Summers on Ocracoke
In 1968 as a new college graduate, I spent the
summer working on Ocracoke Island just across the
sound from my hometown of Washington, NC. Life
there was plain and simple in those days. I
worked as a waitress at an ordinary diner there
in the village by Silver Lake. I was able to get
to know many of the local residents who came in
regularly for coffee and many of the tourists who
came there seemed to accept the surroundings for
what they were -- the beauty of the seashore and
sound and the charm of the village and its "high
tiders." Only a few weeks ago I was able to visit
the island again during a week-long vacation on
the Outer Banks. Needless to say, I was
disappointed, and almost saddened, by the number
of commercial establishments and the frenzied
pace of tourists eager to check out the next shop
or attraction. I want to thank Karen Brown for
her commentary on this current state of the
island. It expressed my sentiments so well.
--Miriam
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