OBX in August

Heading just south of here in about 21/2 weeks. Have not been there inseason in about 10 years. Bodie will flash in my view and I will dream.

Moby

We just returned from the OBX for a wonderful week. We rented a beach house in Southern Shores with another family and managed to do a bit of lighthousing, as well as visit Cindy and Woody at the Lighthouse Gallery. One thing I noticed at Bodie Island light, they have built a wood fence around the base of the tower. Sure took away from a nice photo opportunity IMHO. Regardless, we had a wonderful time!

Tim - Keeping the flame lit...

Robert - haven't heard from you or seen you in months! Are you still stopping by Dor Donn for HL's, or have you finally run out of display space?!? Have a great time on the OBX. We were there for the week of the 4th and had a great time staying on Roanoke Island. First time for us on the island; we usually rent in Duck on the sound. Have a great time!!

Deb

What's so bad about the fence at Bodie Island is it's there to keep chunks of the lighthouse from falling on peoples' heads!!
I can't believe they have let such an important and highly visible piece of history suffer like they have Bodie. I guess it would recieve a little more attention if it didn't have a "Big Brother" named Cape Hatteras!

Are both Hatteras and Currituck open for climbing? If so, what times are they open?

Moby

Moby... both Currituck and Hatteras are open for climbing. We were at both lights at about 11:00 a.m. on different days a few weeks ago. I did notice some posted times at Hatteras which I believe were 10:00 a.m. until 4:00 p.m. However, one of the volunteers there told me those times varied according to the number of visitors. The climb at Hatteras is free this year.

There is an admission fee at Currituck, which is $4.00 per adult (under 5 free). The light is open from 10:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. I hope you have as great a time on your trip as we did.

Tim - Keeping the flame lit...

A rainy week in the Outer Banks this week. Had a nice morning today though to see and climb the Hatteras light in its new home. As an aside, I heard the fishing report today in which the announcer said "on Hatteras flounder and pompano are being caught near the jettys where the Hatteras light SHOULD be." It seems like there is still an feeling of resentment by some that the lighthouse has been moved.

Doc John

Doc,
If the announcer had his way, by now the light tower would be parallel to the jetties that were supposed to save it.

Dave

Definitely right Dave! Some people wouldn't be happy if you hung them with a new rope!

Tim - Keeping the flame lit...

When I was here two summers ago when they were discussing the upcoming move...and I saw the signs and bumper stickers speaking in oppososition. I thought they were motivated by the fact that they were concerned that the lighthouse would suffer damage if moved. Now that it has been safely moved...I don't really have a clue as to why anyone would say it was a bad thing. Maybe crotchety oldtimers that don't like to see any change...good or bad!

BTW, I was not used to having to wait in line to climb the lighthouse...I had to wait about 20 minutes this year. They are also administering an "exit poll" asking your opinion as to how much you would be willing to pay for the privilege to climb the lighthouse in the future. The options are:
$1, $3, $5, $10 or other.

Doc John

[This message has been edited by DocJ44 (edited 07-28-2000).]

Doc,

Perhaps said announcer has rental property that was formerly in the shadow of the Hatteras tower. Proximity to the light made a business easy to find and added allure. I think that much of the argument against the move had something to do with people's pocketbooks, whether this was made explicit or lay hidden just beneath the surface. Money has a way of causing a short-term outlook among people.

IMO, moving the tower was clearly the right thing to do. Of course at this point, this is Monday morning quarterbacking, so take it fwiw. I'm certain that some folks had serious and genuine reservations about the danger of the move to the lighthouse, but now that the move has been successfully completed, I can't for the life of me understand any present objection.

------------------
-Art

I agree Art. I wasn't as worried about Cape Hatteras Light being swept into the sea as much as I was concerned about the salt water finally making its way into the foundation, thus rotting those pine timbers that have been bathed by freshwater for over 120 years. Engineers could have protected the tower for another 25-30 years with a series of jetties (groins), rip-rap, et al....but there was no stopping the sea-water from getting into the Barrier water-table, at which case they say that the timbers would have rotted in a matter of a few years....as few as five.

As far as the profit-motive....I guess I can understand why there was some serious dissent but once all the engineering data was in I think they knew that moving her was the only way to go even though some of the "local diehards" still don't want to admit it. (Note: I was one of those "diehards" once upon a time)

[This message has been edited by Brent (edited 07-29-2000).]

A few people I work with were complaining that millions of tax dollars were spent on moving the lighthouse. They felt the money would have been better spent on the poor, literacy, the elderly, health care, etc. Me, I think the money was well spent. Did all of the funds come from the general public or were there organizations that donated money?

As far as I know, Carol....all of the money came from Federal Tax Dollars. It is a part of the National Park Service. I think I'm correct in stating that it was part of a $12 million dollar "bill" for the move and restoration of the tower, keeper's quarters, et al.

Yes....I agree with you, it was money well spent even though I feel that Bodie Island has been left a bit behind during this period.

Sure it costed alot of money to move the "big brick thingy",but Bodie(Body) will always have the edge on Hatteras because of its billion dollar(looks) location.Little brother should be very proud of itself.IMHO.

TerryBarfield

Thanks for the info on times for climbing. Will be good to get away. Plenty of rain so far this summer, so ole Roanoke misquitoes will be waiting. Off and Cutter will be used and we will enjoy the stay rain or shine.

Moby

Moby, will you be heading south this weekend? We will be in Elizabeth City Saturday night and plan on Curritck light early AM Sunday. Staying Sunday night in Nag's Head and of course visiting Bodie & Hatteras either Sunday or Monday. Don't know how long everything takes.

It would be super to run into another Wacko visiting lights!

Donna

I finally, with the help of my wife Joyce, packed the car and will leave early in the morning for the outer bank. I'll let you know what we did when we return in a week. We will take our time and stop at "the cotton gin", "the bird store" and of course "awful authors" to name a few.

Bodie Island will shine in my window at night as I return to my great granddad's haunting life and legend. Weather is breaking so it looks like we will have an enjoyable vacation.

Talk to you in a week.

Moby