Hurricane Irene Aftermath - Ocracoke

Oh, Ocracoke. It was spared in many ways from the worst of Irene. But the island now suffers in isolation. There are only three ways onto the island: the Swan Quarter, Cedar Island, and Hatteras Island ferries. But, Hatteras is still cut off, and awaiting a temporary bridge that will span the new inlet to its north. The bridge is scheduled to go up sometime in the next month (what are those odds?) The other two ferries are only transporting residents, owners, and essential support. No visitors allowed.

At the time of this video, the north end of Highway 12 had yet to be plowed. The harbor, usually bustling, is quiet. No planes at the airstrip. It is eerily vacant when normally fishermen would be lining the beaches. Folks would be walking and biking the village.

And still, no sign of the Rascal -- my friend Noman's boat. The one we take inshore, offshore... I think it's time for a phone call...