hatterasrealtorblog

2010-02-04T07:18:00.000-08:00

February is the month of LOVE and here on the island we see more and more couples planning to tie the knot here on the beach. Having discovered the difficulty involved in finding an officiant to perform the ceremony when my husband and I got married, I thought, "WOW, how hard must it be for people who don't live here and aren't affiliated with a church on the Outer Banks?" I made a few calls and found an officiant here on the island and another up the beach as well as county magistrates. Most of the local ministers didn't want to get involved unless the parties were members of their church. SO, I took the steps and became officially ordained January 19, 2010.

I'm very excited about my ordination and look forward to being a part of the process that joins two lives. I have numerous options and am open to suggestions to customize the experience to make dreams come true. If you're planning a wedding, please keep me in mind.

2010-01-14T12:47:00.001-08:00

Serendipity is on the move. Expert House Movers has it jacked up and in the process of loading her up for the ride south to her new resting place. You can watch the progress at http://www.darenc.com/webcam/mirlo.php or visit http://www.obxhomes4u.com and scroll down to the webcam link. This is a historical move and one you won't want to miss!

2010-01-07T07:44:00.001-08:00

The home featured as the Inn at Rodanthe in Nicholas Sparks' film "Nights in Rodanthe" was recently sold by Marsha M Brown & Company and is being relocated to a safer lot and restored to it's appearance in the movie. The home will be managed by our sister company Vacation Traditions owned by Bonnie Rowe. Vacation Traditions is entering it's third rental season. Bonnie had a vision that vacationers missed the personal attention and friendliness of years gone by where guests and owners of the rental properties were greeted by name instead of numbers. Although, perhaps the smallest of the rental agencies here on Hatteras Island, Bonnie has extensive property management experience having worked with some of the bigger firms. She has a good sense of what people want and has her finger on the pulse of vacationers. She sensed a need for the more basic homes many companies had kicked to the curb as not being plush enough. With the shift in the economy, many families are turning to Vacation Traditions for affordable, clean and well maintained homes so they can still have that beach vacation they might otherwise have had to forego. Vacation Traditions is aptly named as it recalls some of the best features of yesteryear when courtesy went a long way. For availability on "Serendipity", visit http://www.vacationtraditions.com.

November Nor'easter

2009-11-30T12:07:00.000-08:00

Despite the massive damage to highway 12 at the "S" curve, the road was repaired in record time to allow for the Thanksgiving traffic to the island. The county issued an order to the owners of "Serendipity" cottage featured in the movie "Nights In Rodanthe" to demolish or relocate the home within 10 days. This home has garnered so much attention on it's own before appearing in the film. You can't go by on any given day without seeing tourists taking pictures or just stopping to see this unique home. With the pilings set 14 feet in the ground in stone, it's unlikely it will be falling in the ocean any time soon, however, it is getting impossible to reset a septic system hence the order. Many visitors to the island fail to appreciate the fragile nature of the dunes at the "S" curve and despite efforts to establish a duneline, there is no one willing to enforce a no trespass over these delicate sand barriers. For those of you who aren't familiar with the nature of the beach grass strategy, the root system of these grasses forms a network that will stabilize the sand and subsequently the dune. If given a chance to fully develop, the dunes can stabilize, however with the constant traffic over them, they break down whatever system has started to grow and first storm the dune washes away and the the road. Anyone visiting can appreciate the problem when the road is impassable so we need your help to insure the protection of these dunes, should a medical emergency arise, it could be a matter of life and death.

2009-10-29T10:33:00.000-07:00

According to Melanie Hobson on Good Morning America, it appears the economy is improving. Although new home starts were down, existing homes are up and that's a very good sign for our area. Mortgage rates are still low, 5% for a 30-yr fixed is fantastic. Talk is, in addition to the possible extension of the first time homebuyer credit, the Senate is also considering one for repeat buyers as well in the amount of $6500. If you consider the lowest home prices in years, coupled with the low interest rate AND a credit, that is an excellent incentive for buyers to get out there and SHOP. The IRS said 1.4 million taxpayers had already taken advantage of the first-time homebuyer's credit so far. Don't let this opportunity pass you by! To see the GMA interview http://abcnews.go.com/Video/playerIndex?id=8944659

First time homebuyers credit

2009-10-23T12:18:00.001-07:00

Thinking of relocating to Hatteras Island? If you are a first time homebuyer there are options for you to consider and take the credit the government is offering. This credit is due to expire December 1, 2009.

