Carolina Salt Christmas Edition

FREE! TAKE ONE! DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015

your life on the Crystal Coast CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

Christmas, Vietnam & Rabbit Stew OUTER BANKS WILDLIFE SHELTER

Mockingbirds: More Fierce Than Merry NEW YEAR 2015

Crystal Coast

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS NEW YEAR 2015

Polar Bear PLUNGE & PADDLE!

LOOK INSIDE FOR FUN AND FREE

THINGS TO DO ON THE CRYSTAL COAST MID–NOVEMBER THROUGH MID–DECEMBER page 10

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M I D - DE C E M B E R TO M I D - JA N UA RY 2 0 1 5

Inside This Issue T H E C RYS TA L C OAS T L I F E S T Y L E

F E AT U R E S 16 Christmas, Vietnam and rabbit stew.

Enjoy this walk back in time to Christmas 1970 in Swansboro as a family struggles to deal with separation caused by war.

20 Polar Bear Plunge and Paddle

The 5th annual Polar Bear Plunge and Paddle is coming again. Join in and show your support for a good cause: clean water.

25

FREE! TAKE ONE! DECEMBER 2014 / JANUARY 2015

your life on the Crystal Coast CHRISTMAS MEMORIES

Christmas, Vietnam & Rabbit Stew OUTER BANKS WILDLIFE SHELTER

Mockingbirds: More Fierce Than Merry NEW YEAR 2015

Crystal Coast

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS NEW YEAR 2015

Polar Bear PLUNGE & PADDLE!

21 Crystal Coast Festival of Lights

THE NORTHERN MOCKINGBIRD: MORE FIERCE THAN MERRY

LOOK INSIDE FOR FUN AND FREE

THINGS TO DO ON THE CRYSTAL COAST MID–NOVEMBER THROUGH MID–DECEMBER page 10

ON THIS MONTH’S COVER The holidays are in full swing in December, with Christmas almost upon us and New Year’s Day not far behind. Are you planning to make some resolutions for 2015? We’d love to hear about it!

We’re looking forward to a brand new year, and making our resolutions!

Don’t miss the 2nd annual Festival of Lights on December 13 from 5–9 in Cape Carteret and Cedar Point.

22 Art of the Nativity

Celebrate the Art of the Nativity at First Presbyterian Church in Morehead City on December 12, with over 300 pieces on display.

23 Resolution Schmesolution

Kim Murdoch’s hilarious tale of New Year’s resolution woes—and unrealistic expectations— never fails to get a chuckle,

25 More Fierce Than Merry

The Northern Mockingbird is a pugnacious little fellow. He may be small in size, but he is large in personality…and territoriality.

20 POLAR BEAR PADDLE Make like a Polar Bear and Paddle and Plunge!

21 FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

Oon December 13 from 5–9 in Cape Carteret and Cedar Point.

27 Hooked Up Fishing Report

Captain Jeff Cronk can put you in the know as to what’s biting on the Crystal Coast this December.

28 Diving the Crystal Coast

The Regulars 10 Things to Do 25 OWLS: Mockingbirds—More Fierce Than Merry 27 Hooked Up Fishing 28 Diving the Coast 29 Tides

Divers who are staying dry during the cold months can still enhance their skillset and qualifications by trying a dive class.

D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 / J A N U A RY 2 0 1 5 | C A R O L I N A S A L T | 7

PUBLISHER: Will

Ashby

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Chevy

Kaylor

CONTRIBU TING WRITERS Joe Mobley, April Clark, Trish Forant, Kim Murdoch, Barbara Johnson, Linda Bergman–Althouse, Capt. Jeff Cronk and Lee Moore.

E D I T O R IA L S A N D A D V E RT I S I N G Please contact the publisher at will@crystalcoastoutdoors.com or 252-723-7628 for ad rates and editorial ideas. Ad and editorial deadline for the Mid-January to Mid-February issue is December 16, 2014.

Email letters to the editor, photos, community listings and articles to will@crystalcoastoutdoors.com. Next issue will publish January 7, 2015.

From the Publisher Thank you for picking up Carolina Salt magazine, published to depict your life here on the Crystal Coast.

All articles are written by locals. We cover a wide range of topics including local history, outdoor sports, wildlife, special events and more. Every month we look to you, our readers, to keep our magazine fresh. If you have a story to tell, an event to promote, an interesting local photograph or just some good times stories to share, send them our way. Participation is welcomed and appreciated. Reader contributions are the founding principle of the magazine. We want to be a local resource for you, our readers.

If you like what you see, tell people about it—especially our advertisers. For questions, concerns and more information about Carolina Salt, send e-mail to will@crystalcoastoutdoors.com or call 252-723-7628.

For up-to-date info, be sure to look us up on Facebook!

We Depend On Our Readers!

Call 252-723-7628 if you’re interested in submitting an article or photo. Our local content is what keeps our magazine fresh and relevant.

PUBLISHED BY CRYSTAL COAST OUTDOORS PUBLICATIONS P.O. Box 572, Morehead City, NC 28557 | 252-723-7628

THINGS TO DO

M I D – D E C E M B E R T O M I D – J A N UA RY CHRISTMAS EVENTS DECEMBER 12–13

✪ A Walk To Remember: A Live Walk-Through Nativity [ 6–8:30 PM ] Come join us in this celebration of our Lord’s birth. There will be hot cider and cookies for all! At Emmanuel Independent Baptist Church, 120 Bell Street, Cedar Point. The church is located behind Sound Furniture across from the gas station. For more information call 252-393-7330.

DECEMBER 12

Lunch with a Dash of History: Rodney’s Annual Christmas Show C HR I ST M A S E V E N T

✪ A WALK TO REMEMBER live walk-though nativity from December 12–13 at Emmanuel Independent Baptist Church in Cedar Point. For information call 252-393-7330.

[ 11:30 AM–1 PM ] What has become a Christmas tradition for many locals who call Carteret County home year round is this notbrand-new-but-warm-and-fuzzy Christmas program. In it, Rodney brings feel-good remembrances of Christmas’s past, lively singa-longs and a smattering of prose. As with past Christmas dhows, he will conclude with his touching “The Christmas Child Story.” Cost for lunch and lecture is $15 ($12 for members); lecture only is $8 ($5 for members). At The History Place, 1008 Arendell Street, Morehead City.

DECEMBER 12-15

Gingerbread House Competition and Display At the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City. All proceeds benefit the SECU Crystal Coast Hospice House. Everyone is encouraged to participate, from pastry chefs, schools and businesses to family and friends. For more information, call 252-241-4613.

DECEMBER 12 C HR I ST M A S E V E N T

ART OF THE NATIVITY with over 300 nativity figures in the fellowship hall of the First Presbyterian Church in Morehead City. For information, call 252-241-1152.

Fishes and Wishes at the NC Aquarium: Make A Wish! [ 5:30–9 PM ] Santa by the Sea brings holiday wonder to the Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores.

