Dear Family and Friends,

 

I came to Ocracoke a few weeks ago for my summer journey carrying one bag, my camera and my laptop. It is a great feeling to know that all I need can be rolled and tucked away into one suitcase.

 

I remember doing exactly that when I went to Germany to work years ago. My mom and dad bought me a large, leather green bag in which I could store all my gear. That was all I took. I drug that bag all over Europe…trains, busses, ships. I did end up with a guitar as well which brought great pleasure on those trains at night. I could actually play a few tunes in those days!

 

I have learned that all clothes can be washed out and hung just about anywhere to dry. You just put them back on and start all over. I also know that one good pair of walking shoes is all I need.

(Bare feet are acceptable!)

 

As for this summer, it often feels as if I am at summer camp with Philip. Our days are open picket gates waiting for adventure.

 

With such a cool summer this year, we have used the air-conditioner sparingly of which I am delighted. I like waking up to the sound of the morning song birds which nest in the juniper and live oak trees right outside the cottage. I make a pot of coffee and sit on the porch enjoying the early bird tourists who walk or run by. I can always tell w hen someone has just arrived. They are so excited to jump start their work out routine and get in shape. By the end of the week, I rarely see them anymore.

 

With adventure in mind for the summer, I have found many opportunities to use my talents and satisfy my interests as well. I have become, shall I say, the light house keeper two afternoons a week. Wearing my national park service uniform (I even have a hat!); I unlock the door which leads to the inside of the 1832 light house. Every time I enter that door I am surrounded with history and stories. I am continually reading Ocracoke island books from Philip’s bookcase which is as complete as any historian. Sometimes I can’t tell if our conversations are from the 1800’s or the present. The past and the present seem to weave itself into my fairy tale life.

 

I am also able to work at the museum one afternoon a week, turtle patrol at 5:00 a.m. on Tuesdays and this week I am volunteering for bingo. I am not sure how that position ca me to be. I played bingo once a few years ago and was told by several elderly women to stop talking. We shall see how long this position lasts.

 

My camera has been a great source of enjoyment and information for me this summer. I am always out and about with it strapped around my neck as I bike all over the island.

 

Sunrises

Sunsets

Kayakers

Gypsies

Fishing boats coming in to the harbor

Folks rocking on the Community Store Porch

The early morning pink sand at the beach

Bathing suits

Towels

Sea grass

 

It was my camera that first caught the explosion on Ocracoke on July 4th morning. An explosion that killed four out of five employees from South Carolina as they were setting up the display early in the morning. One man will live to tell this story the rest of his life. My photos were shared by CNN, NBC and all the local newspapers. It was a strange bit of=2 0tragedy that brought my photos to the limelight.

 

Three evenings a week bring ghost tours and Opry performances. All other evenings are usually shared with folks over dinner or my famous Sunset on the Pizer drink that I invented my first summer here.

 

The day ends with shadows on Howard Street, folks strumming on banjos in cottages down the lane….laughter.  We sit out on the porch on the old swing as deep, deep night invades the sky and is filled with stardust. This is the kind of beauty that takes your breath away.

 

It is a quiet, beautiful summer, my camp if you will. In a few weeks, I shall sweep off the sand that has blown on and into my suitcase and bid far ewell once again. Until then, I will not let these golden moments escape me.

 

Sending wishes over the sea,

 

Lou Ann

For more stories and photos:
http://louannhoman.blogspot.com