Carolina Salt June 2017

FREE!

your life on the Crystal Coast JUNE

/

J U LY

201 7

SPECIAL ISSUE:

Summer Begins!

LOOK INSIDE FOR FUN & FREE

THINGS TO DO ON THE CRYSTAL COAST MID–JUNE THROUGH MID–JULY PG. 8

LOCAL WILDLIFE

Shrikes: The Butcherbird

ON THE LOCAL TABLE

Shark: The Other White Meat

HOME OF THE CRYSTAL COAST STEAM POT!

GRILL & STEAM BAR

Happy Father’s Day!

Good food, good friends, great times!

Wednesdays

10% OFF STEAM POTS! Thursdays

JAMAICAN ME THIRSTY IN THE BOAT BAR! Caribbean-Style drink specials, Heineken & ShockTop $3

Fridays

RANDY’S FAMOUS ANGUS

PRIME RIB In the Boat Bar

LIVE MUSIC! JUNE 9

Todd Barnes JUNE 16

Hank Barbee

8 GIANT FLAT SCREENS IN THE BOAT BAR!

Next to El’s • Look for the Big Fish!

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LUNCH, DINNER AND KIDS MENU ALL DAY!

SummerFashions AT THE MADRAS & KHAKI’S BOUTIQUE

JEWELRY • HANDBAGS MONOGRAMMING EMBROIDERY TOTES & PURSES APPAREL • ACCESSORIES NOVELTIES • MORE!

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MID-J U N E TO M ID-JU LY 2 0 1 7

Inside This Issue your life on the Crystal Coast

13 The Fisher Woman

In this lighthearted, folksy essay, the author takes a look back over the years to the day his mother showed him up on the fishing boat.

20 Block Heads!

The Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter has acquired its very first loggerhead shrike. These cute litte birds have some surprisingly grim habits!

23

AND ENDLESS SUMMER of Hydrangeas FREE!

t stal Coas on the CryJ U L Y 2 0 1 7 / your life JUNE

SPECIAL

ISSUE:

Summer Begins!

June / July

ON THIS MONTH’S COVER Get out your flip flops and your bathing suits, it’s finally feeling like summer on the Crystal Coast!

E LOOK INSID & FREE FOR FUN

THINGS TO DO COAST CRYSTAL GH ON THE THROU MID–JUNE LY MID–JU PG. 8

LOCAL TABLE

e Shark: ThMeat ite Other Wh ON THE

IFE

LOCAL WILDL

Shrikes: ird erb The Butch

21 Shark: The Other White Meat

Low in calories and high in protein, shark is tasty

and good for you. If you’re interested in splashing out, we have a great recipe to start with!

22 Where Can I Find Sand Dollars?

Ask the Aquarium answers that question, and outlines and dos and don’ts of collecting some of your own beach souvenirs.

23 An Endless Summer of Hydrangeas

Hydrangeas have come a long way! New varieties

bloom continuously, and bloom on old and new wood. Add some beauty to your yard this summer!

LOCAL INTEREST

Things To Do................................................ 8 Diving Our Coast.. ....................................... 24 Tides. . ....................................................... 25

13 THE FISHER WOMAN Sometimes your mom’s gonna show you up.

20 BLOCK HEADS! Fun and interesting facts about the loggerhead shrike.

21 SHARK Curious and have a sense of adventure? Go for the shark!

22 SAND DOLLARS Where you can find them, how to collect responsibly.

A Moment of Reflection. . .............................. 26

CarolinaSalt.com » June / July 2017 CAROLINA SALT 5

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PUBLISHER

WILL ASHBY C R E AT I V E D I R E C TO R

C H E V Y K AY LO R B E C O M E A C O N T R I BU TO R

Submit your letters to the editor, photos, community listings and articles to will@carolinasalt.com.

The editorial deadline for the next issue is June 16.

The next issue publishes July 7.

B E C O M E A N A DV E RT I S E R

Carolina Salt is a great way to reach out to your local customers, as well as our seasonal visitors.

252-723-7628

Call us to find out how we can help you grow your local business.

FROM THE PUBLISHER

Thank you for picking up Carolina Salt magazine, all about our life here on the Crystal Coast.

Our articles are written by locals. Every month we look to our readers to keep our magazine fresh.

If you have a story to tell, an event to promote or an interesting local photograph, send them our way.

Participation is welcomed and appreciated.

Reader contributions are the founding principle of the magazine.

If you like what you see, tell people about it— especially our advertisers. For questions, concerns or more information, send e-mail to will@carolinasalt.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

✪ = FREE

MID–JUNE TO MID–JULY

✪ CONSERVATION WEDNESDAY

Blackbeard’s Ship, Queen Anne’s Revenge

[ 10AM–NOON | 1–3PM] Have you ever wondered

what happens to the artifacts from Queen Anne’s Revenge once they are recovered? The Maritime Museum will host a conservator from the Queen Anne’s Revenge conservation lab in Greenville every Wednesday to answer questions about the processes required to conserve the thousands of artifacts that have been recovered. Free admission.

At the NC Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street Beaufort. For information call 252-728-7317 or visit ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com.

✪ WEDNESDAYS ✪ WEDNESDAYS

BLACKBEARD’S SHIP

Conservators from the Queen Anne’s Revenge project will be on hand at the Maritime Museum to answer questions. Free!

Call 252-728-7317 for information.

Evening Gun at Fort Macon [ 4–4:30PM ] Meet in the fort to watch a 19th

century cannon be loaded and fired in the military tradition of the Evening Gun. US Coast Guard Base Fort Macon will provide the cannon crew. At 2303 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. For information call 252-726-3775.

✪ THURSDAYS

Senior Fit with Linda

[ 9–9:45AM ] Swansboro Parks and Recreation

and fitness expert Linda Carlsen will be offering a free fitness class geared towards seniors during the month of June. The class offers a variety of exercises, both standing and seated, for all levels of fitness. Go at your own pace and improve your balance, flexibility, cardio fitness and strength. At Swansboro Recreation Center, 830 Main Street Extension, Swansboro. For information call 910326-2600 or visit swansboro.recdesk.com.

✪ THURSDAYS

Natural Side of Fort Macon

[ 10–11AM ] Meet in the Visitor Center lobby for a

✪ THURSDAYS

EMERALDFEST FREE CONCERTS

at the Western Ocean Regional Access at 6:30 p.m. beginning with Selah Dubb on June 15. Bring a blanket or chair and come out and enjoy some great music!

leisurely trail and beach hike exploring the natural side of Fort Macon. At 2303 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. For information call 252726-3775.

✪ THURSDAYS

6/15.......................................................Selah Dubb (Reggae) 6/22............................................Justin Castellano (Eclectic) 6/29...............................Wild Honey (Blues/Country/Rock) 7/6......................................4EverAll (Pop/Variety/Originals)

✪ THURSDAYS

Live On Thursdays in Beaufort [ 6–8PM ] Enjoy Live On Thursdays free summer

concert series on the Beaufort boardwalk at John G. Newton Park beside the Dock House Restaurant at 500 Front Street, Beaufort. Don’t forget to bring a lawn chair.