The highlight: each child confides wishes to St. Nick as fishes swim in Living Shipwreck just beyond. A 6” x 8” FotoFX photo is included

✪ =FREE

for each child 12 and under. Additional photos may be purchased later. To make the event truly magical, comic illusionist Bryan Sanders does his humorous hocus-pocus in a new magic show.

Aerial acrobatics by Down to Earth Aerials takes the evening’s entertainment to new heights.

Both performances are repeated at intervals throughout the evening. Also adding sparkle, a localized blizzard makes snow for snowballs and snow angels. Children also make crafts, dish out snacks for Santa’s reindeer, listen to Mrs. Claus read stories and enjoy special appearances by the most famous reindeer of all, Rudolph.Tickets are $15 per person for all ages. Advance ticket purchases are recommended online or at the Aquarium. Tickets are sold at the door from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Santa and his sleigh have a 9 p.m. departure time. Please note that memberships, as well as daily admission passes, receipts and discounts, do not apply for this special event.

For more information, visit ncaquariums.com/ pine-knoll-shores or call 252-247-4003.

DECEMBER 12–13

Project Christmas Cheer: Art of the Nativity Experience a stunning display of the art of the nativity as expressed through over 300 figurines ornaments, jewelry, books and paintings in the fellowship hall of First Presbyterian Church at 1604 Arendell Street in Morehead City. Show is open Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is a $3 donation at the door or a gift of canned goods for our local elderly in need. If you have a nativity to add to the display please contact Barbara Johnson at 252-241-1152.

DECEMBER 13

✪ Crystal Coast Festival of Lights [ 5–9 PM ] Businesses and residences will be decked out with holiday decorations and plenty of lights to wow and amaze. Residents of Cape Carteret and Cedar Point are encouraged to light up their neighborhoods and allow visitors to drive through and enjoy the Festival of Lights. Business owners in Cape Carteret and Cedar Point are encouraged to light up their

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✪ =FREE businesses, stay open a little later and offer visitors a special treat for stopping in during the Festival of Lights. Maps and flyers will be available at various locations.

DECEMBER 13

Christmas Candlelight Tour Tour private homes in Historic Beaufort and ride on the double-decker bus with carolers from local churches. Homeowners will open their doors so that the public can delight in their festive decor. Admission fee. For information visit beauforthistoricsite.org or call 252-7285225.

DECEMBER 13

M I D – D E C E M B E R T O M I D – J A N UA RY

THINGS TO DO

more! New Year’s night promises an exhilarating countdown to midnight complete with a crab pot drop, live music and fireworks! Check online for a list of all activities at crystalcoastcountdown. com.

DECEMBER 29

‘Smoke on the Water’ Bonfire at Atlantic Beach [ 6–8 PM ] As part of the Crystal Coast Countdown New Year’s celebration, the Town of Atlantic Beach will host a free bonfire with live music provided by Selah Dubb (reggae).

The event takes place at The Circle main public beach access.

✪ Morehead City Christmas Parade

DECEMBER 29

The Morehead City Christmas Parade is sponsored by the Downtown Morehead City Revitalization Association (DMCRA) and will take place on Dec 13 @ 11:00 am in downtown Morehead City. 252-808-0440

Emerald Isle Scavenger Hunt

SAN TA VISITS

[ 10 AM ] At Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation, 7500 Emerald Drive. Search for hidden treasures along the multi-use path. Prizes for the winners! For more information call 252-3546350.

✪ SANTA is visiting locations all around the Crystal Coast for the holidays. On December 19, he will be at Sound Bank in Cape Carteret from 1 to 3 p.m. Refreshments will be served.

DECEMBER 13

✪ Beaufort Christmas Parade The Beaufort Christmas Parade is at 2 p.m.

Saturday, Dec. 13 on the waterfront. The parade will be along Front Street from Live Oak to Turner streets. To register, contact Jennifer Allen at 732-6197 or email j.allen@beaufortnc.org

DECEMBER 19

✪ Santa at Sound Bank [ 1–3 PM ] Santa will visit Sound Bank at 204 W.B. McLean Drive in Cape Carteret. There will be cookies, hot apple cider, popcorn and candy canes from Santa.

NEW YEAR’S EVENTS DECEMBER 29 – JANUARY 1

✪ Crystal Coast Countdown New Year’s Celebration Come party Crystal Coast style! The event will span multiple venues throughout the county and will feature indoor and outdoor activities with a lineup of musicians, storytellers, dance groups, tours, artists and art competitions and much

DECEMBER 31

Crystal Coast Countdown at The History Place [ 10 AM–4 PM ] As a part of the Crystal Coast Countdown, enjoy various craft activities at the History Place, 1008 Arendell Street, Morehead City. Admission is by donation. In the museum, there will be crafts and multiple “areas of distraction” for all ages: pirate hat making, fishing for artifacts and other activities to keep you and your kids busy on the eve of the New Year!

DECEMBER 31

✪ Crystal Coast Countdown at the Maritime Museum in Beaufort [ NOON–5 PM ] Visit the Museum to design your own New Year’s hat and glasses to ring in the New Year in style. For a complete schedule of events visitcrystalcountdown.com.

252.728.7317. At the North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort. For more information, visit ncmaritimemuseums.com or call 252-728-7317.

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N EW YEAR ’S EVEN TS

✪ CRYSTAL COAST COUNTDOWN celebrations will be taking place all over Carteret County. Check the New Year’s Events listings at left to find out what’s happening in your area.

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M I D – D E C E M B E R T O M I D – J A N UA RY DECEMBER 31

JANUARY 1

✪ Marshmallows and Resolutions

Resolution Run (1 Mile/5K)

[ 5 PM ] On the Beaufort waterfront in the parking lot at Front and Queen Streets. A New Year’s marshmallow roast for the whole family.

[ 9 AM ] Begins at the corner of Turner and Front Streets, Beaufort waterfront. Registration begins at 8 a.m. Pre-register by calling 252528-0026.

DECEMBER 31

Pirate Plunge! ✪ [ 7 PM ] On the Beaufort waterfront at the Beaufort docks and the Dockhouse restaurant.

Beaufort’s pirate, Captain Shack, drops off the plank and into the drink for this entertaining spin on a New Year’s tradition.

DECEMBER 31

✪ Party at the Park!

W IN T E R E V E N T

SNOW UP THE PARK takes places January 31 in Swansboro Municipal Park. There is a 100% chance of snow!

For information call 910-326-2600 or visit swansboro.recdesk.com.

[ 9 PM–MIDNIGHT ] At Katherine Davis Park, Arendell and 6th Streets, Morehead City. Live music and fireworks at midnight, along with a big lighted Crab Pot Drop.

DECEMBER 31

✪ Emerald lsle’s New Year’s Fireworks Help ring in the New Year with a spectacular fireworks display at midnight at the Bogue Inlet Pier, 100 Bogue Inlet Drive, Emerald Isle.

JANUARY 1

Penguin Plunge!

NE W Y E A R ’S E V E N T

PENGUIN PLUNGE will benefit the Carteret County Humane Society in 2015. Penguins splash into the water at 1 p.m. Donation required. For information visit penguin-plunge.org.

