seals make obx winter home

Harbor seal pup taking a break in Carova. Photo by Jared Lloyd.

Human tourists aren’t the only visitors to the Outer Banks in the winter. Lured by the abundance of fish and for them mild weather, migrating seals are now a regular part of the local winter scene according to Jack Horan of the Raleigh News & Observer. “The newest visitors to the Outer Banks like to swim… Continue reading seals make obx winter home

bonner bridge replacement inches forward

Behind the scenes there has been considerable effort to move the Bonner Bridge replacement project forward. Finally . . . the first concrete proof! New power lines are being put into place, a necessary first step to keep Hatteras Island on the power grid, as Sam Walker writes in his article for the Outer Banks… Continue reading bonner bridge replacement inches forward

thumbs up from NPS on bonner bridge replacement

The reality of a replacement for the aging Bonner Bridge becomes more certain every day. As reported in the Outer Banks Voice, the National Park Service signing off on the a Record of Decision for the new bridge, may not seem significant, but it is an important step nonetheless. “Another small step in the long… Continue reading thumbs up from NPS on bonner bridge replacement

HOORAY! obx will get a new bridge to hatteras

The Bonner Bridge connects Pea Island with the northern Outer Banks.

In the best news to hit the OBX in a LONG time, NCDOT announced today that they will be building a new bridge over Oregon Inlet, replacing the aging Bonner Bridge and securing safe passage to Hatteras Island. Join us and every one who loves the Outer Banks as we raise a glass to celebrate the wrap up… Continue reading HOORAY! obx will get a new bridge to hatteras

what’s with all the seals on obx beaches?

Harbor seal photo by Debra Rothrock.

Seals are pretty cute and playful, so it’s been fun to see their smiling faces turning up on our Outer Banks beaches from Carova to Ocracoke. While I did notice that more seals seemed to be turning up every winter, I didn’t think to wonder why. Well, Jared Lloyd has been giving the seals a LOT… Continue reading what’s with all the seals on obx beaches?

bonner bridge maintenance work to start early 2015

Work on the Bonner Bridge will start in early 2015

The Bonner Bridge is a key connection on the Outer Banks, so we’re always happy to bring you news updates from the N.C. Department of Transportation (NCDOT) confirming that maintenance work will begin in the new year, but will not close the bridge to traffic. “The N.C. Department of Transportation has awarded contracts for two maintenance projects on the… Continue reading bonner bridge maintenance work to start early 2015

bonner bridge replacement takes a giant step

Five weeks after a Federal Appeals Court ruling that was a clear victory for all sides in the quest to replace the aging Bonner Bridge that spans Oregon Inlet, the Southern Environmental Law Center (SELC) and NCDOT announced they are in negotiations to resolve the matter. The Bonner Bridge is now 20 years past its… Continue reading bonner bridge replacement takes a giant step

will hurricane cristobal make surfers happy on the obx?

Surfers are grabbing gear and waxing boards anticipating some great surf action as Hurricane Cristobal passes between the Outer Banks and Bermuda Wednesday and Thursday. Forecasts are calling for the best conditions to occur tomorrow evening into Thursday morning, with winds moderating from the stiff onshore winds we’ve been experiencing to a 4-8mph offshore breeze. Coupled… Continue reading will hurricane cristobal make surfers happy on the obx?

bonner bridge passes appeals test but confusion remains

A federal Court of Appeals agrees with much of  US District Judge Louse Flanagan’s rejection of the Southern Environmental Law Center’s suit to halt construction of a replacement for the Bonner Bridge over Oregon Inlet. However, a key finding in Flanagan’s findings is being questioned by the Appeals Court and the judge has been asked to reexamine her findings.… Continue reading bonner bridge passes appeals test but confusion remains

obx seafood? where to find the freshest catch

Outer Banks visitors are always looking for the freshest seafood. We came across this blog posted by Ryan Thibodeau on Carolina Designs‘ website that has some great information about local fish markets and some of the catch they carry. The markets in this article are north of Oregon Inlet; we’ll have to look around and see if… Continue reading obx seafood? where to find the freshest catch