 |
|
|
The Old Sunset Beach Bridge
Anyone that knows me knew that I was a fan of the “Old Sunset Beach Bridge.” I loved the sound of old boards creaking when my car crossed over the bridge, how the floating section kept me in touch with the rising and falling of the tides, and I even loved saying, “Sorry we’re late, we were stuck at the bridge,” as if we were members of an elite club. I miss it. I miss knowing that 24 hrs/day there was a dedicated bridge tender watching over the one-lane connection from the cruel world to the peaceful island I call home, especially on these winter nights when there’s so few us on the island. I still catch myself timing everything around the top of the hour, leaving the house at 10 min. till. Again, I miss it. Of course, I’ve mindlessly driven down the road to go to over the old bridge, catching myself & laughing a little. I miss sitting at the red-light and waving to others I know, while we waited for our turn to crossover. I liked watching the boats pass through imagining the adventures that awaited them and tropical waters they would see. My family would say we didn’t mind that old bridge, because it kept us fed for many years. And it certainly did. One man’s vision brought so much to a “Bald Beach” and enhanced countless lives. I will miss it for a long time, but time is a Blessing and works wonders in my life, especially at the beach.
Sadly, Friday, January 7, 2011, the Old Sunset Beach Bridge opened for the very last time. The old bridge was still being used as a service access while English Construction removed the road on the island side leading to the old bridge.
The faithful bridge tenders arrived and signed the log one final time. The center section of the bridge was then floated over to the mainland, very close to the main construction site. The Old Sunset Beach Bridge is currently being relocated on land owned by Ronnie & Clarice Holden near Island Breeze on Shoreline Drive. The Old Bridge will be refurbished and be turned into a museum, all through extensive efforts by The Old Sunset Beach Bridge Preservation Society and their dedicated members. Preserving the Old Sunset Beach Bridge is an expensive task funded by this non-profit society, and any donations to the cause are greatly appreciated.
Just last week, our local news reported that The Sunset Beach Town Council approved a contract to conditionally purchase the waterfront land located between Crabby Oddwaters Restaurant and Twin Lakes Restaurant. The proposed use of this land will be for a Town of Sunset Beach Public Park. The purchase of this land has been debated for some time now, and will not likely be finalized anytime soon. If you’ve visited the island recently, you may have seen the installation process of a Central Sewer System has begun. We recommend following all Sunset Beach, NC updates, including upcoming changes in island parking regulations, by checking with the Town of Sunset Beach’s website.
Today, like every day, I drove over the new high-rise Sunset Beach Bridge and marvel at the view like it’s the first time I’ve seen Sunset Beach from 65 feet. I’m on the journey of learning to love the new bridge. The goats on their island, the birds all around and the endless blue ocean dotted with boats are enjoyable sights from the new bridge. Walking on the bridge is invigorating and many are enjoying the stroll along with the scenery. When the new bridge first opened, you could park on an island side shoulder for a quick walk to the top. It was great! Recently this area has been blocked off for us regular folks, with a sign stating “Emergency Vehicles Only.” Another change you should be aware of is the speed limit. For as long as I can remember, the speed limit on the causeway was 45 mph. NOT ANYMORE. The speed limit is now 35 mph from the moment you drive up the bridge all the way to the stop sign at the pier, and many of us were unaware of this change. Be sure you pay attention, PLEASE don’t get caught speeding.
Last but not least, if you’ve always wanted to own property at Sunset Beach, NC, this is an excellent time for a deal. Prices are low and the possibilities are abundant. An Oceanfront Lot just sold at a price that was unheard-of just a few years ago. Sunset Beach still offers the most gorgeous, spacious beach around providing hours of free entertainment only steps away from an island cottage. Look for all sunset properties for sale on the island at www.sunsetbeachsales.com. Even better, we welcome you to visit Sunset Beach, NC. You just might fall in love with the area and then one day, you’ll miss it.
New Bridge is OPEN!
