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By Doug, July 13, 2010 21:55

For those looking to relax and just enjoy the ocean, Kure Beach, North Carolina has everything to offer.  With clean beaches, friendly people, and a real laid back attitude, Kure Beach is ideal for family fun. The crown jewel of this picturesque little town has to be the Kure Beach Fishing Pier.  Built in 1923, it is the oldest fishing pier on the Atlantic coast.  From April to November this 712 foot pier offers fishing, fabulous views, and if you’re lucky, a new friend.

I am one of those fortunate enough to make a special friend at the pier.  While enjoying the sights and smells of the ocean, I noticed a rather large pelican just sitting on a nearby table.  He was looking for scraps I’m sure and was quite comfortable with all the people bustling by.  I couldn’t resist this photo opportunity so I set to capturing him on film.  After a few minutes and several up close shots, my pelican friend decided to take over as director.  He flapped his wings and in the process knocked me in the head.  I nearly lost my hat and my glasses.  Needless to say I was a bit startled by his sudden outburst.  I’ve always heard a picture is worth a thousand words and in this case a whack on the head!

Kure Beach Fishing Pier.com

Related reading:

• Cape Fear Beaches (NC) (Images of America)
• North Carolina’s Outer Banks & Crystal Coast: Great Destinations: A Complete Guide
• Fishing Piers in America
• Sea Fishing From Land And Pier

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By Doug, December 26, 2009 14:32

What do Dale Earnhardt and Pink Floyd have in common?

Before we get to the answer, let’s take trip to North Carolina and see Dale Earnhardt Plaza, a one-acre park in Dale’s home of Kannapolis.  This is where Dale learned to drive fast and turn left around Idiot’s Circle, winning the hearts and minds (?) of the NASCAR-centric Southeast.

The center of the one-acre park showcases a 9-foot tall, 900-pound bronze statue of Dale created by Arizona artist Clyde Ross.  Dale stands there, bigger than life, with his muscular arms crossed and a knowing grin on his face.  Though not wearing his iconic sunglasses, he is sporting his 1970’s era, pornstar-style mustache.  Surrounding Earnhardt are various subtle tributes to the number three, his seven Winston Cup Championship (smoke ‘em if you got ‘em) trophies and more.

As long as you’re in town and you’re a fan of Dale’s (why else would you be there?), you might at well visit some of the other Dale Earnhardt places of worship like the nearby Dale Earnhardt Tribute Center, located just one convenient block away from the plaza.

Oh, what do Dale and Pink Floyd have in common?  Their last big hit was the wall!

Dale Earnhardt Plaza

Related reading:

• Dale Earnhardt: 23 Years with The Intimidator
• The Earnhardts: A Biography (Greenwood Biographies)
• Dale Earnhardt: Rear View Mirror
• Dale Earnhardt: Always a Champion