A Weekend on the Outer Banks

I had planned to visit my sister Linda in the Tennessee mountains to catch up and enjoy some leaf peeking. Fortunately, we changed plans to spend a few days on the North Carolina coast as Hurricane Helene devastated the region, including their property near Mountain City (Linda estimated they lost over 200 trees, possibly due to a tornado). So, the beach trip became a respite from recovery efforts.

We rented a house in Beaufort and spent a day exploring Shackleford Banks, part of the Cape Lookout National Seashore. The island's history dates to the early 18th century when John Shackleford, a Virginia planter, acquired it in 1713. By the 18th and 19th centuries, it hosted Diamond City, a settlement that thrived on mullet fishing. In 1933, a powerful hurricane created Barden Inlet, separating Shackleford Banks from Core Banks. Today, it’s known for its wild horses, descendants of Spanish mustangs brought to the Americas centuries ago.

On the second day, we chased bluefish and false albacore (albies). Despite windy conditions with gusts up to 25 knots, we all caught more fish than expected. Even my brother-in-law Dan had success, perhaps for the first time!

Our final day was spent exploring Fort Macon, which has guarded against naval attacks since the early 18th century. I remember visiting during my adolescence; either my memory is poor or the site's rehabilitation and interpretive facilities have been significantly improved—probably both. It's fascinating to compare the hardships endured by the troops manning the fort to the discomforts we tolerate today.

Overall, it was a great trip to connect with family, and there were even a few fish involved—a twofer!