Ocracoke

There is no other way for me to begin this Blog than on a strip of sand and sea oats less than a mile wide, an island called Ocracoke. Mention Ocracoke to many these days, and they envision the bustling tourist destination recently reported to be the best beach in America. To me, Ocracoke embodies all that goes unnoticed by the hordes of tourists, and who's real treasures are only discovered by those willing to step away from the crowds and gift shops.

The location of the capture and beheading of Blackbeard, Ocracoke's history and tradition revolve around the water, but the treachery of the shallow shoals and oyster beds keeps those without local knowledge from exploring these dangerous waters. That reason is precisely why Blackbeard chose the location as his hide out. Blackbeard was an expert navigator and waterman, and learned through experience how to move through the inlet and shallows of Pamlico Sound into the deep water slough behind Ocracoke known as Teaches Hole. The ancient Live Oak hammock that boarders this landing are best explored at night with a lantern, as then one gets a true sense of what life in a pirate hide out must has been like. The Spanish Moss on the live oaks hangs at night from the twisted limbs like heads removed by the sharp steel of a pirate sword.