Ocracoke News

The number of trips between Ocracoke and Cedar Island will increase from four to six a day in each direction, according to a news release from the North Carolina Department of Transportation.

No governor would want to be remembered as the one who lost the Outer Banks. But that could be the legacy of North Carolina's Pat McCrory, as well as his colleagues in the General Assembly, if they fail to address serious threats to the barrier islands in the next few years.

When most people think of the War of 1812, if they think of the war at all, some far away locale comes to mind.

He is one of 18 banker horses that live on Ocracoke. It is believed the ponies are descendants of horses left on the island by shipwrecked explorers in the 16th or 17th century.

For many generations Ocracoke Islanders relied on rain water for drinking and cooking.

The NCDOT Ferry Division's Hatteras-Ocracoke ferry run switches to its summer schedule on Tuesday, May 7, going to 30 trips each way.

Vandals on Ocracoke Island used paint and concrete over the weekend to damage the cars of two State Highway Patrol troopers who were enforcing state alcohol and seat-belt traffic laws.

Quite a few visitors to Ocracoke, and even many residents of the island, are unaware of the role Ocracoke played in the War of 1812.

It's probably too big to fail too many people have come to rely on it. Going back in time, to an island without easy access to the mainland, is unacceptable to most.

On the lower Outer Banks, a national park and wildlife refuge own a little more than half of Dare County's 85 miles of ocean shoreline.

Last weekend we saw several egrets wading in water alongside the South Point Road.

This week marks the 30th year for the Ocracoke Island Surf Fishing Tournament. Seventy teams from Ocracoke, elsewhere on the Outer Banks, the North Carolina mainland, and other states will compete today and tomorrow for various trophies.

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers last week wrapped up a four-month dredging project that was supposed to clean out the clogged-up navigation channel across Hatteras Inlet, but shifting sands have kept the state Ferry Division from restoring regular service on the four-mile route that was closed in January.

Ray McAllister sent along a copy of his latest book, "Ocracoke: The Pearl of the Outer Banks" . You'll remember Ray.

The 2nd annual 5K race, and 10K race & Family Fun Run, were held this morning at 8 a.m. Several hundred runners participated, including many Ocracoke residents.

The Mullet Wrapper just arrived in the mail. This is the official publication of the Ocracoke Preservation Society I was struck by the list of people who "make it happen" on page 6. More than 50 individuals are listed...folks who have "donated photos" or "helped move anchors" or "painted a table" or "found and ordered a new sound system" or helped ... (more)

Put that box down - I'm talking about scratch cake. Even if you don't remember where you put the flour, or the difference between baking powder and baking soda, you can make cake.

The Ocracoke Post Office is an important part of community life. We do not have home delivery on the island, so everyone stops by the post office regularly to pick up their mail.