Washington the Magazine

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Outdoor living

Nature provides sport, recreation and wonder

JUNE/JULY 2014 Washington, North Carolina

7

Recipes for mighty fine eatin’

Discover the Beauty

of Eastern North Carolina

Discover the Beauty

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IN THIS ISSUE

FEATURES & DEPARTMENTS 20

30

26 40

14

18

44 SHOPPING 14

Summer Breeze: Stay fresh this summer with these hot items

LET'S Eat

RIVER LIFE 30 Fishing on

the Pamlico: A well-kept secret of variety and remoteness

AT Home

PAST & PRESENT

20

40

Inside Out: Inviting the outdoors in

Scourge of the Sea: Eastern N.C. once home to history's largest shark

OUTSIDE LIFE

SCIENCE

26

44

River Views: A platform for recreational bliss

52

IN EVERY ISSUE

FOR YOUR HEALTH 60

Nature Course: State park offers fitness with a view

Pirates on the Pamlico: ECU scientists predicting the future of our waters

ON THE COVER Kayakers take to the river for the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation’s Kayakalon.

See Nature Course, on page 60.

Publisher’s Note The Scene Advertiser Index Dining Guide Cast a Line Calendar Why I Love Washington

ON T G N I ASH

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Mighty Fine Eatin’: Fresh from the field, or the Pamlico

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NOTE FROM ASHLEY

Living outdoors

R

ecreational fishing is a multi-billiondollar industry. Millions of anglers can speak to the allure of fishing, the therapeutic calm of spending time on the water, the excitement of having a fish on the end of your line, the mystery of what lies beneath the surface.

The estuarine environment of the Pamlico River offers the complete experience, with exceptional variety and unique challenges. And it’s regarded by some as the region’s best-kept secret.

There’s probably more than a handful of local fisherman who would like to keep it that way.

Anglers are notorious for guarding their honey hole with the tenacity of a hungry bear.

Capt. Richard Andrews and other professional guide services don’t mind touting the world-class fishing opportunities in and around Eastern North Carolina’s Inner Banks.

Andrews, whose Tar-Pam Guide Service is based in Beaufort County, provided Washington the Magazine with a top-notch fishing experience to help us capture images and information special to this issue.

With Andrews’ expertise, we found the fish to be biting despite challenging conditions. The action is high in our feature, Fishing On the Pamlico, starting on page 30.

Fishing is just one of many opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts in the Pamlico region. A unique annual race organized by the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation showcases three other popular activities at Goose Creek State Park — running, biking and kayaking. Hit the trails on page 60.

Paddlers can also take the river in at a slower pace, thanks to recent efforts to create more opportunities for paddling and camping along the Tar-Pamlico River. Explore the recreational platforms on page 27.

Kayakers wouldn’t dare take to the waters if they were still patrolled by the monsters of a million years ago. The giant megalodon makes the great white shark look like a minnow. And they used to swim nearby. Sink your teeth into history on page 41.

Nature’s beauty was too nice not to invite inside for one Washington family. Open spaces and incredible views define the Ainsworth home.

Let the outside in on page 20.

I hope you enjoy your summer and this issue of Washington the Magazine. Take every opportunity to get out and explore our great outdoors.

Ashley Vansant Publisher

would love to hear what you think about Washington the Magazine. Email us at news@ Write We thewashingtondailynews.com or write to P.O. Box 1788, Washington, NC 27889. Letters chosen for publication to us may be edited for length and clarity. All submissions become the property of Washington the Magazine.

6 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

WASHINGTON T

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Publisher Ashley Vansant

Editorial Tony Black David Cucchiara Jonathan Rowe Vail Stewart Rumley Contributors Kevin Scott Cutler Jane Olsen Will Preslar Advertising Director Kathryn Powell Marketing & Sales Ed Drew Cecilia Prokos Distribution Sylvester Rogers Art Direction Ryan Webb Contact information Washington the Magazine P.O. Box 1788 Washington, NC 27889 Advertising inquiries 252-946-2144 Ext. 221 Subscriptions & change of address 252-946-2144 Washington the Magazine is published six times a year by Washington Newsmedia, LLC. Copyright 2014, Washington Newsmedia, LLC

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THE SCENE

OUT AND ABOUT

Bath Fest 2014 Hundreds of area residents and visitors descended on North Carolina's first town to celebrate the ninth annual Bath Fest.

The event, hosted by the Town of Bath and Historic Bath State Historic Site, featured live music, arts and crafts, a croquet tournament, children's activities and a chance to do a little local genealogy research. Folks even had the opportunity to meet old Blackbeard himself!

Amber Midyette and Elizabeth Midyette with "Roxy"

Ben "Blackbeard" Cherry, Melissa Clinkscales and Dee Gee Cherry

Chandler Windley, Carol Windley and Marley Windley

Bill Lenhardt, Marianne McQueen and Jane Lenhardt

Ashlee Rasmussen, Kenan Woolard and Sierra Johnson

Danny Sleeper, Carolyn Sleeper and Valda Belyeu

Jada Woolard and Abbey Tetterton

Judy Jennette and Kay Sharpe

JUNE/JULY 2014 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 9

OUT AND ABOUT

Music in the Streets

THE SCENE

Area residents made their way to downtown Washington for the first Music in the Streets of the season on May 16. The event featured live performances from local acts. Music in the Streets is held on the third Friday of the month throughout the summer.

Christian, Ron and Katie Ann Toppin

Ted Hill, Richard Potter, Mary Jo Latham and Debra Linton

Virginia and Mitchell Keech, Darlene Edwards

Sonny Swanner, Jay and Sharon Tripp, Tracy Warren

Joe Carawan, Donna Paramore, Rod and Kim Gurganus, Ashley and Wendy Woolard

10 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

Harold and Linda Moore, Debbie and Kevin Clancy

Buck Boyd, Gail Johnson, Olivia and Lewis Cuthrell

THE SCENE

OUT AND ABOUT

Les and Elaine Sheridan, Max and Sandy Coffee, Ed and Carol Harris

Malcolm and Shanquetta Branch

Bill Sykes, Trent Tetterton, Cathy McLean, Robert and Peggy Jones, Sharon McClaskey

Steve and Susan Spaanbroek, Gary and Teresa Stainback

Don and Donna Dunlap, Kathy and Alan Schaffter

Barry and Marge Barwatt, Pat and Dave Wheelock

JUNE/JULY 2014 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 11

THE SCENE

OUT AND ABOUT

Eastern Antique Power Association Farm Show Folks of all ages attended the 18th annual EAPA antique tractor and farm show in Chocowinity. Along with exhibits of tractors, automobiles and farm machinery, the event featured live gospel and bluegrass music, arts and crafts, an auction, good food and fellowship. EAPA members also host a fall show specifically for area special needs children and adults and their families.

Larry Edwards, Tony Hill and Bobby Wade

Alex, Lisa and Emma Silva

Harry Nesbit and Thomas Walker

Chris and Walker Hill

12 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

Danny Harris and Alton Harris

Jonathan Moore and Allen Moore

Chase and Trey Mayo

OUT AND ABOUT

Chocowinity Primary School "Pirates All Are We"

THE SCENE

Chocowinity Primary School students don their fanciest costumes as they rehearse "Pirates All Are We" in preparation for this year's "Steppin' Out" show. The annual spring event was hosted by the Beaufort County Schools Education Foundation and featured students from throughout the area.

