Forty years ago, I might have liked the idea of being the last person to move to paradise. Since that time, I have learned that closing the door after moving to our perceived paradises would likely be a bad idea.
First, I have come to understand that we are all social beings. Life among other social beings even some we don't agree with is likely preferrable to life alone.
Next we live in a rapidly changing world. The minute you move to a place, you change it. It is nearly impossible to wall any spot off from outside influences. The Internet and mobile phones have likely put an end to that.
The better hope is trying to control change in a positive way. It is not unusual to run up against things which we cannot control. However, often in the effort to be a force for positive change, we end up learning things or meeting people who help us deal with things that we cannot stop.
Since 2006, I could be considered something of an evangelist for North Carolina's Southern Outer Banks. I enjoy writing about the area and especially taking pictures that capture the area's scenic beauty.
For a while I actually sold real estate in the area so it might have been possible to say that I was writing about the area in order to make money. However, most of the people reading my articles seemed to see right through that and understand that I truly love the area.
I am no longer actively involved in real estate, but I have continued to write about the area. I don't write about the Crystal Coast because I want a huge infusion of population.
However, I do want to get the word out about the Southern Outer Banks. Not many people have heard of the Crystal Coast portion of North Carolina's barrier islands. Yet its best hope for survival is people learning about the area and appreciating how special a spot it is.
The strand of sand that makes up our beaches is truly a place that is very unique among beach communities. It has not been over developed. The area is not wall to wall golf courses. It does still have some gorgeous, un-crowded beaches which are relatively easy to access.
On top of all that, many of the area waters are remarkably clean.
The area is also a safe, friendly place where just about anyone is welcome. Carteret County, home of the Crystal Coast, is home to many festivals, trails, and places to enjoy the water. It is a very good place to live year round.
I write about the area because I believe that it is important that people who care about the area, its beautiful beaches and clean water, continue to move to the area. The average age of those currently living in the area is relatively high. I would like to see a new generation which cares about preserving what is unique in Carteret County.
One thing that I learned long ago is that we have to transition what is important to the next generation. The older you get, the more important that becomes. If those who follow us are willing to fight for sensible development, this area might continue to be a great place to live.
We will never stop places from changing, but if people living in a place care about taking care of the area, then there is hope that future generations will get to enjoy what we have enjoyed.
The best hope for the survival of what we love is not building walls around it, but in educating others in how it is unique and why it is important that we not lose that uniqueness.
