by Patricia Frank
When the world seems a hard place and emotions run raw, there's something so cozy about pulling a warm island about one's self. Far away from old memories, small islands are shelter from pain. An island offers a clean slate in which to create plans for a new life, a better life.
Ocracoke Island is such a place. Reachable only by a ferry ride, this jewel of an island captures tales of buccaneers. Blackbeard met his end here in a hotly fought battle with the British Royal Navy. Good riddance. What a cad—he had thirteen wives.
Sixteen miles long and slender, Ocracoke is the southernmost of the Outer Banks barrier islands. Only 800 or so hardy souls live here year-round. The population swells in summer.
Bounded on one side by the wild Atlantic, and the other by Pamlico Sound, this is a watery place. Sound, sea, marsh and inlets harbor plentiful marine and bird life. The Atlantic side is protected as part of the National Seashore, and is free of development. This makes for lovely, long beach walks—a great way to exorcise the past.
The best times to find quiet and calm are before Memorial weekend and after Labor Day. Uncrowded then, the island is fresh and unhurried. Ocracoke can excite sleeping senses in a way more glittering places cannot. You'll find no franchises or chains here—all establishments are owned by islanders.
Exercise your spirit—and body-- by getting out on the water. Ride the Wind rents kayaks and offers special tours including sunrise, sunset and full moon paddles. A lovely way to experience Ocracoke's magic.
Excite your creativity. Tucked away in the maritime forest are studios and workshops of island artisans. Discovering their wares and chatting with the creative folks who made them is part of Ocracoke's charm. Visitors often find their own creativity bubbling up. Maybe the herons and sandpipers will inspire the photographer or water colorist inside you?
