Carolina Salt January 2016

FREE! TAKE ONE! JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016

your life on the Crystal Coast

LOOK INSIDE FOR FUN & FREE

THINGS TO DO ON THE CRYSTAL COAST MID–JANUARY THROUGH MID–FEBRUARY page 8

CHOCOLATE•FESTIVAL Celebrating Charity & Chocolate

OUTER BANKS WILDLIFE

Meet The Purple Gallinule

ON THE MARQUEE

UNDERWATER EXPLORER

You’re A Good Explore the Man, Charlie Wreck of Brown U-352

HOME OF THE CRYSTAL COAST STEAM POT!

THE LARGEST GLUTEN-FREE MENU ON THE CRYSTAL COAST! 23 ITEMS!

Got football? We do!

8 FLAT SCREEN TVs • NFL TICKET • COLLEGE FOOTBALL

NOW SERVING! Fresh Local

SaltyOysters NOW SERVING!

Full Menu in the Boat Bar!

WEDNESDAYS

10% Off

SteamPots!

FRIDAYS Randy’s Famous Angus

Prime Rib

SUNDAYS (SEASONAL) All-You-Can-Eat

Crab Legs!

CHECK US OUT ON FACEBOOK SPORTS ON FLAT SCREEN IN THE BOAT BAR

FOR WEEKLY & WEEKEND SPECIALS! GOOD FOOD, GOOD FRIENDS, GREAT TIMES!

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 5 Pro/Am Chocolate Bake-Off Judging OPEN TO PROFESSIONAL AND AMATEUR BAKERS ONLY

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Chocolate Festival

CHOCOLATE•FESTIVAL

Do you think you make the best chocolate dessert in North Carolina?

If so, visit our website at carolinachocolatefestival.com to get an entry form. The categories this year are Cakes and Cheesecakes. Professionals and amateurs alike are invited to enter!

Winners will be announced on Saturday during the festival. Free registration!

SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 6 Cocoa 5K/Fun Run

AT CARTERET COMMUNITY COLLEGE CMAST BUILDING IN MOREHEAD CITY Check in is at 7 a.m. Run starts at 8 a.m. Cost is $25 per person or $45 for a family of four. Includes one T-shirt per entry. Tickets are available online at carolinachocolatefestival.com.

Chocolate Spa

AT CARTERET COMMUNITY COLLEGE Sessions available from 8:45 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. Enjoy massage, reflexology, facial, “mini” pedicure and manicure, all while indulging in chocolates and beverages.

Cost is $79 per person and includes a ticket to the festival.

Celebrating Charity & Chocolate

FEBRUARY 6-7

2016

Schedule —of— Events AT THE CRYSTAL COAST CIVIC CENTER IN MOREHEAD CITY

Event Tickets Online!

CAROLINACHOCOLATEFESTIVAL.COM

FROM 9 AM TO 6 PM AT THE CRYSTAL COAST CIVIC CENTER

Chocolate vendors galore! With wall-to-wall chocolate cakes, tortes, chocolate bars, ice cream and more, this event offers more than a sampling of everything chocolate.

Join in the fun of the hourly pudding eating contest! Chocolate door prizes!

Tickets are $8 for adults and $2 for kids 5–12. Kids under 5 admitted free!

This is the day for the Live Auction of the Pro/Am Competition cakes and cheesecakes!

SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 7 Chocolate Festival

FROM 10 AM TO 3 PM AT THE CRYSTAL COAST CIVIC CENTER

Another great day of chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate!

Tickets are $8 for adults and $2 for kids 5–12. Kids under 5 and active duty military personnel with military I.D. admitted free!

Buy your Festival chocolate bar...

DID YOU WIN THE GOLDEN TICKET ?

Golden Ticket grand prize is a trip to Hershey Park for 4!

Golden TICKET

CHOCOLA TE FESTIV

201 6

AL

M I D - JA N UA RY TO M I D - F E B RUA RY 2 0 1 6

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 12 Ask the Aquarium: Sea Urchins

A rare shell find gets a cool I.D. from the folks at the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Urchins look really different without their spines!

13 Meet the Purple Gallinule!

A tropical visitor blew in to the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter. This colorful visitor is both fearless and beautiful.

17 You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown

13

MEET THE PURPLE GALLINULE! FREE! TAKE ONE!

JANUARY / FEBRUARY 2016

your life on the Crystal Coast

LOOK INSIDE FOR FUN & FREE

Carteret Community Theatre is excited to announce a reprisal of the production “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” with original cast!

THINGS TO DO ON THE CRYSTAL COAST MID–JANUARY THROUGH MID–FEBRUARY page 8

ON THIS MONTH’S COVER The beginning of a new year is a special time to reflect on the year that’s passed, and to cherish hopes for the year to come. We wish you the best

CHOCOLATE•FESTIVAL

in 2016—it’s gonna be a good one.

Celebrating Charity & Chocolate

OUTER BANKS WILDLIFE

Meet The Purple Gallinule

ON THE MARQUEE

UNDERWATER EXPLORER

You’re A Good Explore the Man, Charlie Wreck of Brown U-352

We’re looking forward to Valentine’s Day in February—and a little more winter.

19 What’s biting now?

The Hooked Up Fishing Report brings you the best tips and tricks for hooking up with local species in January.

20 Explore the Wreck of U-352

The wreck of U-352, the first U-boat to be sunk by the Coast Guard in WWII, was discovered off our coast in 1975 and is a great local dive site.

