May 22 Ocracoke NC

Ocracoke NC it is hard to pronounce let alone know where it is located. Well it is located on that thin strip of land that is known as the Outer Banks of North Carolina. It is only accessible by boat (or airplane). Lots of people come here by ferry boat bringing their cars along. A few of us travel here on our own boats. I first heard of Ocracoke when a group called Molasses Creek performed in Decatur. They sang about fishing, island life and all those things that go along with living on the Outer Banks. I purchased a couple of their CD's back then and still play them regularly. Ocracoke is a diversion of some 36 miles from the ICW but it a side trip we have on our must do list. The travel is mostly across Pamlico Sound, an open body of water that can turn ugly pretty fast depending on the wind direction. About half way to Ocracoke you lose sight of land. Anyway our trip to the Island was pretty benign. It was a sunny day with light winds. After winding our way through the channel that approaches Ocracoke we find ourselves in very protected Silver Lake which is about 10' deep and surrounded by the Village. There are National Park Service Docks and one other private Marina but the anchorage in the the middle of this small protected lake is so much more appealing. After arrival about 1pm we lower the dinghy and head for shore to explore. Pretty laid back. Lots of tourists, walking, riding bikes, and driving their vehicles that came with them on the boat. Even saw the Deepwater Theater where Molasses Creek performs in the summertime (we are too early-not summer yet). One Main road plus several side roads some of which are still gravel. Dinner was enjoyed at the Back Porch restaurant. There is not a downtown area per say but lots of shops scatterd throughout the streets. After coming all this way we had to buy Ocracoke t shirts. Lots of walking but a very good visit to this Outer banks Island.