along the outer banks shorline:

Fish-Id Guide Outer Banks of North Carolina
Fish-Id Guide Outer Banks of North Carolina

Terminal Tackle

It looks like a fish-finder rig will be the one I use the most.  I’m planning on using 80lb mono-filament line and 6/0 circle hooks.  I have a good selection of pyramid sinkers from 3 to 6 ounces. Since I am a novice at serious surf casting with a fairly big rig, there will be some trial and error.  My smaller rig of the 6-1/2′ Ugly Stick / Penn Battle spinning reel (can’t wait to use this combo), I want to attempt to fish for flounder. I may use a 2 hook setup. The smaller rig I will work, the large one will be casting out and waiting.  At least, that is the plan.

Bait

What little saltwater fishing I have done in the past off piers, jetties, and offshore charters, I have almost always used squid.  It seems to be the near “universal” bait.  I’ve had a lot of luck using squid.  On the other hand, I’d like to put some live fish on the hook and attempt to catch a larger fish.  I think the people at Tradewinds Tackle will be able to help.  It seems that the fresher the bait, the better the chances.

I’ve got a small cast net and may attempt to put it to use if I spot any schools of smaller fish in the shallows. Also, I understand that “sand fleas” (those hard shelled crabs that burrow into the sand as the water washes away from the shore). So, lots of choices and things to try when  it come to bait.  On top of it all, Cathy and I will be enjoying the wonderful seashore on the Atlantic coast.

Dirt Track Life in the South

Dirt track racing is a way of life down south for a lot of folks. There are rules, but all the same, it is some wild, wild racing. The locals love it as they show up week after week. Cost to get in to watch the race at the Winder, Georgia Speedway is $10 a head.  Each race starts with a prayer and the playing of the Star Spangled Banner. There are a few warm up rounds and the racing begins.  The dust is flying, the smell of gasoline, rubber, and motor oil mixes with the aroma of onion rings, hot dogs, hamburgers, and beer.  It’s all over at 11 p.m. and it starts all over again the next Saturday night.  The gates open at 4 p.m. and you can bring your grill and food and tailgate the entire time.  Dirt track racing is real, down-home fun with no pretenses – just good old fashioned, country fun.

Bonaventure Cemetery – Eliza

Eliza Wilhelmina was the devoted wife of Thomas N. Theus. She died on February 21, 1895 and was buried at Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, GA.  Thomas N. Theus, Eliza’s husband, was a confederate soldier who served in Captain Wheaton’s Company, Chatham Artillery. He took his place at Eliza’s side eight years after her death on November 28, 1903.

Thomas Nichol Theus.

SAVANNAH, Ga., Nov. 28 — Thomas Nichol Theus, a well known Savannahian who was prominently related in Georgia and South Carolina, died at an early hour this morning.  He made a dying request that he be buried in Confederate gray, and he himself named six pall-bearers, all Confederate veterans.” [Macon Telegraph (Georgia), 29 November 1903, pg. 2

The tomb of Thomas N. Theus and his wife Eliza Wilhelmina at the Bonaventure Cemetery in Savannah, Georgia. Thomas Theus, as the tomb indicates, was a Confederate soldier who survived the war. He buried his wife in 1895 and joined her eight years later in 1903.  Theus lived in Savannah and served in the Chatham Artillery – a four gun unit during the Civil War under the command of Captain John F. Wheaton whose most notable battle was the repulse of a Federal invasion at the Battle of Olustee, Florida in July of 1864. The unit surrendered in Greensboro, North Carolina on April 26, 1865.