Vernon Collins and Quamari Blount

Campbell Barnes and Will Rose

Jalyn Oden and Hailey Popperwill

Patrick Tyler

ADVERTISER INDEX 692 Olive, 59

Eye Care Center, 65

Potash-Aurora, 47

Allstate Insurance, 8

Feyer Ford, 2

Precision Eye Care, 8

Andrea Heekins, 58

Gail Kenefick, 58

Scott Campbell, Century-21, 57

Apollo’s Steakhouse, 49

Gerri McKinley, 58

Select Bank, 19

Backwater Jacks Tiki Bar & Grill, 48

GoldenWay Home Care, 58

South Market Antiques & Little Shoppes, 19

Beaufort County Community College, 67

Gregory Poole, 65

State Farm, 5

Bell Trucking Co., 18

Happy Girls, 59

Stewart’s Jewelry Store, 7

Brenda Evans, Century-21, 64

Jack’s Tavern at Fiddler’s Green, 48

Tayloe’s Hospital Pharmacy, 5

Capelli Salon, 19

Lone Leaf Gallery, 50

The Bank Bistro & Bar, 49

Cottage Junkies, 8

New Trends In Travel, 50

The Rich Company, 3

Eastern Dermatology & Pathology, 5

On The Waterfront, 50

Vidant Health, back cover

Edward Jones, 18

Patio & Hearth Shop, 59

Washington Yacht & Country Club, 48

Electronic Solutions, 59

Pair Electronics, 59

Executive Personnel, 18

Phillips-Wright Furniture, 19

JUNE/JULY 2014 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 13

WHAT’S IN STORE

Summer breeze Written by TONY BLACK PHOTOS by WILL PRESLAR

Summer art work We’re not in Florida anymore, but this handcrafted pink flamingo made from recycled material is going to look great in any yard. The neck is made from a heavy grade chain, and the body is made from a spring. The head is made from a plow, while the legs are a bolt slightly bent. Find the flamingo and other recycled art at the Turnage Theater in downtown Washington. $75

Row, Row, Row Your Boat Rowing down the Pamlico-Tar River on a kayak should be much easier with the Aqua-Bound Manta Ray Carbon paddle. The paddle is made from carbon-reinforced abX resin. It is for highangle paddlers, big boats and is ultra light.

It is a flutter-free blade and carries a two-year warranty. The paddle can be found at Inner Banks Outfitters in Washington. $179.99 14 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

Beach bums Every trip to beach needs a towel and the Salt Life large and comfortable highly absorbent velour front, looped terry cloth back and soft hand could be the perfect towel. It is 100-percent cotton and is 33 inches by 64 inches. Find the Salt Life beach towel at the Nauti Life in downtown Washington. $30.95

Reading the summer away Need some quiet time on the beach? Grab a classic used novel from Little Shoppes Charity Bookstore. There are a variety of books available in hard and paperback. All proceeds from books go directly to charities in Beaufort County.

Find the books at Little Shoppes, downtown Washington. $1 (hardback) $0.50 (paperback)

Fishing from the dock With the Pamlico-Tar River at our doorsteps, fishing easy and accessible.

The Penn Battle BTL 3000 reel has a full metal body and sideplates keeps precise gear alignment under heavy loads.

Superline spool has no backing needed because the rubber gasket keeps the Superline from slipping. Find the Penn Battle BTL 3000 at Eastside Bait and Tackle in Washington. $99.99

JUNE/JULY 2014 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 15

WHAT’S IN STORE

Keep the sun off With the 100-percent natural fiber “Top it off” hat the sun will stay out of your eyes, while you’re on the boat or beach. It would go great with a dress or shirt on a sun-soaked day. The hat is navy blue and pink.

Find it at Russell’s in downtown Washington. $34

Looking sharp Looking sharp for the day or evening the 14k-gold crab necklace has .19 carat diamond weight. The sand dollar pendent is 14k rose gold, along with .30 carats in diamonds. The jewelry is made by the award-winning Denny Wong. Find his work at Stewart's Jewelry Store in downtown Washington.

Necklace, $1,600. Pendent, $775.

16 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

Dress cool Whether you are going out for an evening or just need coverup after a swim, these three warm weather items will keep you cool on a hot day. The navy and pink dress is by Southern Frock. The navy and pink top with anchors has 3/4 sleeves is a Charleston tunic and made by escapada.

The blue and white starfish escapada top is a 3/4 sleeve Milan top. They can be found at Russell’s in downtown Washington.

The blue and white top is $64, navy and pink anchors is $74 and the dress is $106

Keep the catch The YETI Tundra 45 Cooler can hold up to 26 cans of your favorite beverage or keep todays catch cool on a hot day. It is made from roto-molded polyethylene and is UV resistant. It features marine-grade nylon rope handles with textured grips. The cooler can be found at West Marine in Washington. $349.99

JUNE/JULY 2014 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 17

Join us for a celebr ation of

The many merchants & Restaurants in the

Music in Washington!

Wa s h i n g t o n H a r b o r D i s t r i c t Invite you to experience a refreshing alternative

Every Third Friday

Shop, Dine and Play in the Washington Harbor Dis trict!

There is an exciting array of unique shops & restaurants downtown, we invite you to discover them. Come take a stroll along the Pamlico river, shop in one of the 27+ stores, and stay for lunch or dinner in one of our great restaurants.

The event season is

Visit the Harbor District anytime... Southern hospitality abounds! It’s likely you’ll enjoy what we don’t have;

now underway! Check out

Shop, Dine & Play in the Washington Harbor District!

For a directory of businesses in the Harbor District, with hours and Facebook links go to www.WHDA.org

252-946-2374

2401021-0050412PPEF-OSS

246 West Main St. Downtown Washington, NC

all the festivities at littlewashingtonnc.com

Photo by Larry Boyd

the crowds, the traffic & the sameness.

JUNE/JULY2014 2014||WASHINGTON WASHINGTONTHE THEMAGAZINE MAGAZINE••19 19 JUNE/JULY

AT HOME

Inside out 20 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

The octagonal porch juts off the corner of the Ainsworth’s home.

During warmer months, the family eats dinner al fresco, taking in the sunset and the breeze across Swain Lake.

JUNE/JULY 2014 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 21

The Ainsworth’s pool is both indoor and underground, but it still takes advantage of the views of the lake, courtesy of the steep drop of the surrounding hill.

22 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE

Beneath the deck off the home’s kitchen and dining areas, Steve Ainsworth built the home’s biggest surprise, an indoor pool that overlooks Swain Lake.

Inviting the outdoors in

T

Written by VAIL STEWART RUMLEY | Photographs by ASHLEY VANSANT

he shingle-style house is set back from the road in a forest of oak, pine and poplar. Its long, gravel drive meanders down a hill and over a stone bridge, up again to the house that takes in the encompassing view of the 5 1/2–acre lake from its high perch at the base of a peninsula.

Hills, forests, stone bridges, lakes — not the usual descriptors of an eastern North Carolina landscape.

But at the Ainsworth home, a little bit of Steve Ainsworth’s native New England is captured in the land and home Ainsworth shares with his wife, Debbie, and sons Luke and Sam. Originally built in 1964 by Wingate

Swain, a Washington orthopedist, the home had a Georgian flair set in a natural landscape. But when the Ainsworths purchased the property in 1994, its wrought iron and secondstory balcony were removed and its multistory decks consolidated and replaced; its roof was redone, and shake siding added. All of this, combined with indoor/outdoor spaces, turned formal into informal and created a home that blended with its environment, its living spaces inviting the surrounding nature inside.

Though it’s literally a stone’s throw away from the busy Highland Drive and Slatestone Road intersection, the Ainsworth home seems miles away

from the surrounding bustle. The tall woods narrow ambient sound down to the hum of nature: birds chirping, fish jumping, frogs croaking among the lily pads. The rest of the world just melts away beyond the trees.

“You pull into the driveway and your heart rate goes down immediately by about 10 beats per minute,” Ainsworth says.

Ainsworth credits Wingate Swain with the vision to create this tranquil place.

According to Ainsworth, the land was a gift to Florence and Wingate Swain from her family. While she assumed they would build their home, as most do, near the road, her husband set her straight one day they JUNE/JULY 2014 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 23

The Ainsworths keep their mail and other items organized with this mail sorter that was once used in an Asheville post office.

were visiting the property, before ground had even been broken.

“He said to her, ‘This is where we’re going to build the house’ and she asked why. He said, ‘Because it’s the best view of the lake,’ and she said, ‘What lake?’” Ainsworth laughs, looking out over the manmade lake, capped off at the far end by an earthen dam. “He could see that through the woods.”

The Swains filled in the lake — Swain Lake — and built their home at the highest point overlooking it. Fifty years later, the Ainsworths have made it blend — large, but unassuming; luxurious without being extravagant. It’s no wonder its transition was seamless, as Ainsworth’s calling is to bend nature to his design. He’s a sculptor, a wood turner, an artist who sees the potential in the inanimate. With tools and hands he reveals the character — and beauty — of a given piece of wood. It’s only natural that Ainsworth would find a way to incorporate that beauty into the family home.