6/8, 6/22.............................................................................. TBA 6/15........................................................................ Now & Then 6/29............................................................. Phantom Playboy 7/6.......................................... Scott Arnold & Richard Baas

✪ SATURDAYS

MHC Summer Concert Series [ 7–8:3OPM ] A free summer concert series

from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend on the beautiful Morehead City Waterfront at Jaycee Park (807 Shepard Street).

For more information contact Kirk Peterson at the Morehead City Parks and Recreation Department, 252-726-5083.

6/10..........................The BackBeat (Beatles, British Rock) 6/17................................................................................. 4EverAll 6/24........................... Built for Comfort Band (Blues, R&B) 7/1.........................The Central Park Band (Beach, Top 40) 7/8...............................................................................The Limits

✪ SATURDAYS

Olde Beaufort Farmers’ Market The Olde Beaufort Farmers’ Market provides Beaufort and the surrounding communities a marketplace for local foods, arts, crafts and information. Local farmers, food producers, craftsmen and artists proudly sell food and art that has been raised, created and produced locally.

Every Saturday under the live oak trees, on the grounds of the Carteret County Courthouse in Beaufort. For information call 252-564-8822 or visit oldebeaufortfarmersmarket.org.

Emeraldfest Concert Series

SUNDAYS

Western Ocean Regional Access. Bring your blanket or chair and come on out and enjoy some

[ 5–6PM ] Swansboro Parks and Recreation is

[ 6:30PM ] A free outdoor concert series at the

Nautical Collection E X C L U S I V E LY D E S I G N E D B Y

VERANDA SQUARE | EMERALD ISLE | CHURCHWELLS.COM 1-800-846-1961 | 252-354-7166 8

great music with us!

CAROLINA SALT June / July 2017 » CarolinaSalt.com

Waterfront Cruises

partnering with Lady Swan Boat Tours to offer

✪ = FREE

MID–JUNE TO MID–JULY

a summer cruise series. Join us aboard the Lady Swan on Sunday afternoons for a 1-hour relaxing and scenic cruise around historic downtown Swansboro, the Intracoastal Waterway and nearby Huggins Island. At the end of the cruise stay downtown and enjoy live music from bands at SwanFest 2017 at the Olde Town Square. Cost is $10 per person (under 2 free). Reservations required by the Friday prior to the cruise. For information call 910-326-2600 or visit swansboro. recdesk.com.

✪ SUNDAYS

THINGS TO DO

✪ JUNE 8, 19

Junior Ranger Days at Fort Macon State Park

[ 2–4:30PM ] Sign your kids up to work with a

Park Ranger to earn their Junior Ranger patch.

This event is for children age 6–12 (must be accompanied by an adult). Call the park office in advance to register at 252-726-3775. At 2303 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach.

JUNE 8–10 | JULY 8–10

Evening at the Cape

[ 7:30–10PM ] This special program is offered

Swanfest [ 6:30PM ] The 2017 SwanFest free outdoor

concert series begins at the Pavilion at Olde Town Square in Swansboro. Bring your blanket or chair and come enjoy some great music with us!

6/11...................................Now & Then (Country/Bluegrass) 6/18.............................................Stray Local (American Folk) 6/25.............................................Hank Barbee (Retro Rock) 7/2................................ Liverpool (A Beatles Tribute Band) 7/3............................................Pizazz (High Energy Variety) 7/4...........................Fireworks & The Tams (Beach Music)

on select dates near the full moon. Bring your own flashlight and experience the island and the lighthouse as the keepers did: in the dark of night.

Hear stories of the light keepers, watch the sunset and moon and stars come out on the unlit beaches of Cape Lookout National Seashore. Discover a different side to your favorite beach! Cost is $28 per person. At 1800 Island Road, Harkers Island.

For more information call 252-728-2250.

✪ JUNE 9

MOANA

comes to Friday Movie Mania at the Swansboro Recreation Center’s Pugliese Pavilion. Free! Includes a hula presentation that all can take part in and enjoy.

✪ JUNE 9

Friday Movie Mania: Moana

[ 7:30PM ] We are celebrating the last day of school

SATURDAYS, SUNDAYS

Musket Firing Demonstration [ 10AM ] Meet in Fort Macon to learn about a 19th

century musket’s history, loading procedures and firing. At 2303 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. For information call 252-726-3775.

JUNE, JULY

Harrika’s Entertainment Join us and come see what’s happening in the Biergarten! Cantina Nights every Thursday from 6–10 p.m. Burritos, tacos, nachos, beergaritas, Modelos, sangrias and Los Locos on tap! Live music on the weekends from 7:30–10:30 p.m. For information visit drinkcoastal.com or call 252-3547911. At 911 Cedar Point Boulevard, Cedar Point.

6/10................................ Charcuterie Feast & Beer Pairing 6/17...................................................................... BluSky Crying 6/24..................................................... Born Again Heathens 6/28...................................................................... Yoga On Tap 7/1.................................... Charcuterie Feast & Beer Pairing 7/6.................................................................Trivia with Hayley 7/8.................................................................................. 4EverAll

Hawaiian style! Come relax and enjoy food, fun and island music starting at 7:30 p.m. and a free blockbuster movie that begins at 8. Hula expert Amanda Todd will be doing a hula presentation that all can take part in and enjoy. Movie will be shown at the Pugliese Pavilion. At Swansboro Recreation Center, 830 Main Street Extension, Swansboro. For information call 910-326-2600 or visit swansboro.recdesk.com.

JUNE 9–17

Big Rock Tournament

One of the country’s largest and oldest sport fishing tournaments with daily weigh-ins on the Morehead City Waterfront. At 710 Evans Street, Morehead City. For more information visit thebigrock.com or call 252-247-3575.

JUNE 9–17

JUNE 9, 27

Kayak the Salt Marsh

[ 9AM–NOON ] Learn about local history and the

importance of salt marshes while on the water.

Basic instruction and safety lessons followed by a relaxing paddle. Ages 12 and up (under 18 must

BIG ROCK BLUE MARLIN

Tournament comes to Morehead City. One of the country’s largest and oldest sportfishing tournaments, with daily weigh-ins. For more information visit thebigrock.com.

Designated Driver Taxi

D.D.

Taxi Services

Outstanding service, friend

ly drivers.

Need a ride? Call us! 252-393-6015

Emerald Isle | Cape Carteret | Swansboro | Cedar Point | All NC Airports

CarolinaSalt.com » June / July 2017 CAROLINA SALT 9

THINGS TO DO

✪ = FREE

MID–JUNE TO MID–JULY

be accompanied by an adult). Participants must know how to swim and some kayak experience is recommended. Advance reservations required.

Cost is $25 per person ($15 with own kayak).