LOCAL INTEREST Valentine’s Day with the BHA............15 BHA Membership Meeting................15

12 SEA URCHINS Ask the Aquarium identifies a strange shell.

19 HOOKED UP FISHING on the Crystal Coast is still going strong in January.

The Regulars 8 Things to Do 12 Ask the Aquarium: Sea Urchins 13 OWLS: Meet the Purple Gallinule 19 Hooked Up Fishing 20 Diving the Coast 21 Tides J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 6 | C A R O L I N A S A L T | 5

PUBLISHER: Will

Ashby

CREATIVE DIRECTOR: Chevy

Kaylor

CONTRIBU TING WRITERS Kim Murdock, Linda Bergman–Althouse, Sidney Hunter, Sherry White, Capt. Jeff Cronk and Lee Moore.

E D I T O R IA L S & 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-February to Mid-March issue is January 16, 2016.

Email letters to the editor, photos, community listings and articles to will@crystalcoastoutdoors.com. Next issue will publish February 7, 2016.

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

CLASSIC MONOGRAMMED APPAREL, TOTES & MORE! New lines of jewelry including custom monogrammed jewelry .

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Tuesday

20% OFF ALL T-SHIRTS! Applies to T-shirts only.

Wednesday

25% OFF

MONOGRAMMED SCARVES

Thursday

10% OFF STOREWIDE!

Excludes fudge, wine, monogramming.

Friday

BUY A POUND OF FUDGE

GET A ½ POUND OF FUDGE FREE!

Located in the K&V Plaza Next to Flipperz ★ 311 Mangrove Drive , Emerald Isle ★ 252.354.7775

Newly remodeled and carrying several new product lines. Come check us out!

JEWELRY • MONOGRAMMING & EMBROIDERY • HOMEMADE FUDGE • CULINARY NOVELTIES HANDBAGS, TOTES & PURSES • APPAREL & ACCESSORIES • MUCH MORE!

THINGS TO DO

CHOCOLATE FESTIVAL

Carolina Chocolate Festival

CHOCOLATE•FESTIVAL Celebrating Charity & Chocolate

The annual Carolina Chocolate Festival takes place at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City and is packed with activities from tastings, demonstrations and bake-offs to golfing and relaxing at the spa. Check their website for details about each activity and to purchase tickets for any one of the ten main events. All the proceeds from the Carolina Chocolate Festival benefit local charities.

This festival has raised hundreds of thousands of dollars for Carteret County charities. For more information visit carolinachocolatefestival.com.

eaturing chocolatiers2/5................. Pro/Am

F

as far away as Tennessee WEEKEND ofFESTIVALandreturns Virginia, this festival....................................Chocolate Spa (8:45 a.m.)

THEFIRST CHOCOLATE

2/6................Chocolate Festival (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.) to the Crystal Coast Civic Center.

Check best-loved dessert, chocolate, 2/7...............Chocolate Festival (10 a.m. to 3 p.m. featuring chocolate cakes, the listings atINright AT THE CRYSTAL COAST CIVIC CENTER MOREHEADfor CITY information tortes, bars, truffles, fudge, popcorn and ice cream—even onandevents.

For join more information, visit FEBRUARY 5 For Tickets Event Information us on Facebook chocolate wine and sugar-free or Visit www.CarolinaChocolateFestival.com carolinachocolatefestival.com.

Pro/Am Chocolate Bake Off chocolate. The event offers

The Chocolate Festival was created by the late John Green, who envisioned non-profit groups working together to organize an event as partners, and in turn reap the benefits. Proceeds from the 2016 festival will support local Carteret County charities. Over the last 12 years over $ 400,000 has been given to designated charities.

is for lovers of mankind’s

more than a sampling of everything chocolate. Do

you think you make the best chocolate dessert in North Carolina? If so, visit carolinachocolatefestival. com to get an entry form. Categories this year are Cakes and Cheesecakes. Professionals and amateurs alike are invited to enter. Winners will be announced on Saturday during the Festival. Free registration!

FEBRUARY 6

Cocoa 5k/Fun Run At the Carteret Community College/CMAST Building. Check-in at 7 a.m.; run starts at 8. Cost is $25 per person or $45 for a family of 4. Includes one T-shirt per entry.

FEBRUARY 6 JA N U A RY 1 8

✪ FREE AQUARIUM ADMISSION in honor of Martin Luther King Day! Sponsored by Transportation Impact.

For details call 252-247-4003 or visit ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores.

With wall-to-wall chocolate cakes and tortes, chocolate bars and ice cream, the event offers more than a sampling of everything chocolate. Join in the fun of the hourly pudding eating contest! Chocolate door prizes! Buy a festival chocolate bar... did you win the Golden Ticket? This year, the Golden Ticket wins a trip to Hershey Park for four. Festival tickets are $8 for adults, $ for kids 5–12 and a free for kids under 5. Active duty military free on Sunday with military I.D. 2/6............................................. 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.

2/7........................................... 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

EDUCATION

Chocolate Bake Off Judging

FEB RU A RYfrom5North – 7Carolina 2/6..............................Cocoa and 5k/Fun Run (7 a.m.)

FEBRUARY 2016

FEBRUARY 6–7

Chocolate Festival

FEBRUARY 5–7

Save the date!

✪ =FREE

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

Chocolate Spa [ 8:45 AM–3:45 PM ] At Carteret Community College in Morehead City. Includes a massage, reflexology, facial and a mini pedicure and manicure, all while indulging in chocolates and beverages. Cost is $79 per person, and includes a ticket to the Chocolate Festival.

JANUARY 7

✪ Brown Bag Gam: Lunchtime Lectures at the Maritime Museum Pack a lunch for a Brown Bag Gam during your lunch hour and join Associate Curator Benjamin Wunderly as he lectures on topics of local interest.

For more information call 252-728-7317.

