Solving World Problems
Ocracoke Island, one of the barrier islands along the NC coast, is such a quaint village. The ferry ride is about a 45 minute experience in itself. I like getting out of my car and taking in the abundance of nature and meeting other folks going over. I’ve seen dolphins escorting the ferry across the water, sea gulls, pelicans, etc. Stepping onto the island soil, one immediately feels the relaxing, laid back lifestyle of the residents as well as the visitors. Even if you take your car over, there is much to do just walking or biking. One day a friend and I were navigating the island and turned down a road we had not visited before. Small, quaint homes adorned the dirt road and we came upon a pond. Thankful to have had my camera with me, I grabbed it and got this wonderful little scene of ducks facing the water, appearing to be solving the problems of our world. Oh, were it that easy! ...
Read MoreNC’s Wild Horses
NC Tourism boasts the Wild Horses maintained along the coast for hundreds of years. They all descend from the Spanish Mustangs brought to the area in the 1500s. NC has three residences for the horses in Shackleford, Corolla and Ocracoke. Those on Shackleford roam totally free as there are no human inhabitants there. In Ocracoke they are fenced in and in Corolla, they roam somewhat free among the dunes, beach and vegetation area. All are looked after by the National Park Service. On Ocracoke Island, the horses can easily be seen on the sound side of Highway 12. These horses are fenced in and I was quite tickled to see the two I viewed each had their own “personal valet,” an egret keeping their area clean and void of irritation from flies. Ugh! They are beautiful animals and quite the survivors having been dumped off shipwrecks hundreds of years...
Read MoreStrength Comes from Pruning
Ocracoke Island on the NC Outer Banks is one of my favorite places to visit, relaxing and commune with my Creator. This old tree is on the lawn of the 1837 Wahab House and I feel a sense of calm and strength viewing it. Since a child, I have been quite fond of Spanish Moss and, yet, my eyes are more drawn to the visible areas of healthy pruning. I see nearly ten in this photo. How about you? (Click to enlarge photo.) Thinking of this tree having lasted so many years near the power of the ocean, having weathered many storms – even very destructive hurricanes, and still it stands strong adding character and beauty to the village. On my last visit during Thanksgiving 2010, while shooting this photo, I found myself thinking about just how much people and trees are alike. Some, we admire for their strength and others for their beauty or their protection. This Tree of Life certainly reminds me about some of us, as we age or experience health issues, get a pruning here and there which enables us to continue to grow, prosper and...
Read MoreOcracoke Lighthouse
Ocracoke Island on the North Carolina Outer Banks is one of my favorite places to visit. The quaint village dating back to the 1700s was made famous by the well-known pirate, Blackbeard. Blackbeard was killed on November 22, 1718. It was a pirate haven and was permanently settled in 1750. Today, it is a serene fishing village and quiet tourist area. The Ocracoke Lighthouse was built in 1823 and today is the oldest lighthouse in NC still in continuous use. It is the 2nd oldest in the United States in continuous service. I love going to the sleepy village of Ocracoke and the lighthouse is my favorite of all I have visited. The Ocracoke Lighthouse was constructed for just over $11,000. A great place visit. ...
Read MoreWhat's Your Passion?
National Audubon Society
Help support the efforts of our National Audubon Society in conservation of natural bird habitats. Visit: www.birds.audubon.org