[ 1 PM ] At the Atlantic Beach Circle boardwalk.

The 2015 Penguin Plunge charity is the Carteret County Humane Society. Gather your friends and family for the 12th annual Penguin Plunge.

Registration will begin at 10 a.m. on the boardwalk in front of the Crab’s Claw restaurant.

Penguins will splash into the chilly Atlantic water at 1 p.m. Donate a minimum of $10 ($5 for children 12 and under) to participate in the event. Organizers would like to remind participants to use the buddy system and be in good health before participating. A towel and warm clothes are also recommended for after the Plunge when prizes will be presented. For more information visit www.penguin-plunge.org, visit “Penguin Plunge” on Facebook or call 252808-7485.

OUTDOOR WINTER FUN DECEMBER 19–JANUARY 4

Ice Skating on the Waterfront On the Morehead City waterfront. Cost is $5. For group ticket sales, please call 252-726-5083.

For rink schedule visit moreheadcity.nc.gov.

JANUARY 31

Snow Up the Park [ 5–8 PM ] Winter fun for the entire family!

There is a 100% chance of snow in Swansboro Municipal Park. Experience a winter wonderland with slopes for sledding and a play area filled with tons of snow. Grab your mittens, toboggan and come dressed to have “snow” much fun.

There will be children’s activities, food vendors, a live DJ and unlimited sledding for $5.

Call 910-326-2600, stop by the Swansboro Recreation Center at 830 Main Street Extension or visit swansboro.recdesk.com.

HOLIDAY MOVIE EVENTS DECEMBER 12

Santa and a Movie [ 6 PM ] At the Emerald Isle Community Center, 7500 Emerald Drive. Children of all ages enjoy cookies and milk in their pajamas watching a short Christmas movie classic with family. Following the movie, Santa will visit for a Christmas story! Admission fee is one unwrapped gift per child. Please bring a blanket for your family to sit on during the movie.

Preregister by December 11 to attend. Space is limited to 75 children. Pajamas encouraged but not required. For more information, call 252354-6350.

your life on the Crystal Coast WE1 DEPEND CALL INTERESTED IN SUBMITTING AN ARTICLE OR PHOTO. 2 | C A RON O L OUR I N A READERS! S A L T | DE C E M B252-723-7628 E R 2 0 1 4 / J A NIF U AYOU’RE RY 2 0 1 5

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M I D – D E C E M B E R T O M I D – J A N UA RY

DECEMBER 13

DECEMBER 9

✪ Santa and the Movie: ‘Frozen’

Snowman Crafts

[ 11 AM–2 PM ] Ho, ho, ho! Santa is coming to Swansboro Parks and Recreation! Families and children can have pictures taken with Santa.

To top off the afternoon, we will have a showing of Disney’s Frozen at 12:30 p.m. Some of your favorite holiday treats and beverages will be served. Event is free, but please pre-register

by December 11. Call 910-326-2600, stop by the Swansboro Recreation Center at 830 Main Street Extension or visit swansboro.recdesk.com.

ARTS | CRAFTING DECEMBER 7–14

✪ CCACC Holiday Show and Sale The Carteret County Arts and Crafts Coalition invites you to join them as they celebrate 36 years of bringing local arts and crafts to the Crystal Coast. The show takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1–5 p.m. Sunday at the Morehead Plaza Shopping Center, 2900 Arendell Street, Morehead City. For more information visit ccartsandcrafts.com.

DECEMBER 7

✪ John Costlow Model Train Show [ 11 AM–4 PM ] The 20th annual model train show exhibit by the Carteret County Model Railroad Buffs, in cooperation with the Town of Beaufort, will be held in the Old Beaufort Train Depot on the corner of Pollock and Broad Streets. Admission is free to the public. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. For more details, call 252-728-2259.

DECEMBER 7

✪ Decoy Festival Craft Show [ 9 AM– 4 PM ] At The Bridge Building, 1344 Island Road, Harkers Island. The show includes crafts, photos, furniture and more, as well as fishing tackle, hunting gear and boating and marine supplies. Outerbanks Seafood Express will serving food and there will be concessions and a bake sale inside.

THINGS TO DO

Want to create a unique gift without breaking the bank? Join Swansboro Parks and Recreation’s final Handmade Holiday Series class. Snowman crafts are sure to melt your heart during this holiday season. Pre-register by December 5. Cost is $7. Call 910-326-2600, stop by the Swansboro Recreation Center at 830 or visit swansboro.recdesk.com.

DECEMBER 13

✪ Beaufort Holiday Art Walk Enjoy a festive day in Historic Downtown Beaufort, from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. and celebrate the season with art receptions and open houses at many downtown locations. A wide variety of art from regional artists will be showcased throughout many of the downtown shops, galleries and restaurants. The Art Walk will begin at The Beaufort Historic Site, 130 Turner St. Art Walk maps will be available at participating locations. 252-728-5225

CH R ISTMAS MO VIE

✪ SANTA AND A MOVIE at Swansboro Parks and Recreation on December 13 from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. (movie at 12:30 p.m.) Call 910-326-2600 for more information or to register.

DECEMBER 30

✪ Scrap Exchange: Art by the Truckload at the Aquarium [ NOON–4 PM ] Trash into art! Say goodbye to 2014 with a fun family activity that artfully blends creativity with environmental awareness.

The Aquarium hosts the traveling Scrap Exchange art project as part of the Crystal Coast Countdown New Year’s celebration. The non-profit Scrap Exchange, based in Durham, provides everything needed to craft a unique masterpiece—a vast selection of clean goods diverted from landfills, such as packaging, containers, corks, beads, fabric and wallpaper samples—plus tools and supplies such as scissors and tape. Artists keep their creations.

Participation in the art project is free. Admission is required to visit the rest of the Aquarium. For more information, visit ncaquariums.com/pineknoll-shores or call 252-247-4003.

ART EVEN T

✪ SCRAP EXCHANGE: Art by the Truckload at the NC Aquarium in Pine Knoll Shores. Participation in the art project is free. For more information call 252-247-4003.

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M I D – D E C E M B E R T O M I D – J A N UA RY MUSIC | CONCERTS DECEMBER 11

Carteret Arts Forum Series: Mary Jo Vitale, Soprano Mary Jo Vitale, soprano, is a sparkling and glamorous performer with tremendous versatility and energy. She moves through the audience to get up close and bring beauty and feeling to her vocal interpretations. At The Elks Lodge, 400 Miller Farm Road, Morehead City.

Tickets are $35 and can be purchased online at carteretartsforum.com or at the door. For additional information call 252-240-1699.

Youth and college students with a valid college ID may purchase tickets for only $5.

C ON C E RT

MARY JO VITALE, soprano, will appear at the Elks Lodge in Morehead City on December 11. Tickets are $35.

For more information, call 252-2401699. Student discount available.

