carolina salt february issue

your life on the Crystal Coast

FEBRUARY 2013

backyard bIrd HUNT

NorTHerNgaNNeTs

faITHcoUNTy

carteret community

theater

insidefebruary’s THINgs

To do oN THe crysTal coasT

❤ and

LOVELOVELOVELOVE andCakes

a m i l i ta r y fa m i ly l o v e s t o r y

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a b o u t t h e c o v e ryour life on the Crystal Coast

FEBRUARY 2013

backyard

bIrd HUNT

NorTHerNgaNNeTs

faITHcoUNTy

carteret

community

theater

inside

february’s THINgs

To do oN THe

crysTal coasT

❤ andCakes

a m i l i ta r y fa m i ly

l o v e s t o r y

❤❤

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ChiCken Breast, Boneless Pork ChoPs, shrimP, sCalloPs, tuna and salmon.

s i m P l Y G r i l l e d …

w w w . r i B e Y e s s t e a k h o u s e . C o m

104 Golfin’ Dolphin Drive • Cape Carteret • 252.393.2509

502 Front Street • Beaufort • 252.728.6105TWO LOCATIONS ON THE CRYSTAL COAST

What’s on your plate tonight?

trY our unlimited salad Bar!

e d i t o r i a l s & a d v e r t i s i n gPlease contact the publisher Will ashby at [email protected] or 252-723-7628 for ad rates and editorial ideas.

ad & editorial deadline for the March issue is February 16, 2012. email your letters to the editor, photos, community listings and articles to [email protected]. next issue will be published March 1, 2013.

Published by crystal coast outdoors PublicationsP.o. box 572, Morehead city, nc 28557 • 252-723-7628

We dePend on our readers! call iF you’re interested in subMitting an article or Photo!

contributing WritersJames rosemond • linda bergman-althouse • sherry White • Ken stone • Kellylynne burke • Kim Worrell • dea daniels • doc hunter • Jon bradley

lee Moore • sam bland • renee tomczak • barbara blake • lindsay Parker • barbara Johnson • bob Malone • Joanna shertzer

P u b l i s h e rWill ashby

c r e at i v e d i r e c t o rchevy Kaylor

g r a P h i c d e s i g n e rbryan Frazier

s a l e s d i r e c t o ral roberts

inside this M onth

Fe bruary.2013

the regulars■ Things To Do in February 8

■ OWLS: Winter Bird Feeding 16

■ Apple A Day: Getting Fit for Spring 22

■ Ask the Aquarium: Octopuses 34

■ Parrot Heads: Winter Feathers 38

■ Diving the Crystal Coast 40

■ February Tide Chart 41

lacrosse: the Fastest gaMe on tWo legs 12a new lacrosse league has come to our area. Find out why lacrosse is one of the fastest growing sports in america, and register your child while you’re at it!

blue-eyed beauty: the northern gannet 14you know, not all of those “gulls” you see are really gulls. there are hidden treasures among them … northern gannets. Flip ahead to find out more about these lovely birds.

love and caKes: a Military FaMily love story 18a distance of thousands of miles was not enough to keep this husband and wife apart for the birth of their first child.

tuna sleigh ride 20one fisherman and his guests catch an unexpected ride on their ill-fated quest to catch a giant bluefin tuna.

go, suP racer, go! 21okay, it’s a little chilly. but there are still lots of great opportunities to learn new techniques, compete and enjoy the natural beauty on our coast.

taKe a Kid hunting! 24 now that whitetail season is closed, it’s the perfect time to start educating the next generation of hunters, one of our most important group of conservationists.

sPay 2 save neuters 1,200 cats … and counting! 26since beginning operations, spay 2 save has neutered over 1,200 cats and dogs! their mission: to make the world a better place for cats and dogs all over carteret county.

gloucester Mardi gras 27everyone loves the gloucester Mardi gras! Fun, family, cajun food and zydeco music! you’ll love the Fool’s Parade and enjoy the free-spirited good times on offer.

an evening oF culture … and hilarity 29carteret community theater brings a belly laugh to Morehead city. What happens when you mix backwoods folk with William shakespeare? buy a ticket and find out for yourself!

16our Winter birds

Thank you for picking up Carolina Salt magazine, published to depict your life here on the Crystal Coast. All articles are written by locals. We cover a wide range of topics including local history, outdoor sports, wildlife, special events and more. Every month we look to you, our readers, to keep our magazine fresh. If you have a story to tell, an event to promote, an interesting local photograph or just some good times stories to share, send them our way. Participation is welcomed and

appreciated. Reader contributions are the founding principle of the magazine. We want to be a local resource for you, our readers … SO GET INVOLVED!

If you like what you see, tell people about it ... especially our advertisers. Let our folks paying the bills know where you saw them. For questions, concerns and more information about Carolina Salt, send e-mail to [email protected] or give us a call at 252-723-7628. For up-to-date info regarding

our latest shenanigans, be sure to look us up on Facebook under Crystal Coast Outdoors.

this month’s cover shot and the story that goes with it come from photographer Kellylynne burke.

616.755.1222www.KellylynnePhotography.com

THINGS TO DO IN february THINGS TO DO IN february

february 2–3Carolina Chocolate festivalPrepare for decadence at the 11th Annual Carolina Chocolate Festival at the Crystal Coast Civic Center February 2 from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. and February 3 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. From chocolate cakes and tortes to chocolate bars and ice cream, the event offers more than a sampling of everything chocolate. Tickets are $8 for adults and $2 for kids 5-12. Kids 5 years and under are free. For tickets to all events, call 1-877-848-4976, email [email protected] or visit www.carolinachocolatefestival.com.

february 2Cocoa 5K/fun runRegistration is at 7 a.m. and race begins at 8 a.m. at the Carteret Community College CMAST building. Cost is $15 per person or $40 for a family of four. Ap-plications can be downloaded from www.carolinachocolatefestival.com or by calling 1-877-848-4976. Awards to winners; prizes for best costume.

The Chocolate SpaTickets are pre-sold for $65 per person and include chocolate facials, mas-sages, reflexology, hairstyling and makeup, all while indulging in chocolates. The ticket for the Chocolate Spa includes a ticket to the Chocolate Festival.

february 5Oyster bagging Come help federation staff in the central region bag oyster shells for use in Jones Island oyster restoration projects. Volunteers are invited to the fed-eration’s main office on Highway 24 to begin work at 1 p.m. Please dress for the weather and plan to work outside. In case of rain, call the federation at 252-393-8185 to see if the event will be rescheduled. All ages are welcome. Children under 12 must be accompanied by an adult. Snacks and water will be provided. Contact Sarah Phillips at [email protected] with questions.

february 7Mardi Gras Senior SocialFrom 1–4 p.m. senior citizens of the community will gather to partake in con-versation, dancing and potluck. Beverages and music are provided. Entry fee is a snack or dessert dish. Event takes place in our gymnasium. This year’s theme is Mardi Gras! Please sign up in advance. Visit www.emeraldisle-nc.org or call 252-354-6350 for more information.

february 8free friday family flicksAt Emerald Isle Community Center, 7500 Emerald Drive, at 7 p.m. Free. Children must be accompanied by an adult. Popcorn and drink for $1. Please bring chairs and or blankets, but no outside beverages or snacks. Call 252-354-6350 for movie title one week prior to showing.

february 9Down east folk arts Society 20th Season of ConcertsJoin Down East FolkArts, clapping to the music in the upper room at Clawson’s in Beaufort. Membership is encouraged, volunteers are welcome and all are invited to enjoy the live music. Check our website at www.downeastfolkarts.org for details or call 252-633-6444 for more information. All shows begin at 8 p.m. Admission is $15 ($12 for members, $8 for students).

21st annual Gloucester Mardi GrasFrom 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy the free Gloucester Mardi Gras, sponsored by the Unknown Tongues Cajun-Zydeco band. Dance to live music all day, including a Cajun dance and children’s King and Queen march. The bead toss takes place around 3 p.m. Gumbo and fried turkey is served by early afternoon, announced by a Fool’s Procession. Feathered mask and hat-making is available for kids and grownups alike. Costumes are encouraged. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Gloucester Community Club’s Mary Dudley and Woodrow Price Scholarship. Gumbo preparation and a music jam take place Friday, Feb. 8, at 6 p.m. at the Community Club. To donate ingredients or for more information, contact Bar-bara at 252-729-8021 or visit www.unknowntongues.com.

Seduction in the SeasValentine’s Day is coming and love is in the air (and water) at the North Caro-lina Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores. Seduction in the Seas takes an educational look at romance among creatures of the deep. Check your knowledge of animal amore in the Mating Game and enjoy other amusements related to the wooing routines of wild beasts and also human beings. Gourmet coffee and decadent desserts sweeten the activities. You must be age 18 or older to partake of this after hours adults-only event. Doors open at 6:30 p.m.; activities begin at 7 p.m. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Tickets are $20 per person ($18 for members). Register online, by phone at 252-247-4003 or stop by the Visitor Services desk.

february 10Living History ProgramEnjoy living history beginning at 2 p.m. at the Beaufort Historic Site on the 100 Block of Turner Street. The first program of will be held at the Carteret County Court House of 1796. For more information call 252-728-5225, email [email protected] or visit www.beauforthistoricsite.org.

Membership Drive Valentine PartyIn an effort to increase membership, the BHA opens the buildings of the Beau-fort Historic Site from 2 to 4 p.m. for current and prospective members to explore. See how the BHA uses membership dollars to preserve and promote the rich cultural heritage of Beaufort and Carteret County. For more informa-tion call 252-728-5225, email [email protected] or visit www.beauforthistoricsite.org.

february 15International film: Love Me If you Dare [belgium]Carteret Community College Foundation presents its 2nd Annual International Film Series. Belgian film Love Me if you Dare (Jeux d’Enfants) will be presented in Joslyn Hall at 7:30 p.m. with live music from 6:30–7:30p.m. There is a sug-gested donation of $5. International pastries & refreshments will be available for purchase in the lobby. Guests can also enjoy our Dinner and a Movie option. Guests can enjoy a catered dinner from Piccata’s prior to the movie at 6 p.m. in the Camp Glenn Building on campus. Each dinner reflects the movie’s national-ity and is served with a glass of wine. Individual tickets are $30. Series tickets (dinner and movie for all four showings) are $100. Reservations are required for the dinner portion of the event. Contact Tiffany Taylor at 252-222-6056 or email [email protected] to make reservations.

february 15–MarCH 223rd annual art from the HeartThe Arts Council’s 23rd Annual Art From The Heart will open with a public re-ception on Friday, February 15. The gallery is open free to the public seven days a week through Saturday, March 2. Art From The Heart is one of the re-gion’s largest exhibitions of fine art by artists from Carteret, Craven, Pamlico and Onslow Counties. Entry rules, applications and fees will be posted on the Arts Council’s website at www.artscouncilcaretet.org. Registration is February 8–10. There is a companion Student Art Show, featuring the artwork of Carteret County students K-12. Call 252-726-9156 or email [email protected] for more information.

february 16Kayak fishing ClinicFlatwaters Paddling will be hosting their Kayak Fishing Association Kayak Fish-ing Clinic at 2 p.m. Contact Shannon Medders at 252-354-7878 to reserve a seat or for more information.

february 18Sea Turtle rescue Day CampBudding marine biologists can experience what it is like to diagnose, treat and care for injured or ill sea turtles with hands-on activities and behind-the-scene action. Cost is $35. Space is limited; advance registration is required. To regis-ter or for more information visit www.ncaquariums.com or call 252-247-4003.

february 23Outer banks 4v4 Co-ed Indoor Volleyball TournamentFrom 8 a.m. until the last game is over at Emerald Isle Parks and Recreation Community Center gymnasium. Players must be at least 16 years old. Pre-registration is required. Registration deadline is Friday before game day at 5 p.m. Team fee is $55 with prize money going to the top two teams. Tournament capacity is 6 teams. Teams must bring their own ball and will act as officials when not playing. Officiating may be required after elimination. FIVB rules ap-ply. For registration or information, contact Emerald Isle Parks & Recreation at 252-354-6350.

american Music festival Series: brahmsAn evening of Brahms. Featuring the E-Minor Sonata for Cello and Piano, In-termezzos Op. 118 and other short works by the German giant of the Romantic period. All concerts are at 8 p.m. at The History Place at 1008 Arendell Street in Morehead City. For more information visit www.americanmusicfestival.org.

