Towering over the Wright Brothers Memorial, the 158′ monument to the Orville and Wilbur’s achievement has been closed to the public for over 20 years. Jeff Hampton, writing for The Virginian-Pilot, explains that the doors to the base of the monument will be open weekly this summer so the curious can look inside and get the skinny… Continue reading nps to open wright monument this summer
Tag: Jeff Hampton
28 gun salute to obx oldest shipwreck
Has the mystery of the Corolla shipwreck that was revealed by a 2008 storm been solved? The Virginian Pilot’s Jeff Hampton tells the fascinating story of what may be the oldest shipwreck to ever wash ashore on the Outer Banks. “The oldest shipwreck ever found along the North Carolina coast could be a 28-gun British… Continue reading 28 gun salute to obx oldest shipwreck
high speed ferry is ocracoke’s future
It looks like there’s a high-speed ferry in Ocracoke’s future. Jeff Hampton writing for the Virginian-Pilot takes a look at how long lines, falling passenger use and a shoaling inlet have combined to move NCDOT to create a new passenger only route between Ocracoke and Hatteras Village. “Fifteen dollars will eventually buy you a round trip… Continue reading high speed ferry is ocracoke’s future
jockey’s ridge celebrates 40 years this month
It’s hard to miss Jockey’s Ridge, the giant sand dune in Nags Head. On any given day it’s abuzz with hangliders, kite flyers, photographers, sunset gazers and just regular folks. The long trek up is rewarded by one of the best views on (and of) the Outer Banks with the mighty ocean to the east and… Continue reading jockey’s ridge celebrates 40 years this month
broken glass becomes beach gold
Long walks by the sea looking for beach glass top my (long) list of reasons to live on the OBX. My mother shared her love of shelling with me years ago, and I’m always delighted to come across these colorful bits of glass the ocean has smoothed. Jeff Hampton, in this piece for The Virginian-Pilot , shares the story of another local treasure… Continue reading broken glass becomes beach gold
why tell a lifesaver’s story at an aquarium?
Anyone who loves a good mystery will enjoy this story by Jeff Hampton for The Virginian-Pilot. Who was Richard Etheridge? And why would his grave be at the North Carolina Aquarium site on Roanoke Island? The answers to these questions can be found in the story that follows, and on exhibit at the Aquarium. “The remains of the… Continue reading why tell a lifesaver’s story at an aquarium?
nourished nh beach continues to support life
Answering critics who believe beach nourishment destroys the life found on a beach, a study completed over the summer shows a properly nourished beach, such as Nags Head, is no different than any other beach. Jeff Hampton writing for the Virginian Pilot explains. “When Nags Head replenished its beach three years ago, it wasn’t just… Continue reading nourished nh beach continues to support life
property rights win in obx beach battle
Right or wrong? A court battle pitting the right of property owners to maintain their property against Nags Head and state government’s desire to provide for the safe use of public beaches has been resolved in favor of the property owners. But their neighbors aren’t too happy. Jeff Hampton writing for the Virginian Pilot tells the story.… Continue reading property rights win in obx beach battle
obx sea bed to be mapped with sonic blasts
Mapping the bottom of our oceans using sonic blasts is the most accurate method found to date, but the approach is controversial with a number of environmental groups raising concerns about its effects on sea life. This article from Jeff Hampton, writing for the Virginian Pilot explores both sides of the issue. “Think of it as a… Continue reading obx sea bed to be mapped with sonic blasts
turtle nests + technology = more open beaches?
Eric Kaplan, founder of the Hatteras Island Ocean Center (the newest environmental center on the Outer Banks), knew turtle nesting behavior had a significant impact on beach driving. As Jeff Hampton reports for the Virginian Pilot, the solution for learning about what’s really happening in the nest may as simple as common household items and an innovative… Continue reading turtle nests + technology = more open beaches?