1/7........................... U.S Lifesaving Service in NC 1/29.........................Ghost Ship Carroll A. Deering

JANUARY 18

✪ Free Admission to Aquarium on Martin Luther King Day Free admission for all, sponsored by Transportation Impact. For details call 252-247-4003 or visit ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores.

JANUARY 28

✪ Natural Science Lecture: ‘The Story Behind Echo the Whale’ Join Natural Science Curator Keith Rittmaster for an informal evening discussion about Echo the whale, the 33½-foot sperm whale skeleton at the Museum.

This presentation covers the story of Bonehenge, a massive volunteer effort that culminated with the skeletal display of the whale and its heart.

Free admission, no advance registration. For more information call 252-728-7317, stop by the Maritime Museum at 315 Front Street in Beaufort or visit them online at ncmaritimemuseums.com.

“Big Enough To Serve You, Small Enough To Know You.”

SCAN HERE FOR INFORMATION

Charleston Park • Swansboro • 910-378-0659 8 | C A R O L I N A S A L T | J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 6

info@cirilacothran.com • www.cirilacothran.com

✪ =FREE JANUARY 30–31

FREE MOVIES

Intro to Wooden Boat Building In this two-day hands-on course, students will explore the art of boat building from start to finish.

They begin with the design and lofting of boats and move on to the setup, steam bending and different methods of creating the back bone of small boats.

In addition, they will learn how to make planking systems, both carvel and lap strake and all the appropriate fastening systems. By the end of the course, students will have the knowledge and skill to choose a design and style of boat to build on their own. Course fee is $135. Minimum age is 16.

Advance registration required. For more information call 252-728-7317.

JANUARY 30

✪ Maritime Model Society Meeting The Carolina Maritime Model Society exists to promote the active participation in building ship models, a craft as old as shipbuilding itself. The group is the only such organization in the entire state. Free admission. Membership is open to all members of the Friends of the Maritime Museum. For more information call 252-7287317, stop by the Maritime Museum at 315 Front Street in Beaufort or visit them online at ncmaritimemuseums.com.

FEBRUARY 6–9 | FEBRUARY 6–7, 13–14

Build A Skin-on-Frame Inuit Boat Participants will build their own skin-on-frame ultralight boat in the Inuit style. These versatile boats can be fashioned in styles including the North Alaska Retrieval Kayak, Greenland-Style Sea Kayak, Pram Dinghy and Canadian Canoe. After the frames have been pegged and lashed together from fir and steam-bent white oak frames, a skin of 12-ounce ballistic nylon is sewn over the frame and coated with either varnish or paint to produce a light, tough and beautiful boat. This 4-day course runs for four straight days. Students also have the option to take the course on two consecutive weekends, February 6–7 and 13–14. Course fee is $1,500.

Minimum age is 16. For more information call 252-728-7317, stop by the Maritime Museum at 315 Front Street in Beaufort or visit them online at ncmaritimemuseums.com.

ICE COLD BEVERAGES AND GREAT FOOD

THINGS TO DO

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

FREE

ADMISSION EVERY FRIDAY AND SATURDAY NIGHT!

JANUARY 8

✪ Friday Night Free Flick [ 7 PM ] At 7500 Emerald Drive in Emerald Isle.

Movies are family oriented. Free! Children must be accompanied by an adult. Popcorn and drink for $1. Please bring chairs and or blankets, but no outside beverages or snacks. Call 252-354-6350 for movie title.

LIVE MUSIC JANUARY 9

‘Liverpool Live in Concert’ for a Live Beatles Experience Join us at Swansboro Town Hall, 601 West Corbett Avenue in Swansboro for Liverpool Live in Concert! The Carolina Beatles Experience pays tribute to the music of the Beatles. Feel free to dress 60s-style! Tickets are $10 for members, $15 for non-members. For more information visit seasideartscouncil.com.

JANUARY 9

J AN U ARY 9

LIVERPOOL Live in Concert for the complete live Beatles experience! At Swansboro Town Hall. Dress 60s-style!

Tickets are $15 ($10 for members). Visit seasideartscouncil.com for information.

Down East Folk Arts Society Concerts: Jeff Talmadge At Clawson’s Restaurant at 425 Front Street in Beaufort. General admission is $15 (active duty military and Down East Folk Arts Society members $12, full-time students $8). Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7:30. For tickets call 252-6464657 or email folkartsenc@gmail.com. Visit the website for information at downeastfolkarts.org.

JANUARY 23

American Music Festival: Calidore’s Brahms, Beethoven & Mozart [ 8 PM ] American Music Festival presents a stunning array of distinguished artists and ensembles at The History Place, 1008 Arendell Street, Morehead City. Reconnect with some of the world’s greatest classical music and favorite composers, most especially quartets from Beethoven’s early, middle and late periods. January features Calidore (Brahms, Beethoven and Mozart).

For more information visitamericanmusicfestival.org or call 252-728-6152.

J AN U ARY 9

JEFF TALMADGE live at Clawson’s Restaurant in Beaufort. Doors open at 6:30 p.m., show starts at 7:30.

For tickets call 252-646-4657. Visit downeastfolkarts.org for information.

SATURDAY Classic Car Cruise-In! Bring out your classic & custom cars!

J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 6 | C A R O L I N A S A L T | 9

CARTERET COUNTY SPEEDWAY / 501 WHITEHOUSE FORK RD / SWANSBORO / 252.242.1015

THINGS TO DO

✪ =FREE

M I D – J A N UA RY T O M I D – F E B R UA RY FAIRS AND EXPOS JANUARY 9

Crystal Coast Bridal Fair At the Crystal Coast Civic Center. Visit over 50 of the area’s top wedding professionals. Talk with vendors about services and products they offer without the pressure of purchasing. For more information visit crystalcoastbridalfair.com or call 252-240-3256.