Crystal Coast Half Marathon & 5KTo reserve your spot in the 2013 Morehead City Crystal Coast Half Marathon or 5K race, register online at the event website, www.ncraces.com, or email questions to [email protected].

MarCH 2Hoop Pole Creek CleanupThis popular event from 10 a.m. to noon is one of the first outdoor events of the season. Volunteers will sweep the boardwalk, trim brush, pick up trash and remove invasive plants. Please pre-register so we can have plenty of supplies on hand and can contact you if needed. Volunteers will be able to join the fed-eration at a discounted rate of $15! Email [email protected] with questions.

MarCH 3–9Toast of the CoastThis exciting event takes place all over Carteret County——over 16 restaurants in seven days. Various events intertwined with your fine dining excursions in-clude culinary tours with culinary diva and Eastern NC food blogger Liz Biro, designer nights with a twist on the normal fare, a ladies only dining day and more. Feast all week and Toast to the Coast! For more information, call Stepha-nie McIntyre at 252-726-6273 or visit www.toasttothecoast.org.

MarCH 1-3 & 8-10Community Theatre Presents faith County: an evening of CultureA Carteret Community Theatre production. Cost is $12 ($8 for students). Tick-ets are available at Alex and Brett’s, Poor Richard’s, at the door or by reserva-tion at 252-728-7550 or 252-247-5838.

March 1–2, 8–9 ................................... 8 p.m.March 3, 10..........................................2 p.m.

flip ahead to p??

21st annual Gloucester Mardi Gras with Cajun-Zydeco band unknown Tongues

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., enjoy the free Gloucester Mardi Gras, sponsored by the Unknown Tongues Cajun-Zydeco band. Dance to live music all day,

including a Cajun dance and children’s King and Queen march. The bead toss takes place around 3 p.m. Gumbo and fried turkey is served by early

afternoon, announced by a Fool’s Procession. Feathered mask and hat-making is available for kids and grownups alike. Costumes are encouraged.

A portion of the proceeds goes to the Gloucester Community Club’s Mary Dudley and Woodrow Price Scholarship. To donate or for more information,

contact Barbara at 252-729-8021 or visit www.unknowntongues.com.

12 Carolina Salt Magazine FEBRUARY 2013 >> www.CarolinaSalt.com

THINgs To do IN febrUary

febrUary 2–109-day boatbuilding classBuild a traditional flat-bottomed skiff or a small round-bottomed boat with an expert’s guidance. Boats go home at the end of the class. Tuition includes the cost of all materials. Tools are supplied, but participants are encouraged to bring their own battery-operated drills and palm or orbital sanders. A Boatbuilding Carpentry class is a prerequisite. Cost is $1,770 ($1,593 for members). Add $750 for materials (excluding sails) to build a sailing skiff; add $550 for additional person if working as a team. By pre-arrangement only, a discount of $1,000 is available for those wishing to take the class but not take home a boat.

febrUary 6, 14, 16, 20brown bag gamFebruary 6 ............12 p.m.. ........ Maritime Myths: Dragons, Mermaids and The KrakenFebruary 14 .......... 12 p.m. ........ Heart of the Sea: A Homecoming Celebration of Echo’s HeartFebruary 16 ...........7 p.m. ......... Heart of the Sea: A Homecoming Celebration of Echo’s HeartFebruary 20 .......... 1 p.m. ......... Heroes of the Surf: The Lifesaving Service in North Carolina

febrUary 14Junior sailing Program & summer science school registrationThe Junior Sailing Program uses the fun of sailing to teach seamanship, navigation, boating safety and sailing tech-niques. Summer Science School investigates the coastal environment and North Carolina’s rich maritime history. Registration forms must be delivered in person or mailed in. No early registration; spaces are not confirmed until payment is received. Course schedules will be posted online one week prior to February 14.

febrUary 21 Ports and PilotsFrom 10 a.m. to noon, see the big ships up close and learn about the imports and exports moving through the North Carolina State Port in Morehead City. Fee includes video about the work of harbor pilots and transportation to the Port. Not suitable for children under 12 years. Reservations are $10.

febrUary 22 The story of the Pea Island lifesaversJoin us for an evening with the producers of ‘Rescue Men: The Story of the Pea Island Lifesavers.’ The documentary chronicles the true story of the only all African-American crew serving in the U.S. Life Saving Service, the predeces-sor to the U.S. Coast Guard. A free screening of the award-winning film will precede the discussion and Q&A session.

febrUary 23 carolina Maritime Model societyThe society exists to promote the production of high-quality ship models. Museum members and the public are en-couraged to participate in this craft that is as old as shipbuilding itself. All meetings are open to the start at 2 p.m.

febrUary 23–24 Traditional boatbuilding carpentryTraditional techniques are taught in this hands-on workshop. Participants work as a team to construct a 12-14´ ver-sion of a traditional flat-bottomed skiff. In the process students learn how to set up the boat, spile and bend planks, plane bevels, erect framing and explore fastening options and the characteristics of traditional boatbuilding woods. This 2-day class (12 hours) can be used as a prerequisite for the 9-Day Boatbuilding course. Cost is $135 ($121.50 for museum members).

febrUary 26 boatbuilding Past and PresentParticipants will tour the Watercraft Center where wooden boats are restored and the art of building them is taught. They will then visit a local boat manufacturer and observe modern construction methods. Not suitable for children under 12. Reservations are required. Event runs from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Cost is $10.

252-728-2762www.ncmaritimemuseums.com

Cypress Bay PlazaMorehead City252-726-8700

Emerald PlantationEmerald Isle

252-354-5074

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12 Carolina Salt Magazine february 2013 >> www.CarolinaSalt.com 13Carolina Salt Magazine

When I transferred to Camp LeJeune in the summer of 2011, I was very surprised to find there was no youth lacrosse program offered in Carteret County. This was especially surprising considering how big lacrosse is at UNC and Duke.

Unfortunately for those families living in Emerald Isle, Cape Carteret and Swansboro, the closest youth lacrosse leagues are in Jacksonville, New Bern and Havelock. Those locations are simply too far away to be practical. And, as I learned last year when I deployed overseas in support of Operation Enduring Freedom, it is difficult for our spouses at home to make that trip by themselves every day with multiple children.

Now that I have returned to the states, I plan to do everything in my power to bring youth lacrosse to Carteret County, beginning with Carteret Youth Lacrosse. Carteret Youth Lacrosse is an initiative started by a small group of Emerald Isle and Cape Carteret parents who want to see their children play youth lacrosse in Carteret County.

W h y L a C r o s s e ? Lacrosse is one of the fastest growing team sports

in the United States. Many of our military families have been able to participate in leagues during tours of duty in different locations. These players bring much-needed experience and enthusiasm to the table. And because of lacrosse’s growing popularity, it has the potential to provide our youth with athletic scholarship opportunities for college.

a b r a N D N e W s T a r T As a brand new organization starting from

nothing more than an idea in October 2012, Carteret Youth Lacrosse is desperately in need of organizers, parent volunteers, coaches and equipment. At this time, the Onslow Youth Lacrosse Association in Jacksonville has been gracious enough to invite our teams to participate in their spring league and offer

registration assistance to our children. Currently, the plan is for our teams to meet and practice at Western Park in Cape Carteret and then travel to Jacksonville, New Bern, Havelock, Topsail, Raleigh and elsewhere to compete in lacrosse games and tournaments. However, none of this can be accomplished without funding and support for lacrosse gear and equipment.

W e N e e D yo U r h e L p To date, Carteret Youth Lacrosse has reached

out to organizations such as the Cherry Point Officers Spouses Club, Under Armour Youth Movement and the U.S. Lacrosse First Stick Program for funding, equipment grants, uniform donations, coaching materials, safety instructions, clinics and camps. However, with the exception of the Cherry Point Officers Spouses Club, we have not been very successful. Therefore, we are also attempting to acquire funding assistance in Carteret County through business sponsorship, community fundraisers and charitable donations. Lastly, we are asking parents to consider purchasing personal gear and equipment for their children. By contacting vendors such as BattleLax in Wilmington, Lacrosse.com, Hibbets Sports, Dick’s Sporting Goods and Play It Again Sports, we hope to find reduced prices on quality equipment to outfit our children until the organization has the resources to provide gear for the children to use during the lacrosse season.

f r e e L a C r o s s e C L I N I C We will be hosting our last Free Lacrosse Players

Clinics for boys and girls ages 7 to 18 at Western Park in Cape Carteret in early February. Bring your

own lacrosse stick if you have one. If not, lacrosse sticks will be provided. No sign-ups are required. No experience is necessary. Just come on out ready to have a great time and learn the “fastest game on two feet!”

Carteret Youth Lacrosse is on Facebook as Carteret Youth Lacrosse. For more information, email [email protected].

The Fastest GameOn Two Feet

BY JON BRADLEY

STep 1 register with Us Lacrosse at www.uslacrosse.org.STep 2 register for the Carteret youth Lacrosse spring 2013

season at www.onslowyouthlacrosse.uslaxteams.orgSTep 3 Contact us at [email protected] or find

us on facebook at Carteret youth Lacrosse for more info.

Carteret youth Lacrosse is a brand new organization starting a grassroots campaign

to spread the word about yoUTh LaCrosse, to generate interest in the community and to provide our military and civilian youth (boys

and girls ages 7–18) with a fun and safe sports activity.

INTeresTeD IN pLayING yoUTh LaCrosse ThIs sprING? reGIsTer NoW! praCTICe beGINs IN febrUary. GaMes KICK off MarCh 2.

REGISTER NOW!

✔

14 Carolina Salt Magazine february 2013 >> www.CarolinaSalt.com 15Carolina Salt Magazine

I recently headed out for a predawn jog and abandoned the roads for the pleasure of the sandy beach at low

tide. A brisk north wind had rendered the ocean surface lifeless except for the small, crystal clear waves that were only breaking once they reached the shore.

The cool temperature was accompanied

by a steel gray sky that was wringing out a

steady drizzle.

