From the Pacific to the Pirate Coast.

“Now and then we had a hope that if we lived and were good, God would permit us to be pirates.”

― Mark Twain, Life on the Mississippi

Ash and I had just returned from Costa Rica with a renewed sense of adventure that we wanted to keep stoked. So keeping in step with the idea of "just going" Ash secured a last minute reservation on the Portsmouth Island Ferry, and we were off once again. 

For me, this trip was born from the idea that I could potentially surf both oceans in the same year. 

For me "surfing" is a relative term, it is certainly the hardest thing I have tired to do, and while I have been "surfing" for years I pretty much suck.

So the concept of surfing for me has always been about surrounding myself in the elements more so than the act of surfing itself. I feel that I have a personal relationship with the sea because of those experiences (both good & bad)  

  

Another aspect of the trip was that it was our second beach camping excursion with our son, who was now 18 months old. 

On that note,don't let anyone every try and convince you that this idea is impossible. In a time where kids are inundated with electronic gadgets we as parents are the driving force in building their foundation and love for the outdoors. Kids respond to nature, they embrace it, so feed off of their wonder. It will make you a better person and parent.  

This trip came with a special kind of souvenir, in the first hour of setting up camp I managed to slice my wrist open cutting off a zip tie. Being tired, and not paying attention has its consequences. If you plan on going remote, be it beach camping, backpacking or mountain biking, carry a first aid kit. This would have been a "trip-killer" without it.  

"There will be blood" 

"recovering" from the injury 

   

Consistently amazed by this woman

Coast to coast in 3 weeks.

Loving life, a new generation of pirates

After countless trips to the island, we remain awe struck by its effect. Turning the adventure into a family experience only adds to the story. This place, with all of it's bugs, sudden storms, and endless sunrises & sunsets has captivated us for going on 6 years. 

Stars, Christmas lights & craft beer

Sunset at the camp

follow their sense of wonder

Trust me when I say that I wasn't completely convinced on the idea of children,and the trade off has been having them at a much later age. But know this, I wouldn't trade it for the world, and what we give them is what they get. 

Realize and embrace the profound affect  of wonder in both you and your kids, it doesn't go away, we just turn our backs on it over time, my son has reinvigorated me, and restored my sense of wonder and adventure.

So here is to living the "Peter Pan" lifestyle, whenever it may be.   

These things that matter most...

Under The Black Flag; Part I

Ash and I just got back from our fourth trip to Portsmouth Island NC, and I think it makes sense to first provide a bit of information about the island.

For the uninitiated Portsmouth is an uninhabited island south of Ocracoke in the Cape Lookout National Seashore.

The National Parks Service manages the Island.

“Morris Marina” a private family owned ferry business out of Atlantic NC transports visitors to the island and deposits them at the village of rustic cabin rentals run by the NPS near mile marker 16.

The "Donza Lee" on her way

The village has a public bath house, fish cleaning station with potable water, and the park service sells ice and unleaded gasoline at $5 plus a gallon should you need to fill up.

That is the sum total of services on the Island. (Morris Marina will ferry just about any requested item over to you by simply calling their office.)

There are a few interesting dynamics of note on Portsmouth.

You have the fishermen, who travel up & down the beach in incredible fishing rigs searching for red drum.

Once they figure out that you’re not a poacher or a jerk they have invaluable advice about fishing gear, tackle, bait, and hot spots on the island.

Very much like the family who runs Morris Marina, these folks are the soul of Portsmouth Island. (Realize that there is so much more history to this that can’t be covered here)

Then you have the National Park Service employees.

Biologist, Bio-techs, Rangers…folks like that. (Understand the difference between a government agency and the people who work for it)

The Biologist and techs are there to research coastal birds and sea turtles that do their thing on the island.

An osprey eyes the ferry as we pass

Because nature has to do its thing the NPS will either restrict or close certain sections of beach to foot and vehicle traffic to protect the wildlife.

The Rangers enforce all of the laws on the island like checking fishing permits, and catch regulations, as well as monitoring that no one violates beach closer areas.

Go through a restricted area and expect to get a $150.00 fine.

I have yet to have a single issue with anyone from the NPS, and for our part they have been friendly, informative, and professional.

There are however rumors both past and present of over zealous Rangers, and I can say that at least 2 groups of people who accompanied us on our ferry ride back went home with lighter wallets due to various infractions on the island.

 

Part II follows...