On November 11, 2010, without any formal announcement or fanfare, the New Sunset Beach Bridge became open to traffic. It was approximately 3pm on Veteran's Day, and those of us that travel over the old bridge multiple times daily were just discussing an announcement we had heard of the Official Bridge opening to be held at 8am on Friday, Nov. 12th. We were joking with each other over who would be the first ones over and how it would be difficult to get to work on time if there was a long line. You see, most of us have had to answer the question of "When is the new bridge opening?" more times than we could count, and we simply did not know when. With our patience worn thin, our vehicles rattling apart, we were ready for our heartfelt attachment to the old bridge to become a memory. As I checked my watch to make sure it was not the top of the hour, I headed out the door to go off the island. It's funny the habits we develop, but I looked down Sunset Blvd. and saw the old bridge was open for boat traffic and immediately new I'd be late for my appointment. But, where was this oncoming traffic coming from? Was it broken, again? Then suddenly, there I am slowly ascending the new bridge with a high tide view that is astounding! A few words immediately came to mind as I'm driving over this controversial bridge....Gradual, Quiet, Smooth & What A View. As you can imagine, cars have steadily been crossing the new bridge and many pedestrians, too. I have never been comfortable with the idea of being a pedestrian on a bridge when cars are passing by....there's no where to go if a vehicle swerves in my direction. So, I took the opportunity on Nov. 1st to be one of the thousands that walked the new bridge, and was very impressed. I believe you will be impressed as well.
I can honestly say I will miss the clunkety-clunkety sounds of cars crossing the old bridge, the siren that signaled boats it's safe to pass through, timing my schedule by the top of the hour, and habit will always force me to have a good book in the car just in case. However, to have a Bird's Eye view of the beautiful little islands full of life, the ebb & flow of the tides, and the most amazing beach I've ever called home from 65 feet high, it's a grand & marvelous feeling.
Are you ready for some Oysters?
Oyster season officially begins today, October 15th and we kick it off in style each year by celebrating the North Carolina Oyster Festival. October 16 & 17, 2010 is the 30th anniversary of the ever popular NC event held at Ocean Isle Beach, NC and hosted by Brunswick County Chamber of Commerce. With over 45,000 people attending, you don’t have to be an oyster lover to enjoy the sites, sounds & smells of a good time for all ages. In fact, the NC Oyster Festival won the 2007 award for North Carolina event of the year! Admission is only $5 per person while kids 8 & under are FREE.
The sites include Arts & Crafts Vendors, live music with dancing, a kid’s area, a FREE NASCAR simulator, and of course, the Oyster Shucking Contest (Sat 4-6pm) which is truly a thrill to witness.
The smells include delicious food vendors serving a variety from Gyros, chowders & BBQ sandwiches to homemade ice cream & funnel cakes. Be sure to taste the succulent local oysters and pick your personal favorite in the Oyster Stew Cook-off Sunday at Noon.
The sounds of the bands will make you smile. The music starts early on Sat. and will end with a Shag Contest on Sunday.
Music Schedule:
Saturday Sunday
10am-12pm Craig Woolard Band 10am-12pm New Beginnings Praise Band
12pm-2pm Coastline Band 12pm-2pm Band of Oz
2pm-4pm Legends of the Beach Band 2pm-5pm The Imitations (Shag Contest)
4pm-6pm The Painted Man
Are you a runner? If so, be sure to enter the Road Race which includes a Fun Run, a 5K and a 10K for whatever level runner you are.
We sure hope you come to enjoy the Oyster Festival or visit our area this fall. The weather is perfectly comfortable usually in the 70’s, the summer crowds have faded, and the island feels like a private paradise once more. And yes, as of today, we still have the old Sunset Beach Bridge in operation. The Bridge Dedication, held Oct. 1st, was a success as well as the Sunset at Sunset Celebration which was Oct. 2nd. Our sources tell us traffic will be directed on to the new bridge sometime next week (around the 20th of October)- so come take one more drive over our historic Sunset Beach bridge.
So, if you are ready, let’s go walk on Sunset Beach this gorgeous morning down to the “Kindred Spirit” mailbox, head to Calabash for some roasted oysters for lunch and then welcome some weekend guests over at The Sunset Inn. I hope to see you!
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.
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!
Sizzlin’ Hot Summertime!
Do you like it hot, hot, hot? Seems like just yesterday I was so anxiously awaiting some heat so I could put on some shorts & flip-flops. Thousands were watching it snow thinking it would never stop. Summertime brought the heat and so much more! A busy Memorial Day Weekend lead to the end of school, and now it’s kind of an “open the flood gate” feeling that has made the summer rush & heat begin. I heard someone say “It’s like an ant farm tipped over” and happy vacationers, along with myself, are loving the summer heat at the beach! No need to complain about the temps, this is exactly how most people expect summer at the beach to feel….in August, but we get to enjoy it all summer. The sun is shining, a little breeze is blowing and the ocean water is heavenly.
