Above is an interesting satellite image that shows smoke from the wildfire that has been burning for over a week in Hyde, Tyrrell and Washington counties. The fire is believed to have been started by lightning. Approximately 32,556 acres have burned so far. Most of this land is part of the Pocosin Lakes National Wildlife Refuge. Amazingly, so far, no injuries have been reported and no buildings have been destroyed. However, there is a contingency plan to evacuate about 150 homes in the towns of Newland and Cross Landing should conditions merit. There are no immediate plans to launch the evacuation. When the fire first started you could smell it here on the island for a couple of days. The smell was so strong it actually left a bad taste in your mouth. For the past few days I haven't smelled anything. I have heard reports that, depending on the wind direction, the smell has been detected as far north as Richmond, Virginia and on the Outer Banks north of Ocracoke.




And now for the real reason for today's blog. As the island fills with people the traffic gets heavier. There are more cars, bikes and pedestrians on, and next to, the road. It is incredible to me that there are no more accidents here that there are. Many, many people do not follow the rules of the road and do not take the time to consider other people. When you go on vacation it is easy to forget that there still every day things that need to be considered. I see crowds of people walking and on bikes that take up half, or more, of the road. I see cars speeding along through the village or cruising at walking speed, neither of which is safe. When you are traveling the roads please be considerate, be careful and follow the rules of the road.

  
Cars

One of the most dangerous (not to mention ILLEGAL) things I see a lot of is cars passing on the right. Recently, my daughter and I witnessed a small sports car run off the road on the right, through a busy parking lot, to speed around another car that was doing the speed limit. The sports car kicked up a cloud of dust and proceeded to speed through the village (as much as he could anyway-thank goodness for other vehicles that blocked his way) to the Cedar Island/Swan Quarter ferry dock. The driver then drove the wrong way into the loading lanes, did a U-turn, pulled up in the line and stopped to make a call on his cell phone. At first I thought he was trying to catch a ferry (which is NO EXCUSE) but there were no ferries at the dock and, luckily, no other cars in the line. I see many vehicles with impatient drivers run off the road and pass on the right. Add that to the speeding vehicles and you have an accident waiting to happen. Of course, the drivers who are doing 10 miles an hour in a 20 or 25 mile an hour zone are dangerous as well. I understand that there is a lot to see but please be considerate of others. Park the car and walk. Or rent a bike. You can get around easier and see more at your own pace without impeding the progress of others. 

The speed limit in the village is 25 MPH on the main highway and 20 MPH on the side roads. Remember...when you are here...YOU ARE SOUTH OF THE STRESS LINE! Take advantage of that. When you drive to fast you endanger yourself and others. When you drive too slow you may be delaying someone's arrival at work or a ferry. 

Bikes

When riding bikes, here or anywhere, ride on the right side of the road in the same direction as the cars. If you are riding bikes in a group please ride single file. If you are riding bikes in a group please do not split up with some on one side of the road and some on the other. This makes it difficult and dangerous for cars to pass. If you are riding bikes please stay close to the side of the road. If you have to stop for some reason other than reaching your destination be sure to remove your bike and yourself completely from the road. At night, wear light colors or, better yet, carry a light. As for helmets, they are recommended for everyone, but those age 16 or younger are required to wear them by law.

Walking/Running

Many people enjoy walking (or running or jogging) around the island and that is great! It is green! It is healthy! But there are also rules you must follow when walking. Walk close to the edge of the road, if not alongside it. Walk facing traffic. Same as with the bikes...when you are in a group and traffic is coming...walk single file and don't spread out onto both sides of the road. At night wear light colors or carry a light. 

There are very few street lights here, especially on the side roads. It can get very dark at night! The roads here are narrow and well traveled. I don't mean to post this information to remind anyone that there are rules on vacation as well as in every day life. I don't want to bring anybody down. I post this to remind everyone that even on vacation you should take safety precautions and be considerate of others. We want you to return from your vacation alive and well and rested and refreshed. The majority of the people here in the summer time are on vacation but there are also those of us who work here to make your vacation enjoyable. Be kind to your waitresses, waiters, hosts and hostesses...your cleaners and shop keepers...your vacation specialists, your maintenance persons...your AC repairmen and your fellow vacationers!

Thank you for reading!