DECEMBER 13

American Music Festival Concerts [ 8 PM ] It’s the American Music Festival’s 25th anniversary concert season! Join us for some exciting performers! At The History Place Museum, 1008 Arendell Street, Morehead City. TVisit the website for details at americanmusicfestival.org

WINING & DINING DECEMBER 8, 15

Succulent Seafood Series at the NC Aquarium [ 2 PM ] Find out how to cook the catch of the day with the Succulent Seafood series presented by the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. The Aquarium teams up with top restaurants to dish up recipes and tips on selecting, preparing and serving fresh, local seafood for chefs ages 12 and up. Cost is $15.

Advance registration is required. Register online or call 252-247-4003.

LO CA L WIL D L IF E

✪ WHALES OF NC at the NC Maritime Museum on Front Street in Beaufort on December 10 at 7 p.m. Free admission. Learn about the kinds of whales that we see here.

12/8..................White Oak Bistro, Swansboro 12/15...................Crabs Claw, Atlantic Beach

SATURDAYS

✪ Free Wine and Beer Tastings at Front Street Village [ 1 PM ] At the Boathouse at Front Street Village, 2400 Lennoxville Road, Beaufort. Call

252-838-1524 or visitfrontstreetvillage.com for more information.

HISTORY | EDUCATION DECEMBER 10

✪ Whales of North Carolina [ 7 PM ] Targeted for oil or food, whales have struggled for existence. Come learn about whales that are seen off the North Carolina coast and some of the challenges they face.

Free admission. At the North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort. For more information, visit ncmaritimemuseums.com or call 252-728-7317.

DECEMBER 11

✪ Brown Bag Gam: Lunch and Learning at the Museum [ NOON–1 PM ] “Gam” is defined as a friendly conversation between whalers or a visit with another ship while at sea. Pack a lunch for the Brown Bag Gam during your lunch hour and enjoy a spirited and interesting talk presented

by Associate Curator Benjamin Wunderly. Free admission. At the North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort. For more information, visit ncmaritimemuseums.com or call 252-728-7317.

12/11............................. The Loss of the Tug “Marjorie McAllister” 12/18............From Lightships to Light Towers

DECEMBER 12

Heritage Ports and Pilots [ 1:30–4 PM ] See the big ships up close and get a good look at some of the exports and imports moving through the North Carolina State Port facility in Morehead City. Fee includes video presentation on harbor pilots and transportation to the port. Not suitable for children under 12.

Sign up at least one week prior. Reservations are $5. Offered through the North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort. For more information, visit ncmaritimemuseums.com or call 252-728-7317.

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1500 or visit coresound.com.

✪ Morehead City Port Tours

DECEMBER 7

See the port behind the scenes. ID required for Homeland Security. Tours at 11 a.m. and 2 p.m.

Please RSVP before December 29 to charlene_ pennuell@ncports.com or call 252-808-4221.

When registering provide names of guests, with driver’s license number and state for each. All guests should arrive 15 minutes prior to tour.

JANUARY 6

✪ Feel Better Naturally with Essential Oils [ 6 PM ] Europeans have been using essential oils for centuries to feel better mentally and physically. Take the mystique out of essential oils and take control of our well-being and our family’s with monthly seminars on the first Tuesday of each month. January’s class will be a medicine cabinet makeover. Drops-ins welcome; pre-registration is encouraged. The first 10 people to register will receive a free gift. Class is free, light refreshments will be served. Call 910326-2600, stop by the Swansboro Recreation Center at 830 Main Street Extension or visit swansboro.recdesk.com.

SPORTS | FITNESS DECEMBER 31

Scramble Golf Tournament [ 11 AM ] At Country Club of the Crystal Coast, 152 Oakleaf Drive, Pine Knoll Shores. Fee is $40. To register contact Scott Sherrill at 252247-4353, Ext. 11.

JUST FOR FUN | KIDS DECEMBER 7

✪ Waterfowl Weekend This celebration, held the first weekend in December, boasts local waterfowl art, music, seafood, museum exhibits and more. It also includes educational displays, competitions, arts and crafts, community boat building and a fellowship service on Sunday morning. It’s the perfect way to experience the holiday season Down East. For more information call 252-728-

THINGS TO DO

M I D – D E C E M B E R T O M I D – J A N UA RY

Core Sound Decoy Festival [ 10 AM–4 PM ] At Harkers Island Elementary School. Admission is $8. Sunday, December 7, is Youth Day and all children under 18 will receive free admission and door prizes. Festival events include exhibits, demonstrations, children’s and educational exhibits, competitions and a live auction. Harkers Island Elementary School staff and volunteers dish out scrumptious food and over 90 vendors spread their wares. This event benefits the Core Sound Decoy Carver’s Guild and Harkers Island Elementary School and is the area’s largest off-season event. Visit decoyguild.com for more information or join the Core Sound Decoy Carvers Guild on Facebook.

DECEMBER 9

Family Fun Night in Newport [ 6–8 PM ] Sponsored by Carteret County Parks and Recreation. At Fort Benjamin Park, 100 McQueen Avenue in Newport. Enjoy games, crafts based on the movie “Frozen” and more!

Call 252-222-5858 for more information.

DECEMBER 10

✪ Merry Time for Tots: Fish Printing [ 10–11 AM ] Warning: This will get messy!

Preschoolers ages 2–5 and their caregivers will try their hands at gyotaku, the art of fish printing. Students will learn about the different fish in our waters and then create beautiful works of art. Space is limited and pre-registration is required. Free admission.

At the North Carolina Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street, Beaufort. For more information, visit ncmaritimemuseums.com or call 252-7287317.

DECEMBER 29

Winter Camps at the Aquarium [ 8:30 AM–2:30 PM ] Give the kids a winter treat on their school breaks with post-holiday day camps. Camps keep students thinking,

moving and learning with outdoor explorations, discovery labs and behind-the-scenes action.

Camps are divided into age groups meeting on different days. Advance registration is required. The fee is $40 per camper. For more information, visit ncaquariums.com/pine-knollshores or call 252-247-4003.

JANUARY 1

Guided First Hike [ 10 AM ] At Fort Macon State Park, Atlantic Beach. Explore the winter at the beach with a park ranger. Call 252-726-3775 for more information.

JANUARY 6

✪ Free Kids Nature Trek with Hammocks Beach State Park [ 5:30 PM ] Hammocks Beach State Park Rangers are coming to Swansboro Parks and Recreation to offer a Nature Trek series the first Tuesday of every month. A variety of programs will be offered at the Swansboro Recreation Center throughout the series that may include nature hikes, ocean studies, camping safety, sea mammals and so much more! Open to ages 6-12. Drops-ins welcome; pre-registration is encouraged. Refreshments will be provided.

Call 910-326-2600, stop by the Swansboro Recreation Center at 830 Main Street Extension or visit swansboro.recdesk.com.

JANUARY 7–FEBRUARY 25

Parent/Tot and Preschool Gymnastics Parent/Tot and Preschool Gymnastics classes are designed to introduce children to developmental appropriate motor activities that improve gross motor skills and enhance psychomotor development. Each 45 minute class includes a variety of activities, including a warm-up with music, a gentle stretch and a variety of gymnastics-based activities to enhance strength, balance, coordination and flexibility. Call 910326-2600, stop by the Swansboro Recreation Center at 830 Main Street Extension or visit swansboro.recdesk.com. •

Join Us for New Year’s Eve! ☎

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T H I S C OA S TA L L I F E

JOE MOBLEY

Christmas, Vietnam … and rabbit stew.

