7 Shark Attacks This Summer On The North Carolina Coast

July 1, 2015July 1, 2015 / Donna George / 3 Comments

7 Shark Attacks This Summer On The North Carolina Coast, what the heck is happening??

It’s the 4th of July, the beaches are packed and the sharks are acting crazy. Another victim attacked and airlifted to the hospital today at Ocracoke Island, in the Outer Banks of N.C.

http://fox8.com/2015/07/01/another-shark-attack-reported-off-nc-coast-victim-transported-to-hospital/

Last week I posted about the recent shark attacks and included what the experts believe are causing the frenzy and I included safety tips for swimming in the ocean. You can find it by clicking here and victim updates here. The scientists and marine biologists are now adding to the list of probable causes of shark attacks to include warmer than usual temperatures causing the ocean water temperature to rise. The hot temps and the lack of fresh rain water has made the ocean water unusually warm, and non-diluted with high levels of salinity that sharks enjoy.

Added to the list of probable causes is the abundance of available shark food. Turtles and bait fish are motivating the sharks to come closer to shore to feed, which explains all the shark activity in the shallow water.

If you’re headed to the beach for vacation, enjoy the ocean, swim smart, stay alert and have a great time! Enjoy the 4th of July! If you’re not joining the masses at the beaches, how will you spend the holiday?

Happy trails
Donna George

Why Natural Seaside Oats Are Important?

March 23, 2015 / Donna George / 16 Comments

Uniola paniculata, Seaside oats

The tapestry and subtle lines of the natural landscape of Sea Oats on the eastern seaboard coastline is both important and attractive. Variations of earthtone colors, sizes and textures line the beach banks in grandeur perfection. Paired with a backdrop of a blue sky and the big blue ocean – Extraordinary!

Sea oats

Sea Oats, a living plant is protected in most states due to its location and habitat. These beautiful plants help protect our shoreline by holding sand and soil in place during extreme weather events such as tropical storms and hurricanes. These plants can actually catch blowing sand, who knew?

Shoreline Sea Oats

And let’s not forget that beaches are always moving which makes Sea Oats “endangered”. Occasionally, I see people attempting to pull the plants from the beach to take with them, not a good idea… They are an important part of the ecosystem that keep the natural habitat healthy.

Sea Oats

Beach season is approaching quickly, and thousands of visitors will pour onto the coastline to enjoy the long-awaited day offs and family vacations. Considering how brutally cold the winter, it’s predicted to be a busier than ever beach season. Everyone is ready for some fun in the sun and beach time.

The ocean is a tremendous gift, a treasure, positioned as the heartbeat of summer. It’s up to us, you and me to keep it clean and abide by essential regulations.

There is something everyone can do to contribute to protecting the beaches. Small things like disposing all your trash in designated areas. I cringe when I see people bury their cans in the sand or throw bottles in the sea oats. 😦 And be warned, I go ballistic when I see people smoking on the beach. (Where do you think they dispose of the butts? ). It’s so sad…

I am the crazy lady who might just speak up, yikes, yes. I can’t control myself. My vehicle displays a license tag that declares, Protect our Oceans. How about you? Can you think of a way to influence, protection of coastline treasures? Will you be visiting the beach, summer 2015?

Enjoy the coastline and take a second to look at the Sea Oats quietly on the sidelines, swaying and dancing, playing its part in the ecosystem.

Happy trails
Donna George

Express Yourself

January 29, 2015January 29, 2015 / Donna George / 9 Comments

In response to The Daily Post’s weekly photo challenge: “Express Yourself.”

In response to the dailypost photo challenge to “express yourself” through a photo (without getting too personal), I decided to share three ways, I find inspiration, all in the same photo.

This was not an easy task! I love all things sparkly, shiny, and pretty, like sequins, bangles, and red shoes, but on this occasion, nature trumps.

Ocean Seagulls Flowers

Oh, did I mention why?

The Ocean and I go way back, all the way back, to the beginning. I’m secretly a mermaid, but don’t tell anyone.

The Seagulls are amazing, beautiful birds with a curious nature, who hang close to people.

And Flowers. Nothing brightens a space like flowers. They’re colorful, delicate and smell incredible. What’s not to love about flowers?

Donna George

This Is No Ordinary Life

July 15, 2013 / Donna George / Leave a comment

Sharing my Life means, you support my quirks…you enjoy them and take part. I learned a simple truth from my camera – focus on what’s important and capture the good times, develop from the negatives. Then if things don’t go as planned, take another shot. When everyone gives up on me, hope whispers, try this.

belly laughter at least once a day.

I am always curious and ask a million questions.

love 20 second hugs. it’s silent acceptance.

suddenly, I like country music – what? Yes. “Florida Georgia Line”

deep conversations.

hot sunny bright summer days.

did I mention, the beach, the sea, the ocean, it’s liquid velvet.

family & friends, all of them – well almost

Jesus is perfect, my hero, role model and I’m not ashamed of my faith.

forever daydreaming.

sand between my toes.

random dancing, usually while cooking.