Drinks at the dock

We went out tonight to have drinks with friends. We drove over to Oyster Creek, across the first bridge, turned right and parked in an empty lot. Walking across the grass, we reached the dock and boarded their house. They live on a boat, at least at the moment. It was cozy and comfortable, with just enough space for the six of us (and the baby) to sit and chat while enjoying the wine and snacks our hosts graciously provided. The boat swayed mildly in the wind, and every now and then we would hear the water lapping against it or the dock. It was an enjoyable evening.

Several people live on boats around here, for varying reasons. For some, it's a good way to start the process of moving to the island: they work hard (sometimes multiple jobs) while saving to buy a house, or a lot on which to build one. For our friends, it's a place to live while their own home is rented as a vacation cottage, helping make ends meet. John and I actually considered buying a boat to live on for a while ourselves. That's one of the things about Ocracoke: many people who love it here will do what it takes - working several jobs, living in small spaces, etc - to stay.