C

hristmas in 1970 was celebrated in most homes in Swansboro with bright red, green and white lights.

Most everyone’s home had at least a few twinkling lights. For many military personnel, the Yuletide Spirit was “celebrated” in tents bunkers and foxholes.

Many others were aboard ships in the Tonkin Gulf or in river patrol boats plying the Mekong Delta. As tiny candle flames flickered in windows and soft, peaceful sounds of Silent Night floated through churches in the Carolinas, rockets and gunfire lit the night skies over Vietnam. In Onslow County, clusters of people crowded in stores doing last minute gift shopping.

Many college boys, draft deferred, were home on Christmas break. Cluster bombs fell over Vietnam. Giggly schoolgirls chattered about their hair, boys and the holidays while machine guns chattered in a place far, far away. Somewhere in America a town council rushed to pass an insignificant ordinance before the holiday. In another country, ammo handlers, mostly scared young men barely out of high school, passed live ordnance to mortar crews.

A mother’s love was the reason Mom sent a Christmas card to my brother Allen, an Army sergeant stationed in Pleiku, Vietnam. I just couldn’t send one. My four-year enlistment in the Navy ended the previous February. I was safely at home, having volunteered for Vietnam duty, but never serving there. I probably felt guilty about Allen serving in a war zone and I had not. Wesley, the oldest brother, visiting from Raleigh, was spending the holidays with Mom and Dad. Preston, the next oldest brother, was back in town from one of his many wanderings. My three sisters Joan, Judy, Carolyn and I were still living in the area.

With only three days until Christmas, Wesley, Preston and I decided to go hunting in the woods and cornfield near our parents’ home. The tall pine trees were ideal for squirrels to frolic through and nibble on pinecones. Hopefully the underbrush hid a rabbit burrow or two. The corn stalks, tall green in summer, were dead and brown.

Allen and I had traipsed through the woods and field as kids and occasionally scared up a bunny. We brothers thought we could spot a rabbit sprinting across the open field or between the pines, challenging our shooting skill. Each morning as we left on our hunt, we laughed and quipped “rabbit stew tonight.” We never fired a shot the first day of the hunt. Never spied a scampering rabbit, no squirrel jumping from limb to limb or even a pile of rabbit poop.

The second day, I knew I was going to shoot at something. My 12-gauge doublebarrelled shotgun was slung over my shoulder and I had a pocketful of #6 shells.

The shotgun was the first thing I ever bought on credit, when I turned 21. I wanted to shoot at some kind of wildlife. The flock of birds overhead became my prey. Pointing my gun skyward, I took a short lead on the birds and pulled a trigger. BOOM! I fired the right barrel. Nothing fell from the sky.

BOOM! A shot from the left barrel struck nothing. “Nice shooting,” laughed Wesley. A rabbit on the ground would be slower and closer, to my gun. Mom had never made bird stew anyway. Wesley’s wife, Mary Carol, kept a daily journal to send to Allen. Each day’s entry concerning the hunt began: “Day one (or two or three) back from the hunt, no rabbit today.”

Day three was Christmas Eve, the last day we hunted. We brothers enjoyed our time together, doing more talking than rabbit stalking. The bonding was more important than the hunting. It had been years since we walked in the same woods together. The rabbits remained safe. I still had a pocketful of shells. As we sat in the living room that afternoon, Dad grabbed his shotgun from the closet and, walking out the back door, said “Now I’ll show you how to get a rabbit.” Five minutes passed. BOOM! Five more minutes passed before the back door opened and in stepped Dad, shotgun in one hand and a rabbit in the other. He had simply walked out to a pile of dead limbs and bushes, kicked around in the dry brush and out scampered a rabbit. We didn’t have rabbit stew for Christmas dinner. We gorged on Mom’s perfectly cooked turkey, homemade dressing, mashed potatoes and giblet gravy. Her sweet

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potato pies, so tasty, not needing whipped cream for extra flavor, would have rivaled any pastry chef ’s best dessert. And she always made dark sweet tea for beverage. Allen’s Christmas meal was standard Army warzone fare. Nothing special for the holiday.

Soldiers in combat don’t get holidays off. His Christmas gift was simply one less day to serve in ‘Nam. Over Swansboro, stars shined in the dark night sky. Over Vietnam, tracer rounds shined in the darkness, resembling shooting stars streaking through the sky, as machine guns fired belt after belt of ammunition.

Anti-war protestors burned draft cards in some American cities and on college campuses. Hot napalm burned buildings, jungles and human flesh in Southeast Asia.

Prisoners of War was not a California acid rock band but a reality of a country at war.

Some combatants were destined to one day march in Veteran’s Day Parades, some were destined to march off to POW camps.

Television brought Christmas parades and high school marching bands into homes during the holidays. Television also brought the brutality of war into the living room, a grim reminder that Allen and thousands of others, had days to go and bombs and bullets to dodge. As far back as I can remember oranges were a fruit we had in our home at Christmas. Agent Orange is something many veterans will never forget. Ecosystems and thousands of humans are still suffering from its disastrous effects.

What inner strength Mom had. She had seen her husband off to World War Two, As she was left to care for herself and five young children. In 1970, she prayed to see her youngest child back from war, yet she still ensured her family had a festive holiday.

We silently hoped the hunting skills of the Viet Cong were that of the brothers, not that of Dad. We wanted Allen back traipsing in a Carolina field, not buried in a Flanders Field.

Families of some servicemen would hang a funeral wreath on their doors. Our family hoped to only hang a Christmas wreath on our door. S PUBLISHED IN THE TIDELAND NEWS IN DECEMBER 2013 AS CELEBRATING IN SWANSBORO IN WAR TIME.

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Polar Bear Paddle & Plunge

S

econd Wind Eco Tours and Yoga is teaming up the White Oak New Riverkeeper Alliance for the fifth annual Polar Bear Paddle and Plunge! Ring in the New Year by paddling and plunging for a good cause: clean water! Come in your wackiest themed costume. We will launch our kayaks from downtown Swansboro and paddle out to nearby Pelican Island where brave participants will take the plunge!

To benefit...

Proceeds from this event will benefit the White Oak New Riverkeeper Alliance (WONRA). WONRA is a non-profit organization that promotes environmental responsibility, “because it enhances our quality of life, our public health, our local economy and protects property values. Our waters and wildlife belong to all of us and they’re meant for our use and enjoyment, even while contributing millions of dollars to our economy and forming the basis of our local heritage.” The organization organizes and leads various environmental efforts throughout Onslow County including Operation Medicine Drop, Pure Farms, Pure Waters Campaign, litter clean ups and more. To learn more about the White Oak New Riverkeeper Alliance visit www.wonriverkeeper.org.

Special incentives...