Mile after mile the beach was mine, not

a soul in sight … not even footprints. Even

though the beach was void of people, it was

far from lonely. The glassy surf allowed a

bottlenose dolphin to keep pace with me,

swimming parallel to the beach in a trough

just a few yards from shore, so close that I

could hear it exhale. Just beyond the outer

sandbar another dolphin playfully leaped out

of the water so many times that I lost count.

Looking down the beach I could see in

the distance a very large white bird flying

toward me just over the ocean. For a moment

I thought it might be a tundra swan heading

to one of the big lakes in the eastern part of

the state. However, as the bird got closer I

could see black wing tips and I then began to

think it might be one of the white pelicans

that have been seen recently seen flying over

the White Oak River. Just as it was overhead,

the bird banked hard to the right and began

soaring back out over the ocean. I now had

a good enough look to know that this white

bird with wing tips dipped in black was a

northern gannet.

As I watched the gannet I realized why

it made that abrupt turn away from the surf

and out over the open water where dolphin

were scouting a school of fish. There it joined

a large, white, swirling tornado cloud of

gannets feeding on a school of surface fish—

menhaden, most likely. The gannets looked

like Kamikaze pilots raining from the sky and

into the water from great heights.

They take on the shape of an arrow

with their straight bill and neck and their

wings stretched out along their sides.

This aerodynamic form quickly becomes

hydrodynamic as the bird slices into the

water. If the initial dive is unsuccessful they

will swim using their webbed feet and wings

as deep as 70 feet to pursue the fish. When

they surface, the fish is already in their throat

and they will clumsily run along the surface

of the water to take off and rejoin the feeding

frenzy.

Gannet populations are pretty stable now,

but it hasn’t always been that way. Daredevils

once scaled the steep rock cliffs to reach

nesting sites where they harvested the eggs

and chicks, which were then sold in the

markets as a delicacy. Even today, limited

traditional harvest is allowed in parts of the

United Kingdom. The taste is described as

fishy. Adult gannets were also once hunted

for their body fat, used as a treatment for

gout and as a mechanical lubricant.

In April 2012, an amazing northern

gannet sighting occurred at the Fallon Islands

off the coast of California. This was the

first recorded northern gannet in the Pacific

Ocean and is thought to be an indication of

global warming. Gannets stay out over the

open ocean water and do not venture over

land. Warmer global temperatures mean that

much of the Northwest Passage is free of ice.

It is assumed that this gannet left from the

north Atlantic and followed the open water

of the Northwest Passage out into the Bering

Sea and then migrated south into the Pacific

Ocean.

Gannets are often overlooked by casual

observers who often think they’re just

another gull. So next time you are going for

an early morning or late afternoon walk on

the beach, look out over the ocean for the

solitary gannet gliding gracefully above the

ocean or for the busy commotion of a flock of

gannets plunging after a meal.

The northern gannet is a big sea bird that spends its life out on the open ocean. It only comes ashore during the breeding and nesting season. They are found in the North Atlantic, down the U.S. East Coast, south to the Caribbean and over into the Gulf of Mexico.

Their nesting colonies are only in the North Atlantic where they are also very abundant along the European coast of Great Britain and Ireland where huge colonies nest along the sheer rocky cliffs that tower over the ocean. Gannets were once so plentiful along this coast that in the old English poem Beowulf the Danish King Hrothgar described the ocean as “a gannet’s bath.” They also nest along the coast of Newfoundland and Bonaventure, Quebec.

A mating pair will produce only one egg and feed the chick regurgitated fish. Even though the rocky cliffs provide a safe haven from predators such as foxes, it is a daunting launching site for the chicks when they are ready to fledge. Pushing away from the cliff, the chicks will half fly and half fall down to the ocean below. They swim away from the island and live off their fat reserves for about two weeks until they master the awkward skills of taking off and landing on the open water.

The juveniles are gray with white specks. Their plumage will transition to the snowy white plumage of an adult over a few years; they begin breeding in five years. Gannets have beautiful glacier blue eyes that are highlighted with a ring of blue flesh. This ring is so prominent that the bird is also called the “spectacled goose.”

GANNET FACTS

Story and photo by Sam Bland

Blue-Eyed Beauty{ THE NORTHERN GANNET }


Although Eastern North Carolina historically gets little to no snow during winter, the colder temperatures still cause outdoor food sources to become scarce. Especially for some of our favorite backyard bird visitors.

Lately, calls inquiring about the absence of birds have piggy-backed at the Outer Banks Wildlife Shelter in Newport. “I don’t understand why I have no birds in my backyard,” or, “In the winter at least the little gray birds with the white tum-mies show up, but they aren’t here either.” (The sparrow-sized gray bird with the white tummy the caller was describing is a junco and they do winter in Eastern North Carolina.)

Winter can be a difficult time for birds, whether or not they experience freezing temperatures or snow cover along the coast. Birds are warm blooded and have to maintain their body temperature by eat-ing rich energy foods such as seeds, nuts, insects and suet. Most insects are dead or dormant by the time we humans need to don jackets and scarves, so birds will start eating food sources they don’t generally

choose during warmer weather. Winter is the best time to set up bird-

feeders because birds are trying to fatten up during this harsh season. You will also see them puffing up their feathers, creating air pockets that help to keep them warm. The more air pockets, the better the insu-lation. You might also see them alternat-ing an exposed leg, keeping one held up in their breast feathers for warmth. The days are short and the nights are often cold and long. To survive the cold, birds will visit whatever food sources are available. Some birds you will likely see at your feeder are black-capped chickadees, Carolina chick-adees, tufted titmice, white-breasted nut-hatches, red-breasted nuthatches, downy woodpeckers, northern cardinals and the dark-eyed juncos.

The best foods to offer birds in colder weather have a high fat or oil content that

will provide more than enough energy for winter survival. Nutritious winter foods for birds include: black oil sunflower seed, hulled peanuts, niger or thistle seed, saf-flower, suet mixes with seeds or fruit, pea-nut butter, cracked corn and white millet seed. When choosing birdseed and other foods for winter feeding, take into con-sideration which bird species are present in the winter and what foods they prefer to avoid wasted seed. Fruits, such as rai-sins softened in warm water, are also well received. Something a little more expen-sive and definitely a luxury for your birds would be mealworms that can be pur-chased from most pet or bait stores. I don’t know too many birds that wouldn’t love a fat, juicy mealworm!

Feeders should be located out of the wind. The east or southeast side of a house or near a row of trees is ideal. It is best to

o. W. l . s . || l i n d a b e r g m a n - a l t h o u s e

winterbirdfeeding

www.CarolinaSalt.com >> FEBRUARY 2013 19Carolina Salt Magazine

have a perching spot such as a bush or tree for the birds to use to survey the feeding area and provide sufficient cover for safety from predators, as well as, shelter from the wind and weather. The feeders should be positioned near cover but in the open to allow birds to continually watch for dan-ger. To minimize window collisions, place feeders more than five feet away from a wall or window and use window clings or other markings. For ground feeding, an area near cover with a clear view of the surroundings is best.

Placing seed in a ground feeder entices birds such as sparrows, juncos, mourn-ing doves, quail, pheasants, towhees and brown thrashers. Even the red-bellied woodpecker, mainly a tree dweller, does some foraging on the ground. Ground

feeding birds will also eat seeds that fall from hanging birdfeeders. Platform and hopper feeders are especially good for at-tracting cardinals, wrens, chickadees, tit-mice, jays and grosbeaks. Hanging feed-ers, which blow in the wind, are gener-ally used by those species able to hang on while feeding, such as chickadees, titmice, nuthatches and finches.

Seed eaters such as finches, sparrows, titmice and chickadees, may flock to feeders in higher numbers than could be supported by natural food sources alone. Seeds that are merely a welcome supple-ment under normal winter conditions may suddenly become vital during a fierce ice or snowstorm. Wild birds are resource-ful, gleaning most of their food from their natural habitat; except in extreme or un-

usual circumstances, they manage to find enough to survive. But birds that have be-come used to supplemental feeding may suffer when that food supply is suddenly missing, especially in winter. So keep your feeders full when winter is toughest.

It’s also important to routinely clean and sterilize your feeders to minimize mold, mildew and other conditions that could foster disease among backyard bird populations.

When cleaning, discard soggy seed or seed encased in ice and let the feeder dry before refilling.

Nesting boxes and year-round bird-houses help shield birds from inclement weather and freezing temperatures. And for the very serious birder, a heated bird-bath would be quite ducky!

We invite you to drop by to say hello and take a tour of our facility at 100 Wildlife Way in Newport on Tuesdays, Thursdays or Saturdays at 2 p.m. for the nominal fee of $3 per person (carried infants are free). OWLS is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to promoting and protecting native wildlife. Donations of supplies from our wish list or good ol’ fashion money are greatly appreciated. If you’d like to volunteer at the shelter, contact our volunteer coordinator at 252-240-1200, stop in to fill out a screening application or visit our website and click on the “How Can You Help” link for a copy of the volunteer application. Need a guest speaker? We can do that too! If your organization would like to learn more about wildlife and what they do to help us maintain ecological balance and improve our quality of life, please call on us. Our non-releasable education animals jump at the chance to be the star of a getting to know your wildlife program! The holidays are here, so please browse our gift shop for some wildlife related finds that make wonderful Christmas gifts. Come see what we do and how you Can help us do it!

Nutritious winter foods for birds include: black oil sunflower seed,

hulled peanuts, niger or thistle seed, safflower, suet mixes with seeds or fruit, peanut butter, cracked corn

and white millet seed.

Some birds you will likely see at your feeder are black-capped chickadees,

Carolina chickadees, tufted titmice, white-breasted nuthatches, red-breasted

nuthatches, downy woodpeckers, northern cardinals and the dark-eyed juncos.

It is important to routinely clean and sterilize your feeders to

minimize mold, mildew and other conditions that can make birds sick.


Love has no boundariesI T W I LL F L O W F rO M O N E

CO u N T rY T O A N O T H Er , F rO M H u S BA N d T O W I F E , F rO M

FAT H Er T O dAu G H T Er

LOVELOVELOVELOVE andCakes A M i L i t A r Y f A M i L Y L O V e S t O r Y


One of the most wonderful things about being a photographer is having an opportunity to tell a heartfelt story to the world through your camera lens. Sometimes these are

stories that educate us or make us aware or remind us of the important things in life.S T O r Y A N d P H O T O S B Y k E L LY LY N N E B u r k E

The Nall Family Love Story is one such instance. It reminds us

that love has no boundaries or geographical restrictions.

Hannah Nall and her husband, Cpl. Joshua Nall, are North

Carolina natives stationed at Camp Lejeune. Hannah contacted

me to set up a photoshoot for her newborn when she was eight

months pregnant. Her husband had been deployed to the Middle

East just a few months prior to the due date of their baby and he

was not due to return until June of 2013. She would be giving birth

to their first child without her husband’s physical presence.

When the Nalls found out that the deployment would happen

before the birth of their child, they were heartbroken. Hannah

said, “I was devastated by the thought that the one and only person

I wanted to be there with me for our child’s arrival was going to be

the farthest one from me!”

