Suspensions or Delays Could Continue for Hatteras-Ocracoke Ferry Route

RALEIGH - Travelers using the Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry route could encounter delays, load weight restrictions and possible suspensions due to extreme shoaling of the Hatteras Inlet channel. Brisk northeast winds, lower than normal tides and the narrow channel situation has created a safety issue that requires constant monitoring by the N.C. Department of Transportations Ferry Division.

The shoaling in the channel began post-Hurricane Irene. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is working to resolve the problem, as the channel falls under federal jurisdiction.

Visitors to our area need to be apprised of the situation, stressed Ferry Director Harold Thomas. He is calling upon local residents, businesses, restaurants, motels and vacation home rental agencies to assist in spreading the word.

Sunday evening, May 6, some visitors had to remain on both sides of the route when operations were suspended due to the unsafe conditions. Getting people where they need to go safely is our top priority and we want to get the word out that conditions at the inlet can change in an instant, Thomas said.

For more information call the Hatteras terminal at 252-986-2353 for updates.

Researchers Find New Clue to Lost Colony

The Lost Colony has always been an intriguing mystery that surrounds the Outer Banks. Well, a new look at a 425-year-old map has yielded a tantalizing clue about the fate of the Lost Colony, the settlers who disappeared from North Carolina's Roanoke Island in the late 16th century.

The focus: the "Virginea Pars" map of Virginia and North Carolina created by explorer John White in the 1580s and owned by the British Museum since 1866."We believe that this evidence provides conclusive proof that they moved westward up the Albemarle Sound to the confluence of the Chowan and Roanoke rivers," said James Horn, vice president of research and historical interpretation at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation and author of a 2010 book about the Lost Colony.

Attached to the map are two patches. One patch appears to merely correct a mistake on the map, but the other — in what is modern-day Bertie County in northeastern North Carolina — hides what appears to be a fort. Another symbol, appearing to be the very faint image of a different kind of fort, is drawn on top of the patch. The American and British scholars believe the fort symbol could indicate where the settlers went.

Here is a little background on the story of The Lost Colony for those of you who are unaware. John White made the map and other drawings when he traveled to Roanoke Island in 1585 on an expedition commanded by Sir Ralph Lane. In 1587, a second colony of 116 English settlers landed on Roanoke Island, led by White. He left the island for England for more supplies but couldn't return again until 1590 because of the war between England and Spain.

When he came back, the colony was gone. White knew the majority had planned to move "50 miles into the maine," as he wrote, referring to the mainland. The only clue he found about the fate of the other two dozen was the word "CROATOAN" carved into a post, leading historians to believe they moved south to live with American Indians on what's now Hatteras Island.

Researchers don't know why someone covered the symbol with a patch, although Horn said the two drawings could indicate the settlers planned to build more of a settlement than just a fort.

The land where archaeologists would need to dig eventually is privately owned, and some of it could be under a golf course and residential community. So excavating won't begin anytime soon. But it doesn't have to, said Nicholas Luccketti, a professional archaeologist in Virginia and North Carolina for more than 35 years.

The next step, he said, will be to analyze the general area to help determine where to focus preliminary archaeological testing. Word of the discovery is just starting to seep out in Bertie, and when foundation members broke the news to the landowners, they were both excited and cautious about what it could mean.

1st Annual Shore Break 5K & Tide Pool Fun Run

    The 1st annual Shore Break 5K will be held at 8am and the Tide Pool Fun Run on the beach will be immediately following the 5K at 9am. Run through Kinnakeet Shores on gorgeous Cape Hatteras Island, on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. This race terrain will keep you entertained the entire 3.1 miles, from paved roads through winding beautiful Kinnakeet Shores to wooden bridges, boardwalks, beach walkways, a few steps up and over the dunes and finally finishing with a unbelievable view of the Atlantic Ocean as the final stretch takes you to the beach. Run, jog or walk, all are welcome!  Come celebrate Hatteras Island and give back to a great community! All proceeds from this event will go toward the Hatteras Island Youth Education Fund and the OBX GO FAR (Go Out For A Run) Children's Health and Nutrition Program.

Race Date: Memorial Day Monday, May 28, 2012

Start Time: 5K- 8:00am; Beach 1/2 Mile Fun Run- 9:00am

Start/Finish and Beach Post Party: Spa Koru Oceanfront Pavilion “Beach Klub” located in Avon next to the Avon Pier – 40127 NC Highway 12.

Online Registration Closing Date: May 25, 2012 @ Midnight EST

Shorebreak 5K Fees: Standard registration is $30; $20 for ages 18 and under. Register early to avoid price increase! On May 11th the price will increase to $35 for adults and $25 for 18 and under.  Race fee includes goody bag, T-shirt, medal, age group winner prizes, and post-race OBX beach party with Carolina Brewery beer (for racers 21 and older) and yummy snacks.

