Limited Hatteras access keeps some away, residents say

Effect The prohibition on night driving between 10 p.m. and 6 a.m. from May 1 through Nov.

[Roger in Hampton]

Definitely kept us away this year. Gas is not a factor as Hatteras is a relatively short trip from Hampton Roads. We don't even fish. It was just the joy of driving to a beautiful stretch of beach and enjoying it with other families. Been doing it for 20 years. Too much uncertainty now though. My vacation money is still in my pocket. That trip to Key West is looking better all the time!

[jo from ohio]

We have gotten really anxious about going to Buxton, NC beaches. We have family there. We fell in love with the beaches and love surf fishing. We have been coming to the Outer Banks a few years now but we won't be coming this year. We can't fish in the good spots. We can't walk the beautiful Point looking for shells. We can't drive or even walk our favorite spots on the beaches now. Another fine example of political garbage making a big mess out of a great place.

[prices form pa]

We first vacationed in Avon 4 years ago. The point was where we spent the majority of our week. The fishing was great and we loved walking with the kids to find the big konk shells. My husband and I took my whole family down 3 years ago and again had the best time at the point. Everyone loved being able to drive and hang out at the beach all day. The shells we found were unbelievable. This year was such a disappointment. We could barely get on a beach to fish and the point was closed. It takes so much away from the island. Its sad because we had plans of returning every year, but now we're not sure if we will go back next year. There really is no point to vacation there if the beaches are closed and the point is unaccessible. The OBX is such a great family vacation spot. You don't have the chaotic commercialized business to work around. Its a place where families can go to relax and spend quality time together. This is something that is lacking in todays society and its a shame that political idiots are taking that away.