Cpl. Nall said a teary-eyed goodbye to his beautiful wife and

their unborn baby girl shortly before Thanksgiving of 2012 and

set off for the Middle East with the Second Intelligence Battalion.

The baby, whom they had already named Sophia, was due to arrive

in early January of 2013.

Hannah kept her heart occupied throughout the last few months

of her pregnancy by engaging in her love of baking. She was taught

the art of cooking and baking from a very young age by her mother,

who had owned many bakeries and restaurants. For years it had

been Hannah’s dream to open up her own bakery, giving it the

name Wilhamina’s, after her grandmother (it is also Hannah’s

middle name).

Hannah called me in early January, excitedly telling me that little

Sophia Wilhamina Nall had been born the day before. I arrived at

the hospital the next day, camera in hand (mainly as an excuse to

hold a newborn baby). As I snapped away, taking photos, Hannah

and her mother in-law told me the story of Sophia’s birth.

The support unit at Camp Lejeune, notified Cpl. Nall that

his wife was in labor. Hannah received a phone call from him

only minutes later. This Marine, stationed worlds away, was able

to support his wife through labor and witness the birth of his

daughter, via a Facetime video cellphone call.

Hannah said, “Having him on Facetime was the next best thing

to having him there holding my hand. Many times I would be in

the middle of a contraction and his mother, who was physically

present with me, would say, ‘Look at Josh, talk to Josh.’ Just seeing

his face and hearing him tell me how proud he was of me for being

so strong was soothing. He would remind me that we were finally

about to meet our beautiful daughter.”

during my hospital visit with Hannah and Sophia, Cpl. Nall

called in via Skype video to read his daughter Sophia her first

bedtime story. Sophia lay in her mother’s arms, staring contentedly

at her father on the computer screen as he read. Hannah, beaming

a smile of pure bliss, exchanged glances with her husband onscreen,

often looking down at her beautiful baby girl.

The official newborn photoshoot was scheduled for the day after

Hannah was to be released from the hospital. In honor of their

dream of owning a bakery someday, I decided on a bakery themed

photoshoot for little Sophia. Energetic Hannah prepared some of

her delicious baked items to use as props. We had a cake, cupcakes

monogrammed with her daughter’s initials, a rolling pin, mixing

bowls … you name it.

Hannah’s husband was able to call her and watch his daughter’s

first photoshoot live via Facetime call.

Hannah and Joshua plan to hang Sophia’s newborn bakery

photos on the wall of their future bakery, along with a photo of

Hannah’s grandmother as a young child taking a bite of cake!

Cpl. Nall is due to come back home in the spring. until then,

Hannah will bake and adore baby Sophia, and the love will flow

from one country to another, from husband to wife, from father to

daughter. What a joyous reunion it will be!

A separation of many miles is not always enough to keep a loving famil� apar�.


A few years back, it was discovered that a thriving bluefin tuna fishery existed just off the beaches of Carteret County in the colder winter months. Bluefin, the largest of the tunas, are sometimes are referred to as “giants.” They range in weight from 200 pounds to up to a thousand pounds. The giants have probably been coming into the shallow inshore waters of Cape Lookout for years, but until someone accidentally caught one, nobody knew to fish for them. This new fishery created a frenzy for the Morehead City fleet in the winter and brought a much needed off season economic benefit. It was not long before a fleet of professional tuna fishermen from the Northeast began to follow the fish south.

I tried my luck at commercial tuna fishing on Tortuga for a couple of seasons without much luck. With the new television show on the National Geographic channel “Wicked Tuna,” my mind wandered back to my first winter fishing trip in search of a giant bluefin.

In January of 2005, my friend Stan called and asked if I wanted to go tuna fishing aboard his 23-foot center console boat. “Sure, can my brother come?” I asked.

Stan and Caroline loved to fish together. She took to fishing like a lab puppy does to swimming and had a case of fishing fever stronger than any I have ever witnessed.

“You both can come, just as long as you understand that Caroline gets the rod if we catch one,” he mandated.

We arrived at his house at four a.m. to

find Stan in the kitchen rigging baits for the day’s excursion. Stan slid a large Hawaiian eye lure over the leader and the head of a dead ballyhoo. A couple of giants had been caught earlier in the week on the same bait and lure combination: purple, red and white skirts. Stan was able to have a couple put aside for him before the mad rush started. That same lure was out of stock in every tackle store in Carteret County.

We got to Stan’s boat at five in the morning, climbed aboard and loaded all the gear. Stan was using two Shimano 130-pound class reels spooled with 1,200 yards of line each.

We were well underway when the sun began to peek over the Cape Lookout shoals. As we motored along at 20 knots, there was a loud SNAP! Everyone turned to ask what it was, but in the dim light of dawn no one could see anything wrong. All seemed well, so we continued on over the gentle winter swell, heading for the tuna grounds.

The time came to begin fishing, the sun now above the ocean’s horizon. I have been offshore fishing from my own boats all my life and the one thing that irritates me the most is when a guest new to fishing with me gets overactive and interrupts my predetermined system. When I fish with others for the first or second time, I am very sensitive about not getting in the way and only acting when commanded by the Captain. I moved away as Stan came to the stern to put his lines out.

He went for the starboard rod first and when

he got to it, he screamed with dismay, “What happened to the line on this reel?” From the category of “don’t ask me how I know,” I immediately realized what had happened. The swivel on the end of the line had not been snapped to the reel and, while loading the rods on the boat, the lever had been pushed to free spool. As we bounced along in the swell in the darkness, the swivel slowly found its way to the water and once that occurred, line began to peel off the reel from the water drag at twenty knots. The clicker on the reel was disengaged and with the noise of the engine and in the darkness, no one noticed. The amount of resistance on 1,200 yards of 130-pound test line in the water was enough to snap the heavy monofilament line immediately when the end was reached.

Stan was amazingly calm, but I felt a huge amount of guilt for not checking on the rods. Here we were, 20 miles offshore at sunrise, with one functioning rod. Not to mention $150 of line now resting on half a mile of ocean floor. Without wasting any more time grieving the loss of the line, Stan deployed the one rod we had left and started trolling.

A permit is necessary to take bluefin tuna, and a commercial tuna license is required to sell the meat. We were out there just for fun, recreational fishing. In the eyes of the serious commercial guys from the Northeast, we were “Googans.”

Stan was on a heading from Big 10 reef towards the knuckle Buoy. A commercial fishing vessel was on our starboard side about a half mile to the south, running a parallel course. Over the next 30 minutes, the gap began to close between the two boats; we passed each other at a distance of 100 yards, forcing the commercial vessel to alter course a little to the north.

We didn’t take a lot of notice over the situation and totally forgot about it when the one reel we were trolling with began to sing, the clicker frantically warning us that the line was peeling off of the reel— the rod bent over

By James RosemondTuna Sleigh Ride

CONTINUED ON P42 ››


Go SUP Racer, Go!We are finally experiencing some

chilly weather on the Crystal Coast and that tends to make folks run inside and hibernate … but don’t! Now’s the perfect time to check out Standup Paddleboarding (SuP) or to hone your skills.

Winter doesn’t stop the SuP community and the race season is still active on the East Coast. races are a great place to meet with other new SuPers or to pick the brains of seasoned racers. Just recently, Wilmington hosted two World Paddle Association (WPA) sanctioned races and there were more than 100 folks at each race!

don’t be afraid of the word race! Every time we attend a race there are plenty of newcomers there having a great time. The SuP community is very receptive to people new to the sport—I’ve never seen a sport where people were so encouraging to those just starting out. While some other water sports may seem a little snobbish toward newcomers, the SuP community really does embrace them. There are always a line of cheering people waiting for the very last person to cross the finish line.

Check out www.distressedmullet.com for race schedules and go check one out if you are unsure about what’s going on. You’ll probably get hooked

k i m w o r r e l l || F l at Wat e r s Pa d d l i n g

once you go and see how fun it is. It’s also a good opportunity to find out firsthand about all the different types and styles of boards out there. You’ll see a little bit of everything when you attend a race. Short, long, old, new, surf skis, outriggers and prone racers! There is usually a clinic offered the day before the race, often given by someone who is considered an expert in their technique. Clinics are free to those signed up for the race.

races aren’t very pricey either, usually running between $40 and $60, depending on your category. They normally have a short race (5k) and a long race (10k+) and often they have an ocean entry or soundside entry. There are also races broken down into age categories and board sizes and kids’ races, too.

And everyone gets something for

racing: a T-shirt or koozie or stickers, depending on what the sponsors offer. Top winners often get a cash payout. The next race in the local area is the 2013 Carolina Cup in Wrightsville Beach on April 26. There will be three different races for the event. Fun for all skill levels!

So if you are thinking about getting into paddleboarding, now’s a good time. Yes, I know it’s cold some days, but once you get on your board and start paddling you’ll start sweating. The sound is a perfect location for practicing and working on your stroke and technique. dress appropriately, of course.

The water is crystal clear right now—you can see right to the bottom in many locations. Many days have been perfect for a nice 5 or 10k paddle. Paddle at your leisure or practice some skills you may have picked up from YouTube. All you need to do is type in SuP paddle stroke and you’ll see a number of videos out there to help you get going.

Let’s face it … we can’t just sit inside all winter. Before you know it, it will be spring. Now is a good time to practice while the waterways are relatively free of traffic and you certainly won’t need to worry too much about overheating!

It’s also a beautiful time to check out our beautiful marshes, estuaries, rivers and bays. There is still a lot of wildlife out there hunting and doing what wildlife does best and it’s a great opportunity to break out the waterproof camera and take some nature shots.

don’t forget to get out your Indo Board on bad weather days to keep your balance and coordination together. But on the nice days … get up! Paddle!

22 Carolina Salt Magazine february 2013 >> www.CarolinaSalt.com www.CarolinaSalt.com >> february 2013 23Carolina Salt Magazine

I used to hate winter. I resented the coldness and stillness.

It seemed to lack the excitement of the other seasons, until

I realized that the excitement was in the stillness. While

nothing really showed on the surface, nature was busier

than ever deep with the Earth, deep in the roots, deep in

the caves preparing for Spring. Winter is a wonderful time

to quiet down and focus on plans for the coming year. It’s

a time of rest and restoration after all the activity of the

last year. It’s a time to take stock of your life and look at

what works and what doesn’t. Time to create a strategy for

creating what you’d like to manifest for the year to come.

While we made New Years Revolution last month,

perhaps we focused on the results we wanted, such as ,

to be healthy, loose weight, stop smoking, etc rather than

creating a solid plan to get there. Now is the time to make

the plan.

The following are some guidelines.

Make your plan realistic- If you haven’t exercised in

a while don’t expect to run a marathon by Spring. If you

have 50 pounds to loose, you probably won’t loose it all by

summer. Slow and steady has the edge, every time. If you

set your goals too high, you will not be able to reach them.

This ends in disappointment and often a giving up. Also,

make a plan that you can live with without feeling overly

stressed. Set your goals so they are easy to reach so that you

feel good about yourself. You can always do more if you

choose.

