What Does One Do When One Can Not Fish

 So the wind just does not want to let up out here on Ocracoke.  Keith and I even entered a small, 3 day fishing tournament for this past weekend.  Unfortunately, the first day of the tournament was cancelled due to the weather.  The final two days were also predicted to be pretty nautical.  Keith advised that we not fish, and I always believe the Captain.  All the other boats went out, and half were back by lunch.  The rest (some of the larger boats) stayed out all day but said they got a beating.  On the last day most of the boats did not fish as they did not want to go back out in what they experienced the day before.  What a bummer.  I've got to think the weather will improve soon.  

In the mean time,  I have had plenty of time to be walking the beach.  By beach I mean the beach here on Ocracoke, not Portsmouth.  It has even been too windy to get to Portsmouth.  That is OK.  Sanibel has ruined me when it comes to shelling.  I have been using my beach walks as much for exercise as for shelling.  Even so I have picked up several Scotch Bonnets.  Just yesterday I found 3 here in Ocracoke.

Heading out to the Beach in the Morning

Sunrise at the Beach

Yes there are Scotch Bonnets here on Ocracoke

In addition to the beach I have also been doing many new crafts.  I continue to quilt, but I also started making wire jewelry and paper beads for some fun.  I've had a really good time playing around with this.  It gives me something to occupy my time.

Some of my large paper beads drying on chopsticks after being glazed

Smaller beads I dry on toothpicks 

These are a few of the bobbles I made the other day

In addition to crafts and everyday errands, Keith has really been working on Dr. Mike's boat "Lab Cab".  We are very excited to use it for fishing once the weather cooperates.  We have also been socializing with our friends Russ and Michell Reynolds.  A group of us had dinner together at the Flying Melon just the other night.

Russ, Dr. Mike, and Keith showing off their cucumber gimlets at dinner

The weather forecast for this week is actually predicting a day or two with light wind (heart be still).  If this holds true, Keith and I are hoping to head to the Gulf Stream and see what we can "hook on to".    At a minimum maybe we can stay just off the beach and look for some cobia or Spanish mackerel.  Fingers crossed.