POST 527 - DAY 328 / 72: KITTY HAWK, NORTH CAROLINA

Early this morning, drove SPIA North on Highway SR 12 to KITTY HAWK, OUTER BANKS, NORTH CAROLINA.

It was a clear sunny day with a few fluffy clouds drifting on the rather strong South West wind.

We first by-passed the Wright Brothers National Park, ending up at WAL-MART where we did some shopping...first visit in over a month.


We then back-tracked South on Highway 158 - runs parallel to SR 12 -, pulling into the National Park. Since I have a "lifetime" Senior Pass for ALL National Parks, we were waved through by the Park Ranger...

* * * 62 years old or older, any US Citizen can purchase for $10.00, a lifetime National Park Pass. Showing this pass upon entering ANY US National Park allows the vehicle AND ALL PASSENGERS to enter the park FREE * * *

The above photograph was taken from the Visitor Center entrance, looking South at the KILL DEVIL HILL from which the Wright Brother's flew and perfected their un-powered gliders. In 1902 the Wright Brothers made over 600 gliding flights from KILL DEVIL HILL, returning to their DAYTON, OHIO home with a fully controllable aircraft.

Inside the Visitor's Center, are replicas of the Wright Brother's Glider and "Flyer"..."Flyer" is the name given to the first powered flight aircraft flown on December 17, 1903 by the Wright Brothers.

A December 14, 1903 first "attempt" ended in a "stall" (the aircraft looses forward momentum and falls back toward Earth). Wilbur Wright, who won the coin toss to fly first, applied too much Elevator (the small wing in front) - in today's aircraft, the Elevator is in the back of the aircraft -, causing the front of the Flyer to rise too quickly resulting in a stall and crash.

Three days later, on December 17, 1903, the Flyer having been repaired, was again ready to try to fly...this time with Orville at the controls.. Taking off into a 27 mph (miles per hour) wind, Orville piloted the Flyer for 12 seconds, landing 120 feet from the end of the guide rail.

The guide rail was used because the ground was soft sand, not allowing wheels to roll. A wheeled dolly straddled a wooden "rail" lying in the sand, supporting the bottom of the aircraft as it rolled down the rail...at the end of the rail, Orville pulled back the Elevator handle...and flew.

Wilbur then took his second attempt to fly. He flew for 12 seconds, reaching 175 feet from the end of the rail.

Orville took the controls and flew for 15 seconds, reaching 200 feet from the rail.

Then, Wilbur flew again...this time for 59 seconds, reaching 852 feet, landing successfully.

A gust of wind caught the Flyer, tipping it over and damaged it beyond repair.

A piece of the original Flyer was carried by Neil Armstrong, the first man to set foot upon the Moon. That piece of Flyer is now on exhibit in the Visitor's Center.


The Hangar for the Flyer. The building to the right is the "bunk house/kitchen".

The National Park has many information stops along the cement walkway allowing visitors to experience the Wright Brother's efforts at the exact spots they actually happened.

The above photograph shows a replica of the guide rail from which the Flyer was launched.

The large stone was the "take off" point. In the distance are four more stones...each marking the spot where the Flyer landed on the four flights of December 17, 1903.

The above photograph was taken as Orville lifted the Flyer into the air for the first time...with Wilbur running alongside, holding the wings level.


Turning around at the take-off Stone, a sidewalk leads South to the KILL DEVIL HILL, on top of which stands a monolith to Orville and Wilbur Wright.

I walked to the top of KILL DEVIL HILL, taking pictures all the way.

Along the walkway stands this photograph and explanation of a glider flight from the top of KILL DEVIL HILL.

The year was 1902.

This photo looks ever so much like the SATURN V about to be launched to the Moon.

As an aside, I participated in the NASA APOLLO Moon program...subject for another day.