Get support/health coach/buddy If necessary, have a

serious “heart-to-heart” with your loved ones. Explain to

each and every one of them that you want to be there for

them for many healthy years to come. If they don’t happen

to share your fitness ambitions, ask them to at least respect

your will to get fit, so that you can enjoy a healthy way

of living. Studies have shown that if you have a buddy or

a coach, there is far more success in reaching your goals.

It helps you to be accountable. It’s what makes Weight

Watchers or Jenny Craig successful programs.

Incorporate more physical exercise into your daily

routine, not only workout time.. By regularly challenging

yourself, you keep your physical self “tuned up.” If getting

fit means losing weight, this will help the

pounds melt away—and stay

away! If you’re training for

endurance, this is the

way ensure steady

improvement.

Walk or take

the bike to

work/school

instead of

driving. If

that’s not

possible,

park several

blocks away

from your office

building to force

yourself into two

15-minute walks every

day. When you go to the

grocery store, hardware store, movies

or mall—park at the end of the lot instead of wrangling

for a spot near the front door. These small changes

definitely make a long-term impact in your fitness.

Clean your house vigorously. I like to do it with

my favorite music. You’d be surprised how physically

demanding housework can be if you do it with gusto!

dusting your shelves, cleaning your bathroom, washing

A N A P P L E A D AY || d e a d a n i e l s , r. n .

your floors, mowing the lawn, pulling weeds and cleaning

the garage will definitely give you a workout. Making

yourself and your family clean parts of your house on a

regular basis (i.e., every week or every other

week) will not only create a better

environment for you to live

in, but also make staying

flexible and keeping

in shape a much

simpler process.

Start an

exercise

regimen

and stick

to it. Pick

an activity

that you

like- swimming,

kayaking, biking,

running, walking,

yoga, Tai Chi, zumba,

etc and do it a set number of

days a week, gradually increasing in

intensity and/or length of exercise. Focus

on aerobic or cardio and strength training

.Cardio workouts improve circulation and endurance. Good

cardiovascular health is not only good for heart health and

blood pressure, it has even been linked to a decreased risk of

Alzheimer’s Disease.

Building muscle through strength training will not only increase

your strength and tone, but also increase your metabolism, as

muscular people have been shown to burn more calories even

when they’re at rest.

Feed yourself for health. Your cells and energy are made

from the foods you eat so don’t make them junk by eating junk

food. Start with what you already eat and see if you can make

it healthier. For example, if you are eating a bagel for breakfast,

change to whole grain toast instead. In general, switch to whole

grains, eliminate or limit cheese, soda ( especially diet soda),

cakes and cookies. Eat more vegetables and fruits and water. Try

drinking two glasses of water if you feel the need for a snack.

Often we confuse hunger for thirst!

If you make sure you eat a good breakfast and don’t eat after

7PM you will see a difference in your weight and health. Consider

working with a health professional for nutritional guidance if you

need.

Keep your house stocked with the right food. Purchase the

healthy fruits, vegetables, whole grains, soups, etc. that you want

yourself to eat and keep the junk out of your cupboards so you

won’t be tempted.

Get enough rest. During sleep, the body renews itself at the

deepest levels. Not enough sleep deprives you of this restoration

and can age you prematurely. And keep you from feeling your

best. Sleep deprivation is also associated with overeating. Not

getting enough sleep also comes at a huge expense to your

immune system. You’re much more likely to get sick if you don’t

give your body the energy or time to fight against infectious

viruses and bacteria and you’ll take longer to recover from

common conditions like a cold.

Get a check-up. To stay fit in the long run, you should perform

regular maintenance on your body. Take yourself to the doctor

and dentist regularly to prevent any potential problems from

arising.. Check with your doctor before implementing your new

fitness program.

Start your plan today. Take your time to make it doable, easy

and fun! Don’t make it a death march! It’s all about enjoying your

life and being healthy. Here’s wishing you every success with your

plan. Good health!

GETTING FIT FOR SPRING


Alright, hardcore whitetail addict, the season is over, the last meat is packed in the freezer and you can finally put it all away until next fall, right? Are you kidding? Here in eastern North Carolina, the weather in January and February is usually fairly mild most days and there are still several seasons open for action. The best part is, your kids or your buddy’s kids or your nieces and nephews who got left home all season because they are “too noisy for deer hunting” are the perfect companions for many small-game hunts in the late season. In North Carolina, hunters under age 16 must be accompanied by an adult, but do not need a license of their own, as long as their supervising guardian is properly licensed.

Late dove hunts, squirrel, quail and my favorite, rabbit season, are still in full swing. These are all great ways to introduce youngsters to the outdoors, to hunting and to doing it the right way. Most hunting is social, allowing groups to work together in pursuit of game, showing kids the importance of teamwork. There aren’t the hours of complete silence and stillness halfway up a tree to bore a child’s mind into disdain for the hunt. There is usually some kind of action when you are walking the woods in search of game and a built-in opportunity for both you and the youngsters to benefit.

For you deer hunters, especially those who hang it up come January, getting out in the field now is one of the best things you can do for next season’s buck of a lifetime. Take this opportunity now that the leaves are down and the pressure is off to do some scouting. kids are the best at finding shed antlers and a lot of lessons are begging to be learned about deer behavior that can be used to pique the interest of the youngster for years to come. The importance of rubs, scrapes, beds, tracks and trails can all be explained as they

are encountered, laying a foundation for the importance of deer patterns in stand placement and food source management. remember to point out other wildlife or habitat when the chances arise. After they start to be able to recognize deer sign, it can take a while to be able to formulate that into actual hunting strategy, but the important thing is to plant that seed.

Let’s be honest, who doesn’t love shooting .22 rifles and single-shot .410 shotguns? Placed in the hands of a kid, you have the low-recoil tools to teach firearms safety and the firepower to thrill and awe a young hunter more than any video

game. Whether you practice at the range or against a ditch bank in the middle of nowhere, instill in young minds the rules of safe gun handling: to treat every gun as if it’s loaded, to check the breech for a round, to know your target and what is beyond it and to never point the gun at anything they do not wish to destroy. Once you have established the rules, let the fun begin with clay targets (skeet shooting), paper targets or a soda can. Show kids how accurate a gun can and should be and then use some old produce or water jugs to demonstrate the destructive capability so they have no doubt what a gun can do

and will respect it accordingly. For my money, you can’t beat rabbit

hunting, especially if you have a few good beagles. There is always plenty of walking, generally through thickets a deer wouldn’t dare enter, something to shake off the stiffness of four months in a tree stand and kids will see it as a super fun obstacle course. Just make sure to dress them head to toe in snag-proof clothes. If you don’t have dogs, no problem—spend your morning taking turns kicking brush piles and covering the exits. kids love throwing sticks and rocks at likely rabbit hiding spots and while this is admittedly a low-success venture, it keeps the interest high and makes the hunt an active process. There are also plenty of rabbit clubs and pens out there that get together regularly and are generally shorter on members or participants than they are on opportunities to hunt. Check out the message boards at your favorite hunting websites for more info.

If you love to hunt, do not keep it all to yourself. Get the next generation involved in a way that lights the spark that starts a lifelong relationship with the outdoors. The number of hunters is in decline and it is hunters who contribute the greatest share of money to conservation.

Through license and ammunition sales, hunters have helped save nearly 40 million acres of habitat in America and nearly 4 million acres of private land have been purchased and converted into wildlife management areas. For that level of conservation to continue, for hunting to continue, there has to be a constant influx of young hunters who fill the spots left by those who hang it up for good. do your part to keep the tradition alive, to keep management practices in the hands of those who use the resource and TAkE A kId HuNTING! Straight Shootin’!

—doc Hunter

Now’s the time to take a kid huntingThe whitetail season is over, and now the fun can start for the next generation!

Late dove hunts, squirrel, quail and my favorite, rabbit season, are still in full swing. These are all great ways to introduce youngsters to the outdoors, to hunting and to doing it the right way.


M O B I L E C L I N I C

2

a n e n c o r e p e t s m i s s i o n

P R E V E N T L I T T E R S • S A V E L I V E S

Over 1,200 cats and dogs spayed and neutered … and counting!

Spay 2 Save Mobile Clinic began operations in August 2012 to fulfill the spay/neuter mission of Encore Pets, a Morehead City based 501(c)3 non-profit animal welfare organization founded in 2007. The Spay 2 Save team sterilized 1,200 cats and dogs in their first five months of operation. The clinic is a custom-built, state-of-the-art, fully equipped 33-foot mobile surgery clinic. By spaying and neutering 25 or more cats and dogs a day, four days a week, Spay 2 Save can sterilize over 5,000 animals in a year. No income verification is required in order to use their services.

The Spay 2 Save Mobile Clinic provides safe and professional spay/neuter services for pet owners, local animal shelters, animal rescue groups and feral or community cat caregivers. They also provide vaccinations and other services to surgical patients the day of surgery. Spay 2 Save operates year-round and travels primarily throughout eastern North Carolina’s coastal communities. The mobile clinic is managed and operated by a skilled, compassionate staff, including a NC-licensed veterinarian utilizing the most current surgical techniques, anesthesia and equipment. The facility has passed a thorough inspection by the North Carolina Veterinary Medical Board and meets the highest standards of care.

Pet owners and caretakers must call 252-622-2373 to schedule an appointment. Pet owners bring their animals to the clinic on the scheduled day at 8 a.m. and will be given a pickup time for the afternoon of the same day. The spay/neuter cost is $95 for both female and male dogs (additional $25 for dogs 50 pounds or over). The spay/neuter cost is $60 for both female and male cats (feral cat spay/neuter is a reduced cost). Prices include a wellness check, rabies vaccination and distemper-parvo vaccine for dogs and feline distemper vaccine for cats. Cats and dogs can be spayed or neutered when they weigh two pounds, typically as young as two to three months of age. It’s best to spay female pets before their first heat, which can be as early as four months old. Clients are referred to local full-service veterinarians for regular follow-up care.

To support Spay 2 Save with a donation of funds or items

on our wish list, please contact Encore Pets at [email protected] or 252-247-1747. Tax-deductible donations can be made to Encore Pets, P.O. Box 1352, Morehead City, NC 28557, with “Spay 2 Save” in the memo or via Paypal on our website at www.encorepets.org or www.MobileSpay.org.

The Spay 2 Save Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic is a reality thanks to the generous support of the Brandt Animal Foundation, PetSmart Charities, the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), the North Carolina Community Foundation and many charitable donations from individuals and businesses in Carteret County and beyond. The ongoing lifesaving work of Spay 2 Save is funded through fees for services as well as supportive grants and donations raised by Encore Pets.

S o m e S t a t I S t I C S

despite the dedicated efforts of local animal shelters, many companion animals are euthanized because there are just not enough homes. In 2011, the state of North Carolina euthanized 52% of the dogs and 79% of the cats taken into public animal shelters. (www.ncagr.gov/vet/aws/Fix/index.htm, 2011 FY Public Animal Shelter report; *data is self-reported by public animal shelters in NC*)

t h e m I S S I o N

Spay 2 Save Mobile Spay/Neuter Clinic, an Encore Pets’ mission, is dedicated to reducing the pet overpopulation problem in Eastern North Carolina’s coastal communities. Their goal is to provide permanent, accessible and affordable high-quality spay/neuter services to in-need residents and rescue organizations to reduce the number of cats and dogs that end up homeless in local shelters or stray.


