Rain and Sand on Highway 12 but it is Open Report NCDOT

The NCDOT Highway 12 is reporting that Highway 12 is open and passable. The weather is causing some sand and water on the highway on Hatteras Island between the temporary bridge and Mirlo Beach as well as north in Kitty Hawk. The water is rain water and some ocean over wash due to high tide. No major highways problems are being reports.

63rd annual Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament Start Today at Outer Banks

The Nags Head Surf Fishing Club will hold its 63rd annual Invitational Surf Fishing Tournament. The events start today Wed. October 9 with registration and a party at the Ramada Plaza Resort and Conf. Center at MP 9.5 on the beach road at the Outer Banks. Team fishing is on Thursday and Friday. The tournament is not affected by the government shutdown since the tournament does not take place on federal land.

Government Shutdown

No end in sight to government shutdown anytime soon. The National Park closures in NC affected by the shutdown may remain closed for awhile. Washington has now set their sights on the next fight- the nation debt ceiling. Failing to raise the nation’s debt ceiling by the deadline of October 17 would have an enormous impact on the economy. Panic mode is rising in the financial world. The standoff in Washington is a real concern.

Fall Foliage Color Show Taking its Time

The fall foliage 2013 season show off to a slow start. A North Carolina State University expert reports that North Carolina’s hardwood trees are taking their time to change colors this autumn because of a low-stress growing season that included plenty of moisture and mild temperatures. Fall leaf colors are slowing making a showing in the highest elevations.

Privately Run Pisgah Inn Along Blue Ridge Parkway Forced by NPS to Close

The privately owned Pisgah Inn along the Blue Ridge Parkway in North Carolina was forced to close by the National Park Service. Park rangers have blocked the three entrances to the Pisgah Inn. A protest took place Saturday Oct. 5 by conservative activists. Another privately run inn, the Peaks of Otter Lodge, located along the Blue Ridge Parkway near Bedford, VA has also been forced to close. Park service management out of Washington directed the local parkway chief to block access to the inns. Both inns operate on leased land along the Blue Ridge Parkway.

The Blue Ridge Parkway’s 470-mile federal road is open but facilities, campgrounds, picnic areas, and bathrooms are closed due to the government shutdown.