Atop the KILL DEVIL HILL stands this monument to Orville and Wilbur Wright.
Looking to the left - West - from the Wright Brother's KILL DEVIL HILL Monument, one sees a modern aircraft parked along side the runway of the KILL DEVIL Village Airport.

Looking to the North from the KILL DEVIL HILL Wright Brother's Monument, one sees the field from which Flyer made aviation history on December 17, 1903....the stones marking the flight path of Flyer are clearly seen at the end of the walkway.

Beyond is the village of KITTY HAWK, OUTER BANKS, NORTH CAROLINA, with the Atlantic Ocean in the distance.

I must confess...when I visit places like the Wright Brother's National Memorial Park in KITTY HAWK, I become overcome with emotion...finding it difficult to speak...difficult to comprehend that I am actually standing in such a place of history. My walk has taken me to many such places.... more waiting just up the road.

I am honored to share these moments with you.

POST 527 - DAY 328 / 72: OUTER BANKS, NORTH CAROLINA

As the Holiday Season rolls on, Mother Nature has been kind...cold clear nights, sunny days, allowing completion of the Food Pantry. Overhead lighting is installed and will be energized in a day or two.

Shelving is complete, sanded, varnished, and sanded again. Cleaning products from Disaster Relief Buckets have been stocked on shelves - a few full buckets are held in reserve on the floor awaiting shelve space.

Today is Wednesday...open house for the Food Bank. A big crowd is expected.

One donor left three huge bags of stuffed animals...to be given away free today.


Pastor Steve has negotiated for a "new" truck (above) to fetch food from surrounding supermarkets -

The Food Bank Van was destroyed - along with the homes of Pastor Steve and daughters Melinda and Mandy - by Hurricane IRENE.

Donors still drop off product daily.

Pastor Steve and Terry returned from their early morning food run at 9:00 am. At least 50 people were lined up waiting off-loading and stocking of the shelves...in the mean time, most of the stuffed animals were already sitting on seats of waiting vehicles.

Steve is completing the off-loading

Many folks placed prior orders for meats, fruits and veggies. Betty's fingers were frost-bitten packing frozen meats into boxes and bags according to the written orders...talk about "service"...


Shelves packed to near capacity were half-empty within one hour.

Since the Food Bank is not subsidized by the Government - all activity is from individuals or local businesses -, all items are available from the Food Bank - at NO COST - to any and all who have a need. Those wishing to make a $$ donation may do so.

Records are maintained of large orders for frozen meats...to preclude emptying of the two freezers by a few... everyone, therefore, has an opportunity to take home some meat. Large meat orders are available only once a month to a single individual.

Betty is busy filling frozen meat orders. Shelves of cleaning products are full, with more waiting in buckets for shelf space.

The three cardboard boxes on the table are FULL of fresh fruits and veggies...there was no time to empty, sort, and display these items because of the large number of folks on hand as the truck was unloaded.

There are advertised hours the Food Bank is open...however, if someone stops when the Food Pantry Doors are open, they are not turned away empty handed.

Pastor Steve and Betty have kept me busy from 8:30 am til dark the past few days...P. Steve says it will get much more busy as Christmas approaches. These two are an inspiration...I have yet to see Betty sit or take a break...and they are doing it out of their own resources...all for those less fortunate.

In the past days, even other shelters and pastors have dropped by to pick up boxes of items.

Incredible...just incredible !

The contractors are nearing completion of flood damage repairs to DEJA VU. One more week will see the yard of DEJA VU clean of Hurricane IRENE trash.

This weekend I plan to once again attack Hurricane IRENE Highway SR 12 litter pickup.

Mosquitoes are still out in force. Me? I'm fine...surrounded by such wonderful people, how could I not be?

POST 526 - DAY 325 / 69: OUTER BANKS, NORTH CAROLINA

Winds constant 25 - 35 with higher gusts are resulting in bitter cold from wind chill. Daytime sunny days are comfy until just before sundown...then its Hoodie time again.

