...and Judge Boyle, the National Audubon Society, and Defenders of Wildlife takes them away!
Here's the scenario: TS Cristobal, approaching from the southwest, brings us overhead waves, and variable, but generally cranking SE winds, and lots of scattered thunderstorms and rain squalls. Basically, an ideal wind and wave setup for the Cove, which doesn't really work anywhere else on the island. Vehicle support, in my opinion, was crucial to provide the tiniest bit of shelter from the quick little lightning storms sliding through.
Most of you are probably familiar with the beach access regulations imposed by the aforementioned groups. Basically, they've forced oversized beach closures through the court systems to protect a few endangered species who nest on our beaches. I have no problem giving wildlife some space, but as it stands right now, they get a lot of space... In fact, the little fledglings at The Point get a kilometer radius of beach all to themselves. That's 1000 meters in all directions, which effectively closes off all human access to The Point and Cove. For comparison's sake, here in NC, sex offenders can live 1000 feet (less than 1/3 the distance) away from schools and daycare centers... Does that make any sense? I understand that the birds are skittish and all, but come on!
So I sat this epic day out, not willing to risk a lightning storm without some form of shelter close at hand. I then got skunked on my Isabel's attempt later in the evening when the wind crapped out. Keith and Caleb did end up sailing to the Cove from the Old Lifeguard Beach, dodging rain squalls and shooting the shoals to score 200 yard long lefts, reportedly about logo high in the sets! Those guys are Bad Ass! (and possibly a little wind starved and reckless to risk their lives for a sesh)
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5 comments:
I agree 100% Andy! Especially considering the conditions found in there. All in all, it is pretty ridiculous. Some good news though, looks like the senators representing NC are a work to restore access:
http://www.northcarolinasportsman.com/details.php?id=792
Yeah, regardless of counter-lawsuits/congressional measures/blah blah blah, I keep reminding myself that this is only an interim plan. December 2010 is not that far away, and that's when we find out what the real deal is.
sorry shame you missed a great session but mankind has taken over or destoried so much of the planet that its only fair that certain areas at certain times are protected. To be fair windsurfing is only a past-time - these birds or whatever are actually trying to survive.
Anon, you're right. There's always a "not in my backyard" mentality associated with any sort of change, and I've slowly fallen right into it. That said, the amount of territory being given over to the birds (at the moment, it'll be turtles in another month) is just absurd (also admitted by the NPS endangered species specialists). Do we really need to stay greater than 10 football fields away from a bird that stands 10 cm tall? How far can these creatures see/sense? We've been responsibly and successfully SHARING this land with other species for years, and I don't understand why it's had to change so abruptly.
And here I am with all limbs crossed waiting for a storm to get near me, my local forecast is 5-6 for the next 9 days..(farts) I got to kite last Sunday and managed to "set an edge!" Florida sucks, no summer wind....ever...But my skateboarding is ever improving, and my bum-knee is earning some stamina and grows stronger by the day!(check out my short skate vid!) err..shameless plug... Definitely going to make it back to Hatteras next May...
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