From oak felled on the property, Ainsworth has crafted cabinets and bookcases in the family room,

24 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

blending with quarter sawn oak in an antique mantelpiece, coffee and end tables — in addition to the painted coffering that adds depth to the room. A short set of stairs, down a hall, and the room opens up dramatically. Windows abound in an open kitchen that offers a casual dining area, along with a more formal one and a gourmet kitchen, all within a space that blurs the line between inside and outside.

“That was our goal, to bust it wide open,” Ainsworth explains.

Here, again, Ainsworth’s skill can be seen in the flooring, the American cherry cabinets and Brazilian cherry bar.

“Except for the (granite) countertops, I pretty much did everything in this room,” Ainsworth says.

While the gourmet kitchen was one of Ainsworth’s many homeimprovement projects, by far the most impressive is the indoor pool that Ainsworth built himself, a solid construction framed with steel and concrete and burrowed into the steep hill that once held a multistoried deck. A finished basement

connects the indoor pool with the house, while tall arching windows overlook the surrounding woods and lake. Light paneling and a decoratively stained concrete floor give the room visual warmth any time of the year, regardless of the temperatures outside.

And wherever the interior walls lack windows, the Ainsworths install scenes from elsewhere through an art collection they’ve accumulated through the years. The pieces are their own windows into other places — a watery and placid eastern North Carolina landscape, an early Pat Holscher street scene, a wintry barn in precise watercolor, a hazy scene of a sailboat at anchor.

Wherever one turns in the Ainsworth home, the outdoors reaches in, through windows and doors, through art and wood that once grew in the surrounding landscape.

The transition is hardly complete, however. Ainsworth said his list of projects is “a mile long.” Over time, the Ainsworth home will continue to evolve, just as the land around it has — naturally.

When the Ainsworths expanded their kitchen, Ainsworth made the curved Brazilian cherry wood bar to accent the granite counter top beneath.

JUNE/JULY JUNE/JULY 2014 2014 || WASHINGTON WASHINGTON THE THE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• 25 25

OUTSIDE LIFE

RIVER VIEWS

PTRF Environmental Projects Manager Matt Butler works on one of the foundation’s newest platforms, located at Vollmer Farms in Bunn.

26 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

The view from the PTRF’s Panola Platform in Dunbar illustrates the features of the Tar River, now accessible to paddlers and campers.

A platform for recreational bliss

T

Written by JONATHAN ROWE | Photographs CONTRIBUTED by PTRF

he calming but adventurous opportunities present in Beaufort County, more specifically, on the Tar-Pamlico River arise in several forms, none more so than navigating the area’s scenic waterways and exploring its flatlands. The 380 miles of 17 Beaufort Paddle Trail systems with 50 individual trails has long provided a resource that serves as an engine of commerce, a spectacle of beauty and a platform for recreational bliss.

The Tar-Pamlico River System forms a major passageway — from its freshwater source to its rendezvous with saltier waters from the Atlantic — offering an array of unique plants and animals arranged in its brackish waters and swamplands, making it ideal for paddlers and campers alike.

The Pamlico-Tar River Foundation, the gatekeepers of the Tar-Pamlico River, has created a means for paddlers and campers to enjoy its waterways and explore the region’s diverse characteristics through its Tar-Pamlico River Camping Platforms.

Pieced together through grants and contributions from private foundations and citizens, the Tar-Pamlico River Camping Platforms are owned and operated by the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation and serve as a venue for exploring the river system’s offerings. PTRF’s goal of constructing platforms every eight to 10 miles from Franklinton to Goose Creek State Park, stretching 150 miles, is marked by its advocacy for the waters and the environment.

“At least $120,000 has been attained through grants JUNE/JULY 2014 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 27

and private contributions from foundations and citizens,” said Heather Jacobs-Deck, PTRF riverkeeper.

Plans to construct five more platforms are already underway: two in Edgecombe County, one north and one south of Tarboro; one on the other side of the Pamlico in Washington; one on Camp Bodie in Blounts Creek; and one on Broad Creek, upstream of McCotter’s marina.

Currently, there are sites along the Tar-Pamlico that offer accommodations to paddling enthusiast who wish to camp on the river.

Matt Butler, environmental projects manager at PTRF, said the cost of each platform depends

28 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

on the location.

“We are building some of them with volunteer labor,” Butler said.

“That cost is about $5,000. Then we are building some with full contract labor, which are running us about $20,000.”

Each platform, which is a 16 feet by 32 feet wooden deck, will give paddlers and campers easy access to the beauty of the TarPamlico’s creeks, river, coastal waters and swamps that together illustrate the diversity of the basin. In fact, all sites are only accessible by water. Half of each platform will be a screened-in porch with a tin roof, protecting campers from bugs and serving as a shelter from inclement weather conditions. Most platforms have

a pier, steps or wooden walkway, ensuring accessibility to the sites.

Deck paddled the entire waterway after she was named PTRF riverkeeper back in 2003.

At that time, the river level was accommodating, giving Deck natural places to camp such as sandbars and small beaches.

“When you get down to Tarboro and other areas, it gets a little bit harder to find,” Deck said. “So there’s obviously a need to have some nice places to camp that are safe.”

The construction of these platforms serves another purpose — to give campers and paddlers a public place for recreation, off of private property along the banks of the river.

At a location in Bunn on the Tar River, PTRF hosted a ribbon cutting for its newest platform at Vollmer Farms. The site was funded by Novazymes, a company out of Louisburg, and is said to be fully functional by the end of the summer. Pictured are Steve Stadelman, technical specialist at Novazymes North America, Adam Monroe, president of Novazymes, Russ Volmer, owner of Vollmer Farms and Harrison Marks, PTRF executive director.

“That tends to happen a lot with people just pulling over and ending up on private property, which could cause some problems,” Butler said. “This way they have a safe place that’s not only covered and screened and out of the weather, but also on a piece of property that they know they are not going to have any problems with enforcement and land owners or anything like that.”

When planning a trip on the Tar-Pamlico’s waterways, one important local resource to consult would be Inner Banks Outfitters. There, you can receive information, including maps and local knowledge from owner Liane Harsh, as well as rent kayaks for the trip.

“At the moment, that’s a great place to start,” Deck said.

“If you’ve never kayaked before,

she can tell you great places to go. There’s actually a little creek right there where her shop is, which is a great place to start. It’s called Runyon Creek here in Washington. It’s protected and it’s a great place to learn.”

PTRF is currently developing a water trail website that, within the next two to three months, will serve as a resource for visitors and locals who want to navigate the waterways. The site will include maps of the river system, platform locations, community information, information about local outfitters and kayak rentals, knowledge of accommodations in the vicinity, restaurants and other information pertaining to the area.

When starting out on the river system, paddlers will experience

rocky bottoms and rapids — a more piedmont-like experience of a stream. Moving east of Rocky Mount, the river turns into slower, flatter coastal waters.

“You get a little bit of everything,” Deck said, “especially if you are a paddler.”

One of the most appealing aspects of taking a trip in the area is the vast amount of wildlife and plant life that one might encounter, including turkeys, deer, bald eagles, owls, possums, raccoons, osprey, black bears and several different species of frogs and snakes. Plant life depends on the region of the river.

“There’s so much wildlife that you can see,” Deck said. “If you’re a plant lover, you see that transition from the upland species of trees like oaks and maples to cypress and gums and you start to see cypress knees and Spanish moss. The nice thing about the Tar is that it really is fairly wild.

As you come into cities you will get the sense of seeing people, but there are lots of stretches where you see nothing. You don’t see homes — you might see some farmland here and there — but it’s mostly trees throughout and you get that sense of being out there in between towns.”

PTRF has structured its trails and camping platforms to give all people recreational access and unique experiences.

“Our future goal is to increase even more access outside of the Wildlife Resource Commission boat ramps right now, to give other access opportunities for people to get out on the river that they don’t have right now,” Butler said.

JUNE/JULY 2014 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 29

RIVER LIFE

When fishing for flounder, it is best to avoid pulling it directly upward when close to the boat. It is common practice to bring the fish into net range by leading it closer, back and forth at a diagonal angle.