SPIA is rent with open seams, loose windows and skylights. Wind finds ways inside. The entire roof/side(s) are now sealed on the outside with thick adhesive-back aluminum tape, as are all windows. Skylights are packed from the inside with thick foam. Even so, the Propane Furnace must be operated intermittently to keep the bite out of the inside air.

Must be careful to leave one skylight cracked open to avoid possible asphyxiation from possible propane leaks.

In the coming week, I plan to line the INSIDE walls with blankets to impede the cold from radiating through windows and side panels - which have NO insulation.

I did not anticipate such cold out here on the Outer Banks. I may have to hang around longer than early February if the temperature continues to drop. The Northern Plains are going to be bitter cold...am trying to dampen the extreme while passing time in the Outer Banks.

Yesterday, I took the day off...stayed inside SPIA reading and resting.

Today, Sunday, reported to the Food Bank at 8:30 am. The Food Truck arrived around 9:00 am, was unloaded with packaged meats, bread, pasta, pastries, and big boxes of loose veggies and fruit set upon the new shelving. I was left alone to sort and display each item. There are no display bins as yet, so I cut down a number of "shopping bags" into containers. It worked rather nicely...giving clients a good look and access to choose items without rummaging through the big boxes of mixed items.

I sat through the Services of Pastor Steve's Church, attended by 21 folks. P. Steve delivers a good sermon...easy to hear and understand...one without theatrics. Daughter Mandy again provided music and song.

The Food Pantry opened after Services. A number of boxes and bags full of food and household cleaning products were toted away.

The recently completed Food Pantry functioned well. Overhead fluorescent lighting is ready to be installed, together with painting of shelving. Plan to help P. Steve - and perhaps Terry - in that project tomorrow. A few siding gaps remain to be filled in the "eves". A bit of caulking is yet to be completed.

I have learned that FEMA helped with $$ for replacement of "contents" damaged by Hurricane IRENE. Structural repairs, however, appear to be the responsibility of homeowners. Some folks did not have "flood" damage insurance and must pay for repair. A number of uninsured homes have apparently been DESTROYED by IRENE.

Garbage collection happens again Tuesday morning, after which I will once again fill the four trash cans with DEJA VU Hurricane trash...one more week should finish it off. The contractors started repairing flood damage to the inside of DEJA VU. The entire lower level was flooded. Inside wall paneling, insulation, flooring and electrical must be ripped out and replaced.

I will make it my project to move a set of bunk beds and a Daveno bed to the upstairs - if I can manage to get it up the narrow stairway -, so the contractors can do their thing efficiently.

After that, I plan to return to COLUMBIA to help Karen and Craig with painting of their flood damaged home.

Somewhere in between all else, I will resume walking and blogging the Northern Outer Banks and close-by mainland villages.

I am also letting it be known that I am available to help local home-owners and businesses with any tasks they may have to recover from Hurricane IRENE damage.

It is now 6:00 pm. SPIA's furnace is cycling every 15 minutes or so...turned down to 60 degrees, and I am hungry...may whip up some pasta for din din, read for a while, and slip into the snug down comforter gifted by Karen.

POST 525 - DAY 323 / 67: OUTER BANKS, NORTH CAROLINA

Betty and daughter, Melinda, stock the new shelves of the Food Pantry.

Terry puts finishing touches on the side paneling of the Food Pantry. Pastor Steve supervises from his chair on the background stair landing.


Last night the Cold Front passed though the Outer Banks leaving a bright sunny morning. The Garbage Trucks were late this morning, which also made me late in arriving at the Food Bank. After emptying the four Trash Bins, I filled them back up again from Hurricane trash piled up in the yard of DEJA VU. One more week should clean it all up.

Today, Terry and I - under the supervision of P. Steve - put the final paneling and hung the doors to the Food Pantry, which is now ready for business. Not being current in carpenter craftsmanship - I have rebuilt three or four of my own homes in past years with no help...and with good results - Terry did all the cutting and fitting. For the most part, I played the part of the Gofer...go for this...go for that...hold this...find that. For two days, Terry has put up with me, giving me biblical lessons suiting each of my short-comings.