JANUARY 10

✪ Coastal Car Show in Cedar Point

J A N U A RY

BRIDAL FAIRS are coming to the Crystal Coast. Check the listings at right to find out about the Crystal Coast Bridal Fair and the Crystal Coast Bridal Salon, both coming in January.

[ 9 AM–2 PM ] Presented by Island Auto Detailing.

Coastal Car Show will be held at the Cedar Point Open Air Market at 1046 Cedar Point Boulevard.

9am -2pm. Cost to register a car is $20.

Registration starts at 8:30 a.m.; judging begins at 11:30. Trophies will be presented for Domestics, Imports, Trucks, Rat Rods, Motorcycles, Most Wild, Engine, Stereo, Exhaust, Top 20 and Wheels & Fitment. For more information call 910-750-9600.

JANUARY 15–17

Crystal Coast Bridal Salon At the Doubletree by Hilton Atlantic Beach Oceanfront Hotel. The Crystal Coast Wedding Salon is a weekend full of wedding planning events and fun for the bride and groom. For information and tickets visit crystalcoastweddingsalon.com.

All-access passes are $25 (one person) or $40 (couple). Showcase-only tickets are $8 in advance and $10 at the door.

FOOD & WINE JANUARY 11, 25

Succulent Seafood Series

JA N U A RY 1 3

✪ MERRY TIME FOR TOTS presents Pirate Hooks & Peg Legs! For ages 2–5.

Kids hear a story about a boy who joined a pirate crew and then review early learning topics. Call 252-728-7317 .

Local chefs demonstrate how to prepare fresh local seafood with a flourish. Sessions include a taste test! For ages 12 and up. Cost is $15. For details call 252-247-4003 or visit ncaquariums.com.

1/11............................. Saltwater Grill, Swansboro 1/25................. Icehouse Restaurant in Swansboro

JANUARY 22

Clam Chowder Cook-Off Four clam chowder cooks will compete at the Harvey W. Smith Watercraft Center. Participants enjoy a tasting-sized portion of each of the four chowders and then vote for their favorite. In addition to clam chowder, the event will host a cornbread taste-off. Tickets are available at the Museum Store or online at museumfriends.org.

Cost is $35 for non-members and $30 for Friends members. Proceeds help support the operations of the Friends of the North Carolina Maritime Museum. For information call 252-728-7317 or visit ncmaritimemuseums.com.

1 0 | C A R O L I N A S A L T | J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 6

ACTIVISM & VOLUNTEERING JANUARY 12, 26 | FEBRUARY 9, 23

✪ Volunteer with the NC Coastal Federation The Coastal Federation is seeking volunteers to help bag oyster shells at our office at 3609 Highway 24 in Ocean on the following days: 1/12.............................................. 10 a.m.–Noon 1/26.............................................. 1 p.m.–3 p.m.

2/9................................................ 10 a.m.–Noon 2/23.............................................. 1 p.m.–3 p.m.

To register, email Rachel Bisesi at rachelb@nccoast. org or go to nccoast.org/volunteer.

JANUARY 19

✪ BHA Membership Meeting [ 6 PM ] This meeting honors all Beaufort Historical Association volunteers and will be at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. A potluck dinner will be followed by a short meeting and presentation of volunteer awards. For more information call 252-728-5225 or email lindsay@beauforthistoricsite.org.

JUST FOR KIDS JANUARY 13

✪ Merry Time for Tots: Pirate Hooks & Peg Legs!

Preschoolers and their caregivers are invited to the NC Maritime Museum in Beaufort to explore the world of pirates! Following a story about a boy that joined a pirate crew, everyone will get to make their own pirate hats and explore what is inside a pirate treasure chest—it isn’t just gold and jewels! Along with learning about pirates, students will review their senses, body parts and colors. For ages 2–5.

Free. Space is limited, pre-registration is required.

For information or to register, call 252-728-7317.

GET OUTDOORS FEBRUARY 3-4

Coastal Culture and Waterfowl Watching Trip Observe the migration of wintering waterfowl at Wildlife Refuges and National Seashores in Eastern North Carolina and learn about the history of our coastal communities. Museum staff will lead you on a tour through the remote but beautiful regions of Pamlico, Hyde and Dare Counties for this annual trip. This is an overnight adventure and requires pre-registration. Reservations are $75; hotel and meals are not included. For more information call 252-728-7317, stop by the Maritime Museum at 315 Front Street in Beaufort or visit them online at ncmaritimemuseums.com. S

TWO CUISINES UNDER ONE ROOF. ON-THE-WATER DINING AT ITS FINEST. CORNER OF FRONT & MOORE STREETS • HISTORIC DOWNTOWN SWANSBORO

S wanSboro I cehouSe . com 910.325.0501

B oro C afe NC. Com 910.325.0502

Come by boat; doCk and dine! off-site Catering available.

WE NOW OFFER A LOCATION FOR WEDDINGS AND SPECIAL EVENTS ON THE WATER WITH A 40'x100' TENT.

Live Music All Year!

Wednesdays 7pm • Saturdays 9pm

lunCh & dinner 7 days from 11am (sunday from 10:30 am)

Broad american cuisine CHEF’S CREATIONS DAILY

FULL BAR WITH EXTENSIVE WINE MENU

16 CRAFT BEERS ON DRAFT

TO-GO ORDERS PREPARED WITH PLEASURE

loCal seafood | salad & Pasta entrées | Certified angus® beef all-natural ChiCken | gluten-free & vegetarian oPtions offering a unique alternative cuisine as an augmentation to the outstanding restaurants of the swansBoro community.