30 30 •• WASHINGTON WASHINGTON THE THE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE || JUNE/JULY JUNE/JULY 2014 2014

FISHING ON THE PAMLICO A well-kept secret of variety and remoteness

T

Written by JONATHAN ROWE | Photographs by ASHLEY VANSANT

he unique physical environment of the Pamlico River presents an array of opportunities for recreational fisherman, despite its challenges.

Beaufort County waterways are less celebrated, and at times, understated compared to those of world-class fishing destinations like the Gulf of Mexico or even locations along

the North Carolina's Outer Banks.

However, its variety and remoteness are some of the river’s biggest attributes.

The Pamlico River seems, at first, like a big negative because there is so little coverage of the area. It is not uncommon to go out on a nice Saturday in the summer and not see a recreational fisherman. Most of the Pamlico is a well-kept secret.

“It’s really cool to go out and have the unspoiled river,” said Captain Richard Andrews of the Tar-Pam Guide Service, who offers yearround fishing charters. “It hasn’t been developed and it won’t be developed.

It’s just really pristine and unspoiled.”

The latitude and location in regards to the Gulf Stream place the Pamlico River at a crossroads of species both from the North and South, which

JUNE/JULY 2014 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 31

These flounder, caught in the shallows of a Pamlico River tributary, came from the same location. Occasionally, flounder will participate in a strange phenomena sometimes known by locals as a “flounder walk”. This occurs when oxygen levels in the water are at dangerously low levels for fish. Stagnant water can drive bottom dwelling fish like flounder to the shoreline in a desperate effort to find higher levels of oxygen.

overlap with seasonal trends.

The river’s prospects are plentiful, but known conventional methods don’t necessarily mean success.

Fluctuating salinity from runoff or wind tide effects and many other physical and chemical dynamics leads to ever-changing conditions.

That, in turn, affects the movement of baitfish and their predators. The dynamic nature of the Pamlico River can present challenges for anglers, and intimate knowledge and understanding of these factors will help create sucessful anglers.

Andrews says one of the biggest positive attributes, variety, brings anglers from all over to try their luck in the estuarine waters. The Pamlico offers four main popular saltwater 32 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

sport species of fish targeted by most fisherman: striped bass, flounder, speckled trout and puppy drum, known in other regions as red fish.

Secondary species include white perch, raccoon perch, speckled perch, tarpon, largemouth bass, catfish, longnose gar, bowfin, croaker, spot, sea mullet, spadefish, sheepshead, gray trout, bluefish, Spanish mackerel, black drum and many other species targeted by anglers.

While these fish can be found in the river year-round, there are certain seasons in which they are prevalent to the waters of Beaufort County.

Residents and visitors of Washington have access to all of these fish — whether they’re in the freshwater upper regions of the Tar River or

the estuarine waters of the Pamlico River, down to the saline waters of the Pamlico Sound.

“Some people have the misconception that they can only catch certain fish in certain seasons,” Andrews said. “The fact is, you can catch any of these fish year- round.”

Fall, Andrews says, is the best time to venture out and explore the waters of the Pamlico, especially for speckled trout fishing. This is also true for the spring regarding speckled trout.

Young and older-sized specs migrate into the river and its tributaries to winter. Each angler can keep four specs measuring 14 inches or longer.

Specs’ metabolism slows down drastically in colder waters of winter, causing them to feed significantly less

A popping cork lure with artificial bait was used to hook this flounder, held by Captain Richard Andrews.

The species is known for exerting a tremendous amount of downward pressure when they bite, which combined with violent head shaking can facilitate them to spit the bait unless firmly hooked.

JUNE/JULY JUNE/JULY 2014 2014 || WASHINGTON WASHINGTON THE THE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• 33 33

Captain Richard Andrews displays a flounder caught this spring in the Pamlico River. Fortunately for anglers in the Pamlico, flounder are well suited to low salinity into adulthood and the females are normally the “keepers” that are caught.

34 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

JUNE/JULY 2014 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 35

than in the summer months. In the winter, specs can still be caught, but usually, during a string of a few warm days. During the winter, they feed more frequently during midday when the sun is highest and has warmed the surface of the river and shallows.

The fall, spring and winter months also usher in striped bass for prime fishing in the cooler weather. As a result of drops in water temperature, stripers, which are a northern species, become more active. Brackish estuaries provide an ideal habitat and nursery for juvenile stripers.

In the Pamlico River, fisherman

36 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

can typically encounter stripers anywhere from 15 inches to 30 inches in length, weighing anywhere from one to 15 pounds.

Flounder are more predominant from around May to October or November and their bite remains strong throughout the early fall.

When the summer arrives, speckled trout and striped bass don’t react well in the warmer temperatures, but puppy drum and flounder flourish.

Puppy or red drum are prevalent from July through October. Anglers are permitted to keep one red drum per angler between 18 inches and 27

inches and up to six flounder over 15 inches.

Also, in the summer, Andrews says, fishing live baits for all four species of fish can increase your success and consistency. Learning the pros and cons of each baitfish makes for a better live-bait angler. Andrews says his favorite are mud minnows, which are common in the summer and can be found around shoreline structures or grass, swimming near schools close to the surface.

Other popular live baits for summer fishing include finger mullet, menhaden, shrimp, croaker, spot and

Jeff Bowes, a local angler, shows off a regulation-sized flounder he caught on an outing on the Pamlico River this spring. Changes in hormones enable flounder to change coloration to match the bottom habitat and varies from olive-green to brown or gray, sometimes nearly black on dark sediments.

pinfish, each having its own set of pros and cons.

“We have good light tackle fishing for the specs, puppy drum, stripers and flounder, but we also have a good variety with some bigger fish — tarpon and red drum,” Andrews said.

“If you want to go out and target big fish for a couple hours and then target little fish for a couple hours, you can do that all in the same trip. It really is a remarkable variety and it’s just a neat fishery. There are fisheries on the Pamlico River that could potentially draw anglers from all over the country

that aren’t even being advertised or promoted outside of this area.

You have things that are completely undeveloped by the outside world — the people who aren’t locals and already doing it. A lot of this stuff is a well-kept secret. As one of the only fishing guides in this area, I walk a delicate line between keeping the area relatively unspoiled while also promoting it as a fishing destination and attracting people to the area to spend money and help local businesses that rely on tourism as a major source of income.”

Pamlico Grand Slam The beauty of fishing the Pamlico’s estuarine waters is that you never know what your next bite will be.

The Pamlico Grand Slam, The Pamlico Grand Slam, which is catching the 4 main species all in one day, depends on the time of

Puppy Drum (Red Drum) On eastern North Carolina’s Tar-Pamlico River Basin, an angler targeting puppy drum, or red fish, might use popping cork tackle or topwater fishing baits. The largest and oldest red drum, ranging from 30 to 60 pounds, enter our waters in August and September for their annual spawning ritual.

However, most are caught in early spring through late fall, May through October. Early morning through late evening are prime times for drum bites. In fall, large schools gather to feed before heading toward the inlets. They will strike at an assortment of artificial lures and techniques, similar to those used for speckled trout. Bigger, prized drum, greater than 50 pounds are present in the western Pamlico from late June through early October.

year and the conditions.

You can primarily use light action spinning tackle, but these species can also be targeted using fly tackle. Light tackle fishing is effective for catching Speckled Trout, Flounder, Puppy Drum (Red Fish) and Striped Bass throughout the year. Fishing changes from year to year in regards to the variety and location of these species. Fall is arguably the best time to fish the Inner Banks’ estuarine waters. Anglers could come across any of these species on any given cast, on any given day.

38 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

Striped Bass The mild temperatures of the Tar-Pamlico River create a perfect setting for winter fishing.

Throughout the winter months, an immense amount of stripers congregate in the shallow waters of the western sound and the deeper river channels. They spend most of their lives in the lower parts of the river and head upstream during the spring spawn. Like the other main species of the Pamlico, the bait of choice may differ, depending on the time of year and conditions. However, spinner baits, buzz baits, jigs, spoons, plugs, cut bait on bottom rigs, flies, top water lures such as popping corks and live baits will all prove effective as stripers will attack them aggressively. During the summer, stripers are less productive. Many fishermen believe that spring is prime striper time. Shallow diving lipped plugs, spoons, spinner baits, buzz baits and jigs cast close to shallow water structure or in the vicinity of weed beds on light spinning tackle or baitcasters will prove successful. During the fall, stripers feed in the shallows during early morning and late afternoon.