Tomorrow, I will finish caulking the panel seams of the Food Pantry and help put in stock...then, my immediate assignments will be complete....Oh, except for hanging the bathroom towel rack !


A number of folks...mostly friends of P. Steve and Betty, arrived mid-morning. They worked without apparent guidance - obviously they have been doing this for some time -, moving product from storage and stocking the new shelving of the Food Pantry.

I have not queried P. Steve or Betty about their past activities with the Food Bank and Church, but I have gathered the following:

P. Steve receives - takes - no salary. He finances ALL of the activities, including PURCHASING goods for the Food Bank, from his Social Security. Being somewhat hindered by a continuing affliction of Polio, P. Steve needs - and receives lots of volunteer help. He has offered me $$ for my help, which I have graciously refused...as do most volunteers I have worked along side.

The Outer Banks are not what would be called living high on the hog. The folks out on the islands work very hard, depending on Summer tourism for their income. Hurricane IRENE devastated many businesses and homes - most homes are "rentals" bringing in $$ during the tourist season.

Today, two or three families visited the Food Bank, leaving with bags and boxes of food, clothing, and cleaning essentials. In two cases I spoke with, they were returning after evacuating their homes before IRENE, only to find their homes in shambles. Pastor Steve's Food Bank is serving a critical element for Island folks to get back on their feet.

The Food Bank charges NO $$ for any items taken. A "contribution" may be left, but is not expected and is low key.

As already stated, Pastor Steve purchases most of the foods - at discount - from local supermarkets and receives "donations" of food, clothing, and essential cleaning materials from locals. From time to time, a larger donation of $$ is received.

The building materials we have been using for construction of the Food Pantry and other buildings is also purchased by P. Steve.


Betty and Melinda served a casserole of Lasagna for lunch today for the volunteers. In past days, we have enjoyed a variety of good lunches...all offered at no charge.

Having walked many thousand miles across America, visiting many Churches and having discussions with Church leaders, I am more than overwhelmed at the effort(s) and dedication of Pastor Steve, Betty, and their family to help any and all who stop at their tiny Church and Food Bank.

I watched and listened today to Pastor Steve as he personally helped one family choose items from the Food Bank. P. Steve showed each item available and queried his visitors regarding the usefulness of that item. He then carried their filled boxes and bags to their car and urged them to return for anything - at any time - they may have forgotten.

I can honestly say that I had no idea such people as Pastor Steve, Betty, and their family existed.

I am truly humbled to be a small part of their efforts.

POST 524 - DAY 322 / 66: OUTER BANKS, NORTH CAROLINA

Since returning from COLUMBIA, NORTH CAROLINA on Monday, December 05, 2011, I have been keeping my nose to the grindstone working daily for the Food Bank in SALVO, NORTH CAROLINA.

Also, been working on DEJA VU clean up. Tomorrow morning the Garbage Collectors come again. Will fill the four trash cans with more Hurricane IRMA trash...then head back to the Food Bank.

The new storage / distribution building is 90 percent complete. Tomorrow, we should finish it up. I have been assigned a few in-house tasks. In the next few days, Pastor Steve plans to begin work on the new second floor living quarters for Daughter Melinda, husband, and four children. I expect I will offer to help in that construction.

Yesterday, Karen and Craig (COLUMBIA / DEJA VU), surprised me with an impromptu visit while working at the Food Bank. Will return to COLUMBIA next week to paint the inside of their flood-water damaged home for a few days.

Needless to say, am keeping busy...and getting a different kind of exercise from walking. Returning to HAPPY CLAM each evening, I am quite tired and climb into my new feathers - Karen's gifted down comforter - by 8:00 pm.

When traveling to / from COLUMBIA next week, will take a new road which will give the opportunity to visit new towns...which will, of course, be included in our blog.

