Blog

   For the third time, in mid October, I was fortunate to attend a week long artist’s retreat on Ocracoke. Ocracoke is an island on the outer banks off the coast of North Carolina. It is unspoiled in it’s beauty with marshes, inlets, sand dunes, the ocean and maritime forests. Ocracoke sits at sea level and last year in September they suffered terrible destruction when a wave of 12 feet of water swept across the island.  Homes were flooded, cars destroyed and businesses suffered terrible loss. The strength, resiliency and lots of hard work was evident when we arrived over a year later.  Getting there is no small feat with limited ferries due to COVID and dredging of the inlet, it was a lesson in planning, patience and flexibility. After a three hour drive, we boarded a ferry that would arrive 2 1/2 hrs. later at our destination.
   We arrived late on a Sunday to find the perfect house that we had rented sight unseen. It was in the perfect location with views and access to Silver Lake. The famous Ocracoke lighthouse was a short walk away and we even had a food truck parked nearby. We explored, painted, shopped, dined and enjoyed sunrises and sunsets. We renewed acquaintances with local residents and met many new folks that live and vacation on this special island. 
   Many came out to our art show and sale and because of their generous purchases, we were able to give a sizable donation to the Ocracoke Health Clinic. 7 artists from various NC locales participated. 
   While exploring the island we encountered a flock of ibis. I first saw this breed of bird in Florida and was drawn to their unique beauty. They are pretty white birds with bright, coral colored legs and a long curved, coral beak. I’ve noticed a few the past few years in NC but this was the largest flock I've encountered. About 20 would move from one grassy location to another. They are shy and quiet and will slowly move away if you approach. On our day of departure, the flock was hanging out near the ferry terminal. I slowly approached and sat down to observe these unusual creatures. I found them fascinating and was delighted that I captured a few as they took flight.

   The beauty of Ocracoke is evident in the magical sunrises and warm sunsets and in the mystical coastal ibis. God willing, we will return next October to try to capture the beauty of Ocracoke again!