
DATE: Wednesday, August 20, 1997            TAG: 9708200437

SECTION: LOCAL                   PAGE: B1   EDITION: NORTH CAROLINA 

SOURCE: BY JENNIFER LANGSTON, STAFF WRITER 

DATELINE: HATTERAS                          LENGTH:   45 lines

OCRACOKE-BOUND CARGO OF PEOPLE, VEHICLES IS BOOMING THIS SEASON

The ferries shuttling passengers to the unspoiled, remote beaches of Ocracoke Island are booming this summer.

``We have run at record levels all year long,'' said Jerry Gaskill, director for the North Carolina Ferry Division. ``The economy is good. People are traveling.''

The ferry dock at Hatteras broke its all-time record, carrying 2,420 cars on Aug. 7. The previous record was 2,375 set July 6, 1995, ferry officials said.

Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays tend to be the busiest days during the summer season, when tourists start looking for a mid-week diversion.

``My theory is the kids are burnt up and they want to get out of the sun for a day or two and ride the ferries,'' Gaskill said. ``It seems people are more settled on the weekends.''

Cars were backed up about a mile into Hatteras village at least twelve days this summer. On busy days, ferry officials abandon the half-hour schedule and load the ferries as fast as they can - about every 15 minutes.

The rush hour to get to Ocracoke Island usually lasts from 10 a.m. until 1 p.m.

Passengers waiting for the ferries while away the time by shopping, blasting their radios and picnicking in the parking lot. Gaskill said tempers rarely flare unless the weather is hot and sticky.

``They'll get out and throw a frisbee or kids will skateboard or people will read a book,'' he said. ``Most people seem to understand, and it doesn't bother them too much.''

This time of year, the traffic begins to clear out. The ferries are typically used by fishermen and older couples instead of vacationing families.

``It starts tapering off after school starts,'' Gaskill said. ``This week is the week it starts to drop.'' ILLUSTRATION: Color photo

DREW C. WILSON/The Virginian-Pilot

Ferries to and from Ocracoke Island usually run every half hour, but

when passengers pile up, as they have during the busy summer season,

officials just load the ferries as fast as they can. Rush hour is

usually 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. But this time of year, with school about

to start and vacations ending, the crowds begin to thin.