At the NC Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street Beaufort. For information call 252-728-7317 or visit ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com.

✪ JUNE 9

Cruisin’ To The Cape Festival

Come out for MacDaddy’s Cruisin’ To The Cape Festival! Car show, crafts, food, live music, beer and more! At 130 Golfin Dolphin Drive, Cape Carteret. For more information call 252-393-6565.

✪ JUNE 10

Knit In Public Day

[ 10AM–2PM ] Calling all knitters! We will be

celebrating Knit in Public day by inviting you to come and click needles while making new friends and fun memories. At Swansboro Recreation Center, 830 Main Street Extension, Swansboro.

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

✪ JUNE 10

Arts By the Sea

This event is held annually on the second Saturday in June, and features arts, crafts, a kids’ arts zone and live entertainment. Spend an early summer day walking the waterfront streets of historic downtown Swansboro. For more information visit swansborofestivals.com or call 910-326-7370.

JUNE 10

‘Tri for Fun’ Junior Triathlon [ 8:30AM–1PM ] Youth ages 5–15 get an

opportunity to have fun, feel confident and enjoy being active. Participants swim in the Olympic-size outdoor pool, bike a neighborhood loop and run to the finish. Post-race festivities include food, raffle, interactive demos, awards, a mermaid pool party and more! Tri for Fun is a non-profit celebration of health and fitness to benefit health & P.E. programs in Carteret County public schools. Registration includes training clinics. For more information or to register go to SportsCenterMorehead.com or call 252-726-7070.

At 701 North 35th Street, Morehead City.

JUNE 10–13 or OCTOBER 8–9, 15–16

Build Your Own Stand Up Paddle Board Course

[ 9AM–4:30PM ] Build your own custom-fit

stand-up paddle board from cedar and plywood.

These are fun to build and fun to paddle. Once the four-day course is over, the builder will be responsible for varnishing or painting their new boards at home. Cost is $1,000. Minimum age is 16. Advance registration required. At the NC Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street Beaufort.

For information call 252-728-7317 or visit ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com.

✪ JUNE 10

Maritime Day at the Museum

Sail in the museum’s fleet of traditional wooden boats, cast a line with a cane pole, join in games or just relax and enjoy the music and spectacular view of Gallants Channel. Activities are free.

Lunch is free for members of the Friends of the NC Maritime Museum (there is a small fee for non-members). The event takes place at Gallants Channel, an extension of the NC Maritime Museum, at 172 West Beaufort Road. for more information call 252-728-7317.

JUNE 11

Birding Cruise

[ 9:45AM–NOON ] This is the final spring birding

cruise guided by local birding expert JoAnne Powell. Participants should meet at the Hammocks Beach State Park Visitor Center. The group will slowly cruise in a covered ferryboat through the estuaries in and around the White Oak River and Bogue Sound to look for resident and migratory birds. Cost is $20 for federation members ($25 for non-members). All ages are welcome, though the program is geared toward adults and older children. Participants are asked to bring their own binoculars, as well as a snack and water. For more information visit nccoast.org or call 252-393-8185.

JUNE 12–15

Tutus and Trolls Dance Camp [ 9–10AM ] Swansboro Parks and Recreation is

partnering with Swansboro Dance Studio to offer a “Tutus and Trolls” Trolls-themed dance camp for preschoolers. Cost is $45 for 4 days. We hope to see your little one there, each camper will be

10 CAROLINA SALT June / July 2017 » CarolinaSalt.com

taking home a troll treasure trove (tutu and dance bag)! At Swansboro Recreation Center, 830 Main Street Extension, Swansboro. For information call 910-326-2600 or visit swansboro.recdesk.com.

JUNE 14

Coastal Cruises

[ 10AM–NOON ] Registration is open for the

federation’s four coastal cruises out of Hammocks Beach State Park Visitor Center. Participants will ride a covered ferryboat through the estuaries around Swansboro for a relaxing and fun-filled morning on the water. Space is limited. Cost is $20 for federation members ($25 for non-members).

All ages are welcome, through the program is geared toward adults and older children. Please wear or bring closed-toe shoes, as participants may have the opportunity to pull nets through the water and scratch for clams. For more information visit nccoast.org or call 252-393-8185.

✪ JUNE 15

Blood Drive Sign Up

[ 2–7PM ] Swansboro Parks and Recreation will

be hosting an American Red Cross blood drive at Swansboro Recreation Center, 830 Main Street Extension, Swansboro. In order to make this event happen, we need donors to go online and sign up for a time slot.

JUNE 15

Shackleford Banks: Horses, Hiking and History

[ 9AM–1PM ] Experience Outer Banks heritage and

wildlife with a guided hike on Shackleford Banks, part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. Not suitable for children under 12. Cost is $25 per person. At the NC Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street Beaufort. For information call 252-728-7317 or visit ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com.

JUNE 15, 29

Beach Run Series

[ 6:30 PM ] Choose the mile, 5k or 10k. Runs are

on the beach at the Atlantic Beach Circle. Cost is $50 for series (includes T-shirt) or $7 per race.

Pre-registration suggested. Registration begins 5:15 p.m. and all races begin at 6:30. At 105 Atlantic Boulevard, Atlantic Beach. For more information call 252-808-3301.

✪ = FREE

MID–JUNE TO MID–JULY

✪ JUNE 15

Astronomy and Stargazing at the Fort [ 8:30–10:30PM ] Meet at the Fort Macon

bathhouse to view space through a telescope and learn more about our universe. At 2303 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. For information call 252-726-3775.

✪ JUNE 16, 17, 30

| JULY 7

Summer Concerts In the Fort

[ 6:30–8PM ] Bring a folding chair and enjoy hour-

long concerts by local bands and artists inside historic Fort Macon. At 2303 East Fort Macon Road, Atlantic Beach. For information call 252726-3775.

6/16............................................................Unknown Tongues 6/17.................................Morehead City Brass Consortium 6/30............................................................. Scearce & Ketner 7/7.............................................................................Wild Honey

✪ JUNE 16

| JULY 7

Alive at 5 In Morehead City

[ 5–8PM ] The free concert series is held the first

and third Friday of the month and features a variety of regional bands showcasing. Each concert attracts up to 1,000 attendees. At 300 North 35th Street.

6/16.................................................. The Bounce Party Band (High Energy Dance and Party) 7/7....................................................................................... Punch (Top 40, Motown, Beach and Country)

✪ JUNE 17

Vendor Blender in the Park

[ 10AM–4PM ] Come out and shop your favorites!

Check out what’s new with LuLaRoe, Perfectly Posh, Damsel in Defense, local artisans and many more! This will be a recurring event with new items and your favorites each time. At Swansboro Recreation Center, 830 Main Street Extension, Swansboro. For information call 910-326-2600 or visit swansboro.recdesk.com.