Speckled Trout Trout are perhaps the most targeted species by anglers in the Tar-Pamlico River.

Populations are predominantly comprised of smaller young adults and juveniles. Seasonally, trout spend winter in deeper waters of the upper creeks and begin to move downstream when the water temperature begins to rise in spring. Trout spawn repeatedly from May into October, with June being peak season. Casting or trolling artificial baits is the most common method for speckled trout fishing in the Pamlico. Spec fishing in the spring comes around in late March to early April when temperatures in the shallows reach the low to mid-50s in the day. Temperatures in the upper 50s to mid-60s are ideal conditions for springtime spec fishing. These fish are more prominent in the open, saltier waters further east from May through September. As the water temperature warms during the summer, specs hang out in the shallows and the best time to target them is early morning until the temperature rises into the upper 70s at mid-morning. Specs will hit a wide variety of lure styles, but the basic bait is a jig head with a soft plastic lure. This may resemble baitfish, worms or shrimp in shape and movement. Versatile lures such as these can be combined with a bucktail attached to a spinner or any combination of the three.

Flounder Flounder in the Tar-Pamlico River are caught most abundantly from April to December.

Species move into deeper ocean waters during late fall and winter. The basic rigging for flounder is the “Carolina rig,” which is a modified fish-finding rig made for live bait fishing near the bottom. This rig, which is very versatile, can be cast to shore and reeled back slowly as if working a lure, or can be dragged from a drifting boat. However, flounder will hit a variety of jigs if presented slowly and in close proximity to the fish. This proves successful when a school of flounder has been located. Fishing deeper and more saline inlets, channels and tidal creeks of the coast are much different than fishing for flounder in the Pamlico, regardless of the type of bait used — artificial or live. They are perhaps the most challenging species to hook and land.

JUNE/JULY JUNE/JULY 2014 2014 || WASHINGTON WASHINGTON THE THE MAGAZINE MAGAZINE •• 39 39

PAST AND PRESENT

Scourge of the

sea 40 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY | ERIC ZAMORA

Megalodons are said to be three times larger than a modern day Great White Shark.

Eastern N.C. once home to history’s largest shark

R

Written by DAVID CUCCHIARA | ImageS CONTRIBUTED

ewind 10-million years.

Take away the houses, infrastructure, docks and boats. Before sediment from the western mountain range, known today as the Blue Ridge, slowly filled the east and melting glaciers lowered water levels, creating the Piedmont then eventually the Coastal Plain, Beaufort County and the rest of eastern North Carolina was a vast ocean.

It was a thriving ecosystem of prehistoric fish, some with modernday ancestors and some with lines no longer in existence. But there’s one species that scientists remain polarized regarding its genealogy.

“Some say they belong in the mako family, some say they belong in the great white family, some say that line has become extinct,” said Andrea Stilley, executive director of the Aurora Fossil Museum. “You really have to

kind of decide which side you like best.”

Scientists have debated what spawned this animal, however, few argue that the Megalodon shark was the largest, fiercest and most impressive specimen to stalk the waters of what is now the Pamlico River.

Popular fishing, kayaking and jet skiing locations like Blounts Creek and the Tar River were once entirely salt water, providing a suitable and thriving JUNE/JULY 2014 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 41

FLORIDA MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY | ERIC ZAMORA

With four sets of teeth, scientists find that Megalodon’s smaller teeth were often shed and replaced by larger ones.

habitat for these monsters. According to scientists, Megalodons measured in at about 60-feet long on average and weighed upwards of 80 tons.

To put that into perspective, these sharks weighed as much as seven fully loaded school buses and were about one-and-a-half buses long.

The size is tremendous and much bigger than anything currently in existence. But the most impressive Megladon feature archeologists and miners in eastern N.C. continue to find are the teeth, a testament to the sheer power generated by the sharks’ jaws.

In fact, Megalodons were so large, scientists have determined that large 42 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

whales and fish were a staple of their diet, considering the lacerations found on ancient whalebones.

“The rule of thumb for most shark teeth is one inch of tooth equals 10 feet of shark,” Stilley said as she pointed to a tooth on display in the museum. This is a six-inch tooth, so that shark was about sixty feet. My friend in Florida has one that’s a little over seven inches.

Anyway you look at it, it had to be a big animal because it had four rows of those things. Each tooth was one millimeter bigger than the one previously shed.”

Locally, PotashCorp, a company that has been mining phosphate

in Aurora for over 50 years, has supplied the museum Megalodon teeth and occasionally even segments of massive backbones over the years, all found deeply embedded in the mine. Visitors to the museum can purchase teeth unearthed from the mine, with specimens priced at $160 for the smallest and $400 for the largest. The museum also has sets of teeth found 100-feet below the surface in Wilmington. Those teeth range anywhere from $50 to $100 depending on the size.

Anatomically, the Megalodon had just three bones in its body: the jawbone, backbone and a nose.

While bones from these

Miners digging for phosphate at the PotashCorp mine in Aurora discovered this well-sized tooth, donating it to the Aurora Fossil Museum.

gargantuan animals have been found all over the world, the Coastal Plain had one of the most dense concentrations of shark three to 20-million years ago. The evidence is here in the soil, and Megalodon teeth are being found everywhere from Washington to as far west as Goldsboro.

“The teeth are naturally preserved,” Stilley said. “You just wash them off, dry them out and you’re done. The enamel the shark was born with has been replaced with other minerals, which is what gives it its color.

Megaladon teeth from all over the world are different colors.”

So, next time you’re out on the Pamlico catching stripers, remember the largest, most powerful fish to ever live once lurked in these waters.

JUNE/JULY 2014 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 43

East Carolina’s research vessel the Stan Riggs houses everything from devices to measure salinity, to core drills to trawls to catch a range of fish.

SCIENCE

Pirates on the Pamlico East Carolina University’s team of scientists predicating the future of our waters

O

Written by DAVID CUCCHIARA | ImageS CONTRIBUTED

n the surface, the Pamlico River is a stunning spectacle of where water meets sky. Striking sunsets grace the banks every evening with a breathtaking assemblage of crimson and amethyst.

In all its beauty, concealed are ever-changing bionetworks, slowly

44 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

eroding coastal environments and eerie, convoluted acoustics synonymous to a diverse audience of aquatic life. Every physical specimen, every sound, tells a story of the river’s past and ever-changing future.

Floating in the water next to the North Carolina Estuarium is a polished boat branded with the East Carolina University logo. The

vessel, silver in color, carrying an arrangement of advanced scientific instruments and metrics, is operated by university scientists and students in the marine biology and geology departments.

“We got a research vessel a few years back, donated to us by the (Environmental Protection Agency), called the Perkins,” said

ECU students study fish aboard the Stan Riggs in an ichthyology class.

Joe Luczkovich, an associate professor of biology and associate scientist in the Institute for Coastal Science and Policy at ECU. “That boat was an old World War II vessel that was not really adequate for working in the Pamlico Sound. We finally ended up getting this new vessel, the Stanley R. Riggs, that you see every day.”

“The Pamlico Sound is a different kind of place than almost anywhere else on the coast of the U.S. The waves are pretty steep and can be high at times when the wind is right. You get six-foot waves on the sound and the period between the waves is very short, so vessels that may be fully functional on an open ocean with longer period wavelengths don’t do well in the Pamlico

Sound. We bought this vessel which is more appropriate to use in the sound.”

The Stan Riggs, named after a retired professor of geology who’s done work on coastal sea level rise, flooding and storms and has written many books on a range of subject matter, is a 35-foot catamaran made by the Muson Corporation in Washington State.

It has an A-frame design, multiple wenches for raising material to the deck, two Cummings diesel engines, significantly more fuel efficient than its predecessor, an aluminum hull and a cabin capable of holding up to 15 people.