There are options besides a house, you can also purchase a mobile home and land and qualify for the credit. The credit is 10% of the purchase price of the home, with a maximum available credit of $7,000 ($8000 if you purchase your home in 2009) for either a single taxpayer or a married couple filing a joint return, but only half of that amount for married persons filing separate returns. The full credit is available for homes costing $75,000 or more ($80,000 if purchased after Decc. 31, 2008, and before Dec. 1, 2009). Visit us at www.obxhomes4u.com for featured homes.

No better time to buy than TODAY on Hatteras Island

2009-10-22T09:53:00.000-07:00

For those of you keeping your eye on the prices and waiting for them to go lower, it's not likely that's gonna happen. Prices are stabilized with the increased interest of buyers and activity in the past two months. More and more people are getting out and looking and not ashamed to make low offers. Their justification is simple.."they don't want my offer, there are plenty of others who will" and they move on. Today's buyers are savvy and do their homework visiting the County website, looking at the tax valuations and poring over MLS to look how long homes have been on the market and how many price reductions have been applied. They compare size, location along with recent sale prices to determine who is over priced before even coming to the table. Again, the rationale, if the home is over priced odds are the seller is not serious about selling and therefore more than likely won't entertain anything reasonable. By reasonable, they mean what they are willing to pay.

Additionally, shortsales are taking longer
and longer to get responses since the banks are not as inclined to "go there" due to changes in market conditions. Buyers jump on bank owneds almost as soon as they come on the market simply because they don't have to wait for months to get an answer. In order to even come to the table on a bank-owned property, buyer's must be pre-qualified to demonstrate they are able to complete the transaction if their offer is approved.

November is perhaps the most productive time to make an offer as the rental income has been depleted for the year and the seller has nothing to gain by hanging on, especially since they have to continue making the payments without the benefit of rental income until February in most cases. For You, the purchaser, your first payment may not be due until January or Febuary at which time the 2010 advanced rental deposits will begin to be distributed. So, if you've considered making a move, now is the time to seriously take a look at what's out there!

2008-09-30T07:55:00.000-07:00

The home featured as the Inn in Nights in Rodanthe has come on the market for $1.2 million. For true movie memorabilia fans, this is an opportunity to acquire a piece of movie making history. Visit my website www.obxhomes4u.com for more information.