Tide Pool Fun Run Fee: $10 for non-competitive run or walk, finisher medals and t-shirt.

Registration: Online at www.fsseries.com.  (Online registration will open in a few days; we will post the link here when it is ready.)  Race registration closes May 25th at Midnight or at race capacity of 500, whichever occurs first.  On race day registration will be available on site from 7:00am-7:30am but there is no guarantee of a shirt (you can also register at packet pickup—see below.) This is a great race to run with friends and family--encourage them to sign up.

Packet Pickup: To Be Announced.

Parking: There will be limited race day parking on site.   Registrants will need to park in the lots of local businesses in the surrounding areas.  Parking signs will be designated.  

Chip Timing: 5K participants will be provided a computerized chip to wear to insure accurate race time. A racer who loses his/her chip will be assessed $20. Volunteers will remove the chips in the chute after the race. Gun time will be used for trophies & medals.  

Overall & Age Group Awards:  Unique custom made age group awards by local Outer Banks artists to the top three overall males and females. Overall winners are not eligible for age-group awards.  We will have age group awards for short to tall, young to old, fast to slow...you will have to come run to see who might win locally made Hatteras Island art and great prizes.  Trophies to the fastest military male and female.

  

Other Event Details: Non-refundable charity event. Race is rain or shine but will be canceled for safety reasons in the event of severe weather. Water supplied at 5K start, turn-around, and finish. Slower runners and walkers must start at the back of the corral. This is a circular course; due to the terrain of the course no bikes, strollers or pets are permitted.

Race Results: Results will be posted on site, at the beach party, and on the race website.

6th Annual Hoppin' Hatteras Easter Egg Hunt

Spring is just around the corner and the temperatures on Hatteras Island have been delightful already! Join us for our 6th annual Easter egg hunt with the family for some springtime fun. There are plenty of activities for the kids and of course a special appearance from the Easter Bunny himself!

Whether you're celebrating the Easter holiday or simply welcoming the spring season, Hatteras Realty invites you to experience this fun family event.

• Monday, April 9, 2012 at 11AM
• Biggest Event Yet! At our Avon office
• Free to the Public
• Easter Bag provided
• Free Hot Dogs and Sweet Tea (one per person please)
• Kid’s craft project
• Face Tattoos
• Donations will go toward the R. Stewart Couch Memorial Scholarship Fund. Please find a donation box at event.
• "Bunny Hop" race with winning prizes!
• Special appearance from the Easter Bunny!

For more information please visit hatterasrealty.com or call 800.428.8372. 
Now, "HOP" to it!

Congressman Jones Introduces Bill to Restore Access to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area

North Carolina Congressman Walter B. Jones has introduced House Bill H.R. 4094 to preserve pedestrian and motorized vehicular access to the Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area on the Outer Banks of North Carolina. Access to the seashore is now severely limited due to the implementation of the Final Rule from the National Park Service, which went into effect on February 15, 2012. The controversial rule was issued by the Park Service in spite of an outpouring of public comments in support of reasonable recreational access.

H.R. 4094 follows a lawsuit that has been filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia by the Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance (CHAPA), a grassroots project initiated by the Outer Banks Preservation Association committed to balancing recreational access with resource management. “The Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area,” CHAPA says, “has been a popular destination for American families seeking affordable, family-oriented beach vacations.  Under the final rule, access to some of the most popular areas is no longer available.  This has restricted access for many, including the disabled and elderly, and caused financial harm to the communities surrounding the seashore.” For over thirty years, OBPA has worked to maintain the seashore as intended by Congress when the first National Seashore Recreational Area was established. Preserving the traditional and cultural values of the seashore has been a fundamental principle of the group, which represents people throughout the United States.

The Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area has been a popular destination for American families seeking affordable, family oriented beach vacations. Under the Final Rule access to some of the most popular areas is no longer available. This has restricted access for many, including the disabled and elderly, and caused financial harm to the communities surrounding the seashore. “The federal government needs to remember that Cape Hatteras was established to be a recreational area for the American people,” Congressman Jones said in a statement issued by his office.  “But taxpayers can’t recreate without access to the beach.  The goal of management ought to be a balanced approach between visitor access and species protection.  The Final Rule falls short of that goal.  The interim strategy comes much closer to hitting the target.” 

CHAPA President, John Couch, expressed gratitude to Congressman Jones for introducing H.R. 4094. He said, "We appreciate the efforts of Congressman Jones and the leadership he has shown for preserving access to this American treasure, so it can continue to be used by the people for its intended recreational purpose."