✪ JUNE 17

including the use of natural products and essential oils. At Swansboro Recreation Center, 830 Main Street Extension, Swansboro. For information call 910-326-2600 or visit swansboro.recdesk.com.

needed to maintain a wild horse herd. At 701 Front Street, Beaufort. For information call 252728-2250.

JUNE 17

JUNE 21

[ 3–6:30PM ] We are proud to present a Daddy–

[ 10AM–12:30PM ] What better way to spend your

Daddy–Daughter Dance

Mommy and Me Paint-Along

Daughter Dance—a magical afternoon full of fun, food and finery. Tickets are $30 per couple and $10 per additional child in advance ($40 and $15 at the door). At Swansboro Town Hall Community Room. For information call 910-326-2600 or visit swansboro.recdesk.com.

day? Gallery on the Go’s Annalisa Knupp will be instructing as we paint a fun and whimsical tree that is sure to “spruce up” any wall it goes on. Cost for one canvas per mother/child is $30, with additional children at $5. At Swansboro Recreation Center, 830 Main Street Extension, Swansboro. For information call 910-326-2600 or visit swansboro.recdesk.com.

JUNE 17

Jones Island Kayak–Yoga Trip

[ 9AM–NOON ] Participants paddle from the Cedar

Point Wildlife Landing to Jones Island in the White Oak River. A yoga instructor will lead the group in a gentle yoga session under the shade of the island’s live oak trees. Cost is $35 for federation members ($20 with own kayak). Non-member cost is $45 and $30. Depending on wind and tide, the paddle is usually a 20-30 minute trip suitable for beginner adult paddlers. For more information visit nccoast.org or call 252-393-8185.

JUNE 17

Friends of the NC Maritime Casino Night Fundraiser

[ 5:30–10PM ] Friends of the Maritime Museum

JUNE 17

and wellness advocate Martha Vaughan for a seminar on your pet’s health. In this class learn how and why to take the best care of your pets,

[ 8:15AM–NOON ] Join a Park Ranger on a trip to

Horse Sense & Survival Tours

Shackleford Banks to get an in-depth look at wild horse behaviors and the management practices

Ryan Ayre

JUNE 21

Picnic and Paddle

[ 4–6PM ] Swansboro Parks and Recreation and

Swansboro Paddle are celebrating the first official day of summer in a big way! Come with us as we get together for a cookout and lessons on kayaking and stand-up paddle boarding—then head out on the water on a self-guided tour (with back-up boat support). Cost is $20 per individual and $35 per couple. At Swansboro Bicentennial Park. For information call 910-326-2600 or visit swansboro. recdesk.com.

JUNE 22

will host a Casino Night, an annual fundraising party, at the North Carolina Maritime Museum in Beaufort. Tickets include gaming with $5,000 in scrip money, music, food, open bar and beer, wine and champagne. Games include blackjack, roulette, craps and poker. Tickets can be purchased in person at the Museum Store or online. Casino Night is a fundraiser for entertainment purposes only—wagering of any kind is not permitted.

At the NC Maritime Museum, 315 Front Street Beaufort. For information call 252-728-7317 or visit ncmaritimemuseumbeaufort.com.

Invest In Your Pet’s Health

[ 10–11AM ] Back by popular demand! Join health

THINGS TO DO

Youth Standup Paddleboard [ 9–11AM ] Swansboro Parks and Recreation is

partnering with Second Wind Eco Tours to offer stand-up paddle boarding for kids ages 9–12.

Enjoy the outdoors and learn basic skills. Whether your child is experienced or not, stand-up paddling is enjoyed by children of all ages, as well as enhancing balance, coordination, fitness level and confidence. Not to mention it is fun playing on the water. CPR-certified, experienced instructors.

Boards, paddles and life vest will be provided.

Child must know how to swim. Cost is $45. Preregistration is required. Details regarding the class will be emailed to participants after registration is complete. At Swansboro Bicentennial Park. For information call 910-326-2600 or visit swansboro. recdesk.com.

| REALTOR®/ Broker

9102 Coast Guard Road • Emerald Isle

252.354.2872 (Office) • www.watsonmatthews.com

252.241.4922 (Cell)

Thinking about selling your home?

Feel free to call about your real estate needs. I’m happy to help with pricing, marketing and finding a buyer for your home.

CarolinaSalt.com » June / July 2017 CAROLINA SALT 11

THINGS TO DO

✪ = FREE

MID–JUNE TO MID–JULY

JUNE 23–25

Antique Show & Sale

Held in conjunction with the Beaufort Old Homes and Gardens Tour in June at the Crystal Coast Civic Center in Morehead City, this event features more than 40 booths of antiques and collectibles, as well as a gourmet Tea Room. At 3505 Arendell Street, Morehead City. For information call 252728-5225.

JUNE 22–24

Beaufort Old Homes and Gardens Tour

This 57th annual walking tour of private historic homes, gardens, churches and historic places is the last full weekend in June. Private homes, Beaufort Historic Site buildings, the Old Burying Ground, narrated bus tours of the historic district, music concerts and an antique car show are all highlights of this signature event. Opening the Old Homes Tour weekend is the Purvis Chapel Choir Concert at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 22, at the Purvis Chapel AME Zion Church. The concert is free with a reception following in the Parish Hall. This event is sponsored by Public Radio East. For more information, please call 252-728-5225, stop by the Visitors Center at 130 Turner Street or visit beauforthistoricsite.org.

JUNE 23

National Truck & Tractor Pull

Gates open at 6:30 p.m. on Friday and show begins at 7:30. Gates open at 6 p.m. on Saturday and show begins at 7. Tickets are $16 for adults, $8 for children 6–12 and free for ages 5 and under. Tickets are $18 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at newportfleamall.com and at Country Aire Rentals, Newport Flea Mall, Garner Construction, Garner Farm, Willis Farm and Kountry Kitchen. At Newport Flea Mall, Carl Garner Road, Newport. For more information call 252-223-4019.

by blending perfect harmonies, precise instrumentation and a visually engaging stage show. At 1311 Arendell Street, Morehead City. For more information call 252-497-8919.

and The Tams will be providing live entertainment at the Pavilion in Olde Town Square. For more information visit swansborofestivals.com or call 910-326-7370.

JUNE 24

Morehead City 4th of July

Suddenly In Command: Boating Safety Class

[ 10AM–NOON ] What happens when the captain

is unable to continue due to injury or some other problem? This class is designed to help you to assess the situation, establish priorities, take charge, protect life and property, get help and move your boat! Cost is $15 and is for anyone who plans to ever set foot on a boat. At Swansboro Recreation Center, 830 Main Street Extension, Swansboro.

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

JUNE 24

Self Defense

[ 9AM–NOON ] Join local martial arts studio

Ramires ATA Black Belt Academy for a handson lesson in self-defense. F.M. Ramires will be presenting a class on how to best protect yourself in any scenario. The class is $30 and each participant will leave with a kubotan. At Swansboro Recreation Center, 830 Main Street Extension, Swansboro. For information call 910326-2600 or visit swansboro.recdesk.com.