WEDNESDAY–SUNDAY FROM 7AM (SPECIALTY COFFEES & PASTRIES) LUNCH & DINNER (CLOSED 3–5pm pm, SUNDAY 3-4pm pm)

Wednesdays & Sundays

HALF OFF SECOND BOTTLE OF WINE

Thursdays

2

$ 50 CRAFT DRAFTS (12 ON TAP!)

Saturdays & Sundays

Sundays

[ 8am-2pm ]

SUSHI NIGHT!

BRUNCH

SOUTHERN FUSION • CHEF’S CREATIONS DAILY • LIVE MUSIC ALL YEAR ON FRIDAYS 7pm

loCal seafood | flat breads | grass-fed burgers & steaks| Paninis gourmet grilled Cheese | salads & Pasta | gluten-free & vegetarian oPtions

A S K T H E AQ UA R I U M

N C A Q UA R I U M S . C O M / P I N E - K N O L L - S H O R E S

FAQ

Q. I found an unusual shell near a rock jetty. It’s round like a globe, kind of pinkish and about the size of a large walnut with a large hole in one end and smaller hole in the other. The small, knobby holes run vertically and cover the shell. Any idea what it could be?

A

Your description fits the striking design of a sea urchin “skeleton,” called a “test.” These prickly pincushions live in saltwater habitats throughout the world. Seldom are the fragile shells found whole, so consider yourself lucky.

Sea urchins are echinoderms, along with sea stars and sand dollars. When alive, the urchin’s protective spines hide its unusual design.

Denuded of its many spines, the shell reveals an attractive symmetry of five rows of knobby, radial lines and a multitude of tiny pores. When the urchin is alive, the knobs act as ball-and-socket-like joints, allowing the spines to move.

The tiny holes are openings for its hundreds of minute tube feet. The large hole is the bottom of the sea urchin and once housed the mouth and five pointed teeth. The smaller hole at the top was used for excreting waste. The shell itself is made of calcareous plates that fit tightly together to form a rigid, orb-like case.

Urchins use their tiny tube feet to attach to solid objects such as rocks, ledges, coral reefs and bottom debris where they graze on algae and vegetation.

To maintain a grip amid currents, the hundreds of tube feet are equipped with suckers to hold the urchin in place. The spines are primarily for protection, and some urchins use their tiny suckered feet to attach weed and shells to the spines for camouflage. The moveable spines also trap bits of seaweed to be passed down to the mouth, as well as help with locomotion by acting like stilts to lift the urchin’s round body and move it along. Depending on the species, the spines can be long or short, thin or club-like, pointed or venom filled.

Most urchin spines are sharp enough to penetrate human skin if stepped on or carelessly handled.

Some 600 to 700 urchin species are known, and some are toxic to humans.

In certain regions, sea urchin roe is considered a delicacy. Urchins are preyed upon by sea birds, crabs, sea stars, stingrays, sea otters and some fish, including sharks.

Discover more fascinating facts about North Carolina’s aquatic environments and inhabitants by visiting the aquariums on Roanoke Island, at Fort Fisher and at Pine Knoll Shores, or Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. S 1 2 | C A R O L I N A S A L T | J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 6

When alive, the sea urchin’s unusual and attractive five-rayed design is hidden by its spines.

Purple urchins have longer spines than white urchins.

Information provided by the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. The state operates three public aquariums; one in Pine Knoll Shores, another at Fort Fisher and a third on Roanoke Island, as well as Jennette’s Pier in Nags Head. The facilities are administered by the North Carolina Department of Environment and Natural Resources and are designed to inspire appreciation and conservation of North Carolina’s aquatic environments.

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

O U T E R BA N K S W I L D L I F E S H E LT E R

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!

MEET THE PURPLE GALLINULE! A rare visitor from the tropics stumbled in to the Outer Banks Wildlife shelter for the new year.

As we ring in a royal New Year, we might as well go purple! This bird may very well be a new one for you. So let me introduce the rarely-seen-in-this-area Purple Gallinule.

The Purple Gallinule, also known as a Water Hen, is a beautifully colored wetland bird found mostly in southern Florida and the tropics. American gallinules usually winter in Argentina or Brazil, but singles are known to stray off course occasionally, especially when migrating after breeding season. Purple Gallinules are one of the most frequent American marsh birds to wander and despite appearing very clumsy in flight, can find themselves as far away as South Africa.

In North Carolina, the Clapper Rail is close kin. Even knowing their propensity to roam, it was still a surprise to admit an injured Purple Gallinule to the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter recently and just as unexpected for the Good Samaritan caller to know

the identity of the bird she found walking on a road in Emerald Isle. To be totally honest, the transporter did volunteer at our shelter in Newport years ago, before her work schedule became too tight and we do train them well! A paved road is not natural habitat, so she knew as soon as she saw the gangly but gorgeous bird limping along that the it was in trouble. She quickly theorized the gallinule had probably been clipped by a car.

After an examination at the shelter revealed a fractured femur, we agreed.

Where you would see this magnificent, multicolored bird of the rail family is walking on top of floating vegetation or awkwardly high stepping through dense shrubs rather than on a roadway. Extensive wetlands with still or slow-moving shallow water, lots of dense marsh cover with plant life buoyed by water describes their habitat best. This slightof-weight bird with extremely long toes is capable of standing on floating lily pads without sinking.