Beach Driving due to Tropical Storm Hanna

2008-09-05T05:35:00.000-07:00

brevity, and because NPS staff are busy preparing for the potentialeffects from Tropical Storm Hanna, the report will be condensed this weekfrom the usual format. All information is subject to change depending onthe effects of the approaching storm and beaches may close for safetyreasons as winds increase and surf conditions build in strength.In areas open to ORV use, ORV traffic is permitted from 6:00 am until 10:00pm daily. A nighttime prohibition on beach driving is still in effectthroughout the Seashore from May 1 to November 15 between 10:00 pm until6:00 am. Night beach driving permits will be required for off-road vehicleuse on all Cape Hatteras National Seashore ocean beaches between the hoursof 10:00 p.m. and 6:00 a.m. from September 16 to November 15. Thesepermits are available on line at the park website: www.nps.gov/caha or atpark Visitor Centers and Campgrounds, Outer Banks Visitor Bureau VisitorCenters, and local tackle shops. The bird breeding season has concluded. As sea turtle nests approach “day50” (from the date when the nest was laid), buffer areas around nests areexpanded and, in some cases, result in full beach closures. Under theterms of the Consent Decree, beginning September 15, all sea turtle neststhat have reached their hatch window at day 50 will result in full beachclosures until those particular nests hatch. As of September 4, 2008,there are 113 sea turtle nests on national seashore beaches, of which, 63nests have hatched.The ORV Access Mileage list accompanies the Beach Access Report weekly as aseparate attached document, and provides a concise, simplified list ofapproximate ORV access, north and south of existing ramps. In bothreports, the mileages, distances and descriptions in both reports areAPPROXIMATE and reflect the best information available at the time theweekly reports are prepared. The marked boundaries found in the field arethe actual, legal boundaries of the closed areas and supersede anyinformation in this report. Park visitors MUST pay close attention to andcomply with resource protection area boundaries as found in the field. Allresource protection areas are clearly marked with carsonite posts, signs,string, wooden poles or other markers.Google Earth maps are available at:www.nps.gov/cahaTemporary resource protection areas are necessary to protect threatened andendangered species and species of concern including Piping Plovers,American Oystercatchers, Colonial Waterbirds (Terns and Skimmers), and seaturtles. Posted areas are closed to vehicles, pedestrians and pets. Petsmust be physically restrained at all times on a leash no greater than 6feet on all National Seashore beaches. Bodie Island (Coquina Beach to Oregon Inlet) There are approximately 5.7 miles of ocean shoreline from Ramp 1 to Oregon Inlet. Approximately 5.7 miles are open to pedestrian access. Approximately 3.8 miles are open to ORV access on Bodie Island and there are no miles closed to access due to RESOURCE PROTECTION (seas turtle nest) area. Ramp 1 – Ramp 2 (Coquina Beach Area) – 1.4 miles The beach is open for pedestrian access but no ORV access. Annual seasonal closures went into effect on May 15, 2008 and extend from Ramp 1 to 0.1 of mile south of Ramp 2. Ramp 2 – Ramp 4 to Bodie Island Spit – 4.2 miles North of Ramp 4, the beach is open for ORV access for 2.0 miles and open for pedestrian access approximately 3.5 miles. South of Ramp 4 the beach is open for ORV access 2.1 miles and open for pedestrian access 2.2 miles. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.2 miles south of Ramp 2. This area was expanded on August 11 and there is no ORV or pedestrian access available behind the nest closure. The nest is within the expected “hatch window.” The RESOURCE protection (prenesting) area has been reduced to a winter resource closure for non-breeding/wintering birds on August 26, 2008. It includes interior areas of the spit and portions of the “pond” shoreline. The resource closure is marked with red carsonite posts as closed to all access. The ORV corridor is marked with brown carsonite posts. Pedestrian access is permitted, but pets are prohibited outside of the ORV corridor at this site. A few hundred feet of the sound shoreline adjacent to the Bonner Bridge is closed to ORVs, but open to pedestrians and boat landings, based on current shoreline conditions. Hatteras Island (South Boundary of PINWR south to Hatteras Inlet) Hatteras Island has a total distance of 42.9 miles of ocean shoreline. Approximately 42.7 miles of ocean shoreline are open to pedestrian access. Approximately 24.9 miles are open for ORV access on Hatteras Island. In addition to the annual seasonal ORV closures, ORV use is restricted by 6.3 miles of SAFETY closures. Approximately 0.2 miles are closed to all access due to RESOURCE PROTECTION areas. The week of September 7th, as sea turtle nest “hatch window” dates approach, the visiting public can expect to see additional full beach closures on Hatteras Island. Villages of Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo: (north of Ramp 23 for 3 miles to Pea Island NWR boundary) The annual seasonal village ORV closures went into effect May 15, 2008 and the beaches in front of Rodanthe, Waves, and Salvo are open to pedestrian but not for ORV access. Ramp 23 – Ramp 27: (4.3 miles) Currently, there is through access for ORVs and pedestrians between Ramp 23 and Ramp 27. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 2.2 miles north of Ramp 23. This area will be expanded on September 4. This is within a seasonal village closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. Pedestrian access is available behind the next closure outside of the signed protection area. The turtle nest is within the expected "hatch window." Ramp 27 – Ramp 30: (2.2 miles) Currently, there is through access for ORVs and pedestrians between Ramp 27 and Ramp 30. Ramp 30 – Ramp 34: (4.3 miles) Ramp 34 is open to ORV and pedestrian access. The beach is open for ORV and pedestrian access for 4.3 miles between Ramp 30 and Ramp 34. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 1.6 miles south of Ramp 30. This area will be expanded on September 2. There will be ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected “hatch window.” A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 1.0 miles south of Ramp 30. This area will be expanded on September 7. This is a full beach closure. There will not be ORV or pedestrian access available behind the nest closure because of the location of the nest against the toe of the dune. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." Ramp 34 - Ramp 38: (beaches in front of Avon = 4.0 miles) The annual seasonal village closures went into effect on May 15, 2008 which restricts ORV access. The beach is open for 4.0 miles for pedestrian access from Ramp 34 to Ramp 38. The beach is open for ORV access 0.4 of a mile south of Ramp 34 and 0.1 of a mile north of Ramp 38. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 1.3 miles north of Ramp 38. This area was expanded on August 3, 2008. This is within an annual seasonal village closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. Pedestrian access is available behind the nest closure outside of the signed protected area. The nest is within the expected “hatch window.” A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.8 of a mile north of Ramp 38. This area will be expanded on August 26. This is within an annual seasonal village closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. Pedestrian access is available behind the nest closure outside of the signed protected area. The turtle nest is within the expected “hatch window.” Ramp 38 - Ramp 43: (6.0 miles) Currently, there is no through access for ORVs between Ramp 38 and Ramp 43. Pedestrian access is open for 6.0 miles between Ramp 38 and Ramp 43. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.5 of a mile south of Ramp 38. This area will be expanded on September 2 and there will be ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected “hatch window.” A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 1.6 miles south of Ramp 38. This area will be expanded on September 4. There will be ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 2.1 miles south of Ramp 38. This area will be expanded on September 6. This is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. There will be a pedestrian access behind (west) of the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The turtle nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 2.4 miles south of Ramp 38. This area will be expanded on September 7. This is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. There will be a pedestrian access behind (west) of the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The turtle nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 3.8 miles south of Ramp 38. This area will be expanded on September 6th. This is within an seasonal village closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. Pedestrian access is available behind the next closure outside of the signed protection area. The turtle nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.6 mile north of Ramp 43. This area will be expanded on September 7, 2008. This is within the annual lifeguard swim beach and therefore does not affect ORV access. Pedestrian access is available behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A SAFETY closure is 3.6 miles long, beginning 2.0 miles south of Ramp 38 to 0.4 of a mile north of Ramp 43, was adjusted on May 14. This section is open to pedestrian access, but not ORV access. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 1.3 miles north of Ramp 43. This area will be expanded on August 30. This is within the seasonal lifeguard swim beach and therefore does not affect ORV access. Pedestrian access is available behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected “hatch window.” Ramp 43 - Ramp 44: (0.3 of a mile) The beach is open for ORV and pedestrian access from Ramp 43 to Ramp 44 and north of Ramp 43 for 0.4 of a mile. Ramp 44 is open. Ramp 44 - Ramp 45 (Cape Point): (2.4 miles) Ramp 44 is open south along the east ocean shoreline to Cape Point, a distance of approx. 1.0 mile. Ramp 45 is open with 0.8 of a mile west and 0.2 of a mile east of ocean shoreline open to ORV and pedestrian access. The RESOURCE protection (prenesting) area has been reduced to a winter resource closure for non-breeding/wintering birds at Cape Point on August 25, 2008. It includes interior areas of the spit and the ponds in the interdunal areas. There is ORV access from Ramp 44 south to the tip and around the point to the Salt Pond Road and the ORV corridor is marked with brown carsonite posts. Pedestrian access is permitted, but pets are prohibited, outside of the ORV corridor at this site. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.4 of a mile south of Ramp 44. This area will be expanded on August 25, 2008. This is a full beach closure. There will not be ORV or pedestrian access available behind the nest closure because of the location of the nest against the toe of the dune. **HOWEVER, there will still be access to the Point by way of the inter-dunal bypass road. The nest is within the expected “hatch window.” Another RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.4 of a mile south of Ramp 44. This area will be expanded on September 2. This is a full beach closure. There will not be ORV or pedestrian access available behind the nest closure because of the location of the nest against the toe of the dune. **HOWEVER, there will still be access to the Point by way of the inter-dunal bypass road. The nest is within the expected “hatch window.” A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.1 of a mile south of Ramp 44. This area will be expanded on September 8. There is ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. This nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.2 of a mile south of Ramp 44. This area will be expanded on September 4. There is ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. This nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.4 of a mile south of Ramp 44. This area will be expanded on September 6, 2008. This is a full beach closure. Access to Cape Point around this closure will be provided via the inter-dunal bypass route. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.4 of a mile south of Ramp 44. This area will be expanded on September 9, 2008. This is a full beach closure. There will NOT be ORV or pedestrian access available behind the nest closure because of the location of the nest against the toe of the dune, which will close this access route to Cape Point. Once this closure is implemented, access to Cape Point will be provided via the inter-dunal road to Salt Pond Road, then east along the beach to Cape Point. There will NOT be access to the Point by way of the inter-dunal bypass road, as this nest is located north of the entrance to the bypass. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." Ramp 45 to Ramp 49 (South Beach): (3.4 miles) Ramp 45 is open. Salt Pond Road is open. Currently, there is no through access for ORVs between Ramp 45 and 49 due to a resource protection closure for a sea turtle nest. There is pedestrian access along the ocean shoreline from Ramp 45 to Ramp 49 for 3.4 miles. A RESOURCE protection area (prenesting area) was removed and has transitioned to an ORV corridor on August 25, 2008. It includes upper beach areas that encompass the dunes and extends towards the ocean. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.2 of a mile west of Ramp 45. This area will be expanded on August 23, 2008 and there will be ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected “hatch window.” A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located 0.8 of a mile east of Ramp 49. This area was expanded on August 27. There is ORV and pedestrian access behind (west) of the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected “hatch window.” A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located 0.6 mile east of Ramp 49. This area will be expanded on August 28. There will be no ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest because there is inadequate space above the nest and the toe of the dune for an ORV or pedestrian bypass. The nest is within the expected “hatch window.” Another RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located 0.5 mile east of Ramp 49. This is a full beach closure. This area will be expanded on September 3. There will be no ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest because there is inadequate space above the nest and the toe of the dune for an ORV or pedestrian bypass. The nest is within the expected “hatch window.” A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.5 miles west of Ramp 45. This area will be expanded on September 7, 2008. There will be ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.7 miles west of Ramp 45. This area will be expanded on September 7, 2008. There will be ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." Ramp 49 - Ramp 55: (5.9 miles; includes Sandy Bay soundside parking area) The beach is open to ORV for 0.4 miles southwest of Ramp 49 and 0.1 of a mile east of Ramp 55 (in front of Frisco and Hatteras Villages). Currently, there is no through ORV access between Ramp 49 and Ramp 55, but pedestrian access is open for 5.9 miles from Ramp 49 to Ramp 55. The beach in front of Frisco Village to Hatteras Village is open to pedestrian access, but not ORV access for 4.7 miles. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located 0.4 of a mile southwest of Ramp 49. This area will be expanded on August 17. There will not be ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest because there is inadequate space above the nest and the toe of the dune for an ORV or pedestrian bypass. The nest is within the expected “hatch window.” A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.1 of a mile north of Ramp 55. This area will be expanded on September 1. This is within an annual seasonal village closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. Pedestrian access is available behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The turtle nest is within the expected “hatch window.” A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 3.1 miles north of Ramp 55. This area will be expanded on September 9. This is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. There will be a pedestrian access behind (west) of the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The turtle nest is within the expected "hatch window." Ramp 55 - Hatteras Inlet: (2.7 miles) ORV and pedestrian access is open for 2.5 miles along the ocean shoreline from Ramp 55 west to the Hatteras Inlet. The Pole Road is open from Ramp 55 west to Hatteras Inlet. The Cable Crossing route is open to access on the sound shoreline. The Spur Road is open to access to the sound shoreline. A RESOURCE protection (prenesting) area at the Isabel overwash transitioned to a winter resource closure for non-breeding/wintering birds from the sound shoreline to the ocean dune on July 15, 2008. The Pole Road is open in front of the overwash fan areas and there is also ocean shoreline access. A RESOURCE protection (prenesting) area will be reduced to a winter resource closure for non-breeding/wintering birds at Hatteras Inlet on September 2, 2008. It includes interior areas south of the Pole Road. There is ORV access from Ramp 55 south, and from the southern terminus of the Pole Road on the ocean shoreline, to the tip and around the point to the Rip” and sound shoreline. The ORV corridor is marked with brown carsonite posts. Pedestrian access is permitted, but pets are prohibited, outside of the ORV corridor at this site. The area is experiencing a high rate of shoreline erosion and will be monitored daily should it become necessary to install a safety closure for ORVs. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 3.1 miles north of Ramp 55. This area will be expanded on September 9. This is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. There will be a pedestrian access behind (west) of the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The turtle nest is within the expected "hatch window." Ocracoke Island The Ocracoke Island District has a total distance of 18.4 miles of ocean shoreline. Approximately 17.5 miles are open to pedestrian access. Approximately 7.8 miles are open to ORV access on Ocracoke Island. ORV use is restricted by a 4.8 mile SAFETY closure. Approximately 0.8 miles are closed to all access for RESOURCE PROTECTION areas. During the week of September 7th, as sea turtle nest “hatch window” dates approach, the visiting public can expect to see additional full beach closures on Ocracoke Island. Ramp 59 - Ramp 67: (7.8 miles; includes North Ocracoke Spit) There is no through ORV shoreline access between these two ramps. Pedestrian access is open from Ramp 59 to Ramp 67, 6.4 miles in length. A RESOURCE protection (prenesting) area was REMOVED at North Ocracoke Spit on July 15, 2008 and a migrating/wintering closure was established on August 6, 2008. A SAFETY closure, 4.8 miles long, begins 1.0 miles south of Ramp 59 to 1.4 miles north of Ramp 67, was adjusted on May 14 is still in effect. This section is open to pedestrian access, but not to ORV access. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately1.8 miles north of Ramp 67. This area was expanded on August 31. This area is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. There will be pedestrian access behind (west) of the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected “hatch window.” A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.6 miles south of Ramp 59. This area will be expanded on September 4. This is a full beach closure. There will not be ORV or pedestrian access available behind the nest closure because of the location of the nest against the toe of the dune. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 2.4 miles south of Ramp 59. This area will be expanded on September 4. This area is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. Pedestrian access is not available behind the nest closure because of the location of the nest against the toe of the dune. The nest is within the expected "hatch window." Ramp 67 - Ramp 70 (includes Ramp 68): (3.8 miles; includes Ramp 68) There is no through ORV shoreline access between these two ramps. Pedestrian access is open. The annual seasonal beach closure in front of the Ocracoke Campground and Day Use area went into effect on May 15, 2008. The beach from 0.6 of a mile south of Ramp 67 to Ramp 68 is closed to ORV access for 0.9 of a mile. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.3 of a mile south of Ramp 68. This area will be expanded on August 20. This area is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. There will be pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. This nest is within the expected “hatch window.” A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.6 mile north of Ramp 70. This area was expanded on August 30, 2008. This area is within a SAFETY closure and therefore does not affect ORV access. There will be pedestrian access behind (west) of the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. The nest is within the expected “hatch window.” Ramp 70 - Ramp 72 (1.8 miles) and Ramp 72 to South Ocracoke Spit (4.4 miles): The ocean shoreline is open to ORV and pedestrian access for 2.3 miles south of Ramp 72 to the tip of South Point. A RESOURCE protection (prenesting) area has been reduced to a winter resource closure for non-breeding/wintering birds on August 28, 2008. It encompasses interior and soundside areas of the spit. The resource closure is marked with red carsonite posts as closed to all access. The ORV corridor is marked with brown carsonite posts. Pedestrian access is permitted, but pets are prohibited, outside of the ORV corridor at this site. A few hundred feet of the sound shoreline on the southwest side of the point is closed to ORVs, but open to pedestrians and boat landings, based on current shoreline conditions. Ocean shoreline access is available for 2.3 miles from Ramp 72 south. A RESOURCE protection area (sea turtle nest site) is located approximately 0.6 of a mile north of Ramp 72. This area will be expanded on September 2. There is ORV and pedestrian access behind the nest closure outside of the signed protection area. This nest is within the expected “hatch window.” -NPS-