I find it refreshing that at least 3 people per week ask me how our current Sunset Beach Floating Swing/Pontoon Bridge works. These are newcomers to the island that have never seen the bridge or our beautiful beach and their questions are truly priceless. I am reminded that many island visitors are unaware of the hourly openings for boat traffic and “on-demand” openings for commercial vessels. Simply stated, make every attempt to crossover the bridge prior to the top of the hour to avoid a delay. The bridge opening usually lasts approximately 15 minutes, depending on the amount of boat traffic. The center section floats and swings out using an underwater cable, hence the name Sunset Beach Floating Pontoon/Swing Bridge. The Floating Pontoon Bridge has been the only access on & off Sunset Beach since the island was developed in 1958, and many Sunset Beach lovers believe it adds historic charm to the 2½ mile island. As an island resident, I will forever be checking my watch with thoughts of the bridge opening, even when it is long gone.
Progress with the new bridge has been steady & inevitable. The last spans were set in place early June, providing a clear vision of what the completed bridge will look like. English Construction has verbally confirmed a completion date of September 1st. The official Bridge Dedication Ceremony is Friday, October 1st at 4pm and more info is available at Sunset at Sunset. The Town of Sunset Beach & The Sunset at Sunset Steering Committee are creating a Remembrance Book which will display shared thoughts or memories of the Sunset Beach Floating Pontoon Bridge. Be sure to submit your entry no later than Wednesday, September 8th. The final masterpiece will be unveiled at the Bridge Dedication and remain on display at Sunset Beach Town Hall.
It’s Turtle Time at Sunset Beach! This is the time of year when the Loggerhead Sea Turtles come ashore and make their nests. The Sunset Beach Turtle Patrol wants to remind all not to disturb the turtles in their efforts and DO NOT disturb the nests. Please report any turtle activity you may witness to the Turtle Patrol, and learn more every Sunday at 7pm at Sunset Properties parking lot.
With the 4th of July quickly approaching, I researched the local fireworks schedule. Calabash will be having their 2nd Annual July 4th Celebration on Sunday, July 4th. Located at the Calabash riverfront, there will be food & craft vendors along with local bands which begin at 4pm. The Embers are scheduled to begin playing between 6 & 7pm until the Fireworks show at 9pm. Event planners advise bringing lawn chairs. Last years fireworks were great and easily viewed from the island of Sunset Beach.
In closing, I would like to thank the kind comments & replies you take the time to share. SunsetBeachNCwebcam.com was created as an affordable way for local businesses to advertise via the internet. Our goal is not to be authorities or experts on bridge activities, merely to help Sunset Beach lovers feel connected and somewhat updated. As year round residents, small business owners & parents, we are vested in our community and believe Sunset Beach, NC is an amazing place to visit & live.
Shhh…It’s a Secret Beach
Sunset Beach, NC & Bird Island may have been a very well kept secret for 55 years until the April issue of Southern Living Magazine. It was a surprise to many when our 2 ½ mile island was one of 10 of the South’s Most Secret Beaches. Of course to Sunset Beach lovers, it was no surprise at all. The article nicely yet briefly describes our wide, spacious beaches and features an appropriate sunset photo of the beach. It’s funny how when you know a secret getaway, you so badly want to tell others what a treasure you have found, but if you do, it’s not a secret getaway anymore. Here at Sunset Beach with an island that continues to accumulate more sand every year, we can afford to let a few more know about our secret beach. Let’s just continue to treasure it.
It was certainly no secret that Sunset Beach was the place to be this Spring & Easter Break. The weather has been gorgeous with warm sunny days and cool breezy nights. The kind of weather when you can throw the windows open and let the pollen in. Sweet Springtime, that I love so much, won’t last long before we are complaining about the heat. Easter Sunday was a beautiful beach day and my family enjoyed the glorious morning at the Easter Beach service, along with countless others. No need for a fancy dress or 3 piece suit here, flip flops & a beach chair are the accessories of choice. With daughters I usually fuss over to look just right Easter morning, this was definitely my favorite Easter Sunday ever… and theirs too!
Local Activities this spring include:
Find the time to travel to Sunset Beach in the spring and you won’t be disappointed.
 Just Imagine March at Sunset Beach!
Just imagine 70 degree sunshine, a wide open beach, flowers coming to life, wildlife visible again and practically having an island to yourself. That's what life is like in March at Sunset Beach, NC. A better indication of spring's arrival than the likes of a groundhog's shadow, are the gators in the sun and the dolphins in the waterway. Makes you just say "Ahhhhh...Spring is here!" Funny how quick the seasons seem to change and the warm air blows in. Hey you, why imagine it when you can be here too? Sunset Beach officially invites you to head to our 2 1/2 mile island to see the Kindred Spirit, Beautiful Bird Island, the growing beaches and so much more. There are many spring local events providing entertainment for all types. We have attached a schedule of them to this blog, but be sure to check for exact dates.