POST 523 - DAY 317 - 319 / 61 - 63: OUTER BANKS - COLUMBIA - OUTER BANKS, N.C.

Christmas Tree in Karen & Craig's home in COLUMBIA, NORTH CAROLINA.

The OUTER BANKS are about 20 miles from the mainland, separated by a number of large "Sounds". At the South End of the OUTER BANKS, one travels by Ferry Boat. At the Central and North end of the OUTER BANKS, one crosses the wide shallow Sounds on one of a half dozen bridges and causeways.

Here and there is a still used portion of Old US 64.

The Causeway / Bridge over the ROANOKE SOUND approaching ROANOKE Island on US 64.

Leaving ROANOKE ISLAND on Business US 64, a sweeping causeway crosses the ALLIGATOR RIVER...which happens to be a portion of the INTER COASTAL WATERWAY...that inland water way which extends from Texas in the South to NEW YORK HARBOR in the North.

Another view of crossing the ALLIGATOR RIVER, heading for COLUMBIA.


The Post Office at MANN"S HARBOR, on the mainland at the Western end of the above causeway.

Last Friday, December 02, 2011, was garbage pickup day. I waited for the garbage trucks to empty the four trash barrels full of IRENE trash...then I refilled all four and set them out for next Tuesday pick-up.

Drove to the Food Bank to see if there was any tasks for me...Nope ! So, I drove SPIA North on SR 12 to NAGS HEAD on the OUTER BANKS, then turned left onto US 64, following it across the various Sounds and ROANOKE Island to the home of Karen and Craig in COLUMBIA, North Carolina, where I spent 3 nights and days being spoiled rotten.


A Waterfront home behind the MANN'S HARBOR Post Office.

The canal bordering US 64. On Saturday, I took an early morning walk back East along US 64. There are many Black Bears running around the mainland and islands along US 64. My poor luck is still with me...still not a single- large - wild animal or snake have I seen on my entire walk since leaving the Canadian Border on January 12, 2011.


Main Street COLUMBIA on Friday Night.

Friday night was the Lighted Boat Parade on the SCUPPERNONG RIVER. I took many photographs...not a single image turned out...must practice night photography.

COLUMBIA MARINA ... SCUPPERNONG RIVER is behind the camera. The lighted figures decorate the River Park where Main Street begins.



Home Made Christmas decorations were on sale Saturday Afternoon just before the Christmas Parade rolled down Main Street.

Christmas Parade Day...Saturday, December 03, 2011, COLUMBIA, NORTH CAROLINA.

The Color Guard.


COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL Marching Band...Son Carson plays in this group.

I have an excellent video...I hope it will up-load.

Veterans Float.




Visiting High School Marching Band.



On Sunday, Karen drove Carson and I to the SOMERSET PLANTATION, about 13 miles South West of COLUMBIA.



Slave Quarters.

Plantation Owner's (Collins Family) Home.


Traditional seasonal decorations on the buildings.

Karen is peeking through the window.

We arrived a bit late for the "Open House", but Karen was a good guide.

Karen and Son, Carson.

Slave Overseer's Home...reconstruction.

One of three live animals we encountered...there was a second Goat and a friendly Kitty Cat.

Looking into the far distance, the North border of the Plantation is visible.

Last evening, COLUMBIA HIGH SCHOOL held a Christmas Music Program in the Auditorium. Both Noah (Trumpet) and Carson (Drums) played in the Orchestra.

In addition to the Orchestra, small ensembles of individual grades played and the High School Choir performed. The program lasted well over one hour and was very pleasant to see and hear.

I took a number of photographs...just like with the Lighted Boat Parade, not a single image turned out

In the next week or so, Karen has asked me to return to help paint the inside of their home. It was flooded during Hurricane IRENE. It is about 90 percent reconditioned, but painting and some flooring is yet to be completed.

