Linda Powers on the Outer Banks

Outer Banks Weather and Irene

Here it is -- Wednesday afternoon on sunny Outer Banks. From my office I look across the Currituck Sound and watch various kinds of water sports taking place under the gorgeous blue sky with puffs of clouds drifting by.

Hurricane? What hurricane? Whether I choose to believe or not, Irene is coming. Uninvited. Unwelcome.

I used to think the name "Irene" was beautiful then someone had to name a hurricane Irene. The same with all the other major hurricanes. Isabel. Katrina. Well, the list is just too long. Why can't they choose ugly names?

So ... you ask, what are we doing to get ready for bad weather at this point? We're waiting. We're watching. As the storm tracks venture further east, we are hoping that trend continues.

At this point our concerns are for our Outer Banks tourists. We just want our visitors to be safe. While a hurricane can be exciting it can easily be dangerous.

If you have not lived in a coastal area and have not"hunkered down" during howling wind and sideways rain, you may want the experience, but think twice. It isn't glamorous, and seems to last f-o-r-e-v-e-r. I can say after my first "hunker down" experience that I now have great respect for mother nature. Let's say it's just smart to know you are going to be safe.

Even when this storm tracks away from land it's affects will surely be felt for miles away. We can still loose power which, in itself, doesn't sound like much, but for tourists it means, no ATM's, no restaurants, and a possible shortage of supplies.

So to everyone it Irene's projected path. Pay attention. Collect the things you need to be prepared. Stay safe. Pray that she goes out to sea. Goodnight, Irene.

Duck NC Town Hall Groundbreaking

Duck NC Town Hall Groundbreaking took place yesterday at 3pm. With the town officials working in crowded conditions at their current site in the Soundfront Shops location, this event has been anxiously awaited.

Our owners and visitors will see the construction on the Duck NC Town Hall take place in the coming months and seasons with an expected completion date next fall. For all who love the character and charm of Duck, don't worry.

The 2 new structures are to resemble old fashioned livesaving stations. The official street address for Duck Town Hall will be 1200 Duck Road, but you will easily find the new location at the town park.

If you have not visited the Duck NC town park yet, you are missing out on a treat. In addition to an amphitheater and boardwalk with pier, there is a great playground spread over 11 acres. All of this is nestled among the trees on the west side of Duck Road to the sound.

Come visit Duck. It offers the best in resort living and vacationing. Enjoy the tranquility of the Outer Banks live style. Walk through the village to shops and restaurants filled with treats and all things beautiful.

Corolla Lighthouse Celebrates Birthday

One hundred and thirty five years ago on December 1, the Corolla Lighthouse lamp lit the night sky for the first time.

It still shines. The Corolla Lighthouse still protects mariners and welcomes all to the northern Outer Banks.

If you've ever visited the Corolla Lighthouse and climbed the 214 steps to the top you know the exhilaration and beauty that waits for you. The view will take your breath away ... once you catch it from the climb up.

If you have visited the Outer Banks and have not visited the Corolla Lighthouse, you should. The distinctive red brick sets it apart from all others.

There are other attractions nearby that will also vie for your attention. Check out the Whalehead Club that once was a grand hunting lodge. Then there is also the fabulous nature center nearby that shows our visitors the best of Outer Banks natural beauty.

The Corolla Lighthouse has seen much change over these 135 years. Keeping the light is such an interesting story. Think of the oil that had to be taken to the top - every few hours - to keep the flame. Think of the cold winters, the isolation. And yet there is so much mystery and romance woven in each story of any lighthouse.

Are you a lover of lighthouses? We have 3 to show off here on the Outer Banks. The Corolla Lighthouseis the most northern. Just south of Nags Head you can see the Bodie Island Light with black and white bands, and just go south on Hatteras Island to see the most famous spiral stripped lighthouse ... Hatteras.

Come to the Outer Banks anytime. We have such beauty to share.

The Election - one week later

What's the difference between a politian and a statesman? A politian runs for office to serve his/her own best interests while a statesman serves the will of the people.

Who does the President represent? I know what the answer should be. Now . . . before I continue, let me just say this is not so much about our current President but applies to any President who is voted into office by both parties. Instead of taking time by supporting his/her party's candidates during weeks before any election, the needs of all the people need to be tended to.

But wait! What about other elected officials? This same line of thought should then apply to any elected "public servant". After a candidate is elected into office by Independants, Republicans, and Democrats, he/she then should serve the will of the voting public who placed enough confidence in that person to trust them as a representative.

Who do the elected officials heed? I can't answer this one! After the election a week ago it was the same old thing. The Democrats said ... The Republicans said ... And the Independants shook their heads ... It's not about party, it's about people - Americans.

Listen up politicians! This election was not about one party or another. It was about families loosing their jobs ... and their homes. While you cry about the other party, you still have jobs waiting even when you are voted out. You have homes. You have backing. If you truly want to serve the people. listen to them. Go visit them. Sit down in their living room. Stay a while. Talk to them about the inability to meet the bare essentials every month. Or see what they give up to keep the kids in shoes, or food on the table.

Where are the statesmen? Are there any left?

Outer Banks Parade of Homes

Every year the Outer Banks Parade of Homes just gets better. I don't know how the builders association continues to improve on this event year after year.

Mark your calendars for October 7-10 and plan on having a great time. Be sure to dress casually and in comfortable shoes.

Mike and I are pleased to be part of the host team at the ocean front home at 875 Lighthouse Drive at Whalehead in Corolla. If you are planning on coming to the Outer Banks Parade of Homes please come to see this gorgeous classic home with 10 bedrooms built by Saga Construction.

Come enjoy the fine construction details and exquisite detail in decorating. Mike and I will be there all day Saturday and look forward to answering questions about this home.

Enjoy these photos. They do not do justice to this home. It is a must see. There is such attention to detail and decorating. You will think it's the best home on the 2010 Outer Banks Parade of Homes. In fact, you may want to discuss finding another lot and having this plan built for you. Let's talk.

We will also have some information for you if you are considering buying or selling another Outer Banks property. Be sure to ask for us. Look for our Resort Realty name tags. We look forward to seeing you there!