This year make it a weekend getaway in historic downtown Swansboro with New Year’s Eve dinner at one of the area’s fine eateries, The White Oak Bistro, Ice House Restaurant, Salt Water Grill or Riverside Restaurant, a stay at the award-winning Hampton Inn and the paddle the next day. Special pricing is available for event participants.

The details...

Departs from the Main Street public dock in downtown Swansboro at 11 a.m. on January 1. The cost is $20 per participant and includes a kayak rental and a bowl of hot soup following the paddle and plunge. Proceeds from this year’s event will go to the White Oak New River Keeper Alliance. Costumes are encouraged.

Pre-registration is required. Contact April Clark to register at 910-325-3600 or e-mail info@secondwindecotours.com for more information. S

—CRYSTAL COAST—

D

FESTIVAL OF LIGHTS

on’t miss the second annual Crystal Coast Festival of Lights taking place December 13 from 5 to 9 p.m. in Cape Carteret and Cedar Point.

Businesses and residences will be decked out with holiday decorations and plenty of lights to wow and amaze. Residents in Cape Carteret and Cedar Point are encouraged to light up their neighborhoods so visitors can drive through and enjoy the Festival of Lights. Business owners in Cape Carteret and Cedar Point are encouraged to light up their businesses, stay open a little later and offer visitors a special treat during the Festival of Lights. Maps and flyers will be available at various locations.

A Walk To Remember Emmanuel Baptist Church will recreate the little town of Bethlehem, complete with people dressed in robes, animals wandering the streets of Bethlehem, a real working marketplace and a blacksmith. Families can take a step back in time and walk through to the manger where Jesus is born and angels and wise men stand watch. Come out and enjoy this wonderful live nativity scene. It provides an experience like no other during the holiday season and is a great way to share the true the meaning of Christmas with your family.

Visit With Santa Don’t miss a special visit and photo opportunity with Santa at the historic Octagon House. Kids of all ages will be thrilled to talk

to Santa and let him know what’s on their wish list this year and whether they’ve been naughty or nice. What a great opportunity to have your little one’s picture taken with Santa! The Octagon House was constructed in 1855. This historic landmark in Cedar Point that has survived the Civil War and will be open to the public and decorated for the holidays. Come out and explore the 60-acre waterfront estate and enjoy the lights and community festivities!

Tour Local Businesses Did you hear? Area businesses will be celebrating alongside the community as well. The “Shop Local” holiday campaign will start off with a scavenger hunt. Stop in to participating local businesses and take part in a special treasure hunt where one winner will get a special prize. Stores will be offering promotional giveaways, special services, discounts and so much more! Bring your family and friends out in the spirit of the holidays and remember to shop local this holiday season.

Trees On the Green The newest addition to the Festival of Lights is Trees on the Green. This must-see display of Christmas trees is sure to warm your hearts. Individuals and businesses will have Christmas trees set up and decorated at Cape Carteret Aquatic and Wellness Center so families can walk through a dazzling, lighted wonderland. Santa and his elves will be on hand to greet families as they explore. It’s a must see! S

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Project Christmas Cheer: Art of the Nativity

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In support of Project Christmas Cheer, experience a stunning display of the art of the Nativity as expressed in music, figurines ornaments, jewelry, books and paintings in the fellowship hall of First Presbyterian Church at 1604 Arendell Street in Morehead City on December 12 from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and December 13 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Admission is $3 per person at the door or a donation of canned goods to fight hunger for our local elderly in need.

Inspired by a desire to focus community attention on the true meaning of Christmas and spurred by collectors who wanted a way to offer their private Nativity collections for display during the holiday season, this event highlights the vision of artists around the world who seek to bring the Nativity to life in art. Over 300 art pieces are scheduled including some that may be purchased during the event.

The history of Nativity displays (depictions of the birth of Christ in a stable in Bethlehem) began in Italy when St. Francis of Assisi created a manger filled with hay attended by an ox and a donkey.

Historians believe that he was inspired by the Nativity artwork that began to appear in the 12th century.

Nativities or creches became common in homes during the Christmas season late in the 1800s. Today churches sponsor live Nativity plays and homes around the world display crèches loving unwrapped each year with the manger scene carefully re-constructed according to family tradition. The University of Dayton has assembled the world’s largest collection of Nativities with over 900 scenes from around the world.

Collectors treasure the wide variety of Nativity art. Crèches come as small as the etching on the head of a pin and or be larger than life in wood or clay. They can be incredibly valuable or inexpensive dime store creations. Elegance is found in an Italian Fontanini set or whimsy in the childlike cherubs of Precious Moments. Stained glass, pewter, silver, china, porcelain, ten penny nails and more have been used to bring that night in Bethlehem to life in art.

One corner of the display area is dedicated to hands-on activities for children including drawing, puzzles and dress-up with a Nativity theme. The display is appropriate for all ages and is open to everyone in the community. Church and school groups are encouraged to plan a visit.

For more information or to add your personal nativity to the display please contact Barbara Johnson at 252-241-1152. S

KIM MURDOCH

LOLZ

RESOLUTION SCHMESOLUTION 2015 NEW YEAR’S

RES-NO-LUTIONS

① Eat what I want … especially if it contains white flour, sugar, carbs, fat, aspartame, corn syrup, anything that ends with –ate or Red Dye No. 5. ② Drink nothing that comes from the ground or a spring. Have you SEEN the ground? And things LIVE in springs. Ewww. ③ Watch more television, read less. Reading is for suckers. I watched Les Miserables in, like, an hour and a half. Took me two weeks to read it.

Life is short. ④ Bungee jump….off of anything.

⑤ Cross country road trip…with my mother driving. ⑥ Laundry challenge: See how many loads of clothes I can stack onto Mt. Laundrymanjaro before a “landslide” occurs and forces the laundry room door shut or we’re all forced to become nudists because there are no clean clothes in the house. ⑦ Kitchen challenge: See how many plastic storage containers I can shove into my upper cabinet. Turn it into a contest. Whoever opens the door and gets hit with an avalanche loses. ⑧ Church attendance will now only consist of “the big days” (you know, Easter, Christmas) and/or whenever there’s food (you know, Homecoming, funerals). ⑨ Spend less quality time consumed with those pesky human beings I birthed. Ugh. They’re just so … so … so … needy. ⑩ Don’t even BUY floss.

R

emember that episode from Seinfeld? You know, the one where George figures that every decision in his life has been WRONG so he decides from that from now on he is going to make the OPPOSITE decisions and see how things work out? Well, in that vein, I’ve been rethinking the whole New Year’s Resolution deal.

You see, for me it’s never really worked out. Ever. Oh sure, I’ve lost a few pounds in January only to gain them back by February 15. (Nothing says weight gain like post-Valentine’s Day half-priced Whitman’s Samplers—especially when you’re eating them ANGRILY—because your husband gave you a CARD for Valentine’s Day. Seriously? A CARD?! It’s the ONLY holiday where you can express your love for me, pound for pound, with dark chocolate truffles and you give me a CARD?! Whatever. Oh, hey!

There’s a caramel one!)

I quit smoking once, which probably would’ve been a way bigger accomplishment had I actually been a smoker to begin with.