✪ JULY 1–2

Carteret County Arts & Crafts Coalition Summer Show

Juried sale of arts and crafts of coastal artisans held three weekends a year. Held at the Beaufort Historic Site on Memorial Day, Fourth of July and Labor Day and at another venue for a three-week show between Thanksgiving and Christmas, this is the perfect occasion to browse and buy work of coastal artists and craftsmen. At 100 Turner Street, Beaufort. For more information call 252-728-5225.

JUNE 23

J U LY 4 T H C E L E B R A T I O N S

Rumours Fleetwood Mac Tribute Concert

Swansboro 4th of July Festival

Fleetwood Mac tribute band. Based in Atlanta, Georgia, Rumours captures the energy of Fleetwood Mac at the height of their career

for our 4th of July Celebration. Streets will be closed at 5 p.m. and fireworks begin at 9. Local businesses will be extending their shopping hours

ERALD

IS

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O

[ 8–10PM ] Rumours is the Southeast’s premier

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[ 5PM ] Come to historical downtown Swansboro

Stir a little love into everything you do. coffee local baked goods gluten-free choices •

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The waterfront in downtown Morehead City comes alive with live music and fireworks. The entire family will enjoy the sounds of The Main Event Band from 7–10 p.m. at Jaycee Park on the Morehead City Waterfront. Celebrate by dancing to the music and viewing a spectacular fireworks display launched from Sugarloaf Island across from Jaycee Park at 9 p.m. For more information call 252-726-5083.

Beaufort July 4th Celebrations

The July 4th parade draws some of the most creative minds in town, including our very own Sweet Potato Queens decked out in their crazy costumes. Parade starts at 11 a.m. at Front and Gordon streets and travels west on Front Street.

For more information call 252-728-3917. The grounds at Gallants Channel open at 6 p.m. with live music. Fireworks start at 9 p.m. Hot dogs and drinks for sale to benefit the Beaufort Fire Department. Bring your blankets and chairs. At 172 West Beaufort Road, Beaufort. For more information call 252-838-1524.

4th of July Fireworks off Bogue Inlet Pier On Emerald Isle

The town will again present July 4th beginning at 9 p.m. Parking will be available at Bogue Inlet Pier as well as along NC 58. The fireworks will also be visible from Bogue Sound and the Intracoastal Waterway.

Join us at the Circle for fireworks at 9 p.m. €

Atlantic Beach 4th of July Thank you for picking up Carolina Salt!

Our articles are written by locals. Every month we look to our readers to keep our magazine fresh. If you have a story to tell, an event to promote or an interesting local photograph, send them our way!

WILL@CAROLINASALT.COM 252-723-7628

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12 CAROLINA SALT June / July 2017 » CarolinaSalt.com

FREE

The Fisher Woman

M

om was always such a good cook. As she set the baking pan down upon the old wooden dining table, hand-built by Dad, dinner was about to be served. The large baked fish glistened in the pan.

Surrounded by browned potatoes and rings of onions, the fish, with black stripes across its white body, was definitely chef quality. The aroma wafting through the air aroused our taste buds.

Probably Mom decided how she would cook the fish while she scaled and gutted it with her favorite oak-handled butcher knife, the same knife she used to slice hams and carve turkeys. No fancy and expensive filet knife for Mom. But fish had never been the intended meal for that night’s dinner.

Earlier in the day, Mom, with her two youngest sons serving as navigators and fishing guides, sat on the center seat of a sun-faded white wooden skiff. Being the older son, I poled out to a small but deep channel in the White Oak River, normally not a fishing spot (we were only allowed to use the boat in shallow water, except to anchor over a deep hole). For safety reasons, Allen and I weren’t allowed to go into deep water unless an adult was aboard, but fishing in a channel farther away from shore offered deeper water and a chance to catch something bigger than pinfish, hogfish or sand perch.

A blue sky hovered over glassy saltwater, a jumping mullet broke the smooth surface, leaving ever-widening circles when it landed … it was almost a scene from a Norman Rockwell canvas. For Allen and me, just another day on the river.

Only two other boats were anchored on the horizon, a sign the fish probably weren’t biting. But just the boat trip itself was great fun for a skinny 11 and skinnier 13 year old, bodies bronze from the Carolina sun.

We didn’t fish our favorite spot, a small but deep hole at the end of a nearby marsh—we wanted to try fishing in deeper water. We each had our own rod and reel, gifts from the previous Christmas. We had watched other fishermen casting a bait, observed how the rod was tipped back over the shoulder, elbow pointed straight forward, then quickly snapped forward until both the arm and rod were parallel with the water’s surface, landing the bait at the intended

JOE MOBLEY

LOCAL COLOR

spot, always holding one’s thumb lightly on the rapidly unwinding line.

The thumb action was what prevented backlash, that dreaded overwind of tangled fishing line that most closely resembles a bird’s nest on a reel.

We each had become much more proficient in the art of casting a levelwind reel than our father. Sometimes Dad seemed to get as much pleasure cursing the backlash in the fishing line as he did the actual fishing. Or so it sometimes seemed to us boys.

Normally, Mom would not have been aboard. Women didn’t hardly fish back in 1960, as far as we knew. She was given the only other available rod and reel, a large surf rod. Anyone who has fished out of a 16-foot skiff knows the bow and stern are the most coveted fishing places. Since we didn’t expect Mom to catch anything, she was assigned to the center of the boat.

Some self-proclaimed expert fishermen might argue that a sheepshead could only be caught near a piling using a sand crab for bait. Arguably, it is one of the hardest types of fish to catch. When our mom landed that sheepshead using a shrimp for bait nowhere near a piling, that myth was disproved. We reasoned she caught it because we used Dad’s little handpulled seine net earlier that day to catch fresh shrimp for bait. We knew catching fish was all about the bait!

Mom reeled in the fish and landed it without the use of a dip net, proving her skills as a fisherwoman. (Back then, we only used nets to dip crabs.) As she boated the fish, Allen exclaimed, “It’s a prison fish!” Prison fish was the colloquial name for sheepshead, because the black stripes running across its body looked like an old-time prison uniform.

“Gosh, Mom, I never caught a fish that big!” I exclaimed, a statement of truth and surprise.

I don’t recall us boys catching a single fish that trip. “Of course, that wasn’t our usual spot,” we agreed later. But we were strong believers in a partial quote from the Kenneth Grahame story The Wind in the Willows, “There is NOTHING—absolutely nothing half so much worth doing as simply messing about in boats.” And we messed about in boats a lot.

Never a braggart, the bashful smile on Mom’s face spoke more eloquently than any words in her vocabulary. Sometimes a fisherwoman, against the odds, does fish better than the two more experienced fishermen in the boat. €

ABOUT THE AUTHOR. Joe Mobley was born in Duplin County and grew up in Swansboro. His dad’s love of the water and mom’s love of the people and the Swansboro area kept the family there. After graduating from high school, Mobley joined the Navy and traveled the world. After his enlistment was up, he began a a 15-year run in the boatbuilding industry, but looked for a career path with more security. He moved into civil service and began writing non-fiction short stories after retirement. Most stories are locally based, some are from elsewhere, but all have ties to Swansboro.

