Cape Chronicle - May 9, 2024 (U.S. National Park Service)

News

Cape Hatteras National Seashore will offer additional Bodie Island Lighthouse climbing opportunities, including full moon climbs, starting later this month. Every Tuesday from May 28 through August 27, evening climbs will occur at 8 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m. Additionally, full moon climbs will be offered on May 23, June 21, July 21, August 19 and September 17. Climbing tickets, available at www.recreation.gov/ticket/252034/ticket/10087143, are expected to sell out quickly. More details are available in the events and programs section of this newsletter.
Cape Hatteras National Seashore will seek input on the development of a horse management plan at a May 21 public meeting on Ocracoke Island. The purpose of the 1 p.m. meeting is to receive preliminary input in advance of the plan’s development. [News Release]
North Carolina Department of Transportation’s passenger ferry will begin operating between Hatteras and Ocracoke islands on Thursday, May 23. Purchase tickets for the Ocracoke Express passenger ferry online or call 1-800-BY-FERRY.
Text OBXBeachConditions to 77295 to sign up for beach-related weather and ocean condition alerts. Learn more about beach and ocean safety at www.lovethebeachrespecttheocean.com.

Bodie Island Lighthouse Daily Climbing

Dates: Daily. First climb at 9 a.m. and final climb at 5:40 p.m.
Details: Climbing tickets can only be purchased on the day of intended climb. Tickets are available to purchase daily, starting at 7 a.m. Purchase tickets at www.recreation.gov/ticket/252034/ticket/10087143.

Bodie Island Lighthouse Evening Climbing

Dates: Every Tuesday evening between May 28 and August 27.
Times: 8 p.m., 8:30 p.m. and 9 p.m.
Details: Climbing tickets can only be purchased on the day of intended climb. Like daily climbing tickets, the evening climbing tickets are available to purchase starting at 7 a.m. Purchase tickets at www.recreation.gov/ticket/252034/ticket/10087143.

Bodie Island Lighthouse Full Moon Climbing

Dates and Times:
- Thursday, May 23 at 8:30 p.m., 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
- Friday, June 21 at 8:30 p.m., 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m. and 10 p.m.
- Sunday, July 21 at 9 p.m., 9:30 p.m., 10 p.m. and 10:30 p.m.
- Monday, August 19 at 8 p.m., 8:30 p.m., 9 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.
- Tuesday, September 17 at 7 p.m., 7:30 p.m., 8 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.
Details: Climbing tickets can only be purchased on the day of intended climb. Like daily and evening climbing tickets, the full moon climbing tickets are available to purchase starting at 7 a.m. Purchase tickets at www.recreation.gov/ticket/252034/ticket/10087143.

Bodie Island Educational Programs
Lighting the Way for Over 150 Years – Bodie Island Lighthouse

Life on a Barrier Island

Dates: Daily from 2:30-3 p.m. (through May 24)
Location: Meet on the back porch of the Keeper’s Quarters
Details: Wars, hurricanes, winds and ocean currents have all had impacts on the shores of Cape Hatteras. Join us to learn about the forces of change and the captivating world of life on an island.

Hatteras Island Educational Programs
Reflect on the Past, Preserve for the Future – Cape Hatteras Lighthouse

Dates: Daily from 11-11:30 a.m. (through May 24)
Location: Meet at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
Details: Discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel and learn about current restoration efforts.

Totally Turtles

Dates: Tuesday-Friday from 12-12:30 p.m. (through-May 24)
Location: Meet at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
Details: Learn about sea turtles through interactive games and activities for all ages.

Life on a Barrier Island

Dates: Daily from 2:30-3 p.m. (through May 24)
Location: Meet at the Hatteras Island Visitor Center Pavilion
Details: Wars, hurricanes, winds and ocean currents have all had impacts on the shores of Cape Hatteras. Join us to learn about the forces of change and the captivating world of life on an island.

Ocracoke Island Educational Programs
Celebrating 200 Years of Service – Ocracoke Lighthouse

Dates: Monday-Thursday from 11-11:30 a.m. (through May 23)
Location: Meet on the boardwalk of the Ocracoke Lighthouse
Details: Discuss the details and history of this beautiful sentinel and the keepers that kept the light burning.

Ocracoke Lighthouse

The base of the Ocracoke Lighthouse is open daily from 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. and 1:30-4:30 p.m.

Educational Programs
Lost Colony Walking Tour

Dates: Daily at 11 a.m. and 3 p.m. (through May 18). From May 19-May 24, this program will be offered at 10 a.m., 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m.
Location: Meet outside the Lindsay Warren Visitor Center
Details: Delve into the history and mystery surrounding England’s first attempt to establish a colony in the new world.

Freedman’s Colony

Dates: Daily from 1-1:30 p.m. (through May 18). From May 19-24, this program will be offered daily at 12 p.m. and 2 p.m.
Location: Meet outside the Lindsay Warren Visitor Center
Details: Discover the successes and failures of the Freedmen’s Colony and the Civil War battle that shaped it.

Educational Programs
Wind and Sand

Dates: Daily at 11 a.m., 1 p.m. and 3 p.m. (through May 24)
Location: Meet outside the visitor center
Details: Step back in history during this short walk to the actual site of the first powered flights. Discovery why the Wrights’ chose Kitty Hawk for their flight experiments and what life was life on the Outer Banks; learn about the events that led to the first powered flight on that cold December day and the lasting impact of their achievement.