I’ve promised to drink more water, eat healthier, swear less, exercise more organize … de-clutter … floss. So far, none of these things have panned out for more than a week or so. Except for flossing, which I do on occasion either (a) right after I eat ribs or (b) right before a dentist appointment.

Seeing as I’ve usually busted through most of these promisesto-self before New Year’s Day is done (a little hair o’ the dog to help fend off the headache from the night before, traditional New Year’s Day black-eyed peas with salt pork is HARDLY health food, does putting away Christmas decorations count as exercise? and I defy you to NOT swear while you’re squeezing them back into your already-filled-to-capacity-and-where-in-the-WORLD-didall-this-kid-crap-come-from attic), I’m officially deciding to make resolutions that are the OPPOSITE of what I want to accomplish in the coming year.

That being said, I put together a list of my Top 10 New Year’s Res‑NO‑lutions List, 2014 Edition, at right.

All right, folks. That’s it! I can hardly wait to see how this goes.

If it does work out, I’ll let you know how well. If not, well … I’m sure you’ll hear about that, too. In the meantime, have a wonderful Christmas and a delightful New Year.

Go ahead! Get to working on those res‑NO-lutions. Can’t work out any worse than last year’s. Right? S

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L I N DA B E R G M A N – A LT H O U S E

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ABOUT O.W.L.S. Take a tour of the facility at 100 Wildlife Way, Newport. To volunteer, call 252-240-1200.

If your organization would like to learn more about wildlife, the O.W.L.S. non-releasable education animals jump at the chance!

MORE FIERCE THAN MERRY!

These very territorial birds are gifted mimics that can copy a squeaking gate so well that an expert can’t tell the difference.

A

lthough the Northern Mockingbird, the only mockingbird found in North America, has a repertoire of 200 songs and is capable of singing over a thousand songs an hour, we wildlife rehabilitators don’t see that ability as a demonstration of happiness or merry-making as one generally would, especially during the caroling season. Mockingbirds are made to mimic all birds they hear, as well as other interesting sounds. So when infant or juvenile mockingbirds are admitted to the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter in Newport during baby season, we’re not always sure who we’re hearing when we walk into the nursery.

Mockingbirds are renowned for their mimicking ability, as reflected by the meaning of its Latin scientific name Mimus polyglottos, “many-tongued mimic.” Behind every song is intent and purpose. As an infant, songs proclaim it’s “feed me, feed me” time.

Their favorite mimic in our nursery is of a Northern Cardinal: a high-pitched, shrill sound (almost headache producing) that definitely gets our attention. They must be thinking that puts them first in the feeding line.

Mockingbirds can imitate squeaky gates, sirens, pianos and barking dogs so well that professionals engaged in acoustical analysis cannot tell the difference between them and the real thing. Males and females, who reach sexual maturity after their first birthday, sing both day and night as an essential part of mating, making their presence known, denouncing trespassers in their territory, attacking potential predators and menacing or mobbing anything or anyone, to include humans, they perceive as a threat.

The bird you see perched conspicuously on high vegetation, fences, eaves, telephone wires, a rooftop or on your mailbox is probably a Northern Mockingbird on sentry duty, ready to fiercely swoop in and flagrantly harass other birds, animals or people in defense of their self-assigned boundaries.

Even on the ground, they will stretch their legs tall, extend their wings while hopping and prancing around an intruder in attempts to scare it away.

If a predator persists, mockingbirds will summon other mockingbirds from neighboring territories by vocalizing distinct alarms, calling them to join forces in attack mode. These birds are absolutely unafraid and will assault large, dangerous targets such as hawks and capable cats. They should feel no need to apologize for their aggressive behaviors, though. They need to be fierce given the long list of predators they must routinely deal with: sharp-shinned hawks, screech owls, great horned owls, squirrels and snakes, just to name a few.

You might think a bird predisposed to such unabashed ferocity might be pretty big, but nope, they are medium-sized songbirds a bit more slender than thrashers who are their closest living relatives.

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HOOKED UP FISHING REPORT

HOLIDAY FISHING

A H O O K E D U P L O O K AT W H AT ’ S B I T I N G I N D E C E M B E R

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hope everyone enjoys their holiday break this December. As a professional guide and an educator with a long holiday break, I spend much of December hunting our backwaters for two of NC’s most popular sport fish, Red Drum and Speckled Trout.

Fishing along the Crystal Coast was phenomenal this fall and we’re finding good numbers of Speckled Trout and Red Drum moving into their favorite winter areas. As you cruise out into the sounds and rivers this December, here’s what you can expect to find…

Winter Trout Fishing

There will be plenty of small 12–15" trout around the inlets and the marsh systems behind the beaches this December. They will stage up best around Bogue, Brown’s and Bear Inlet on the last half of the falling tide. Since both of these areas are deep with swift moving water, you’ll need to tie on a ¼-oz. jighead to get your bait near the bottom. I prefer tipping it with Berkley’ Gulp’s 3" minnow or shrimp and tossing slightly up current or cross current, letting it descend 4 to 5 seconds, followed by an occasional soft twitch of the wrist and a slow retrieve. The current will sweep your baits across the shelly bottom and across the face of an unsuspecting trout. These smaller fish are not very picky, they provide a lot of action for the family and you will usually find a few keepers mixed in.

If its larger trout you’re after, you’ll want to either make a trip to one of the jetties along our coast (Cape Lookout, Fort Macon or Wrightsville Beach) or you’ll want to spend time in the upper creeks off the rivers. Many of our large 2 to 5-lb. trout make their way into the upper rivers and creeks toward the deeper, lower salinity water. These areas provide protection from the cold and hold many small bait fish to feed on. Some of these areas will have a much slower tide, if any at all. Situations with little current allow the angler to scale down to very light jig heads (1/16 to 1/8-oz.) or suspending baits. It’s important to work your baits very slow with an occasional sharp twitch. Specs go crazy over slow sinking baits that imitate a wounded minnow. Berkley’s 3" shrimp, 4" minnow and 5" jerk shad as well as Bett’s halo shrimp and shad are some of the best soft baits during winter months.

WINTER RED FISHING!

FISH’N 4 LIFE Captain Jeff Cronk leads fishing and nature charters on the Crystal Coast. To get out on the water with him, call 910‑325‑8194. You can also visit him online at nccharterfishing.com.

2014 showed us no shortage of NC’s state fish, the Red Drum. Throughout December, anglers will find plenty of 20–25" reds in the backwaters and surf zone. The cold, clear water of winter allows for some of the best sight fishing along the Crystal Coast. We have countless miles of shallow flats that will hold schools of several dozen to several hundred redfish, always looking for their next winter meal. These fish are cold tolerant and will often feed even when temperatures have dropped down to freezing. Knowing where they prefer to hang out is key to a successful trip. The majority of the upper slot fish in our area will go to the surf and cruise the beaches close to the inlets, especially during long cold snaps. Hiking an inlet point or cruising the surf slowly and casting to shore is a good way to hook up. The back water creeks and bays will hold pups ranging from 15–25" with a few bigger fish mixed in. Anglers should scout bays that have established muddy bottoms and oyster beds. Many of the mainland creeks will hold fish too. It’s important to use your trolling motor and move slowly as these shallow cruising fish spook very easily. Anglers will have the best success hooking these fish up by scaling down to extremely light jig heads or weightless hooks rigged with a 4" Gulp smelt minnow, 3" Gulp shrimp or other small scented baits. If you prefer to use live bait, swing by Dudley’s Marina or Chais’n Tails Outdoors and pick up a few dozen live mud minnows.