CarolinaSalt.com » June / July 2017 CAROLINA SALT 13

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JUNE 21

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CarolinaSalt.com » June / July 2017 CAROLINA SALT 15

Three Star Music

Celebration Olde Towne Square

Swansboro, NC

July 2nd 6 - 8pm July 3rd 6 - 8pm The Pizazz Band

Liverpool

The Tams 6-10pm Fireworks @ 9pm

16 CAROLINA SALT

Join us, as music fills the streets of Historical Downtown Swansboro for our 3 Day Musical Celebration in Honor of Independence Day! This event is hosted by Seaside Arts Council, Town of Swansboro & Swansboro Festivals.

For more information visit or find us on Facebook.

June / July 2017 »www.SeasideArtsCouncil.com CarolinaSalt.com

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CarolinaSalt.com » June / July 2017 CAROLINA SALT 17

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CarolinaSalt.com » June / July 2017 CAROLINA SALT 19

OUTER BANKS WILDLIFE SHELTER LINDA BERGMAN–ALTHOUSE

Block Heads!

T

he Good Samaritan had no idea what type of bird it was, but knew it was a baby on its own and on the ground, with cats in the area that would soon be checking it out—or worse. With no parents or nest in sight, it was time to scoop up the little one and get it to safety. After leaving a few messages at wildlife centers with no return calls (it’s baby season, so everyone is busy), she jumped in her car and drove over two hours to the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter in Newport.

At admission, possible identities, such as blue jay or Northern mockingbird, were thrown out. But after research, his true identity was revealed: loggerhead shrike—and the first of its kind to be admitted at our shelter. Loggerhead shrikes are native to North America and have been introduced to some island groups such as the Bahamas or Caicos. Initially we placed the youngster with four young mockingbirds about the same size, but we learned that a shrike is a songbird with raptor habits. So we knew that the togetherness they now shared could not last forever! After a few weeks of growing, he was moved to his own playpen for the mockingbirds’ safety.

Like a mockingbird, a shrike eats insects like grasshoppers and beetles, but they also eat lizards, snakes, frogs, turtles, mice, shrews, roadkill, carrion and other birds. They don’t shy away from poisonous foods like monarch butterflies or narrow-mouthed toads, either, but will wait about three days before eating them to allow for the poisons to break down. Shrikes prefer to hunt on cold mornings when insect prey are immobilized by the chilly temperatures.

Therefore, working smarter not harder!

A loggerhead shrike is smaller and more slender than an adult robin, but larger and longer-tailed than a Western bluebird. The head is unusually large in relation to its body which is where the name “loggerhead,” a synonym for blockhead, came from. They have gray feathers on the upper part of their bodies and paler gray underneath. They wear a black mask and have a white throat. Their 11–12" wingspan, flying low and swift, exposes black feathers with white patches. Sometimes, while hunting on the ground, they will flash those white patches to startle prey out of hiding. The tail is long and black with a white edge.

To look at a loggerhead shrike, you would not think it is a heavy hunter, but its bill is very raptor-esque! It’s thick, strong, hooked like a hawk’s and features two pointy tomial teeth. Shrikes use their hooked bills to break the necks of vertebrate prey and can carry an animal as large as itself with its feet or beak. This masked predator hunts from utility poles, fence posts and other perches in much the same way raptors do.

They lack the talons that hawks use for holding a meal in place while they eat, so they utilize a very unusual method for presenting their kill for eating. Shrikes will skewer their prey on thorns or barbed wire or wedge them into tree limbs for safekeeping, easy eating or caching for later consumption. If you see a large insect or a mouse impaled on barbed wire or a thorn, that was no accident! You have a loggerhead shrike, sometimes referred to as a “butcherbird,” in the area!

20 CAROLINA SALT June / July 2017 » CarolinaSalt.com

A songbird with raptor-esque qualities, the shrike lacks talons to hold its prey while eating, so it impales them on the spikes of thorns or barbed wire. For this reason it is also known as a “butcherbird.”

A group is known as an abbatoir, another word for slaughterhouse.

They enjoy open country, including grasslands and shrub steppe areas where there are scattered trees, tall shrubs, fenceposts, utility wires or other lookout posts. They tend to nest in northeast or southeast-facing ravines in open country. Both sexes help find a nest site, inspecting many locations before choosing, and together they gather nesting materials such as twigs, bark strips, grasses, feathers, moss, fur, lichen and even flowers. The nest is about six inches round and the depression is approximately three inches deep.

Loggerhead shrikes often build their nests in thorny vegetation, which may help keep predators away. In the absence of trees or shrubs, they sometimes nest in brush piles or tumbleweeds.

A clutch of five to six grayish buff eggs with yellowish brown markings are laid and incubated for 15–17 days. After hatching, the young will be fed by both parents for nearly three weeks before leaving the nest. Once fledged, the parents will continue to tend to their young shrikes for three to four weeks by feeding them and teaching them adult hunting behaviors. Youngsters practicing hunting pick up various objects and repeatedly press them against branches, as if they are trying to make them stick!

The loggerhead shrike is recognized as a “common species in decline” due to habitat loss, harsh winters, collisions and human disturbance. It needs a large range for hunting and to accommodate their social grouping. A flock of loggerhead shrikes is known as an “abattoir” or a “watch.” There are groups across the U.S. who have implemented shrike breeding and release programs to increase their population.

The oldest living loggerhead shrike on record was a male from California who enjoyed 11 years and 9 months on the planet. Our little wild one at the shelter is doing very well on his own in the nursery, demands his daily flight time and consumes his share of hearty food while awaiting his release day! €

ABOUT OWLS TAKE A TOUR of the facility at 100 Wildlife Way in Newport.

To volunteer, call 252-240-1200. If your organization would like to learn more about wildlife, the OWLS non-releasable education animals jump at the chance!

ELIZABETH DEMING

Shark: The Other White Meat

E

very year at this time, I get more and more excited as spring slowly makes way to summer. I love summer in the South: playing in the ocean, long walks on the beach searching for seashells and the most important part, friends and family standing around the grill drinking ice-cold beverages.

You can just feel the stress melting off when you and a group of friends are together, laughing and grilling after a long day at the beach. Living on the coast gives us such an abundance of seafood such as Mahi Mahi, Flounder, Red Snapper, Red Drum to name just a few.

Every year I want to try something different, something to scratch off my bucket list. I asked Ernie, the fishmonger at the local Lowes Foods, what did he thought would be a great way to start the season off right. Without hesitation, he replied, “Shark.” Shark?! At first I thought he was joking, but he came around the counter with a beautiful firm steak, dark pink and opaque in its coloring with a very mild aroma.