Gloucester Mardi Gras a top event on the Crystal Coast

The 21st Annual Gloucester Mardi Gras, named the top event in NC for the month of February by Our State magazine, will take place on Saturday, Feb. 9, at 476 Pigott rd, Gloucester, NC 28528 from 11 – 6 p.m.. Sponsored by the unknown Tongues Cajun-Zydeco band, Gloucester Mardi Gras features dancing to live music all day, including a Cajun dance and children’s king and Queen march and bead toss around 3 p.m.. Gumbo and fried turkey is served by early afternoon, announced by a “Fool’s Procession.” Feathered mask and hat-making is available for kids and grownups alike. Costumes are welcome! In the community spirit of Southwest Louisiana’s rural Mardi Gras, this event is open and free to the public, made possible by your cash or food donations. A portion of the proceeds goes to the Gloucester Community Club’s Woodrow and Mary dudley Price Scholarship. Gumbo preparation and a music jam take place Friday (Feb. 8) at 6 p.m. at the Community Club. To donate ingredients for the gumbos or for more information, contact Barbara (729-8021) or see www.unknowntongues.com and www.facebook.com/unknowntongues . The good times will roll, rain, snow or shine!

directions: Gloucester Mardi Gras is located at 476 Pigott rd., Gloucester, NC 28528. Take uS 70 east from Beaufort, NC over the North river bridge through Bettie and Otway. Turn right at Harkers Island road (follow the Cape Lookout National Seashore signs) at crossroad’s convenient store. Go

three miles or so and take the first paved left (Straits road) that forks off from Harkers Island road. Bear left at traffic triangle, go about a half mile and take first paved right (Pigott rd.). Follow this loop road as it curves to the left and you’ll see Mardi Gras on right on corner of Pigott and Ferry dock road.


Backyard birding excitement! Hammocks Beach State Park joins in the Great Backyard Bird countOn Saturday, February 16, Hammocks Beach State Park will be hosting

a birdwatching event in support of the annual Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), a joint project of the Cornell Lab of Ornithology and National Audubon Society, with partner Bird Studies Canada. The event will begin at 10 a.m. and is open to anyone interested in doing their part. The park has a limited number of binoculars and field identification books to use during the event, so if you have your own supplies, bring them. There will be activities for the younger enthusiasts as well as refreshments for everyone to enjoy.

After 15 years of success in North America, the GBBC opens up to the entire world for the first time in 2013. Anyone from anywhere on earth can participate by visiting www.birdcount.org and reporting the kinds and numbers of birds they see during the 16th annual count from February 15–18.

Participating is easy. Simply watch birds for at least 15 minutes at the location of your choice on one or more of the count days. Estimate the number of birds you see for each species you can identify. You’ll select your location on a map, answer a few questions, enter your tallies and then submit your data to share your sightings with others around the world.

Participation for the program at Hammocks Beach State Park is free; however registration is encouraged. Call the park office at 910-326-4881 to register.


romeo, romeo, wherefore art thou romeo? (bubba, would you get your butt out here?)

That immortal phrase from the pen of Mr. Bill Shakespeare launches the Mineola Council for Cultural recognition’s unforgettable production, celebrating An Evening of Culture, by the same cast of characters who brought Faith County to enthralled Carteret County audiences.

Yes, they’re back by popular demand—and better than ever! Naomi, Mildred, Faye, ruthann, Violet, delbert, Luther and Bubba rehearse and perform a very original (and hilarious) backwoods version of Romeo and Juliet.

director robin Hamm refers to Faith County: An Evening of Culture as “an inspiration to all who have wondered how a small community of dedicated would-be actors can bring a classic play such as ‘romeo and Juliet’ to new heights of theatrical execution, in their own words and in their own style. I promise that ‘An Evening of Culture’ will be an evening of hilarity for all.”

Faith County: An Evening of Culture performances will be held at Joslyn Hall at the McGee Building on the campus of Carteret Community College in Morehead City. Showtimes are March 1, 2, 8 and 9 at 8 p.m. (doors open at 7:30 p.m.) and March 3 and 10 at 2 p.m. (doors open at 1:30 p.m.).

Tickets are $12 for adults ($8 for students) and are available at Alex and Brett’s, Poor richard’s, at the door the day of performance or by calling 252-728-7550 or 252-247-5838.

Floyd’s 1921 restaurant is offering a pre-show special menu for theatregoers attending evening performances. For more information, contact Floyd’s at 252-727-1921.

Carteret Community Theatre, Inc. is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization in continuous operation since 1948. Its mission is to provide opportunities for persons of all ages in the community to participate in theatrical productions throughout the year. CCT also engages in outreach programs to county schools, presenting theatre as a special artform that enriches lives and fosters creativity. For more information, visit www.carteretcommunitytheatre.org.

Have a little fun with the classics! A backwoods-style Romeo & Juliet promises an evening of hilarity for all

i t ’ s e a s y t o a d v e r t i s e !c a l l u s at 2 5 2 - 7 2 3 - 7 6 2 8

W W W. c a r o l i n a s a lt. c o M

Salt


B y L i n d s a y E . P a r k e r

Food, fun and fellowship are what it’s all about at The Beaufort Historical Association’s Annual Valentine Membership Party. The authentically restored homes and buildings on the Beaufort Historic Site will be open Sunday, February 10, between 2 and 4 p.m., welcoming current members and encouraging new members to join.

Held on the grounds of the Historic Site located in the 100 block of Turner Street, this unique event will showcase each of our historic buildings, depicting a different aspect of life for early Beaufort residents, from the colonial Leffers’ Cottage to the Victorian Josiah Bell House.

An on-site docent will be present in each of the buildings to answer questions about the history of the structure and the furnishings found within. Both current and prospective members will also be treated to a wide variety of food, wine and drinks found in each of the buildings and across the grounds.

Guests can enjoy afternoon tea in the circa 1825 Josiah Bell House, beer and pizza in the circa 1829 Carteret County Jail, “Special” hot mulled cider in the Leffers’ Cottage, confections in the Apothecary, punch and homemade cookies in the Carteret County Courthouse of 1796 and a wide variety of other food, wine and drinks across the grounds.

Artwork by local artist Sue Seamon will be featured at the circa 1732 Mattie king davis Art Gallery. As one of the first artists to depict the Beaufort restoration, Ms. Seamon will share her captivating work using oils on canvas and paper,

featuring more than 20 pieces of art for view and sale.

Valentine Party Chair Polly Hagle knows the importance of the BHA’s membership drive and with the help of a devoted committee succeeds in making this a fun event for all. “We all work together so well and we love to showcase the houses at the Historic Site,” explains Hagle. “It is such a treat to have the committee members bring their signature dishes year after year in addition to the generous restaurants in town that donate food and drink for the many people in attendance. We always work to make sure no one goes away hungry.”

Members are invited to come and bring along family, friends, co-workers and neighbors who have an interest in joining the Beaufort Historical Association and taking part in the varied preservation and education programs.

The BHA’s strong association of individuals dedicated to preserving the treasured history of Beaufort, spans across the county, state and nation and offers a wide range of membership

levels. dues start at $25 for students and senior citizens, $35 contributor, $100 sponsor level and upwards and each tier of membership receives special benefits. Among a few of the benefits offered, members can enjoy both complimentary tours of the Historic Site and tours of the Historic district aboard the BHA’s vintage English double-decker bus, discounts in the Museum’s shop, free tickets to major events such as the Beaufort Old Homes and Gardens Tour, a subscription to the BHA’s quarterly newsletter and the opportunity to participate in a number of social activities and other special events throughout the year.

Membership will be accepted with great appreciation by the BHA at the event or application envelopes may be picked up at the Membership Party and returned by mail at a later date. For more information about the Valentine Party, stop by the Visitor’s Center at 130 Turner Street, call the offices at 252-728-5225 or visit our website at www.beauforthistoricsite.org.

Celebrate Valentine’s with BHA

Longtime BHA members Martha Barnes (left) and Sue Seamon stay warm in the sunshine at the Beaufort Historical Association’s annual Valentine Membership Party. This year’s Valentine Membership Party will be help on the grounds of the Beaufort Historic Site, Sunday, February 10th from 2-4 p.m.. Members and non-members alike are invited to tour the grounds, enjoy refreshments and take in the wonderful artwork by featured artist Sue Seamon.


The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine knoll Shores has given a warm welcome to seven sea turtles recovering from the ef-fects of icy New England waters.

The five loggerheads and two kemp’s ridleys were among more than 200 sea turtles rescued in Massachusetts since No-vember, when water temperatures dipped dangerously low for the cold-blooded rep-tiles.

Because they can’t tolerate winter weather, most usually head to the warmer Gulf Stream waters or migrate south when the seasons change. Lingering turtles caught in a sudden chill suffer a potential-ly deadly condition called cold-stunning, similar to hypothermia in humans. Their heart rates and other functions slow, leav-ing them lethargic and unable to swim. Prolonged exposure can result in paraly-sis, and the turtles float on the surface or wash up on beaches. Eventually they go into shock, and many die.

The New England Aquarium in Boston has received a record 223 cold-stunned sea turtles this winter so far, including the seven now at the Aquarium at Pine knoll Shores and several others at the Aquar-ium at Fort Fisher. The North Carolina Aquariums are among many facilities along the East Coast offering shelter for animals stable enough to transport.

The loggerheads brought to Pine knoll Shores range in size from 20 to 46 pounds. One of the kemp’s ridleys weighs four pounds, the other eight. Staff members are keeping close watch on the turtles in behind-the-scenes holding facilities.

“They are all on antibiotics to stave off pneumonia and other potential infec-tions common in cold-stuns,” said Wendy

Cluse, the Aquarium’s Conservation and research Coordinator. “We will continue their antibiotics, as well as provide good food, vitamins, clean water and a warm place to recuperate. Once they are off an-tibiotics, eating well and appear to be in good health as per our veterinarian, they will be released. That could be as soon as two weeks, but may be much longer.”

If they recover before local water tem-peratures moderate, the turtles will be tak-en to the Gulf Stream for release. Cold-stunning occurs in North Carolina waters also. A cold-stunned green sea turtle re-cently found near Shackleford Banks and another green found near Cedar Island currently are recovering at the Aquarium. The numbers vary widely according to weather patterns, but some cold-stunned turtles are brought to the Aquarium for care almost every winter. See the Aquar-

ium’s website for a video and more infor-mation on caring for these creatures.

Sea turtles are protected by federal law. In North Carolina, the North Carolina Wildlife resources Commission coordi-nates sea turtle rescues, rehabilitation and releases and monitors nesting and hatch-ing activity. If you come across a stranded sea turtle, dead or alive, call the NCWrC at 252-241-7367 or 252-728-1528.

The North Carolina Aquarium at Pine knoll Shores is five miles west of Atlantic Beach at 1 roosevelt Blvd., Pine knoll Shores, NC 28512. The Aquarium and gift shop are open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. regular admission is $8 for ages 13-61; $7 for ages 62 and up; $6 for ages 3-12; no charge for ages 2 and under and aquarium members. For more information, see www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores or call 252-247-4003.