Tight lines and keep warm this winter! S D E C E M B E R 2 0 1 4 / J A N U A RY 2 0 1 5 | C A R O L I N A S A L T | 2 7

DI S C OV E RY DI V I NG

LEE MOORE

DI V I NG O U R C OAS T

IN DECEMBER

D

ecember is when the water temperature drops down into the lower 60s offshore. Whales are beginning their migration and they can be seen as they pass the Crystal Coast. The migration will continue throughout the winter months. Charters will still be running, but holiday activities and the chill in the air will keep most divers out of the water. Some divers will be wearing drysuits, but it is still warm enough for divers to wear 7mm wetsuits. Most boats have heat on them, so divers getting out the water can find comfort in a warm cabin.

Try Nitrox But divers that prefer to dive in the warm water during the spring, summer and fall can still improve their diving knowledge through continuing education. Enriched air, commonly called Nitrox, is a class that can be done in a day and doesn’t have any required dives. The primary reason divers use enriched air is to extend the the amount of time they can stay on the bottom.

Once the diver has been properly trained in its use, they can calculate their maximum depth for the enriched air blend they are planning on diving with. Unlike air, there is no standard maximum depth for enriched air. The maximum depth is determined by the amount of oxygen in the blend. The less oxygen, the deeper you can go.

Become an Equipment Specialist The Equipment Specialist Class provides divers with an overview of the various types of gear that is available. This is not a repair class, but it does teach simple maintenance. While this class is beneficial to new divers who are still in the process of buying their own gear, seasoned divers can also benefit from the class by learning about new gear that has been introduced to the sport since they purchased theirs. While the standard gear is the core of the class, specialty gear, such as full face masks, lift bags, wreck reels and spearguns, is also discussed.

Do the Classroom Now and the Dives Later

JOIN DISCOVERY Contact Discovery Diving at 252‑728‑2265 or visit them on Facebook to see what classes and events are coming up. You can also visit discoverydiving.com.

JOIN ECARA ECARA works to continue sinking ships to create artificial reefs here in North Carolina, but their resources are limited. To get involved with ECARA, visit carolinareef.org to check out their current project list.

The classes that do require dives are still taught during the winter months. Some divers choose to do the entire class, but some divers choose to do just the classroom portion of the class. With the classroom portion completed, the divers will complete the dives when the warm has warmed back up in the spring. The most popular classes that require dives are the Advanced Class, the Rescue Class, the Wreck Class, the Deep Class and the Underwater Hunter Class. Many of the classroom portions of these classes can be taught on the same day.

Get the Most Out of Your Class To get the most out of a Continuing Education class, the diver needs to prepare for the class before they show up to the classroom. The first step in preparation is to get the manual for the class, if there is one and read it before the class. The second step in preparation for the class is to answer the Knowledge Reviews at the end of each chapter or at end of the book so they can be turned in at the end of the class. Any questions that the student can’t answer will be explained during the classroom session. Continuing education classes often require additional or specialized gear. The third step in preparing for the class is to get this gear before the class. If a student waits to get the manual or gear the day of the class, there might not be any available.

Preparation is key to getting the best experience out of a class.

The Gift of Diving A manual for a class or new gear always makes a great Christmas gift. Safety gear lets the diver receiving the gift know that you care about them. If you know a diver and don’t know what to get them, Discovery Diving can help you by making suggestions. Contact Discovery Diving at dive@discoverydiving.com or 252-728-2265 to let them help you fill your gift needs.

Like them on Facebook to see what events are coming up in the near future. •

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Mockingbirds, CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25 Males are slightly larger than females and their average wingspan is 12 to 14 inches. Most Northern Mockingbirds have a gray or white underbelly and white wing bars. They have small heads, a long, thin dark bill with a hint of a downward curve and long legs. Their wings are short, rounded and broad, making the tail seem particularly long in flight.

The Northern Mockingbird is an omnivore, meaning it eats insects and fruits. The birds’ diet consists of a variety of insects, spiders, earthworms, berries, fruits, seeds and sometimes lizards.

Their favorite insects include butterflies, beetles, ants, bees, wasps and grasshoppers. Mockingbirds drink from puddles, river and lake edges or dew and rain droplets found on plants. Adult mockingbirds also drink sap from cuts on recently pruned trees. Their diet heavily consists of more animal prey during the breeding season, but takes an extreme shift to fruits during fall and winter.

The habitat they prefer is usually open areas, forest edges and grasslands for foraging, but they have adapted well to residential living. Northern Mockingbirds visit feeding stations, especially in winter where they dine on fruit, mealworms and suet. They often bully other birds away from feeding areas, even if it contains foods they do not like. They don’t share well.

Mockingbird nests, constructed in bushes or trees usually 3 to 10 feet off the ground, consist of dead twigs shaped like an open cup, lined with grasses, small roots, leaves and sometimes bits of trash, plastic, aluminum foil and shredded cigarette butts which are not the best materials to choose, but they are resourceful recyclers. The male constructs the twig foundation while the female stands watch, then they switch duties and the female fashions the lining.

In a breeding season, the Northern Mockingbird lays an average of 3 to 5 eggs. They are light blue or greenish in color, speckled with brown dots and they hatch after 11 to 14 days of incubation. Both the parents will feed their little brood and after about 10 to 15 days of life, the offspring become independent. You may see youngins still begging in the trees for food because it’s hard for a child to give up that free ride and the parents will accommodate for a while, but soon tough love will encourage self-sufficiency. As they raise young and feed on insects, they’re paying attention and remembering everything that comes near their territory.

The mockingbird has the remarkable ability to tell the difference between individual humans, even after only 60 seconds of contact and despite changes of clothing. The Northern Mockingbird is known

for its intelligence and is much smarter than bird experts previously thought. They rank right up there with the natural capacity and genius of the American Crow.

These songbirds also recognize their specific breeding spots and return to areas in which they had greatest success in previous years. Although the Northern Mockingbird’s lifespan in the wild is 8 years, the 1800s took them to near extinction because people, who valued their exceptional vocal talent, captured them for pets.

When kidnapping them became illegal their numbers recovered significantly. The Northern Mockingbird, also called an American Nightingale, is the third popular state bird behind the Northern Cardinal and Western Meadowlark.

In light of what we now know about this impressive and boldly assertive songbird, it might be easier to understand when all that fussing starts next spring. Although it might sound merry at first, that bird is strictly talking business. Northern Mockingbirds need to do what needs to be done to keep us and any other threat moving along and away from their family. Isn’t that what we all do? •

Merry Christmas from Your Friends at

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