Not only had I never thought of shark, but I also never knew shark was edible. As I did my research, I found out that shark is indeed good for you, being low in calories but high in protein. A shark fillet has only a small amount of fat and is very high in protein (around 27 grams per fillet), not to mention Vitamins A and C, calcium and iron.

So I now know that shark is edible and good for you … but what about taste? I decided to fiddle around with my spices and the produce section to come up with the freshest, most flavorful ingredients I could find.

Once I started I couldn’t stop. It was so much fun to create a recipe for an ingredient that I had never tried before. I must say that I was pleasantly surprised. I decided to use a lemon-pepper and garlic seasoning for the shark. Classic seafood ingredients, and boy did it work. This dish turned out great. The flavor of the shark was very mild and the texture was similar to that of tuna but it really absorbed the flavors. I also added a Tomato & Dried Cherry Couscous to accompany my newfound friend and paired it with a pinot noir for its fruity flavors. I hope you try this dish and love it as much as I and my family did. Happy summer. €

EAT COASTAL

Shark with Lemon-Garlic Pepper and Tomato-Dried Cherry Couscous Salad

FOR THE SHARK:

2 2 1 1 1 1 ½ ½ ½

shark steaks tbl. extra-virgin olive oil, divided lemon, zested and juiced tsp. fresh chopped garlic tsp. good Dijon mustard tsp. celery salt tsp. paprika tsp. freshly cracked pepper tsp. fresh parsley

IN A BOWL, combine 1 tablespoon of the olive oil with the remaining ingredients. Whisk until everything is incorporated. Pour mixture over the shark steaks and turn to make sure that both sides are coated in the mixture.

IN A NON-STICK PAN over medium high heat, drizzle the remaining olive oil and add the shark steak. Cook for approximately 3 minutes on one side, turn and cook for the remaining 3 minutes. Take off the heat and enjoy.

FOR THE COUSCOUS SALAD: 1 box of plain couscous ¼ c. dried cherries ½ c. diced English cucumber ½ c. cherry tomatoes, halved ¼ c. balsamic vinegar dressing pine nuts for crunch (optional)

IN A LARGE BOWL, combine the couscous and dried cherries. Add the amount of boiling water that the package recommends. Cover with plastic wrap and wait for 5 minutes. Then add the remaining ingredients, stir and serve.

ELIZABETH DEMING is a successful entrepreneur, businesswoman and author from eastern North Carolina. She has created a successful line of business products and spice blends. She is the founder of Spice Shack: A Gourmet Specialty Store and also Spice Shack: Gourmet Specialty Products.

CarolinaSalt.com » June / July 2017 CAROLINA SALT 21

ASK THE AQUARIUM

A

NCAQUARIUMS.COM/PINE-KNOLL-SHORES

Where is a good place to find sand dollars?

Good hunting grounds for these prized beach souvenirs include shorelines of unpopulated beaches, uninhabited islands, small islets in sounds, and long, open seashores. Most shell seekers are familiar with the smooth, white, fragile sand dollars found washed up on shore. These are sand dollar “skeletons” that have been bleached by the sun. Live sand dollars, which should never be collected, are dark brown or greenish and covered with short, bristly spines.

Sand dollars live buried in loose sand in shallow water. Their short spines are in constant motion to slowly move them along and transfer food to their mouth on the underside of their shell. They are members of a group of animals known as echinoderms, meaning “spinyskinned,” and their round shape is actually a flattened form of sea urchins.

Like sea urchins, sea stars, sea cucumbers and other members of this group, sand dollars feed largely on organic matter mixed among sand grains. The mouth is a complex structure containing five teeth that grind food. When a dead sand dollar is shaken, the teeth can be heard rattling inside.

The holes in sand dollar shells enable the animal to bury quickly for protection and feeding, and also allow water to pass freely through the shell to help keep the sand dollar from being lifted off the bottom by wave action.

Sand dollars are food for many species of fish, including flounder, cod and haddock, as well as for sea stars. Discover more fascinating facts about North Carolina’s aquatic environments and inhabitants by visiting the aquarium. Call 1-800-832-FISH for more information. €

There are several different species of sand dollars, which can be identified by the number, shape and placement of holes in their shells.

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JAN EPPOLITE

An ‘Endless Summer’ of Hydrangeas

GARDEN GEEK

Blushing Bride

J

une always brings back memories of my Grandmother’s garden filled with colorful mophead blooming bushes everyone affectionately referred to as “snowballs.” Nothing in the garden could possibly compare to the size and fluffiness of these heirloom blooms.

Once they started to “color up,” Grandmom would lovingly clip their stems and bring a wonderful bouquet inside for the dining table. She would save another bunch, tied together with string, to hang upside down in the garage to dry. The dried bouquets were displayed in arrangements during the dreary months of winter to help everyone remember that a wonderful bounty of spring flowers was just around the corner. She was very fond of these beautiful flowers we know today as hydrangeas, and was sad to see their colorful blooms all but disappear by the end of June.

Endless Summer

REBLOOMERS JUST KEEP GOING Grandmom, we’ve come a long way since then! Today, Grandmom would be able to enjoy her favorite flower from May until the first frost thanks to the development of hydrangeas in the likes of Endless Summer and Forever and Ever, both known as everbloomers or rebloomers (the Forever and Ever is better suited to Northern landscapes).

These new collections of hydrangeas bloom on old wood as well as new, so the blooms keep on coming throughout the season, unlike the snowballs of yesteryear. The first introduction of everbloomers came with the blue-blooming Endless Summer, and it has been joined by Blushing Bride (white blooms) and most recently Twist-n-Shout, a blue lacetop hydrangea.

Developed by Dr. Michael Dirr of the University of Georgia, Twist-nShout is a cross between Penny Mac and Lady in Red, and combines the best characteristics of both. They are all hardy, strong rebloomers that gardeners of all experience levels can grow.

Another feature Grandmom would have loved about reblooming hydrangeas is they take the guesswork out of pruning. Old fashioned hydrangeas like Niko Blue need to be pruned soon after they finish their blooming in the spring. Any later in the season and you chance cutting off the buds that have started to form for next year’s blooms ... the reason so many hydrangeas accidentally remain bloomless in gardens the following year!. Everblooming hydrangaes may be pruned at any time for shape and size. You will still have blooms to come month after month, year after year, regardless of when they are pruned.

Twist-n-Shout

CARE OF The care of everblooming hydrangeas is the same as any other. They will perform much better if they have some shade during the heat of the day. A place in the garden that gets early morning and/or late afternoon sun is perfect. The blue cultivars of everblooming hydrangeas also require the same soil acidity as their old-time counterparts, otherwise the blooms will turn out pink. To maintain soil acidity or turn pink blooms to blue in your garden be sure to use acid-based fertilizers or aluminum sulphate.

