August Already?

August Already?

 Yes, it is August already and I’m scratching my head wondering where this summer has gone. Although there have been some hot days I thought would never end, the speed that time moved during June & July must have broke records this year. And what a beautiful summer we have had at Sunset Beach! You Sunset Beach lovers know how difficult it is to paint the picture of this pristine island for those who have never seen it.  Believe us when we tell you the island is as beautiful as it sounds.  I’ve met a lot of 1st time visitors to the island of Sunset Beach this year ranging from California to London, & Indiana to the Dominican Republic, all singing high praises of this 2½ mile long piece of paradise. Even if you live right here in North Carolina, come see how a naturally growing island looks before the days of summer pass you by.

 

Of course, you will want one last drive over the historic one lane floating pontoon swing bridge at Sunset Beach, NC which has served us well as the only access on & off the island. The current bridge, built in 1961, replaced a cable swing bridge built by Mannon C. Gore in 1958 and is the last remaining bridge of it’s kind crossing the Atlantic Intracoastal Waterway. Officials tell us that by the end of September, 2010 (yes-Next Month!) traffic will be directed on to the new 65 ft. bridge currently in the final stages of completion. English Construction will then begin work on the removal of the temporary road and the still undecided future of the historic swing bridge. The Sunset Inn is currently selling 16 X 20 prints circa 1984 of the Sunset Beach historic bridge for only $45. Quantities are limited, so get one today!

 
A Sunset Beach Bridge Dedication will be held Friday October 1, 2010 at 4pm with a reception immediately following at Sea Trail. Tickets can be purchased at Sunset Beach Town Hall for $25. 
 
Sunset At Sunset Celebration will be held this year Saturday October 2, 2010 beginning at 10am. The location is beside Ingram Planetarium and the celebration will be full of vendors, music, area information & family entertainment. Make plans now to attend!
 
Turtle Hatching Update- There have been a couple of nests that successfully hatched in August on Sunset Beach, which is wonderful! The volunteers excavated both of these nests and counted the eggs with many spectators waiting to see if any unborn turtles would make their way into the ocean. Unfortunately, we didn’t see any hatch during the excavation but I was lucky enough last year to witness quite a few born with only a hand full of us around. I have attached photos of the sweet baby turtles on their journey. There is a nest due to hatch within the next 2 weeks on the very east end of the island. If you have never seen them hatch, it’s a joyous sight full of wonder that everyone should witness at least once. 
 
MS Bike Ride to Sunset Beach, NC- Great news!   The 25th Anniversary MS Bike Ride will be a “Breakaway to the Beach” held September 25th & 26th, 2010. We are very excited that thousands of bicyclists will donate their time & training to ride from Charlotte or Columbia to Sunset Beach, NC to raise funds for the MS Society. Citizens & Businesses can show support by donating time or funds to the cause. We especially look forward to welcoming these cyclists to our area! 
 
As always, we hope to see YOU at Sunset Beach, NC soon. Stop by any Sunset Beach business to say hello and tell them you read about the island on SunsetBeachNCwebcam.com!