Truth be known, I would like very much to simply hang out with these wonderful folks in COLUMBIA. Three weeks ago we were total strangers. It will be difficult to come to terms with myself when I once again walk North.

For now, I have returned to RODANTHE, OUTER BANKS, where in the morning, I will throw myself into finishing the policing of SR 12 from RODANTHE, thru WAVE, and SALVO. I will also complete cleanup of the yard and some inside-the-house cleanup of DEJA VU, and continue to help Pastor Steve's Food Bank in SALVO.

Karen has gifted me a king-size down comforter and a "tube" pillow to help keep me warm...also gives me something to Hug... in the long cooling nights on the OUTER BANKS

POST 522 - DAY 316 / 60: OUTER BANKS, NORTH CAROLINA

Today was a "tween" day.

Too cold to grub around in roadside ditches.

Trash cans of DEJA VU and HAPPY CLAM already full to the brim with IRENE's anger.

No invite to the public to pick up free food at the Food Bank.

So, SPIA received my attention.

Drove to the HATTERAS RV Park in RODANTHE, where I was "gifted" a brown-water dump. Normally, a dump is $5.00...thank you ever so much.

Drove to the Convenience Store...filled SPIA's gas tank for tomorrow's drive to COLUMBIA (Karen & Craig home)...filled SPIA's Propane Tank...good thing too, as only 1/2 pound remained in my 30 pound tank.

Then, drove uninvited to the Food Bank. No one was up and about, so, parked SPIA and started cleaning up the Food Pantry...left in a bit of a shambles after yesterday's Public Open House.

Two large boxes of like-new clothing had been donated in the past few days. Some folks rummaged through the many offerings, again leaving the display table looking like Sears & Roebuck after Black Friday.

I carefully sorted out jackets/coats, hoodies, shirts, pants, dresses, and lots of "T's". I then neatly folded each piece, stacking like garments on the beautifully finished Dining Room Table Set offered by Melinda.

Still, no sign of life from inside; so, I tried the door...it was open. Pastor Steve I found at his computer. Got a few hours with no bookings...have you something for me to do ?

Boy, do I...Good Morning Bruce...as P. Steve led me out the front door and around back where a couple days ago I helped Dave putting up a new board fence. Posts were all in place, awaiting the cross beams and side boards.

The next two hours, I completed the fence, interrupted by Betty bringing me a ham and cheese sandwich and a bottle of water. Don't let the cats get your sandwich...as Betty walked away. I sat on a downed tree trunk and started eating my sandwich. Cautiously, 5 feral cats approached to within 15 feet, sat, and watched as I took bite after bite.

Often have I mentioned that having something - anything - is of little value to me until it is shared. I carefully pinched small pieces of ham and tossed one to each kitty cat. Before my sandwich was finished, all 5 were sitting at my feet...whispering "meewwwuus" begging for another taste.

The morning's cold dissipated into a warm afternoon...my chores completed...I undertook to tape SPIA's windows, through which cold and some moisture was seeping during downpours.

Again, everyone at the Food Bank had disappeared, so I cranked up SPIA and drove back home to HAPPY CLAM, cleaned myself up, had a bite, made my bed for the night - even though it was only 4:30 pm, crawled in and snapped on Kindle...reading "Luciano's Luck"...where ...

Lucky Luciano is currently in SICILY, ITALY, assisting "Ike" and General Patton by bringing the Mafia Family into action to clear the way through the Italian and German Armies. Of course, that is all Fiction. Lucky L. has denied having any part in such antics. History tells a different story.

Lucky L. died in 1962 while walking into the Terminal at CAPODICHINO AIRPORT in NAPLES, ITALY...at the time, I was informed he was gunned down by Italian Police. History says he died of Heart Failure -

and, so it goes.

Now I walk the by-ways of America...meeting exciting new people, many of whom I count as my friends.

Looking forward to tomorrow evening...Karen makes a killer Chili.