The Purple Gallinule swims on the surface of water like a duck but walks on those floating plants like a chicken. Although they are called “purple” gallinules, they are such a rainbow of colors one might think they are more parrot than rail. Purple is the dominant adult color, but you will also see a green back, red triangular bill tipped with yellow, a fleshy plate of light blue on their forehead, white under the tail, bright yellow legs (one of the reasons they are locally known as Yellow-Legged Gallinules) and big yellow, non-webbed feet and long toes which they not only use for sprinting but to hold their food while eating. Those toes are also capable of the manual dexterity it takes to flip over lily pads to find prey underneath or to climb bushes or trees to find food. Both sexes of adults sport the same stunning plumage and physical appearance.

Downy chicks are black and as juveniles, they turn a buffy tan with some dull colorations just starting to vividly bloom.

Adults measure 10-15 inches in length, CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

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Melvin!

Valentine’s Day with the BHA

T

he Membership Drive for the Beaufort Historical Association has been a tradition for many years. The party is held on the grounds of the Beaufort Historic Site, and there is plenty of room, with the two acres and nine authentically restored houses and buildings, all of which will be open for members and potential members to enjoy and learn more about this area’s coastal heritage.

Even better, each house or building will feature different, special refreshments for visitors to enjoy. Everyone has their own unique way of enjoying the party, whether it’s the beer and pizza in the jail, the hot cider by the fire in the Leffers Cottage, or the olive oil tasting in the Carteret County Courthouse of 1796. The most unique aspect of this party is that it’s great for singles, couples, children and even pets! This year, the party takes place on Sunday, February 7, from 2 to 4 p.m. and you are invited to help celebrate the 55th anniversary of the Beaufort Historical Association.

Every year there is a show and sale in the Mattie King Davis Art Gallery for our Valentine Party. This year we will be featuring Coleman Dance and Sally Barnes. Not only are these two women friends, but their shared love of art as well as their unique talents makes them the perfect choice for the Valentine Party.

Bring friends, co-workers and neighbors who have an interest in Beaufort and want to find out more about the Beaufort Historical Association and all of the many activities and events that are held throughout the year. There is a wide range of giving levels from $25 for students and senior citizens to $5,000 for the Somerset Circle with each level of membership receiving special benefits. Memberships can be purchased online at beauforthistoricsite.org and for more information about the Valentine Party, check online or stop by the Welcome Center at 130 Turner Street, or call 252-728-5225. S

M

eet this handsome fella named Melvin! He came into the shelter on August 11 as a stray and is now awaiting his FUR-ever home. He is around 2 years old, neutered and ready for a person or family to love. This boy is very sweet! Stop by the shelter and visit with Melvin and give him the awesome life that he deserves today!

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BHA Membership Meeting January 26

T

he Beaufort Historical Association will host its SemiAnnual Membership Meeting on January 26 at 6 p.m. Held twice a year, this meeting honors all BHA volunteers for their hard work and dedication. This year the meeting will be at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church. A potluck dinner will be followed by a short business meeting and the presentation of the Volunteer Awards.

In addition there will be a presentation by Mayor Richard Stanley about the impact of the new bridge coming to Beaufort and a panel of long-time Beaufort residents with their remembrances of the first drawbridge and the second drawbridge that connected Beaufort to the mainland.

All are invited to the meeting and to join in the discussion of bridging Beaufort’s past with its future. S

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UpThe

JANUARY 30 • 4-8 PM 100% CHANCE OF SNOW in Swansboro Municipal Park. Municipal Park will turn into a winter wonderland with slopes for sledding and a play area filled with tons of snow!

Everyone grab your mittens and come dressed to have snow much fun at Swansboro Parks and Recreation’s Snow Up the Park on January 30, 4-8 p.m. For more information call 910-326-2600 or come by the Swansboro Recreation Center, 830 Main St. Ext.

F

ON THE MARQUEE

LIVE THEATRE: YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN REPRISED BY THE ORIGINAL CAST

our years ago, director Katie Dixon took a group of crazy talented (and a couple of novice) middle school performers and put on, arguably, one of Carteret Community Theatre’s most beloved productions, “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown.” The show was performed at CCT’s old stomping grounds, our wonderful stage at Joslyn Hall at Carteret Community College. The show played to full audiences that, surprisingly enough, were only partially made up of proud parents and grandparents on a nightly basis.

A lot has changed for the cast and the theatre since those days.

Most of the cast are seniors in high school this year, Charlie Brown’s voice has finally completed that bothersome voice change that just happened to kick in just as the show opened (a la Peter Brady) and the theatre is now based at 1311 Arendell Street. Many of the cast members have continued acting at CCT in such shows as “Annie,” “The Miracle Worker,” “Into the Woods,” “The Rocky Horror Show” and “Oliver, The Musical,” but never again have they had the opportunity to work on a show together.

They have longed to have one more shot at the fun and comradery they experienced before they leave for college in the fall, and they have longed to have a shot to work on the much larger stage now owned by CCT. To that end and after months and months of not so veiled hints, begging and prodding, these teens have convinced their former director, Mrs. Dixon to bring about a CCT first….a revival of a stage show with the original cast!

Carson Davis will be reprising his role as Charlie Brown, Grace Murdoch has set her voice to full volume for the part of the “demure” Lucy Van Pelt, Phoebe McFarland is pigtail-ready to bring playful

Sally back to the stage, Nate Gilliam reprises the role of our dear, sweet Linus—this time as a bass and not as a soprano—Maddie Leary is ready to don the spotted costume for everybody’s favorite king of bark and snark, Snoopy, and the cast welcomes Gabe Dorsett as master of the ivories, Schroeder (formerly played by Clay Ashby).

Sophie Dixon, daughter of Mrs. Dixon, will serve as the fluttery dog’s best friend, Woodstock.