Beach Driving

2008-08-25T17:58:00.000-07:00

Despite the recent closings by federal court order, the entire area is NOT closed to 4-wheel driving, only in specific nesting areas. You can still enter ramps outside of Salvo and Avon and drive for miles, just not at Lighthouse point or Oregon Inlet and a few select areas. Do not be misled that beach driving here is a thing of the past despite the DOT sign at Whalebone Junction. Bring your SUV and continue to drive down to fish, swim or sun in many areas both ocean and sound side beaches.

Nights in Rodanthe

2008-08-25T11:36:00.001-07:00

The film version of Nicholas Sparks' hit novel "Nights in Rodanthe" starring Richard Gere and Diane Lane hits the big screen Sept. 26th. The trailers are already being seen in theaters now and we're getting lots of inquiries about rental properties as well as sales. The home two doors down from the "inn" which is actually the Serendipity cottage is on the market for $350,000 and garners over $40k annually in rents. Now is the time to invest while prices are at an all-time low and interest rates are favorable. Once people actually visit and fall in love with our delightful area, the prices will soar once again. Come for a visit, stay for a lifetime. Now is the time to secure your own little home away from home where you can build memories for you and your family or...an investment that will reward you many times over in the years to come. Take a moment to visit my website www.obxhomes4u.com and dare to dream!