Similar to the shrimping nets you see skimming the Pamlico, the Stan Riggs is also equipped with its own

trawler, but it’s hardy exclusive to shrimp. Luczkovich and his team catch everything from croaker to pinfish, sea trout to red drum, surf mullet to blue crab, all in an attempt to document, map and predict.

“We got water quality instruments that measure the oxygen concentration on the bottom and at the surface,” Luczkovich said. “We’re measuring salinity, which is the amount of salt in the water. I have my students analyze data to look at patterns of distribution and abundance. We take benthic samples, so you take a core sample or a bottom grab, and you can see the clams and worms and small shrimp in the sediment. That’s what these fish are in the estuary to do … eat.

JUNE/JULY 2014 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 45

“This is an important nursery area, naturally producing seafood for the citizens in the state of North Carolina.”

Funded by the state of North Carolina through grants, the vessel costs about $600 to run each time it hits the open water. Data and findings collected by both the biology and geology departments are used to predict significant biological and coastal changes that may lie on the horizon.

For example, Atlantic croaker, a species of fish common to North Carolina waters, are turning up in northern locations like New York and Cape May, N.J. Pinfish, a species traditionally found in Florida and the Gulf of Mexico, are becoming dominant in recent trawls. The same goes for Tarpon, a tropical species found in places like Belize and Costa Rica, which appear in local waters.

“These are the things we can study with that boat: how the earth is changing, especially how it might affect the local economy for fish,” Luczkovich said.

Most data collected finds its way to various government organizations, where it is then used to manage fisheries and coastal resources. The vessel serves as a vital tool for studying the geology of the area as well.

“We do training runs on occasion, just to keep the thing moving and operating,” said Mark Keusenkothen, director for ECU’s Diving Water and Safety Department. “I’m a diver by trade, so I go out on occasion and do coring with the geologists, where they throw a couple of divers in the water and they lower a big steal tube into the water. They lower what’s called a vibrant core into the water and into the sediment about 20 feet.”

By studying these cores, scientists can create a historical record of 46 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

ECU’s Department of Geological Sciences takes core samples from the Pamlico River to collect data and predict changes in the landscape over an extended period of time.

types of sediment present, where the saltwater is coming from and the dynamics of the coast. With this information, they can determine when certain fish are most prominent, for use by the government to regulate fishing seasons, and determine how natural

areas like the Outer Banks may change in the coming years.

Much rides on the silver frame of the Stan Riggs, as people in the Washington area will continue to rely on information gathered to plan for the future, geologically and economically.

PotashCorp-Aurora is here to stay. Our success depends on mutually beneficial relationships with our neighbors in the community. We give back where we live and work to demonstrate our commitment to eastern North Carolina in a very real way. This is important to us, because it’s the right thing to do.

Celebrating 50 years of growing a company and a community

DINING GUIDE

DINING GUIDE

JUNE/JULY 2014 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 49

CAST A LINE

T

Go cork crazy for giant red drum Written by CAPT. RICHARD ANDREWS

he Inner Banks of North Carolina is very blessed to be the major spawning grounds for most of the adult red drum along the Atlantic seaboard. Every summer, giant red drum (typically 35 to 55 inches in length with most of the fish 40-50 inches) infiltrate our inlets from the ocean to spawn in the Pamlico Sound and its tributaries. The middle and lower Pamlico River hosts catchable populations of these adult drum (sometimes referred to as "Old Drum" due to their ability to obtain ages of up to 60+ years). For the past several decades, this fishery has always been a bait fishery where anglers anchor their boats and fish a spread of fresh cut bait around the boat and on the bottom on special rigs called Owen Lupton Drum Rigs (named after the Pamlico County native who came up with the rig).

For years, this method has worked well for any "Old Drum" enthusiasts. Anglers typically fish the Pamlico Sound and the lower Pamlco, Pungo, Bay, and Neuse Rivers either at night or during the daytime and can expect catches ranging from just a handful to well into the double digits. All fish are released, as the keeper slot for red drum in North Carolina is only 18-27 inches. Most of these fish are almost twice that size range, and they should be protected because they are the spawners for all of the puppy drum in our estuary.

These are the largest concentration of the largest red drum within their geographic range from the Chesapeake Bay to the coastal marshes of Louisiana and Texas. To the recreational sport angler, these are trophy fish, and catching just one is a tremendous angling accomplishment.

Recently the game has evolved into an even better and more interactive way to catch these trophy fish. Last summer, we caught as many as 32 fish in one trip using a combination of popping corks, topwater plugs, and flies. Fishermen in our area have discovered that these fish respond

particularly well to the popping sound of a popping cork on the surface and are in fact, easier to catch (more efficient) and way more fun than the old method of baitfishing.

Peak fishing (during their big spawn) is in August and September, but what many people do not realize is that these fish arrive in the sound much earlier than August. Some of the fish begin pouring through the inlets as early as April and catchable numbers of fish are in our river by the time this issue hits the shelves. If you want to experience some world class inshore saltwater fishing right in our own backyard, then I suggest you consider catching our adult red drum on a popping cork.

Capt. Richard Andrews is a resident of Washington and the owner of a local year-round guide service offering fishing excursions on the Pamlico and nearby rivers. He can be reached at 252945-9715 or richard@ tarpamguide.com

JUNE/JULY 2014 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 51

LET’S EAT

Mighty fine eatin’ Roasted Carrot Stick Snack

52 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

Simple Succotash

Fresh from the fields, or the Pamlico Written by KEVIN SCOTT CUTLER Food PREPARATION By JANE OLSEN AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY VAIL STEWART RUMLEY

K

eep it simple ... keep it fresh.

That seems to be a mantra for many fine cooks. Here in Beaufort County, it's usually pretty easy to find the freshest of the fresh when it comes to produce, be it from roadside stands or Washington's own Saturday Market. And seafood from the Pamlico River or Pamlico Sound insures that even the most finicky of diners will clean their plate.

In this issue of Washington the Magazine, our recipes hone in on "grown at home" ingredients sure to please any palette.

Pickled Shrimp Barbara Lawrence St. Thomas Episcopal Church 1 cup onions, thinly sliced; 4 bay leaves, crushed; 1/3 cup capers, drained; 1 cup cider vinegar; 1/2 cup olive oil; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon kosher salt; 1 teaspoon celery seed; 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes, crushed; 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice; 2 pounds large shrimp, peeled and deveined.

In a large bowl, combine onions, bay leaves, capers, lemon juice, vinegar, olive oil, garlic, salt, celery seed and red pepper flakes. In a stockpot over high heat, bring abundantly salted water to rolling boil. Add shrimp and cook for 30 seconds, or just until pink. Drain and immediately transfer to marinade bowl. Bring to room temperature, cover tightly and marinate overnight in the refrigerator. When ready to serve, transfer to serving bowl.

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Simple Succotash Mary Dennis Saint Peter's Episcopal Church 6 slices cooked bacon, crumbled; 1 Vidalia onion, diced; 3-4 ears fresh corn, kernels cut off cob; 1 pint fresh butter beans; 3-4 fresh tomatoes, diced; salt and pepper to taste; water.

Saute onion in reserved bacon drippings.

Combine all ingredients, cover with water; cook until tender. Yield: four to six servings.

Roasted Carrot Stick Snack Carolyn Drexler

Strawberry, Cucumber & Basil Salad

Strawberry, Cucumber & Basil Salad

Ricky Clayton Chocowinity Primary School 4 cups hulled strawberries, quartered (about 1 pound); 2 tablespoons thinly sliced fresh basil; 2 teaspoons balsamic vinegar; 1 teaspoon sugar; 2 medium cucumbers, peeled, halved lengthwise, seeded and thinly sliced (about 2 cups); 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1/4 teaspoon salt; 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.

Combine first four ingredients in a large bowl and toss gently to coat. Cover and chill for one hour. Combine cucumbers and juice. Toss to coat. Add cucumber mixture, salt and pepper to strawberry mixture and toss gently to combine.

Serve immediately. Yields four servings.

Grace Lutheran Church 6 medium carrots (1 pound); 2-3 teaspoons olive oil; 2 tablespoons fresh dill weed or basil (snipped); coarse sea salt or salt (optional).