If you had the opportunity to see the first run of the show, you will be delighted at the vocal and acting (and physical) growth of these terrific young actors. It has been the director’s delight to see them understanding lines they didn’t fully understand the first time around. If you have never seen the show, it is, in a word, superb and has wide audience appeal. The show features America’s beloved Peanuts characters in familiar scenarios and features songs that are beautiful, heart-touching, hilarious and cleverly written, such as the multi-part “The Book Report” and “Glee Club Rehearsal (Home On The Range).” Children and adults alike will find storylines and references that will make them smile and make their hearts sing, particularly the final song “Happiness.” This show is a perfect opportunity to introduce youngsters to night at the theatre or for adults to enjoy a night out on the town with dear, old friends—the Peanuts Gang.

Show dates are February 5-7 and 12-14. Times and ticket information can be found at carteretcommunitytheatre.com. Tickets may be purchased online or at the theatre. Like us on Facebook for up-to-date show and audition information and to stay in-the-know with your friends at Carteret Community Theatre—best lives shows on the Crystal Coast! S

FOR TICKETS Show dates are February 5-7 and 12-14. Times and ticket information can be found at carteretcommunitytheatre.com.

Tickets may be purchased online or at the theatre. Like us on Facebook for up-to-date show and audition information and to stay in-the-know with your friends at Carteret Community Theatre.

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C A P TA I N J E F F C R O N K

HOOKED UP FISHING REPORT

NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION 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 J A N U A R Y

J

anuary can be a tough month for fishermen due to the weather but it typically offers some mild days that make for a great time on the water! We have a few species that remain here along the Crystal Coast regardless of how cold it gets and they must eat, so make it one of your New Year’s resolutions to enjoy some fishing this January! Our inshore waters and surf zone will be holding plenty of Speckled Trout, Redfish and even a few Black Drum throughout the month. Due to the cold temperatures, fish will definitely be schooled up and anglers will want to focus their efforts in the right areas.

SPECKLED TROUT Many of our larger speckled trout will move into up river situations during winter. They will migrate into the main channels into deeper, protected creeks and into smaller creeks or canals along the mainland sounds and ICW. There will still be many smaller trout with some good-sized fish mixed in along the deep channels and creeks near our inlets as well as the surf zone. A general rule of thumb while trout fishing is to go light. Trout seem to respond more aggressively to baits that have long hang times or suspend times. I like to use 1/8-oz. to 3/16-oz. jigheads with my Gulp baits or soft plastics while fishing the channels and creeks closer to our inlets that have currents. When I move into upper creeks or canals I drop down to 1/16-oz. jigheads. Some of my favorite soft baits to put on my jig heads include Berkley Gulp 3" and 4", Pearl White Shrimp 4", Smelt Minnow 5" Jerkshad in Pink or White and Berkley Powerbait’s 3" Pro Grub or Pro Twitch Bait Minnow in Chartreuse Ice or Pink Ice. My favorite pre-weighted soft bait is Bett’s Perfect Sinker Shrimp. This bait has a slow decent and I’ll usually allow a 1 second pause for every 1 foot of depth. These baits will produce vicious strikes and they work very well in areas with little to no current.

REDFISH When looking for redfish this January, anglers should focus on the surf zone one sunny days with northerly, northwesterly or westerly breezes. The surf will lay down flat, allowing anglers to approach the surf zone while sunny skies allow anglers to see through the water and spot schools of redfish on the move. Once located, these fish will usually strike any soft bait.

I like a 1/2-oz. jighead tipped with a Berkley Gulp 4" Shrimp or a 4" Smelt Shaky Shad. When we have multiple warm days some of these schools of redfish will move through the inlets and scour the shallow flats and bays behind our beaches in search of food. So anglers can also spend time on the trolling motor quietly moving through these shallow bays looking for reds.

Once located, it’s usually no problem to hook up with dozens ranging from 4 to 10 pounds. It’s important to use little to no weight with your baits because most of the shallow flats will have a thick, green algae covering the bottom during winter months. I like to rig a 4" Smelt Gulp Minnow on a 1/16-oz. jighead or a 5" Smelt Gulp Jerkshad on a weightless hook (weedless). The weather may slow many anglers down but the fish must eat! If you put the time in, you can have a successful fishing trip this January!

NEW PRODUCTS

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.

Many fishermen, including myself, have switched over to braided and super lines over the past decade. These lines have definite advantages, including abrasion resistance and strength that far exceed mono lines. As a tournament fisherman and fishing guide I’ve used many types of braided line in attempt to hook and land more fish. With over 150 days a year on the water and currently over 75 top 5 tournament wins, I’ve come to depend on several braided lines offered by SpiderWire. Whether I choose from SpiderWire’s EZ Braids, Stealth Braids or UltraCast Braids, I know that only the best technology and most advanced high molecular weight PE fibers qualify for their braided lines. Based on over 30 years of professional experience I can honestly say that these braids outcast and outlast any other braid I’ve ever used! You can check out SpiderWire braided lines at spiderwire.com. S J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 6 | C A R O L I N A S A L T | 1 9

DI S C OV E RY DI V I NG

LEE MOORE

DIVING OUR COAST

EXPLORING THE WRECK OF U-352

U

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.

-352 is a 218' Type VII-C German U-boat that lies in 115 feet of water 26 miles southeast of Beaufort Inlet. The location of U-352 remained unknown until 1975 when it was discovered a mile and a quarter away from its last reported location.

It usually takes about an hour and forty-five minutes to reach this dive site after leaving the inlet.