Jim Keene, a Director of the North Carolina Beach Buggy Association emphasized the importance of people getting involved throughout the United States. He explained, "The Cape Hatteras National Seashore Recreational Area is controlled by Congress. That is why it is vital that people everywhere contact their elected leaders in Washington now and ask them to support House Bill H.R. 4094.

FOR MORE INFORMATION

Click here to read H.R. 4094, introduced today by U.S. Rep. Walter B. Jones

The Interim Protected Species Management Strategy is available on the park planning website at http://parkplanning.nps.gov/document.cfm?parkID=358&projectID=13331&documentID=19796

The Change.org petition can be found at http://www.change.org/petitions/the-us-senate-remove-the-orv-rule-and-provide-free-and-open-access

Stewart Couch- A Celebration of Life

RAYMOND STEWART COUCH

BUXTON – Raymond Stewart Couch, 61, passed suddenly on Tuesday, February 21, 2012, near Rivas, Nicaragua while vacationing with friends.

Stewart Couch was the owner of Hatteras Realty. He was a gifted businessman, and a true pioneer in the vacation rental industry, having built the company from a fledgling operation of 12 cottages in 1982 to a nationally-known vacation rental property management company managing nearly 600 homes, employing almost 200 people during the height of the vacation season.

Stewart was a world traveler, having spent over 40 years traveling to the far reaches of the globe to experience the world’s most renowned surf breaks. His respect and passion for the history, heritage and recreational liberties of Hatteras Island and the Outer Banks reinforced the Cape Hatteras National Seashore as a world-class vacation resort.

He will be remembered for his zany sense of humor, which added an invaluable element to his considerable communication skills in his personal and business life.

Some of his professional accomplishments include: Founding Director of NC Vacation Rental Managers Assn. (NCVRMA); National Director VRMA; State Director, NC Assn. of REALTORS; 2004 President, Outer Banks Assn. of REALTORS and Board of Directors, Outer Banks Chamber of Commerce. He carried 17 professional designations and licenses in the real estate industry.

He is survived by his beloved daughter, Elizabeth Nicole “Nikki” Couch of Kill Devil Hills; his brothers, John Couch and Danny Couch of Buxton; several nieces and nephews, and his late mother’s extensive family including uncles, aunts, cousins and friends in his mother’s native Kansas.

His family is indebted to the community of REALTORS, Homebuilders, residents and friends of the Outer Banks and beyond for their love and support during this time. We are also indebted to dear friends, Steve Magliano and Jody Stowe, of Hatteras Island and Rivas, Nicaragua; the American Embassy in Managua, Nicaragua; Congressman Walter Jones’ offices in Washington, DC and Greenville, NC; and Mr. Roberto Cardenal of Managua, Nicaragua.

Instead of flowers, the family requests donations to The Outer Banks Association of REALTORS (OBAR) Scholarship Fund, 201 W. Eighth St., Nags Head, NC 27959 or the Cape Hatteras Access Preservation Alliance (CHAPA), PO Box 1355, Buxton, NC 27920.

A funeral service will be held at 2 PM on Thursday, March 1 at Buxton United Methodist Church in Buxton, NC with a reception afterwards at Hatteras Realty in Avon, NC. Twiford’s Funeral Home of the Outer Banks and northeastern North Carolina is handling the arrangements

Updated Information For Driving Permits on Cape Hatteras Seashore

The final rule has been established to require permits for ORV use on the beaches of Cape Hatteras National Seashore.  In this blog we have gathered the latest information on permit costs, location of designated permit offices, and the effective date on this new ruling.

 To obtain an ORV permit, you must complete a 7-minute educational video program, and acknowledge in writing that you understand and agree to abide by the rules governing ORV use at the Seashore, and pay the appropriate permit fee.  You may purchase a 7 day permit for $50, or an annual permit for $120, at either of the 3 permit office locations.  The ORV permit offices are located at Coquina Beach, the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse Visitor Center (Buxton), and the Ocracoke Visitor Center.  These offices will be open year-round, seven days a week (except Christmas Day), from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., with expanded hours on weekends and holidays during the summer season. You must purchase a permit for each ORV you plan on driving on designated routes.  You must purchase a permit in person at one of their designated permitting sites. 

In order to provide the public with ample time to obtain a permit, there will be a transition period between February 15 and March 15 before the rule is fully implemented and enforced.  During the transition period, the NPS will install new ORV route markers and information signs, and will focus on informing the visiting public about the ORV permit and other beach driving requirements under the special regulation.
For further information please visit http://www.nps.gov/caha/planyourvisit/off-road-vehicle-use-new.htm