Banker Ponies, Outer Banks, Lighthouses, and Fish of the Day.

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Ocracoke
Not What You Might Expect: Part 2 
By
LF Gillis

After snapping a few pictures of the Banker ponies,(see Part 1)  my family and I decided to see what else was on Ocracoke. We only had about four hours until our ferry came back, which turns out is not that long when you’re sightseeing.

   The Outer Banks are known for their lighthouses. Not wanting to get caught disobeying the 15-minute parking limit, we hurried down the boardwalk, with my daughter and husband anticipating snapping a picture from the top. No such luck. Tourists are not allowed access to the inside. But it was pretty scenery.

I'd love this in a beach house or mobile home.

Life is a Beach Cushion: Ryn Shell art.

The one thing that stood out most to me, was the amount of foot and bicycle traffic on the island. Most people don’t even bother to look before crossing the street. It must be nice living without noise pollution. Even the air smells better. That lifestyle seems easy to embrace, until you think about the difficulties that go with shopping or moving furniture without a car. Perhaps someday… According to Ocracoke’s website, there is one gas in the village, but we didn’t see it. Golf cart rentals seem to be a pretty lucrative business, probably because of all us out of shape tourists.

   We moved on, carefully obeying the 15 mile-per-hour speed limit. They villagers are proud of their pirate heritage. In the late 17th century, North Carolina was a haven for piracy and runaways and even protected them. Symbols and names alluding to that part of history are plastered on businesses throughout the village. I find this ironic, considering these pirates would attack merchant ships and loot businesses, only to sell the goods at cheaper prices.

   With only hours left before our day was over, we decided to check out one of the local restaurants. My camera batteries had died, so we were forced to stop at a store to buy more. What luck, someone blocked us in. Nothing to do but eat at the restaurant next door.

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It turned out to be very fortunate, indeed. Jason’s served some of the best food we had eaten that entire trip. We loved the beach décor; with wooden slats shingling the bar, foreign money taped to a wall near the cash register, and distressed wooden furniture. The humor of the menu items reflected the fun atmosphere of the place. Who can resist a wrap named “The Hippie” or a sandwich called “Uncle Bunkle?” But don’t let the cutesy names fool you. These guys are serious about their seafood. According to the menu, the fish of the day is whatever is caught that morning. You can get it anyway you want it; grilled, fried, or blackened. I particularly loved the fact that the owner, Jason, was manning the grill. I wouldn’t have noticed, except for the fact that every time he gave an order, it was carried out immediately. Somehow, he managed to stay on top of the kitchen and the dining area. The place was as busy as I’ve ever seen a restaurant, but no one went unseated for more than ten or fifteen minutes. Extra chairs are stacked in a corner of the front porch, which also serves as an overflow dining area. The place maintains an A-100 rating, which is no small feat, considering how busy it is.

​Here are the photo stages of the painting being created. 

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With full bellies and a limited amount of time, we headed back to the ferry landing. Thirty-minutes to spare, allowed us time to do a little more sightseeing. Curiosity sent me behind a government building, where I spotted a duck sitting on a nest. She seemed a little upset about my arrival, so I snapped a few pictures then left.

On the ride back, we were joined by some locals who came across with bicycles as their only mode of transportation. I regret not talking to them, but it was getting late and my mind could barely form coherent thoughts. So, I sank into my thoughts, daydreaming of living in a quiet place where there was no traffic, or sounds other than what nature provides.
   The horn sounded, I awoke from my dreams, and then we were on our way home again. Next time we’ll come prepared to stay a few days. I really want to take my time exploring that island. I understand that there’s a fort and a ship graveyard around there somewhere.

Life is a Beach T, art print by Ryn Shell.

Do take a look at this author's interesting books, if you love a plot that isn't created to a predictable formula, see below, if you love a plot that isn't created to a predictable formula. As a fine artist, you know how I value originality, so I'm pleased to do what I can to assist such talent.
   ~   Ryn Shell author and artist.

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About the author, LF Gillis

​LF Gillis is a writer and novelist who is deeply connected to the great outdoors and nature. You will experience small-town southern states of American life through this author's beautiful writing. The most amazing thing is the way the characters in a Gillis novel interact, and the author's gift for showing the full depth of their feelings. The stories below are gripping and inspirational reads that I would highly recommend. ​

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LF Gillis's latest novel, Inherited Behaviour is a must read.
LF Gillis is a great writer.

Sylvia-Ann doesn't care that Hank Washington is the darling of the county. She wants to be his exclusive darling. Inherited behaviour isn't easily shaken aside, and Sylvia-Ann's chief opponent isn't the girls who throw themselves at the handsome baseball star, it is the Felix family's legacy. She must claw her way forward to grasp the basic primal needs that others take for granted.

Inherited behaviour threatens to implode her dreams of a secure home and a happy family life with the man she adores.
 
As far as everyone is concerned, Hank Washington leads the perfect life. With Sylvia-Ann he can escape everyone's expectations and be himself.  What's the point in being adored by many if he can't have the one person he cares about most? Her inherited behaviour and a community ganging together to force him to live his father's dream might cause Hank to play the worst game and make his worst decision.
 
She can't change her past, but can Sylvia-Ann alter her future? Or is the Felix family legacy ​unshakable.
​

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