Planning a trip to Morehead - Need info re conditions in Sept vs Oct

[dlwalke]

The easiest time for me to take my significant vacation of the year (to Morehead City) would be the last 2 weeks of October, although late September would also be an option. How is the water temp below the thermocline that time of year. I only have a 3 mil suit, but could warm it up with a hooded vest and some thick gloves. I'm wondering if there will be a significant difference in conditions between those two windows of opportunity.

Also, am going mainly to see sharks. Do the wreck dives generally double as shark dives? Are their specific wrecks that one generally goes to to see sharks or are they on most of the offshore wrecks? Am planning on diving out of Olympus dive shop but haven't booked yet. FWIW, will probably only do a weekend of dives and spend the rest of my time kayaking and wilderness camping out on Cape Lookout Natl Seashore, and eating BBQ. Any suggestions re favorite bbq places also appreciated.

Thanks,
Dave

 

[BabyDuck]

wow, you have a great week planned. i'm only gonna answer the temps part.

you should be fine with the three mil & added bits through about november. underwater, there won't be much difference in the two timeframes, on land oct would be nicer for camping - but you're from atlanta, you know that.

ok, i'll answer something about the sharks, too. yes, most wreck dives double as shark dives, but the sharks tend to congregate on certain wrecks at certain times of the year. i dunno why, maybe they get bored. anyway, the captains are generally on top of where they are & you can hit the wrecks they've been at lately if the rest of the boat is agreeable. picking wrecks is pretty democratic & usually done on the way out, so ask about sharks & get your vote in.

i like the local chain smithfields. hey, i answered them all!

 

[herman]

Kayaking and camping that time of year.....Bring at least 4 gallons of blood or find a place that sells deet by the gallon. Skeeters are mean out there.

The 3mm should be enough. As for the wrecks I would go with BDs suggestion, ask the captains.
As far as BBQ is concerned, don't bother. There is not a single decent BBQ joint east of I-85.
I would also suggest you bring along some fishing gear, Oct is one of the best times on our coast. No license is needed this year but there will be one next year.

 

[BabyDuck]

As far as BBQ is concerned, don't bother. There is not a single decent BBQ joint east of I-85.

you unwashed heathen lying scum! eastern nc barbecue is the BEST! and don't you forget it!:light:

hmm, can you tell i'm from eastern nc??

 

[fireflock]

I would choose Sept by a slim margin. Hurricanes might be more likely, but the weather on average is probably a bit more reasonable. If you are looking for a quiet place to camp over at the Cape during fall fishing season you might be disapointed in October (might). At times that place can get really crowded.

Keep an eye out as you're kayaking around on the sound side of the banks. Fisherman catch lots of sharks there too.

Rich

 

[dlwalke]

I would choose Sept by a slim margin. Hurricanes might be more likely, but the weather on average is probably a bit more reasonable. If you are looking for a quiet place to camp over at the Cape during fall fishing season you might be disapointed in October (might). At times that place can get really crowded.

Keep an eye out as you're kayaking around on the sound side of the banks. Fisherman catch lots of sharks there too.

Rich

Yeah, as I recall from a previous trip about 5 yrs ago, there is a pic in The Sanitary Fish Market and Restaurant of a local on a kayak with a 5-6 footer strapped to the deck.

 

[BigWhiteSquare]

you unwashed heathen lying scum! eastern nc barbecue is the BEST! and don't you forget it!:light:

Tell 'em Marci, tell em! No hillbilly bbq allowed 'round here!

Of course, in all fairness to western NC bbq, you do have to admire its simplicity. All you need is one of these:

and some of this:

 

[bankey]

sept and oct are great times to dive the crowds are thinned out a bit after labor day. looking back the last time I dove september in was 72 on the bottom and 73 in october. it wouldn't hurt to to take a fleece or windbreaker for between dives. the last time i went in october it was a bit chilly. try Roland's in beaufort for BBQ. you might also want to consider the overnight trips in october olympus has scheduled October 12th-13th & October 19th-20th. I generally do a liveabord with them in may, and its really great way to go. have fun!

 

[Diveral]

I second Rolands in Beaufort for Barbecue. The pulled pork was very good. The ribs were very tender but the rib sauce was on the bland side.

 

[dlwalke]

>As far as BBQ is concerned, don't bother. There is not a single decent BBQ joint east of I-85<

I will be sampling a number of styles, both east and west of 85. Currently on my itenerary are

Eastern Style:
Wilbers in Goldsboro, Skylight Inn in Ayden, and Clyde Coopers in Raleigh

Western Style:
Lexington BBQ #1 in Lexington of course, and Blue Mist in Asheboro

and for South Carolina style: Dillards in Durham.

Would like to find another Western Style place. Parker's in Wilson was maybe the first BBQ I ate...I was like 5 at the time. Don't remember what style that was, but might like to return there although I've heard both glowing and weak reviews. Some say it is inconsistent.