When I arrived on the Outer Banks in 1993, one of the first things I did was to climb to the top of Jockey's Ridge to see if it was still as magnificent as I remembered from those family vacations of my youth. It was. I spent nearly two breezy, chilly hours up there on the dune, gazing from ocean to sound, watching the spectacular panorama of the Outer Banks extend out to the horizon in every direction before being treated to a sunset unlike any I'd ever witnessed before. It was as if, for a brief moment in time, I was at the center of the universe. Whether local or visitor, to fully appreciate the Outer Banks, witnessing a sunset from the crest of Jockey's Ridge is something you simply must do. This Friday, September 13 at 7 p.m. and again on Friday, September 20 at 6:45 p.m. make your way to the top of Jockey's Ridge for Sunset on the Ridge, a free opportunity to watch the sun set over Roanoke Island and the waters of our local sounds from atop the Atlantic Coast's highest sand dune. Members of Friends of Jockey's Ridge will be on hand to relate local legends and history centered on the massive sand hill.
If you are among the many people who've wondered just how all that sand got there and how it has remained there for all these years, you'll want to join The Friends in the Jockey's Ridge State Park auditorium Tuesday, September 17 at 2 p.m. for "All About the Ridge," a presentation explaining theories of the dune's formation that also details some of the history surrounding Jockey's Ridge. The free presentation is approximately 30 minutes in length and all ages are welcome.
Fishing
The Oregon Inlet Billfish Roundup returns for 2013 with simplified rules and entry procedures. From Wednesday, September 11 through Saturday, September 14 anglers can take advantage of the September billfish bite while supporting the charitable work of Shriner's Children's Hospitals where children are treated for burns, orthopedic issues and spinal cord injuries for free until age 18! Pre-registration is required. For more information contact Heather at (252) 305-3610 or {encode="heather@fishoregoninlet.com" title="heather@fishoregoninlet.com"} or visit the event website.
Run for a Cause
The 4th Annual "All Out Pink" 8-mile Bridge Run & 5 K will be held Saturday, September 14 beginning at 8 a.m. with the races starting and finishing at The Elizabethan Gardens on Roanoke Island. The race is an official event of the Outer Banks Hospital's "Get Pinked" Campaign and 100% of event proceeds stay local to provide mammograms to women and men without access to health care. Trophies will be awarded to the top three male and female finishers in each race. Finisher medals will be awarded to all participants who complete the run. The post-race party in the Elizabethan Gardens will include beer, refreshments, food and prize packages courtesy of local businesses. The $35 race fee includes admission to either of the two races, an event T-shirt, access to the post-race garden party, chip timing and a finisher medal. The $15 adult spectator ticket provides admission to the post-race party. There is no charge for children age 12 and younger. Race packet pick-up will be Friday, September 14 from 4 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Knuckle Up Gym in Kitty Hawk. The online registration deadline has passed, but race day registration will be available Saturday from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 a.m.
Water Sports
In addition to fishing and footraces, water sports hold a prominent place among Outer Banks events over the coming week. From Sunday, September 15 through Saturday, September 21 the 46th Annual Eastern Surfing Association Championship comes to Jennette's Pier in Nags Head. Competition begins at 8 a.m. each day. Participating athletes and their families should park in the lot across the street from the pier entrance where they will receive their permit. Athletes should stay in contact with their district director.
Beginning just a day after the start of the surfing championship, and also continuing throughout the week, the American Windsurfing Tour makes a stop in Hatteras and brings some of the best windsurfers to the Outer Banks as part of the Hatteras Wave Jam. Boards hit the waves at 10 p.m. each day and pre-registration is required.
The Wonder of Words
With the coming of September Literary Open Mic Night returns to Glenn Eure's Ghost Fleet Gallery on Gallery Row in Nags Head. On Thursday, September 12 from 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. you can enjoy readings by Outer Banks writers, poets and storytellers or share your own literary works! Light refreshments are served, and the event is free and open to the public of all ages. For more information visit the Dare County Arts Council website or call (252) 473-5558.
In another event with a literary turn, the public is invited to a brief lecture and book signing by author Nancy Rascoe of her new book, The Sandy Banks Live On Wednesday, September 18 from 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the First Colony Inn in Nags Head. Composed of stories and local history passed down through generations of family members and friends, the book chronicles Old Nags Head and other villages on the Outer Banks as summer residents, long time locals and natives tell their stories, share their customs and their memories. A must read for anyone who shares a love of the Outer Banks, the book would also make a great gift. Copies of the book will be available for purchase, and light refreshments will be served. Call Jeannie at (252) 480-4752 if you plan to attend the lecture and book signing.
This week you have a chance to win an Absolutely Wild Horse Tours for two and a $35 gift certificate to Corolla Cantina!
For more information about Absolutely Wild Horse Tours, check out their website.
For more information about Corolla Cantina Bar & Grill, check them out on Corolla Guide.
Last Week's Winner
Congratulations to Michael Morgan!!!
You won a two person ocean kayak rental from Ocean Atlantic Rentals and a $50 gift certificate to Hurricane Mo's!
For more information about Hurricane Mo's, check them out on Nags Head Guide.
For more information about Ocean Atlantic Rentals, check out their website.
About the Author Michael Lay
Michael Lay is a local graphic designer, artist, photographer and writer. He lives in picturesque downtown Manteo, NC, and is the manservant of two beautiful and willful feline princesses, Sophie and Sassy. You can contact Michael at mike.lay@oneboat.com.