Helping the sea turtles warm up

Wendy Cluse, Conservation and Research Coordinator at the NC Aquarium at Pine Knoll Shores, checks on a cold-stunned sea turtle from New England.


Hope Mission and Cape Lookout High School invite you to join them for a benefit concert presented by talented musician Clay Whittington on Sunday March 3 at 7pm at The Morehead Center, 1311 Arendell St., Morehead City. Tickets are $10 in advance and $15 at the door and can be purchased by calling 252-726-1501 or online at www.themoreheadcenter.com. Mr. Whittington is well-known in Carteret County for his work with the Carteret Community Theater as the pianist for their 2011 show Broadway at Its Best. He returns to the county with his spring tour show that will thrill his fans and win new admirers.

Clay Whittington’s Hymnprov is a series of hymns done in Clay’s unique style of improvisational piano performance with styles ranging from classical to jazz and blues to rock. No part of the performance is rehearsed and “sheet music” is only used as a guide to the melody. The choir director at Camp Ground united Methodist Church in kinston, Clay has a rich background in sacred music that he brings to the stage. His performance is divided into 4 parts: Wesleyan Hymns, Spirituals, Contemporary Hymns, and Traditional Hymns.

John Wesley, the founder of Methodism, once said, “Light yourself on fire with passion and people will come from miles to watch you burn.” Clay’s passion for playing the piano for not

only the enjoyment of others, but also for the glory of God, really comes to life in this selection of hymns. These songs are dubbed “Wesley Hymns” as they are tunes set to lyrics written by

Charles Wesley, brother of John Wesley. Notable tunes in this section include “Love divine, All Loves Excelling,” Soldiers of Christ, Arise” and the ever-popular (and possibly the “anthem” of the

Methodist Church) “O for a Thousand Tongues to Sing!” As part of Lent, this section includes Clay’s all-time favorite hymn, “Christ, the Lord, Is risen Today.”

The program continues with highlights of Afro-American spirituals in classical, jazz and blues. Much loved hymns in this section include “Nobody knows the Trouble I See” and “I Want Jesus to Walk with

Me.”

Popular hymns in the show include favorites that were written in

more modern time. Clay performs selections from popular recording

artists and composers such as Amy Grant, Michael W.

Smith and even duke Ellington. Songs that can be heard in this

section include “Spirit Song,” “Come Sunday” and “My Tribute.”

In closing his program Mr. Whittington ensures that the

“traditional hymns” of early America and the reformation are heard

as you’ve never heard them before! Imagine a piano rock version

of “Battle Hymn of the republic” or an impromptu jazz-styled

“Onward, Christian Soldiers.” Your old-time favorites will rock the

stage as Clay makes the grand piano bring praise to a whole new level!

Make your plans now to support the work of Hope Mission and

Cape Lookout High School and enjoy this splendid evening of

musical improvisation by one of our area’s most accomplished pianists.

Find out more about Clay at www.claywhittington.me.

Hymnprov:piano by talented Clay Whittington


Valentine’s day is coming and love is in the air – and water – at the North Carolina Aquarium at Pine knoll Shores. On Saturday evening, Feb. 9, Seduction in the Seas takes an intimate and educational look at romance rituals in the wild kingdom.

Participants explore the Aquarium at their own pace, stopping along the way to choose from a wide variety of amusing games and activities related to wildlife wooing techniques. Gourmet coffees and decadent desserts in front of the Living Shipwreck provide a break in the action and a sweet reward. The grand finale is a chance to show off knowledge of animal amore and

win prizes in the Mating Game quiz competition.You must be age 18 or older to partake of this after-hours,

adults-only event. Activities work best when done in pairs so bring a spouse, a sweetheart or a friend to share the fun.

doors open at 6:30 p.m. and activities begin at 7 p.m. Space is limited and advance registration is required. Tickets are $20 per person. Members enjoy a 10 percent discount. daily admission tickets, complimentary daily passes and other discounts do not apply. register online, by phone or stop by the Visitor Services desk.

THE NOrTH CArOLINA AQuArIuM AT PINE kNOLL SHOrES IS FIVE MILES WEST OF ATLANTIC BEACH AT 1 rOOSEVELT BLVd., PINE kNOLL SHOrES, NC 28512. THE AQuArIuM IS OPEN 9 A.M. – 5 P.M. dAILY. dAILY AdMISSION IS $8 FOr AGES 13-61; $7 FOr AGES 62 ANd uP; $6 FOr AGES 3-12; NO CHArGE FOr AGES 2 ANd uNdEr ANd NOrTH CArOLINA AQuArIuM SOCIETY MEMBErS. FOr MOrE INFOrMATION, SEE www.ncaquariums.com/pine-knoll-shores Or CALL 252-247-4003.

Animal attraction at the Aquarium


Q.: How and what do octopuses eat?Octopus feed primarily on

crustaceans, such as lobsters,

crabs and shrimp, but will also

eat molluscs such as clams and

scallops. If an octopus loses an

arm, a new one grows in its place.

PhOtO cOurtesy Of Nc AquArIums

Information provided by the North carolina Aquarium at Pine Knoll shores. the state operates three public aquariums; one in Pine Knoll shores, another at fort fisher and a third on roanoke Island. the aquariums are administered by the North carolina Department of environment and Natural resources, and are designed to inspire appreciation and conservation of North carolina’s

aquatic environments. for more information about the Aquariums, log onto www.ncaquariums.com, or call 800-832-fIsh.

a. That’s a great question, and you may be surprised at the answer. although the octopus is a shy creature, it has rough and tough feeding habits. Using a sharp, horn-like beak and a radula (a raspy, tongue-like organ that drills and scrapes), it can efficiently devour its favorite

foods: crabs and lobsters. Its mouth is positioned in the center of its arms at the base of its bulbous-like head. the

arms join in an area known as the skirt. Spotting a likely meal, the octopus pounces, sometimes enveloping its prey in the expansive skirt,

and quickly moves its catch toward its mouth. With a chomp of its hornlike beak, the octopus releases a salivary secretion that paralyzes and begins partially digesting its quarry. then the victor begins feasting. although crabs and lobsters are its preferred foods, some octopus species also feed on shellfish like clams and scallops, as well as on plankton and fish. there are approximately 200 known species of octopus. the species common in North Carolina waters is Octopus vulgaris. this small variety weighs only a few pounds and has a short life span of 12 to 18 months. Larger species are most often found in cold, northern waters. these elusive ocean dwellers have well-developed eyesight and are excellent at camouflage. they can change color and texture to resemble their surroundings, and are masters at coordinating their arms. exhibiting complex behaviors, they quickly learn to navigate mazes and distinguish colors and shapes. Such characteristics indicate an unusually high degree of intelligence.


Special Savings

Roses are red, Violets are blue, Savings are good … Special offers are, too!

WE ENCOurAGE YOu, Our rEAdErS, TO PATrONIZE Our AdVErTISErS, WHO HELP MAkE THIS PuBLICATION POSSIBLE.

WE WISH EVErYONE A VErY HAPPY VALENTINES’ dAY 2013.


Parrot Heads » by KEN STONE

Parrot Heads Don Winter Feathers

Cold, warm, cold, warm, cold … Weather can’t make up its mind, but Parrot Heads adapted and partied on. Hey, it’s winter at the beach, but there’s always a sunny day to make you smile and say, “dang, this place is great!” whether it’s 70 degrees or 30 degrees. Our regularly scheduled PHirst PHriday PHlocking drew in the locals to listen to great tunes from 4 Ever More, snarf some good food and grog and catch up on whassup around town. We started collecting our outrageously expensive member dues ($10 for a full year) to help support activities and cover expenses and also signed up a bunch of new members who wanted to join in on the fun and community spirit. Good friends, good times and more to come in 2013.

A couple of weeks later, we cranked out our annual PHluff up The PHlock gathering of PH boardmembers and other interested Parrot Heads to take a look at where we’ve been and where we’re going as a club and settle on new officers and board members. In all, 35 feathered friends gathered at Stones End and broke into groups to comment, throw out ideas and plan. What a great crew! Quickie highlights: We’re updating our website (come check us out at emeraldisleparrotheads.com), Facebook and Twitter so everyone can stay up to the minute, pumping up organization and fun stuff at our monthly PHlockings at the beloved Emerald Club, promoting quality and involved membership and fun and plotting out this year’s activities and charity work.

If you look into your crystal ball and say, “Eenie, meenie, chili beanie, the spirits are about to speak…” (Hey, old geezers! Think Bullwinkle and rocky), you’ll get a vision of good stuff to come. Or just read on for a sneak peek … Aside from themed PHlockings, great music from some of our favorite bands and all-out inside and outside fun and frolic at the E Club, we’re planning a heavy-duty schedule of fun events that fit our motto of “Party with a Purpose.”

March 2 NC Coastal Federation Hoop Pole Creek cleanup in Atlantic Beach.

March 16 Check out our booth at the Emerald Isle St. Patty’s Day Fest. Riff Raff Raffle with proceeds to a local charity TBA, giveaway bling, Party-On the Parrot, photo opportunities.

April 6 Adopt-a-Highway litter pickup making the entrance to the Isle a cleaner, prettier place from Route 24 to over the bridge.

April 11 New Member Social at Señor Dick’s Piano Bar.

April 13 Town-wide Scavenger Hunt with prizes. Team entrance fees donated to charity.

May 18 The Beach Bicycle Poker Run, our major fundraiser benefitting Wounded Warriors with bike decorating contests, rowdy stops and door prizes, a huge raffle for great items, cash prizes for the best poker hand and a great day of fun and laughter.

August 4 Annual Parrot Head weekend with the just-for-fun Pelican Island Beach Party.

September TBA Annual The Coast is Clear Under the Pier party—all proceeds to charity.

September 28 Oktoberfest: a new party this year with proceeds benefitting cancer research.

October 19 Fall Adopt-a-Highway litter pickup. Other possibilities are Pet Parade and costume contest and a boat dinner cruise

November Float building and entry in the EI holiday parade (any prize money donated to charity).

December Toys for Tots donations and food drive.

The need also arises (so does the sun) to wish a Happy Birthday to the following Parrot Heads who took another trip around the sun in February. They be: Jane Allen, Mendy Barrow, Jan “Bless Your Heart” Hicks, Sue “Secretary” Stone, Joan “Swansboro” Gerdsen, Ashton Mayne, Susan Hurley, Mike Lincoln, Tim “Generous” randall, Marcia McMahan, debra Pontenberg, deborah Styron, Gary Hardee, Vickie Burgess, Mike “Mr. E Club” Haut (Biggie B’day, by the way!), don Hurley, Janice Luttner, Susan Venters, Michelle Akers and Eric Starnes.

Forging onward through the fog, we leave you with a good thought to think on… “A good life is when you assume nothing, do more, need less, smile often, dream big, laugh a lot and realize how blessed you are.” See y’all around town!

d i s c ov e ry d i v i n g || l e e m o o r e

North

Carolina

also rated

Number 1 for

Best Wrecks. this

ranking returned to

us from Florida, which

has held it recently be-

cause of their aggressive

use of ships in their artificial

Reef Program.