Preheat oven to 475 degrees. Peel carrots. Cut carrots into strips three inches long by 1/2 inch wide. In a large bowl, combine olive oil and snipped herb. Add carrots and toss to coat. In a 15 x 10 x 1 baking pan, spread carrots in a single layer. Roast, uncovered, about 10 minutes or until carrots are just tender, stirring once.

Sprinkle with coarse salt. Yield: six side-dish or snack servings.

Orange Yummy Catherine Partrick Saint Peter's Episcopal Church 5 limes; 5 lemons; 5 oranges; 2 quarts water; 1 1/2 cups sugar.

Squeeze juice from all fruits and mix with water and sugar. May need more water, depending on the size of the fruits. Put in a pretty glass pitcher and add a couple of pieces of each fruit for garnish. Yield: two quarts, plus.

Summer Melon Soup Sauteed Cauliflower Marcus Rios

Sandy Johnson

Beaufort County Arts Council

Washington Pediatrics

1 large, very, very, very ripe honey dew melon, peeled and diced; chopped basil and mint (couple of tablespoons); 3 limes, zested; 3 fresh squeezed limes (same that you zested); 1 to 2 heaping tablespoons yogurt; 1/2 cucumber, peeled, seeded and chopped.

1 tablespoon oil; 1 cup chopped onion; 2 cloves garlic; 1 cup chopped tomato; salt and pepper; 2 cups cauliflower.

Place all ingredients in blender and puree. Chill in refrigerator for two or more hours. Serve.

54 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

Saute onion and garlic in oil for five minutes.

Add tomatoes, salt and pepper and cauliflower.

Cover and simmer 12 minutes or until cauliflower is crisp-tender.

Cutline

JUNE/JULY 2014 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 55

OUT AND ABOUT

Throughout the month Estuarium River Roving Tours

CALENDAR June 14th Opening of Queen Anne’s Revenge Traveling Exhibit

• N.C. Estuarium • Learn about the history and habitats of the Washington waterfront. These boat tours cruise the Pamlico River Wednesdays through Fridays at 10:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m. No admission fee or other cost is involved for the tour, but advance reservations are required. Riders should check in 15 minutes in advance.

Children must be at least six years old to ride; a responsible adult must accompany children under 16. Call 252-948-0000 for reservations.

• Historic Bath Visitor Center • 9am-5pm. Artifacts recovered from the wreck of Blackbeard's Queen Anne's Revenge will be on display beginning today for a six week period. This is your chance to see actual treasures recovered from the shipwreck site and conserved at the project lab in Greenville. This exhibit includes a range of artifacts including weaponry, nautical tools and personal items and is accompanied by programming for both children and adults. Free.

Every Saturday Saturday Market • Downtown Washington • 8 a.m. to noon. The market begins April 19 and runs through October. The market features local growers of fresh fruit, vegetables, plants and flowers. You will also want to try some delicious, freshbaked goods. You never know what you might find; the products are always changing. Call 252946-3969 for more information.

June 20 and July 18 Music in the Streets • Downtown Washington • 6 p.m. Enjoy a wonderful evening with your friends and neighbors in historic downtown Washington. No matter what your musical taste, you will find entertainers to delight you in this musical event. Downtown Washington comes to life, shops stay open late and the restaurants are glad to see you. Call 252946-3969 for information.

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June 15th NC Symphony • Festival Park • Potash Corp-Aurora presents the NC Symphony, 7-9pm. Free concert. Call 252-946-3969 for more information.

Saturday Market offers fresh produce and other locally produced food items each Saturday during the summer at the west end of Stewart Parkway in Washington.

June 27 and July 25 Dowtown ArtWalk • Downtown Washington • 5-8 p.m. This free-to-the-public showcase of local visual art takes place on Main, Water and Gladden streets. The happening features art in galleries open to browsers, collectors or the plain curious, with refreshments and live entertainment thrown in for good measure. Call 252-946-3969 for more information.

June 13-14th Washington Summer Festival • Washington waterfront • A community festival committed to providing a variety of familycentered activities held in downtown Washington.

This year’s activities include the annual street fair featuring food, arts & crafts and commercial vendors, free concerts, a kids zone with children’s entertainment and activities and much more. This event attracts around 25,000 people annually. For more information call (252)946-9168 or visit www.wbcchamber.com.

June 20th NFL Day • Washington waterfront • NFL Day on the waterfront.

Contact Kimberly Grimes, (252) 943-1715 for information.

July 4th Washington Celebration • Downtown Washington • Lee Chevrolet /Buick’s 4th of July Celebration and the City of Washington’s Fireworks.

Best Old Classic Car Contest, Gospel music, Can-U-Toss Corn Hole Tournament, Children amusement area with James McCollum Amusements, Hot Dog Eating Contest, Spare Change, Laser Light Show, Fireworks. Call 252946-3969 for more information.

JUNE/JULY 2014 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 57

OUT AND ABOUT

July 4th Belhaven Celebration • Belhaven • Belhaven’s July 4th Celebration. Vendors, hot dog Eating Contest, Chamber Dunking Booth, Sailboat tours & rides from the new Town Docks, The Twilight Hour hosted by Spoon River Artworks and Market on Pamlico St, Miss Independence Pageant at the Wilkinson Center, Streets close down for the Annual Street Dance with live music, Little Miss Independence Pageant, Helicopter Rides, Sailboat Rides,

CALENDAR

Dignitary Breakfast, Parade, Chamber Dunking Booth, BYC Rain Gutter Regatta, Hole-in-One Golf contest, Lawn Mower Pull, Mud Run, Live Music all day on the 4th on outdoor stage, fireworks over the water The longest consecutive running Independence Day celebration in the State! Call 252-943-3770 or visit http://www. belhavenchamber.com/ for more information.

July 5th Historic Washington Ghost Walk • Downtown Washington • Join Terry Rollins as he leads you down the haunted streets of the Original Washington and through its three centuries of history. The ghost walk begins promptly at 8pm; please meet at Harding Square near the Visitor Center. $10 per person. Cash only. No reservations required. For more information, call Terry Rollins at 252-402-8595.

July 10 Senior Dance • Washington Civic Center • 7pm. Singles and Couples over 50 are welcome to come and dance the night away.

Admission is $7.00. 50/50 drawing. Door prizes. No Alcohol/No Smoking/No Children.

We make it easy for you to Stay at Home!

58 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

July 12th Pirate Encampment

• Historic Bath • Join the Devilmen of Cape Feare for a view of life as a pirate/sailor. There will be the opportunity to view cooking demonstrations, see knotwork, weapons….even view a pirate funeral!

More details will be uncovered as we approach the day! Bonner’s Point at 200 Front St.

July 14–Aug 2nd Broadway Kids Camp • Turnage Theater • 9am-4pm. This 3-week musical theater camp will take participants through the entire process of mounting and presenting a theatrical production. From the audition process through to performance, students will be exposed to all aspects of theater – rehearsal, costumes, make-up, theater protocol, and more. BCAC will present two performances of Disney's 101 Dalmations kids on Saturday, August 2.

July 15th Snakes fo the East • N.C. Estuarium • 1-2pm. Well-known herpetologist Howard Vainright brings his live non-poisonous snakes to the Estuarium. Learn the differences between poisonous and non-poisonous snakes and understand more about one of nature’s most feared and misunderstood creatures. Call for reservations at 252-948-0000. (Children/Adults)

e h t Up r e v i r lle i

G

nv e e r

Olive Oil & Balsamic Vinegar Tasting Bar

692 E. Arlington Blvd, Greenville | Arlington Village 565.8472 | 692olive.com M-F: 10-6 | Sat: 10-5

JUNE/JULY 2014 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 59

FOR YOUR HEALTH

Nature course 60 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

The roads through the Goose Creek State Park offer bikers a chance to pedal in low traffic. The annual Kayakalon requires a 15-mile bike ride during the second stage of the race.

Kayakers take part in the annual Pamlico-Tar River Foundation’s Kayakalon this spring. Held at Goose Creek State Park, the park offers a prime course for biking, running and kayaking.

Written by TONY BLACK | Photographs by ASHLEY VANSANT

State park offers fitness with a view

L

ike the Kentucky Derby, Goose Creek State Park also has its first Saturday in May tradition as well – the.

