In 1999 I left Hatteras on a three month camping trip across the country. I visited 24 U.S. states, 7 national parks, and camped on various beaches along both coasts of our own country and in Mexico. It was one of the most wonderful, fulfilling, and educational experiences of my life. I marveled at the varied beauty our country holds. But, something drew me back to the Outer Banks. For me, Hatteras has infiltrated my very being as no other place has. There is a certain unspoiled nature not only to the land, but to the people as well. Its society in general seemed to be somewhat virginal in that until recently we had been magically shielded from the corporate and capitalistic natures that define much of American society. It has been such a gradual transformation that it is difficult to pinpoint exactly when and why it has all changed. I suspect many of the contributing factors were so small and seemingly innocent that we couldn’t even perceive the repercussions. Change is mainly intended to be progressive and beneficial, and the unfortunate truth is that even the most fruit bearing trees produce rotten fruit. The same improved highways that have increased tourism for our island have carried the cinder blocks here to construct the corporate beach retailer giants such as Wings or Deep Blue. The same agreement made with the park service 55 years ago that protected our beaches from greedy developers has resulted in the current beach closures. I absolutely love that Hatteras has always embodied small town, beach charm. Simplicity. No neon lights. No corporate chains. If I want 24 hour conveniences, I can move to the city. I feel safe here. It is a place where you don’t have to lock your doors. We are a humble community that thrives off of hard work and simple living. It is an unrivaled feeling of satisfaction and serenity to relax in the warmth of a beach fire as you listen to the soothing, rhythmic sounds of the Atlantic lapping at the shore and gaze up at the expanse of stars that has been dimmed in most parts of the country by city lights. I read on the Island Free Press today that beach fires are now prohibited from 11pm- 6am. Last year fireworks were banned for all of Hatteras Island. This means a child cannot have a lit sparkler on the beach for Fourth of July. I understand enacting rules to protect people, but it is difficult to enjoy life’s simple pleasures when there are so many rules delineating how and when we are allowed to do anything and everything. For me, it just takes all the enjoyment out of it. It seems the leash law applicable to pets also applies to humans. We just don’t see our leashes.
On the Beach in Hatteras 1982