The new Sunset Beach Bridge work continues and the spans are all almost completely in place. Some days there are spectators parked for hours entranced at the bridge work in progress. Each day work is visible and interesting, anticipating the final completion. After speaking with English Construction, they are confident that traffic will be traveling on the new bridge before the fall season arrives. Many questions have been raised about the old bridge, with no definite answers yet. What will happen to the old Sunset Beach Bridge? North Carolina Dept. of Transportation gets to decide the fate of our beloved Bridge.
Spring in all it's splendor won't last long. Before we know it, the hot summer will be upon us. Spring Break, Easter Break, use any reason you can to get away to Sunset Beach in the spring and you won't be disappointed. Why imagine March at Sunset Beach, when you can be here to enjoy it?
March
Brunswick Islands Home & Garden Show
Shallotte
(800) 426-6644 or (910) 754-6644
www.brunswickcountychamber.org
Battleship NORTH CAROLINA Behind the Scenes Special tour
Wilmington
(910) 251-5797 ext. 3006
www.battleshipnc.com
Taste of Southport
Southport
(910) 279-4616
Pi Day at Ingram Planetarium
Sunset Beach
(910) 575-0033
www.ingramplanetarium.org
Amateur Wine Competition Medal Ceremony
Silver Coast Winery
(910) 287-2800
www.silvercoastwinery.com
Remember When Oldies Music Festival
La Belle Amie Vineyard
(843) 399-9463
www.labelleamie.com
April
Southport Spring Festival & Azalea Sale
Shallotte
(910) 279-4616
A Day at The Docks Festival
Holden Beach
(910) 842-7355
North Brunswick Spring Festival
Leland
(910) 383-0553
North Carolina Azalea Festival
Wilmington
(910) 794-4650
www.ncazaleafestival.org
SNOW at Sunset Beach 2010!
Oh boy, did we get snow at Sunset Beach. Anticipating the snowfall on Friday, peope were busy stocking up supplies for our first major snowfall in years. The big white flakes started falling on the island around 7pm Friday night and rewarded us all with a gorgeous blanket of snow by morning. Early Saturday morning I began my walk to work and narrowly missed falling many times. Words can not describe how beautiful, peaceful and serene the island was with snow everywhere. Because we never see snow, I can only guess that we got about 3 inches, but it was perfect. Perfect snow for snowballs, snowmen, and snowcream. It was lovely crunchy snow that my kids have never seen at the beach. The roads conditions were fine and carloads of people began heading on the island for photos of snow at the beach. The kids made the snowgirl complete with bikini top & sunglasses, we had a few snowball fights and had little luck at sledding, but we had a blast. As quickly as we got the snow, it melted by Saturday afternoon. In fact, guests arriving at the Inn Saturday afternoon barely believed me when I told of the morning adventures. Hope you enjoy the photos and hopefully you enjoyed the snow you got at home, too.
Snow is coming down and Things are looking Up!
Yes- It is snowing at Sunset Beach, NC! As I load the newest photos of the Bridge construction here at Sunset Beach, the snow is steadily falling on the island of Sunset Beach. The temperatures have been colder than usual and perfect for rarely seen snow at the beach, but we haven't seen the white flakes fall until tonight. We've watched the news, talked to family and even traveled to see snow for our kids' sake, but each time our temps drop, the rain stops....Until now. Because it is rare for us to experience the snow, to the majority of the locals and all of the kids, it's a beautiful sight. The clean, fresh look of a blanket of snow at the beach is gorgeous. Our local meteorologists say we might even get 2-4 inches, which is very rare for us. As beautiful as the past snow photos of our old Sunset Beach Bridge are, I imagine that tomorrow morning's snow photos will be different. The new bridge has taken major transformations in less than 30 days and the photos are a great timeline of the change. We spoke with the project manager of the bridge about these changes and they are on schedule for the Dec. 2010 completion date. I personally expected much longer/larger Span Beams to be used, but have since been advised otherwise. It's too complicated for me to explain, but so fascinating to watch.
Happy Valentine's Day to all and I will post some new snow photos as soon as I can. Of course, you can always see the webcam for immediate views of the snow falling & the bridge construction!
It was quite a site yesterday, Sunday Jan. 10th, as the big beams that will span across the ICW as the center section of the new Sunset Beach Bridge arrived. The big boys arrived late in the afternoon on a barge powered by a tug boat which traveled south up the ICW. We watched as the barge carefully turned towards the island and fit perfectly beside the barge carrying the jumbo crane. Yes, I know these are technical words, so try to keep up. I've had a some friends asking if they had arrived yet, and I wanted to let you all know. I took a photo early this morning of the two boats side by side, as workers were already busy. We'll keep you posted!
More Entries
|
|
 |
|