For eight years, the Kayaklon has uniquely tested the endurance of competitors with a 1.5-mile kayak course on the Pamlico River,

a 15-mile bike ride through the park immediately following and then competitor’s jump off the bike to run another 3.1 miles.

However, PTRF isn’t looking for all top-level competitors for its Kayakalon. The organization wants participants who simply want a day of fun — and exercise.

“We have people of all physical abilities who do the race,” said Heather Jacobs-Deck, PTRF riverkeeper. “You don’t have to be in the top shape to get out there, it’s just good to get out there and do it and something fun to do as far as exercise. That’s why a lot of people do it.”

JUNE/JULY 2014 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 61

A kayakers in this year’s Kayakalon rounds a buoy during the kayaking phase of the race. Goose Creek is an ideal place for kayakers—for both the experienced and the novice.

The first group of kayakers readies to hit the water at Goose Creek State Park during the Pamlico-Tar River Foundation’s Kayakalon.

Nearly 80 people took part in the race that includes kayaking, biking and running.

62 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

Many of the competitors in the Kayakalon use the event to get ready for other triathlons like the Ironman Competition.

“It takes motivation and a desire to wanna do it,” said Alfredro Vargas, winner of the Kayakalon. “You’ll practice hard and train hard and practice as race specific as possible.”

The race team Tricredibles out of Greenville had several participants in the race, a few of whom wanted to get ready for the Ironman and others who were just out to have fun.

“I have done this race all eight years so I have been here every year they have had it,” said Kelly Bert, Kayakalon third-place finisher. “We have been a group for seven or eight years and we train for everything from local sprints all the way up to Kona (Ironman). We had three in our group and we have everybody from beginner to expert.”

The ninth-annual race isn’t for another 10 or 11 months, so those who plan to participate in the kayaking portion of the race, park superintendent John Fullwood recommends kayaking the local creeks.

“We have a paddle trail that is on Goose Creek if people have a kayak or a canoe,” Fullwood said. “It is some fairly calm water.”

Upper Goose Creek, Flatty Creek and Mallard Creek all allow people to try kayaking without going into the Pamlico and its potentially rough waters.

“The Pamlico River itself can get kind of rough,” Fullwood said. “With winds and storms and things like that.”

Kayaks crowd the Goose Creek State Park beach during Kayakalon. The park provides visitors access to all of nature with trails and beaches that are open to the public.

Fullwood recommends trying the smaller creeks first for people who aren’t experienced because they are protected from weather.

“Goose Creek itself is about threequarters of a mile in length and about six feet deep,” Fullwood said. “Of course, experienced paddlers can get out on the Pamlico. I just wouldn’t recommend it for inexperienced paddlers.”

One of the future goals for Fullwood at Goose Creek is to build a bike trail, so people don’t have to use roads and maneuver through any traffic.

“I would like to, but right now we’re not ready to begin that yet,”

Fullwood said. “It takes the planning stages, and I would like to eventually see a bike trail in the park. We would make it a dirt path.”

If the Kayakalon isn’t your thing, Goose Creek offers boating, camping, educational events, fishing, hiking, biking, paddling and swimming.

Now, that school is out for the summer, parents have the chance to take the children somewhere cheap and local. Anyone can take advantage of the recreation offered in Beaufort County, and Goose Creek State Park is a great place to start.

There is a small fee for camping, but access to explore the park is free, which is tough to beat these days.

JUNE/JULY 2014 | WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE • 63

The park is a great place to begin a summer workout program too. There are eight miles of trails to meander offering numerous sites and sounds of nature. The paved roads give bikers a nice chance to peddle and witness the beauty of the park.

The trails are a great place to enjoy a flat walk and see Mother Nature’s beauty.

The opportunities are endless at Goose Creek State Park, allowing people a perfect setting to hike, bike or explore.

Alfredo Vargas won the 2014 Kayakalon with a time of 1 hour, 23.43 minutes. The annual race draws participants from across the state every year.

Y’ALL COME BACK

Why I love Washington

Stories to share

I

Written by Terry Rollins

love Washington because of its stories. Now, stories come to me in many different ways. Some stories come directly from the people who call Washington home, while others come from the city’s history, buildings, landscape, and various art forms.

Stories are my life. I grew up in rural Harnett County, just south of Raleigh, in a Southern family where stories and family history swirled around me in daily conversation. As an adult, I selected a library career where I have been surrounded by books and the stories they tell. It was no surprise to me that I began to share stories personally and professionally as I matured into adulthood. I co-founded the North Carolina Storytelling Guild sixteen years ago, and am a past president of the organization. When I moved to Washington seven years ago from Durham, I met Linda Boyer, Mima Dixon, Phoebe Wahab, Judi Hickson, and others, and together we formed the Inner Banks Storytellers Group.

I have spent the past four years working at the George H. and Laura E. Brown Library here in town.

What a joy it is to hear the wonderful stories that our patrons tell! Whether it’s a child telling me about the Curious George book he just read, or a senior citizen telling me about the plot twists in the latest Patricia Cornwell mystery that she is returning, stories are a daily topic, of course, at the library. But, it’s not so much these stories that interest me as much as it is the story of that same child’s kitty cat, or that senior citizen’s retelling of how she survived the recent tornado. These are the real stories.

Washington is so steeped in history, and the stories associated with the three centuries of our city quicken my pulse. Our name itself and the fact that we are the original, the very first place in America to name a place in honor of George Washington, is story in itself. Add then our wealth of Civil War history, our fires, floods, storms, economic hardships and booms, as well as our architecture, our connection to the river, the forests

66 • WASHINGTON THE MAGAZINE | JUNE/JULY 2014

Terry Rollins

and marshes, the abundant wildlife, and the stories add into the thousands.

Stories come to us from simple daily activities, too, and we are so fortunate in Washington to have great restaurants, galleries, shops and boutiques, parks, schools, and organizations where we can be active storytellers and story listeners. Go down to the waterfront on a sunny day, have a seat on one of the benches by the river, and the stories will come to you.

The same holds true at one of our retirement homes, or a local school or daycare, or at the Blind Center, or local animal shelter.

Every person who has ever been connected with Washington has a lifetime of stories for us to discover and share. Some of these folks, in fact, who are no longer with us, loved Washington so much that they refused to leave, even after death! It’s their stories that I most love to share each month when I lead, Washington Haunts: the historic ghost walk.

So, pull up a chair. I have a story to share!

How Can You Save Thousands On Your Four-Year College Degree?

With the BCCC Foundation May 15-31, 2014 Join the Beaufort County Community College Foundation on a two-week guided trip to England aboard the Queen Mary II, Cunard’s magnificent ocean liner, with visits to London’s historic sites and famed theater district, a three-night stay in one of England’s most picturesque coastal villages and much, much more.

BCCC Is the Answer!

Let’s face it. Obtaining a four-year college degree can be expensive. If you’ve thinking about earning your degree, but you’re concerned about the cost, here’s a money-saving idea...spend the first two years at home and attend Beaufort County Community College.

Many BCCC courses will transfer to most public and many private four-year colleges and universities, giving you a solid foundation for your educational success! And, while you’re earning credits toward your degree, you’ll be saving real money!

For more information or to apply to BCCC, go to our website at www.beaufortccc.edu or call Admissions Director Daniel Wilson at 252-940-6233.

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nationally recognized care. expect no less.

John M. eisenberg patient safety and Quality award When you or someone you love needs health care, don’t take safety and quality for granted.

Expect a steadfast commitment to improving quality that runs through every fiber of the organization.

Expect a visionary approach that receives national recognition. Expect no less than Vidant Health.

Recently honored with the John M. Eisenberg Patient Safety and Quality Award, we’re the only health system in the country recognized for local system innovation. This is one of the nation’s most prestigious honors, one that no other North Carolina organization has ever received.

Here at home, that means exceptional care for you. Our team is working every day to exceed your expectations. It’s evident throughout our academic medical center, community hospitals, physician practices and outpatient surgery programs. It runs through the veins of our 12,000+ employees, to whom we say a special thanks for making this award possible.

At VidantHealth.com/awards, read about this and other recognitions and learn what quality care means for you.