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<\/a><\/p>\nThe warm up before the storm came at Eric and Val Stump’s New Years Eve party. A few snowflakes dropped as did the temperature.<\/p>\n
Eric did a great job roasting some crab slough oysters.<\/p>\n Then on the morning of the 3rd, I saw my truck sprayed with icy snow.<\/p>\n The yard became a frozen winter wonderland.<\/p>\n My business banner had been blown away and it’s mast bent.<\/p>\n After snowing 3 inches, it was 25\u00b0 and blowing a gale.<\/p>\n Oyster gloves were frozen to the clothes line.<\/p>\n My bathroom window had some interesting ice patterns on it.<\/p>\n Bundled up for the coldest conditions, I explored the Salvo Day Use Area.<\/p>\n The Rodanthe Pier pilings were plastered on the northwest sides.<\/p>\n Meanwhile the oyster shoot for Old Christmas had begun. It was low 20’s with a stiff northerly wind.<\/p>\n Everyone was gathering on the lee side of the Community Building, unless they were shooting.<\/p>\n A festive reunion for family and friends, Joey Jr. (left) celebrates with Tom Wiley and Joey O’Neal Sr.<\/p>\n I couldn’t resist shooting my long-time friends Brent Midgett, Willy Smith, and Larry Midgett.<\/p>\n To the victor of the oyster shoot go the spoils. Better eat ’em quick before they freeze.<\/p>\n Emily prepares to shoot as her dad Tom Wiley looks on. As is a proud family tradition here, she serves in the U.S. Coast Guard.<\/p>\n Larry Midgett was helping his daughter Tanya, get ready for her turn to shoot. Tanya is also following in the U.S. Coast Guard tradition, and currently stationed at Hatteras Inlet.<\/p>\n There was always someone waiting to shoot.<\/p>\n Even the young ones got in on the act. Camouflage was everywhere.<\/p>\n The next day frigid temperatures continued. It was 17\u00b0 at night, and the sound froze out even further, as far as I could see.<\/p>\n From a second story deck, I couldn’t see any open water, only a duck blind on the horizon.<\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/a><\/p>\n