We have had more than our share of rain in Carteret County this summer. However, no one is complaining because it is better than the drought that we had last summer.
Back in July it seemed that the heat was going to be here forever. Fortunately we have managed to get rid of much of the heat and humidity.
For the last few days we have actually been riding the temperature curve by turning our heat pumps off, opening up our windows, and enjoying the fresh air.
Fall is the favorite time of year for most people who live along the Crystal Coast. It looks like this year is going to be a great one.
In our world of greens and blues, a little red or yellow is much appreciated. Of course the colors look much better under the blue skies that have taken up residence here after our cloudy August.
With the remnants of Isaac’s moisture finally departing the East coast, we have really settled into a pattern of weather that is very easy to love.
It is a great time of year because the water is still warm, but the air is cooling down at night. Yet we still have nice and toasty afternoons.
My favorite spot for long beach hikes is the Point on Emerald Isle. We were out of town much of August so I was very happy to finally get back to the Point.
The Point is a very special place to me. My normal hike around the Point is around 4.5 miles so it is not a place that I take lightly.
The wildness of the Point is a great refuge for people and animals. I find a great deal of peace when I walk there.
We are into that time of year when fishermen drive on the beach so for the next few months, the Point won’t be quite as wild as I like it.
However, that won’t keep me from hiking there and enjoying the beautiful, ever-changing shore.
Since it is in my backyard, one of my favorite spots is the White Oak River. It is a simple matter for me to access the White Oak by lowering my skiff down to the water or sliding my kayak into the water.
It just takes a few minutes for me to either idle out with the skiff or paddle the kayak out to the river. The White Oak also has the advantage of being a great place to fish.
This year the fall fishing is starting out strong. On the morning of Saturday, September 15, I went fishing in my kayak. I managed to catch three puppy drum and two flounders within sight of our house.
While the puppy drum were only twelve, fifteen, and sixteen inches, one of the flounders was 16.5 inches so we managed to have a wonderful lunch of flounder fresh from the river.
Going fishing or just riding out on the water to watch the sun sink below the water are two of my favorite activities. The sunset picture was taken near Hancock Point on the White Oak River.
This picture was taken at the back side of Bird Island. If you have really good eyes you might be able to see a hint of the Emerald Isle Bridge in the distance.
If tales of kayaking, beautiful beaches, and fishing at your doorstep sound enticing and make you wish for the smell of salt air, you can find some quick links for planning a beach vacation at my Welcome to the Beach site.
If you have already made up your mind to come for a visit, you will find my updated Emerald Isle Travel Guide very useful.
Even better, take the plunge and get the full scoop on what to do at the beach by buying our book, “A Week at the Beach, An Emerald Isle Travel Guide.” It is only $4.99 and available in Kindle format and can be read on almost any electronic device by using free Kindle reader software.
There are lots more links to pictures and regular events on the coast at my Crystal Coast Links page.
More general information about the mainland where I live is available at this link to a post about the area from Swansboro to Cape Carteret.
Why we love it here?
It is hard to say that any place is perfect. However, for those who think a walk on the beach is better than a trip to the mall, the Crystal Coast is hard to beat.
For thoughts on where we have chosen to live, I would steer you to my articles, Ten ways Carteret County met our needs and Why I love living in Carteret County
My Crystal Coast, Salt Water on Your Feet site also has a number of articles for people considering a move to the Crystal Coast.
You will also find links to lots of pictures and information at my new Crystal Coast Life introduction page.
Reading those articles lets you spend a virtual day with me. You can feel for how easy it is to enjoy life along the White Oak River. Living in a small subdivision near Cape Carteret isn’t everyone’s cup of tea, but we have found it to be a great place for boating, relaxing, and learning to appreciate the world around us.
Our area is close to services and even closer to the beach but not on the beach. We have a dock behind the house, and there are some great trails nearby. I can ride my bike in the neighborhood and not face a lot of traffic. We’ve even found a great church home at Cape Carteret Presbyterian Church.
I also use my kayak on the White Oak River and have learned to love exploring the river and surrounding waters with our skiff.
This area also has some great festivals like the Newport Pig Cookoff, the Emerald Isle Saint Patrick's Day, the Swansboro Mullet Festival and the Swansboro Oyster Roast. We continue to be impressed with the Emerald Isle Christmas Parade.
It is a friendly area with a great future. So right now it is the spot for us. I often write about the area in my other websites. If you are a very avid reader, you might find some similar content on multiple sites, but usually the content is fairly specific to the sites.
These are additional sites where you can find even more information.
Crystal Coast Life
Ocracoke Waves
Crystal Coast Life Blog
Crystal Coast Blog 09
Crystal Coast Blog 08
Some archived articles