If you have an area of your landscape or garden with the proper sun exposure, you really need to try the new reblooming hydrangeas. Endless Summer also lends itself well to container gardening. You will be more than pleased with their performance. So would Grandmom! €

CarolinaSalt.com » June / July 2017 CAROLINA SALT 23

DISCOVERY DIVING

LEE MOORE

DIVING OUR COAST W H AT ’ S U N D E RWAT E R I N J U N E

T

he offshore water temperatures in May reached the low 70s by the end of the month but the inshore water temperatures were in the mid 70s. Tropical fish were on the offshore wrecks as expected, but were already showing up on the inshore wrecks in May as well. As the water temperatures continue to increase, more tropical and local fish will be showing up on all of the wrecks. Radio Island reached the mid 70s by the end of the month, allowing Open Water students the opportunity to get certified and begin their diving lifestyle.

NATURAL DIVE SITES The Crystal Coast is known all over the world for wreck diving, but it has natural dive sites as well. These natural sites are known as rock ledges or hard bottom, which are rock outcroppings that are 3–4 feet in height. Diving charter boats visit rock ledges occasionally because most divers come to the Crystal Coast to dive on the wrecks. Divers that enjoy spearfishing like to dive on the rock ledges because the fish on the ledges aren’t as skittish around divers because they rarely see them. Underwater photographers like to visit the ledges because marine life that isn’t seen on the wrecks are found on the ledges.

Captains keep their numbers for wrecks and rock ledges to themselves so they can go to these spots. Unlike a wreck, a rock ledge can span hundreds of yards and after a while it all looks the same. Ledges can be inhabited by queen angelfish, French angelfish, lionfish, squirrelfish, hogfish, flounder, bigeyes, schools of spadefish, sea turtles and grouper. Depending on the depth of the ledge, spiny lobsters can be found hiding in openings in the ledge.

NAVIGATING A NATURAL SITE Unlike a wreck, the ledges don’t always have a defined shape to them. Following the edge of the ledge is one way of navigating the ledge. If a diver ventures into one of the cracks that runs away from the edge and intersects other cracks, the diver might have a difficult time returning to the edge where the anchor is located. Divers need to be equipped to dive the ledges off of the Crystal Coast.

A wreck reel is a piece of equipment that has a handle and a spool with line on it that can be tied off to a starting point and is played out as the diver swims away from the starting point.

When the diver wants to return to the starting point they turn around and start reeling in the line using the handle on the reel, much like a fishing reel. When attaching the line to the starting point, the line should be attached near the anchor, but not to the anchor line. If the line is attached to the anchor line and the anchor were to come loose, the wreck reel would be taken out of the diver’s hand.

Another piece of equipment that should be used is a surface marker buoy, also known as a safety sausage. This is a tall, cylindrical buoy, usually orange or yellow, that is attached to a wreck reel that marks a diver’s location. It can be used while the divers are underwater or when they have drifted away from the boat and are on the surface. The safety sausage is carried rolled up and is inflated by the diver when it is needed. In the case of a safety sausage, bigger is better. The taller the safety sausage, the easier it is seen when the diver is a great distance away. Even three foot seas make it difficult to see a diver 100 yards away from the boat.

Having the proper equipment will make diving the ledges off of the Crystal Coast more enjoyable and safer. If you would like to dive on the ledges in the winter months and early spring, the Captain’s Lady runs year round and only needs four divers to run. For more information about charters to the ledges, 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. €

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 them online at 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, visit carolinareef.org.

24 CAROLINA SALT June / July 2017 » CarolinaSalt.com

JUNE 7 TO JULY 7

CAPE HATTERAS TIDE CHART

200

NORTH CAROLINA

WET & DRY SLIPS

WILDLIFE SERVICE AGENT

BOAT SERVICE OFFICIAL CITATION WEIGH STATION

The most complete bait & tackle marina on the East Coast. Extensive boat storage and a friendly staff make Dudley’s a one-stop shop for all your boating needs.

ETHANOLFREE GAS AT THE DOCKS

HIGHWAY 24 EAST • SWANSBORO • 252-393-2204 • DUDLEYSMARINA.NET

A MOMENT OF REFLECTION

PAUL ORTIZ

The Good News

A

n interesting history surrounds the word “gospel.” When we hear the word gospel today, we associate it with the Gospel of Jesus Christ or the Good News of Jesus Christ. The word gospel however, in ancient days before Christ, took on a different role. In the ancient world, the word gospel was used by kings as an announcement to the people by the king’s messengers they were safe. It was a proclamation to the people of a victory against an enemy by the king and the king’s military forces resulting in either saving or rescuing of the king’s people. Messengers were instructed to announce the good news (gospel) to the people the enemy had been defeated, the war had been won and they were safe. Through the king’s leadership, the people were saved from ruin because the king and king’s military had defeated the enemy.

LIFE IS CHALLENGING Today, we are faced with a lot of challenges and battles in life. We deal with loss. We deal with disappointment. We deal with difficulty. We deal with fear. We deal with uncertainty. We deal with pain. We deal with threat. We deal with emotional and spiritual hurt. We deal with doubt. We deal with not knowing what to do. We deal with addiction. We deal with stress. We deal with worry. We deal with so many things on so many different levels, it’s easy to be afraid and unsettled in the world we are living in today.

THE GOOD NEWS But, have you heard the good news? There is good news for every person today. Jesus gives hope to all of us and it is announced repeatedly throughout the Bible: “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV) “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” (John 10:10 NIV) “As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.” (John 15:9–17 NIV) “What I’m about to tell you is true. Everyone who sins is a slave of sin. A slave has no lasting place in the family. But a son belongs to the family forever. So if the Son of Man sets you free, you will really be free.” (John 8:34–36 NIRV) There is a battle going on in your heart and mind. Every day we are faced with a new battle. A lot of us are trying to fight a battle we can’t win.

It’s very much like you standing behind your car trying to push it to where you need to go. You can’t push the car. You’ve got to get in, start the car and drive. Let the car’s engine do the hard task of causing the car to move.

In life, so many of us are trying to do what only God can do. The good news is God has already fought and won the war for you and me. We can have peace in our heart, mind and spirit; all we have to do is receive the good news of Jesus Christ.

“Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” (John 14:27 NIV) € 26 CAROLINA SALT June / July 2017 » CarolinaSalt.com

JOHN 15:9–17 As the Father has loved me, so have I loved you. Now remain in my love. If you keep my commands, you will remain in my love, just as I have kept my Father’s commands and remain in His love. I have told you this so that my joy may be in you and that your joy may be complete. My command is this: Love each other as I have loved you. Greater love has no one than this: to lay down one’s life for one’s friends. You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master’s business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you. This is my command: Love each other.

THE ISLAND CHURCH PASTOR PAUL ORTIZ

Paul Ortiz is a follower of Jesus Christ, not religion. A husband and father, he is pastor of The Island Church in Emerald Isle. Reach him at paul@TheIslandChurchEI.org

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