North Carolina did not get

any major new wrecks in 2012, but

changes in the USCGC Spar caused by

hurricane Irene helped to return the top

spot to North Carolina. the Spar was moved

100 feet, and is now resting at a 45° angle.

the portside gunnels of the ship are now level

with the sand. It’s so different it seems like a new

wreck—it is now the Number 8 wreck on divers’ lists

of wrecks to dive. the U-352, a unique site, was ranked

as the Number 2 wreck. our wrecks also provide habitat

for creatures, helping North Carolina achieve the ranking of

Number 4 in macro Photography.

When you see someone walking down the street in a diving

t-shirt from a local shop, that person could be from the area or they

could be from across the United States or from around the world. and

their experience out of the water helps them to form an opinion of the

area, which helped to get North Carolina ranked Number 2 as an overall

Destination and Number 3 for Value for the Dollar.

the Crystal Coast attracts divers from all over the world, but without the

dive charter boats and dive shops,they wouldn’t have a way to get out to enjoy the

wrecks, rocks ledges and marine life off of the coast. Beaufort and morehead City

were well represented in the best dive shops in the world.

DISCoVeRy DIVING IN BeaUFoRt WaS RaNkeD NUmBeR 5 IN the WoRLD; oLymPUS DIVING IN moReheaD CIty WaS NUmBeR 7. IF yoU WoULD LIke moRe INFoRmatIoN oN

DIVING Some oF the BeSt WReCkS WIth Some oF the BeSt maRINe LIFe IN the WoRLD, CoNtaCt DISCoVeRy DIVING at 252-728-2265 oR at [email protected] oR LIke

US oN FaCeBook to See What eVeNtS aRe ComING UP IN the NeaR FUtURe.

the weather in the beginning of January seemed more like early spring than winter, but the water temperatures were in the 50s and 60s. Since the warmer water is further offshore,

charters that are going out are headed to wrecks such as the Naeco, Cassimir, Papoose, U-352 or Schurz.

each year, Scuba Diving magazine ranks the best wreck dives, photographic oppor-tunities, value, diving locations and dive shops in the world. these rankings are based on polls that divers submit on their experiences at dive destinations. Living on the Crystal Coast, we all know how excellent the diving is off the coast, but our rank-ings make the rest of the world aware of how awesome it is here in North Caro-lina. again this year, North Carolina scores high in most categories.

Because of the abundance of sand tiger sharks, North Carolina was ranked Number 1 in Big animal encounters. the presence of the docile and slow-moving sand tiger sharks also helped North Carolina reach Number 2 in Underwater Photography. the Crystal Coast’s diverse marine helped gain a Number 1 ranking for marine environment. all of these qualities, along with the wrecks, helped North Caro-lina to be ranked Number 1 as an overall Diving experience.

In Florida and the Caribbean, most of the wrecks are shallower than 60 feet, the visibility is 100 feet and the diving conditions are almost always the same: very flat seas. most of the wrecks off of the Crystal Coast are in 110 to 120 feet of water. there is always the possibility of currents on these wrecks. Visibility averages 60 feet, but can rise to over 100 feet. on the other end of the spectrum, the vis-ibility can be 15 to 20 feet. When a dive charter boat leaves the dock, the ocean might be flat, but can change to 3 to 5 foot seas before the day is over. Sometimes it is bouncy when the dive charter boats leave the dock, but the boats are designed for these condi-tions. Because of the pos-sibility of low visibility and waves and cur-rents, North Caro-lina was ranked Number 1 for advanced Diving.

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www.CarolinaSalt.com >> FEBRUARY 2013 43Carolina Salt Magazinewww.CarolinaSalt.com >> JANUARY 2013 Carolina Salt MagazineHigHway 24 East • swansboro • 252-393-2204

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north Carolina, Cape hatteras, Bogue inlet February 2013N 34° 39' / W 77° 06'

date day high tide high tide low tide low tide sunrise sunset moonrise moonset phase1 Fr 1043am 2.0 1121pm 2.2 442am -0.1 458pm -0.2 702am 531pm 1119pm 948am

2 sa 1133am 1.9 538am 0.0 547pm -0.2 701am 532pm 1027am

3 su 1218am 2.3 1231pm 1.8 641am 0.1 643pm -0.2 700am 533pm 1224am 1110am 3rd

4 mo 122am 2.3 137pm 1.7 751am 0.1 747pm -0.2 659am 534pm 129am 1158am

5 tu 229am 2.4 247pm 1.7 903am 0.0 854pm -0.3 658am 535pm 233am 1254pm

6 we 336am 2.5 356pm 1.8 1010am -0.1 1001pm -0.4 657am 536pm 334am 155pm

7 th 439am 2.6 459pm 2.0 1109am -0.2 1104pm -0.6 656am 537pm 430am 302pm

8 Fr 536am 2.7 557pm 2.1 1203pm -0.4 656am 538pm 521am 410pm

9 sa 628am 2.8 650pm 2.3 1202am -0.7 1252pm -0.5 655am 539pm 605am 518pm

10 su 718am 2.7 740pm 2.3 1256am -0.7 138pm -0.6 654am 540pm 645am 625pm New

11 mo 804am 2.6 828pm 2.4 148am -0.7 222pm -0.6 653am 541pm 722am 729pm

12 tu 849am 2.5 914pm 2.4 238am -0.6 305pm -0.5 652am 542pm 756am 832pm

13 we 933am 2.3 1001pm 2.3 327am -0.4 346pm -0.4 651am 543pm 830am 933pm

14 th 1017am 2.0 1048pm 2.2 416am -0.2 428pm -0.2 650am 544pm 903am 1031pm

15 Fr 1101am 1.8 1137pm 2.1 506am 0.0 510pm -0.1 649am 545pm 938am 1129pm

16 sa 1149am 1.7 600am 0.2 555pm 0.1 647am 546pm 1016am

17 su 1230am 2.0 1241pm 1.5 658am 0.3 646pm 0.2 646am 547pm 1055am 1224am 1st

18 mo 128am 2.0 141pm 1.5 802am 0.4 743pm 0.2 645am 548pm 1139am 117am

19 tu 229am 1.9 245pm 1.4 906am 0.4 844pm 0.2 644am 549pm 1226pm 208am

20 we 327am 2.0 344pm 1.5 1002am 0.3 942pm 0.2 643am 550pm 116pm 255am

21 th 419am 2.0 435pm 1.6 1050am 0.2 1034pm 0.1 642am 551pm 210pm 339am

22 Fr 505am 2.1 520pm 1.8 1131am 0.2 1121pm 0.0 641am 552pm 306pm 420am

23 sa 546am 2.3 602pm 1.9 1209pm 0.0 639am 553pm 403pm 458am

24 su 625am 2.3 641pm 2.0 1205am -0.2 1244pm -0.2 638am 554pm 503pm 533am

25 mo 702am 2.3 720pm 2.2 1246am -0.2 118pm -0.2 637am 555pm 603pm 607am Full

26 tu 739am 2.3 759pm 2.3 128am -0.3 153pm -0.3 636am 556pm 705pm 641am

27 we 817am 2.3 839pm 2.4 210am -0.3 228pm -0.4 634am 556pm 807pm 715am

28 th 857am 2.3 922pm 2.5 253am -0.3 306pm -0.4 633am 557pm 912pm 750am

©2013 FreeTideTables.com - For comparison only - Times are local - Tides in feet from MLLW

Cape Hatteras tides: February

tide CHart

www.DUDLEysMarina.nEt

200 wEt & Dry sLips

boat sErvicE

officiaL citation

WEigh station

nc wiLDLifE sErvicE agEnt

EtHanoL-frEE

gas at thE Docks!

under the strain. “Fish on!” yelled Stan, and Caroline jockeyed to get the fighting belt

on and into position to accept the rod. She fought the fish valiantly for 20 minutes, getting back line as Stan positioned the boat to follow the line, only to have the line peel off of the reel in strong runs. The fish seemed to have no trouble stripping the line against 25 pounds of drag on the large Shimano reel.

This was a strong fish. Or was it a fish at all? It was behaving exactly like a large fish, but Stan began to notice something that we did not. Every time he turned the boat towards the commercial vessel, we were able to get line back and then the vessel would turn and the line would peel away.

Stan picked up the microphone on his marine radio: “Commercial fishing vessel come back to the small sportfishing vessel to your south.”

“What the do you want, you stinkin’ Googan?” came out of the radio speaker, in an accent not of the south.

Stan gathered his composure and in the most diplomatic voice he could muster, responded, “Excuse me, Captain; I think my line may be hung up on your line and I would like to move in closer to you to retrieve as much as I can.”

There was a short pause and then, “That’s not my problem, just cut

your [bleep] line.”

Now even more shaken, Stan tried one more time to be diplomatic.

“Captain, sir, there is no reason to be nasty, I apologize for cutting in

front of you and would ask please if we can move in closer to your vessel

to retrieve my line.”

“Forget about it,” was the response, dragging out the three words to

add some impact. “Cut your line, Googan.”

With that last response, black fumes poured from the exhausts as the

commercial boat powered up and turned away, the line began to peel

off faster than ever before. Stan grabbed his fillet knife and cut the line

from the near-empty spool. Without solicitation, the voice from the

commercial boat poured out of the radio speaker;

“Your lure isn’t hung on my lines, it’s in my boat!” and he let out a big

angry laugh.

Stan took that as a cue to call it a day and we headed back to port, less

a couple thousand yards of fishing line and a lot of pride.

CaPtaIN JameS RoSemoND RUNS the DIVe ChaRteR Boat toRtUGa.

he IS aLSo a FReeLaNCe WRIteR aND the aUthoR oF “hIDING oN

the Bottom.” VISIt hIm oNLINe at WWW.toRtUGaChaRteRS.Net.

›› TUNa SlEIgh rIDE, CONTINUED FrOM P22

Salt i t ’ s e a s y t o a d v e r t i s e ! c a l l u s at 2 5 2 - 7 2 3 - 7 6 2 8W W W. c a r o l i n a s a lt. c o M

i t ’ s e a s y t o a d v e r t i s e ! c a l l u s at 2 5 2 - 7 2 3 - 7 6 2 8W W W. c a r o l i n a s a lt. c o M

A casual Island eatery with a Touch of Class.

SERVING LUNCH AND DINNER

Seafood • Salads • Steaks Burgers • Sandwiches

Open Tuesday-Thursday 11am-8pmFriday & Saturday 11am-9pm

Sunday 11am-8pm

311 Mangrove Drive (Across from CVS)

EMERALD ISLE

252.354.7775www.flipperz.net

Located in the entrance of the restaurant, Flipperz Fudge Co. is a great place to satisfy your sweet tooth, purchase wine, take home a unique gift or order custom embroidery for your friends, family & business.purchase wine, take home a unique gift or order custom

ChiCken Breast, Boneless Pork ChoPs, shrimP, sCalloPs, tuna and salmon.

s i m P l Y G r i l l e d …

w w w . r i B e Y e s s t e a k h o u s e . C o m

104 Golfin’ Dolphin Drive • Cape Carteret • 252.393.2509502 Front Street • Beaufort • 252.728.6105

TWO LOCATIONS ON THE CRYSTAL COAST

What’s on your plate tonight?

trY our unlimited salad Bar!

carolina salt february issue

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