Day 4 - Wednesday May 23rd 2018 - Buxton (Hatteras Island) to Ocracoke 33.9 miles (21.9 is on a Ferry - 12 on bike)

Edward Teach - "Blackbeard" of Ocracoke

David Moseley- "Greybeard " of Ocracoke 

Ahoy Matey! So, Ye want t' talk like a pirate aye... Today we'll be chasin Booty - arr!! na that kind of booty you scurvy dog - Shiver me timbers! we be lookin for buried Doubloons.




Today's ride from Buxton (Hatteras Island) to Ocracoke starts with a 22 mile ride on the Hatteras to Ocracoke Ferry. Once we are off the ferry, we'll be on the northern end of the island. It is one of the most remote islands in the Outer Banks, as it can only be reached by one of three public ferries (two of which are toll ferries), private boat, or private plane. Ocracoke was first described in detail by Giovanni da Verrazzano, an Italian navigator, in 1524. Verrazzano was unable to navigate the tortuous channels leading into Pamlico Sound and assumed that China lay beyond the Outer Banks. Well, I guess he failed World Geography. During his brief career of piracy in the Carolinas, one of Blackbeard’s favorite anchorages was on the south end of Ocracoke Island, in a channel that is now called “Teach’s Hole”. The point of land near Teach’s Hole is today known as the Springer’s Point Nature Preserve. In October of 1718, Blackbeard is said to have hosted the largest ever pirate gathering right here on this point of Ocracoke. Imagine Blackbeard and fellow captains Israel Hands, Charles Vane, Robert Deal, Jack Rackham and their pirate crews partying beneath the live oaks, swilling rum, butchering hogs, barbecuing on the beach and chasing booty (Doubloons that is). They still celebrate this big Pirate Party every year at the Annual Blackbeard’s Pirate Jamboree. This year ( October 25 – 28) they will celebrate the 300th anniversary.  We will have a short 12 mile ride to the southern end of the island - near that historic party site - where we will stay in the Village of Ocracoke at The Anchorage Inn and Marina.

David and Vicki relaxing in Ocracoke - Notice chain grease marks on Vicki's leg - a sign of a true "novice" touring cyclist. This picture was taken at the end of a long 85 mile ride from Nags Head to Ocracoke. I think I see a little grease on David's leg as well.
(click to enlarge)