Raleigh-to-Wilmington train eyed

Now THIS could be very cool.

From uber-reporter and hell of a guy Chris Baysden:

N.C. DOT's Rail Division "has applied for almost $7 million in federal planning funds that would allow for the expansion of intercity passenger rail service in the state – including between Raleigh and Wilmington. ...

"The funds, from the Federal Rail Administration, would be used to conduct environmental studies, engineering and design work for future intercity passenger services, NCDOT said in a written statement. These studies would assess ridership, revenue, construction and operating costs on two routes: between Raleigh and Wilmington and between Salisbury and Asheville. ...

"North Carolina already won a large chunk of federal money for rail improvements this year. In January, North Carolina announced grants of $545 million from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act for further development of sections of the Southeast High Speed Rail Corridor located in the state."

Granted, it would be tough to hit the train in Raleigh, get off in Wilmington and then find our way to CB, but it's at least a start.

The rides are back and a new Thai restaurant has opened

The rides at the Carolina Beach boardwalk are now back, just in time for the busy summer season.

"This year there are about a dozen more rides, including the 'Ring of Fire' which will go 70 feet in the air. There will also be bungee jumping and new kiddie rides," says WECT.

"After last year's success, the Town of Carolina Beach worked with the ride company to expand, which is good news for the bad economy.

"The prices will remain the same, but there will be rides on three different lots near the boardwalk.

"The rides will be open by Friday night and could be open as early as Thursday night if the inspections are complete by then."

Ida Thai now open

Chef Jackie Bongkotmanee’s Ida Thai is now open in CB. The Thai restaurant is named for Bongkotmanee’s toddler daughter, Ida.

"Ida’s menu features easy Thai favorites such as satay, spring rolls, pad Thai, and all the correct curries but also Paradise Ginger, a stir-fry containing ginger, mushrooms, celery, carrots, bell peppers and onion," says the Star-News. "Garlic & Pepper Chicken brings chicken sauteed with fresh garlic and ground pepper topped with cilantro. Prices range from $5 to $10. Take-out is available. Call (910) 458-8136."

Well, darn

Wrightsville Beach has apparently decided against banning smoking on the beach. I was really hoping this would go through, and that WB would set a precedent for other beach communities. Oh, well.

Instead, the WB Board of Alderman have decided "to raise the fine for littering, including those who drop cigarette butts.

"The fine is going from $100 to $250."

The board heard from about a dozen supporters and opponents and Mayor David Cignotti then asked for a show of hands. More than 30 people favored the ban, and about 10 people opposed it.

But Alderwoman Susan Collins said she wanted to tighten the litter ordinance by handing out more tickets instead of banning smoking.

Whoo-hoo! There's now more beach to enjoy!

Just in time for the busy beach time of the year, comes these photos courtesy of the missus, showing the beach renourishment process as it is underway. We are particularly excited because while we've enjoyed being able to see the OCEAN from the porch of Our Beach Place, we can now see the BEACH as well. Yippee!

Here is the before photo (from a year or so ago) ...

... and here is a photo as of May 1.

Note the pipeline on the beach in the second photo. The wife says the beach goes well even beyond it. Nice.

In other words, now is a good time to get down there and enjoy the sand and surf. (Hint, hint.)

Boy, don't miss out on this great weather we're having

In case you haven't noticed (or in case you live in a less-moderate part of the country), the weather in North Carolina has been spectacular of late. All signs point to that continuing for quite some time. And then it will be summer. So, in other words, now is the time to book those Carolina Beach weeks and weekends (or longer, if your heart desires) at OBP.

Don't miss this opportunity to get a steal of a deal -- just steps from the beach.

Remember, if you are interested in renting Our Beach Place for just a weekend, week or longer, just email us at collards12@yahoo.com.

(Image from cape-fearguide.com)

CB native Munley deservedly given key to the city

"Still leaning on her cane but smiling broadly Tuesday night, Sgt. Kimberly Munley accepted the key to the town from the Carolina Beach Town Council," writes the Star-News.

You'll remember that Munley was the "hero cop" who brought down Army Major Nidal Malik Hasan back in November after he had opened fire on the base at Fort Hood, Texas, killing 13 and wounding more than 30 others.

Munley is the daughter of former Carolina Beach Mayor Dennis Barbour.

The council declared Nov. 5 a day to remember the bravery and sacrifice of the Carolina Beach native, who was shot in both legs and once in the wrist while helping stop a deadly shooting at the U.S. Army base in Fort Hood, Texas, on that date last year. Flanked by her family, including her 3-year-old daughter, Munley thanked the council for the "tremendous support" she received from the town and county since the incident.

"It was a big job that day and a group effort – I just happened to be the one, with Mark Todd, to get there first," Munley said.

In other CB news, the council is apparently getting an earful about the new traffic patterns.

Watch out for a new traffic pattern

WECT is reporting that a new traffic pattern in CB has caused some confusion.

Lake Park Boulevard used to have two lanes in each direction, but now it only has one. Officials say they are trying to help the flow of traffic, but residents say one lane just isn't enough.

"I mean, two lanes coming off the beach, just makes sense," said pizza delivery driver Lanelle Barrow. "Maybe in the long run it will be a good idea, but right now, I don't see it."

The plan to change traffic patterns has been in the works with town leaders for five years. They hope the changes will give the area a more traditional "downtown" ambiance.