mainly due to travel concerns. The Emergency Management Director as well as the county manager stayed in constant communication with area agencies to monitor the storm, including NCDOT and Tideland EMC. Hyde County Sheriff ’s Office on Ocracoke also assisted with resident needs and safety. Also, in true island spirit, people who braved the wind and cold were even catching fish on Ocracoke beaches. “The puppy drum have been along the beach all winter long for those willing to throw lures,” according to Melinda Sutton from Tradewinds Tackle. Like some fair weather fishers, Melinda and Alan are looking forward to the spring drum bite--a bite that typically marks the beginning of the visitors season on the island. Not only does the fishing pick up, so does the general beat on the island. “May is my favorite time of year with warmer weather, sunny days and cool nights, smaller crowds and all the businesses coming alive for the season,” said Sutton. On the shoulder of the time of year that usually keeps her and her husband in the tackle shop 24-7,
Melinda still has time to stargaze in the spring, too. “The night sky is awe inspiring,” she said dreamily. “To sit on the deck under a blanket, hear the distant ocean and see the Milky Way and shooting stars is to really connect with nature.” Spring this year will feel well-deserved to islanders. After a long cold winter where schools and businesses were closed for days on end, they’ll be happy to see you. On mainland, the
worst part of the storm passed just west of Hyde into Beaufort County. Still, there were reports of at least eight inches of snow that fell. Power stayed on and folks were able stay warm. Schools and businesses closed for days on end, however. Like Ocracoke, Swan Quarter folks are also anticipating warm weather and good fishing. We hope to see you in the spring!