Monday, December 10, 2007

Kayaking to Jones Island -White Oak River





A great half-day Kayaking trip is to launch my boat at the Croatan National Forest Recreation area boat ramp and paddle out to Jones Island, about a mile from the boat ramp and the town of Swanboro. If you are driving over the first bridge from Swansboro toward Cedar Point, Jones Island is the tract of land in the middle of the White Oak River on your left. It is beautiful wooded island with small spots to pull up, get out, take a swim, view the town of Swansboro, or just enjoy the warmth of the sun.

Recently, I paddled to Jones Island and stayed close to the shore line moving leisurely around the island. The water was smooth and the paddle easy as I meander along the water's edge. I stopped, rested, and enjoyed a snack at one of the sandy patches of beach. Since the west side of the island is usually windy I decided to back tract by the same route. To my amazement the ride was faster and easier because this time I was paddling with the tide.

On October 29, 2007, 17 acres of the island became part of Hammocks Beach State Park. However, one tract still remains in private ownership. Jones Island was used by Native Americans for hunting and fishing. It was also used as a fishing camp and livestock grazing area during colonial times.

The White Oak River is a wonderful place to kayak as well as fish and boat. According to Richard Rogers, executive director of the Clean Water Management Trust Fund, "The White Oak River is one the Best-Kept secrets in Eastern North Carolina.

The Croatan National Forest is located on VFW Road off of Highway 58 going toward Emerald Isle, North Carolina. This is a great place because they have a boat ramp, good parking, picnic area and bathrooms. Also the camp ground is managed by a resident couple.

John & Lucille's Country Retreat is only 10 minutes from the Cedar Point Boat ramp and the National Forest. Visit www.stellacountryretreat.com for more information about the retreat.

Come and discover the White Oak River on your next vacation.

Just Minutes Away - Crystal Coast Beaches!


The Crystal Coast stretches from Beaufort to Swansboro. You can spend the day at the beach on Emerald Isle or fish on the Inland Waterway. Also Kayaking and canoeing on the White Oak River is a favorite activity here. John & Lucille's Country Retreat is only 8 minutes to the Inland Water Way and only 2 miles from the White Oak River where there is a boat ramp for those who like to fish on the river.

Visit the following website for pictures of the crystal coast beaches, rivers, and festivals.
http://coastal-mountain.com/crystalcoast

Saturday, October 27, 2007

Pecan Harvest Time


November is pecan harvest season at John & Lucille's Country Retreat. These old growth trees produce great tasting pecans that are used in a wide variety of receipes, from cookies and desserts to salads. It's tradition at the retreat to stroll the yard picking up nuts while chatting with friends and family. For those who don't like to stoop, we have a tool to use so you don't have to strain you back. While staying at the Retreat, you are invited to enjoy picking up and eating pecans. You may even decide to cook a pecan pie. Visit http://www.stellacountryretreat.com/ for more information about the coast of North Carolina

One of Lucille's friends shared this receipe for pecan pie.

Katie Barker's Pecan Pie

1/2 cup sugar
1/2 cup light brown sugar
3 1/2 Tbsp. butter or margarine softened
3 eggs, lightly beaten
1 cup light corn syrup
1/2 tsp. salt
1 Tbsp. cream
1 cup pecans, broken
1 (9 inch) unbaked pie shell

Cream sugars and butter. Add eggs and mix. Add all other ingredients and mix well. Pour into pie shell. Bake in 400 degree oven 10 minutes on lowest shelf. Reduce heat to 350 degrees and bake about 30 minutes more on high shelf. The middle of the pie should "wiggle a spiffle" when taken from oven.

Monday, October 8, 2007

Welcome

Welcome to the "Crystal Coast Happenings". This is the place to catch up on what's happening on the coast of North Carolina. Each day I will fill you in on the wonderful things to do here and what is going on at the John & Lucille Country Retreat. You can write your comments about your experiences while visiting this area or about staying with us at the retreat.