The conning tower rises to 90 feet and the main part is at 100 feet. The bow is cracked so the forward torpedo tubes are exposed, partially from the initial depth charging and partially from the effects of time. U-352 rests on its starboard side at a 45-degree angle. The outer hull has deteriorated in some places, but the supporting ribs are still in place and the inner pressure hull is intact. There can be moderate currents on the U-352, so it is best to swim into them on the first part of the dive and let the current bring you back to the anchor line. The inside of the U-352 is filled with silt, which can easily reduce a diver’s visibility to zero. Only penetration-trained wreck divers should attempt it. There is plenty to see on the outside of the U-352.

The U-352 was the first U-boat to be sunk by the U.S. Coast Guard in World War II. On May 9, 1942, U-352 was searching for a target. Kapitänleutnant Hellmut Rathke saw the mast of a ship through his periscope and prepared to sink it. What he thought was a slow-moving, unprotected freighter turned out to be U.S. Coast Guard Cutter Icarus. Rathke fired a torpedo and then raised his periscope expecting to see the burning remains of a freighter, but instead saw Icarus surrounded by brown seawater from the torpedo, which failed to find its target and exploded on the sea floor.

Rathke immediately dove to the bottom, but since he was in shallow water, that was only 115 feet.

His first thought was to get behind the stern of the Icarus and wait to attack, but decided to hide in the brown sea of the torpedo impact.

Icarus began searching for the U-352 with sonar. Having lost contact, they dropped five depth charges into the muddy water. One detonated above the deck gun, two by the conning tower, one over the engine room and the fifth one passed 50 feet behind the stern. The glass in all of the gauges in the conning tower and control room were shattered by the detonations. U-352 lost all power except for the dim red emergency lights. Both electric engines were inoperable. Rathke thought if he played dead, the Icarus would leave and he could repair his wounded U-352. What he didn’t know was that the depth charges had knocked a large amount of sheet metal from the conning tower and that the deck gun was now resting on the seafloor. This reduction in weight actually caused to U-352 to drift through the water with its bow up and stern dragging in the sand.

The Icarus could tell that the U-352 was still moving, and as long as it was moving, it presented a threat. They dropped three more depth charges. The first one struck the bow and ruptured its buoyancy tank, while the other two fell to the side. Bubbles from the buoyancy tank provided a target for the next depth charge. The detonation caused more water to leak into the U-352, but the pressure hull held. The next charge missed its target, but came close enough that Rathke ordered his U-352 to the surface.

As U-352 broke the surface, the crew of Icarus started firing their machine guns at the escaping Germans. Lt. Jester knew the deck gun was able to sink his ship and wasn’t going to allow anyone to reach it. What no one realized was that the deck gun had been blown off. Three shots were fired from the three-inch gun: the first hit in front of the conning tower and ricocheted through it, the second went behind the conning tower and the third impacted dead center. The crew jumped into the water as the Icarus continued to strafe the water. The Icarus left the area to guard against another U-boat in the area, as they were known to hunt in groups called Wolfpacks. After sending numerous messages, Icarus received the authority to pick up survivors and returned to the site.

Thirty-three crewmembers had escaped from the sinking U-352.

If you would like to go out to the U-352 or any of the other wrecks off of the Crystal Coast, contact Discovery Diving at dive@discoverydiving.com, 252-728-2265 or like us on Facebook to see what classes and events are coming up in the near future. S

2 0 | C A R O L I N A S A L T | J A N U A RY / F E B R U A RY 2 0 1 6

T I D E C HA RT CAPE HATTERAS TIDES JANUARY 7 TO FEBRUARY 7

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Gallinule, CONT FROM PAGE 13 span 20-24 inches across their wings and weigh between 5–10 ounces, with females averaging the fuller weight.

Gallinules fly only short distances and let their legs dangle rather than hold them straight as an arrow like egrets or herons do. Purple Gallinules are omnivorous and consume a wide variety of plants, seeds and fruits; insects, frogs, snails, spiders, earthworms, eggs and fish round out their diet. Clambering noisily through marshes and waterside trees while squawking, cackling and using their guttural grunts, the Purple Gallinule flicks its short tail anxiously as it forages for food. With its strong legs and long toes, it runs around on open shorelines aggressively in search of provisions (not quite the secretive and stealth hunter his cousin the Clapper Rail is).

Purple Gallinules are the most inquisitive of the rail family—almost to the point of being inappropriately curious, which can get them into trouble. They appear bold and eager rather than cautious when exploring something a new environment with seemingly no regard for their own safety.

During breeding season, which can be any time in the tropics but is only during spring and summer in North America, both Purple Gallinule parents build a bulky nest comprised of cattails, grasses and sedges anchored firmly to floating structures in a marsh at water level or 1 to 3 feet above it.

Between 5 and 10 tan eggs with brown spots

will be laid and incubated by both parents for 22-25 days. After hatching, the young will be fed by the parents and assisted by other gallinules, sometimes as many as eight.

It is believed that these feeding helpers are previous offspring and that the assistance is needed because the parents have a second nest of eggs or hatchlings they must attend to. Juvenile gallinules under 10 weeks old have been known to feed baby chicks. The youngsters start to eat on their own after 7-10 days and are capable of flight around the ninth week.

A Purple Gallinule’s longevity is up to

22 years, as long as it can stay alert and outwit boas in the tropics and alligators and turtles in North America. Although this species is not considered globally threatened, their numbers have decreased due to aerial spraying of pesticides and wetland loss in the United States as well as in South and Central America. If you ever come across a brilliantly colored Purple Gallinule that looks a little more like a Disney character than wildlife, you are not hallucinating! They do exist, but not usually here. The one you are seeing is probably migrating or just in the mood to roam! S

Visit Beautiful Historic Beaufort Stir a little love into everything you do.

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