Smoke On The Water - annual 4th of July party @ Blue Crab Tavern

The Dream of the Crab

Mirror mirror on the sound 

where the good times can be found 

Life on the water sure is fab 

pinched and doubled up, the dream of the crab

Boat Graveyard of Colington

Colington Island holds a secret. Somewhere within this estuary and it's vast network of salt creeks lies a watercraft graveyard.

Boat Graveyard of Colington from Captainwow on Vimeo.

The term 'Graveyard of the Atlantic' is used to describe the treacherous waters in the Atlantic Ocean along the Outer Banks of North Carolina. The hazards of severe weather, strong currents, and navigational challenges combined to cause the loss of thousands of ships and an unknown number of human lives. More than 1,000 ships have sunk in these waters since records began in 1526.

The area around the Colington, however, hides another graveyard. This 'Graveyard of Colington' is not caused by nature. For decades, it has become a place where waterman bring their boats to die. The boats in this video are not the result of Hurricane Irene or any other storm. Hidden up one of the many saltwater creeks around the island, a small fleet of fishing skiffs, sail boats and pleasure craft have a permanent berth in the marsh. At least two dozen have been scuttled here. Many more may lie on the bottom.

Colington Island is one part of a chain of barrier islands, which form the Outer Banks, separating the vast sounds of an estuarine system from the Atlantic Ocean. Historically a fishing village, Colington has become a development for vacation homes and affordable housing. The road leading onto the island is one of the most heavily traveled secondary roads in the state. That's why it's better to travel by water. Just be careful of the ghosts.

North Carolina crab slough Oysters, Colington Style

Eating North Carolina oysters, Colington style at the Blue Crab Tavern

HQ Kites Relocates USA Headquarters

Kite distributor expands business toward North Carolina’s Outer Banks

HQ Kites & Designs, Inc., a German-based kite & toy distribution company has announced plans to locate their North American headquarters in Powells Point, an Outer Banks community located in lower Currituck County. The new location will double their current footprint and provide office and warehouse space for products to be distributed to retail stores throughout North and South America. HQ Kites & Designs, Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Invento, a privately-held corporation based in Rastede, Germany and founded in 1993. The company plans to begin operating at the new site by Novermber 30, 2009.

In both Europe and North America, the HQ brand is known for their wide range of high quality kites, ranging from easy-to-fly kites for children to power kites that are used for kiteboarding and snow kiting. HQ also produces a variety of lawn & garden décor and air toys.

The company chose to locate in Currituck County because of lower business costs, proximity to kite & kiteboarding retailers, and enhanced exposure for HQ’s product line and customer base. “HQ is excited to be operating from the Outer Banks, home of the Wright Brothers first flight, and now the ‘Mecca of Windsports’ for kite flying, kite surfing, and windsurfing. Being on the Outer Banks will open up marketing opportunities for our business. Because so many people come here to enjoy the natural resources, it offers great exposure for our products,” stated Chris Shultz, Vice President of Sales. “The quality of life for our employees will be enhanced by living the lifestyle inspired by our products.”

About HQ Kites

HQ Kites & Designs USA is a national sales and distribution company located in Chesapeake, Virginia. As a 100% subsidiary of Invento GmbH from Germany, HQ Kites has an international background using a worldwide network of designers and engineers to ensure the highest level of innovation and quality. Our entire line of HQ Kites™, Windspiration™ lawn and garden spinners, HQ Powerkites and other outdoor toys are created for fun and engineered to last.