It is a good practice to set goals. My goal to ride the Bayview-to-Aurora ferry across the Pamlico River was realized. This morning, on our move from Goose Creek State Park to Oyster Point National Campground, we had to cross a 5-mile stretch of the Pamlico River and then another 2-mile stretch of the Nuese River. Sure, we could have driven over to Washington and driven south on major highways, but we would have missed out on all the back roads and two free ferries.
On the Bayview-to-Aurora ferry, a very talkative guy interested in our Wisconsin license plates, lassoed me into his orbit. He pointed out the giant factory across the river at Aurora and explained that it is the largest phosphate mine and chemical plant in the world. It might be ugly, but it surely was an imposing sight.
The open pit mine is miles across. The mechanical scoops and trucks used in the mine are as big as houses. He emphasized that everyone in Beaufort County works at the plant. He admitted that the Nutrien Company fudges a lot when it comes to the environment. They have a small reclamation area to show how they will put the environment back together once the mine plays out, but there are huge sections of used-up mine that just sits. But, he says, that is the price you pay for jobs.
He also talked about his hunting exploits. Deer and bear are his game of choice. The deer may be puny in North Carolina compared to Wisconsin, but he claims that Beaufort County is home of the largest black bear in the country. 850 pounds is not unheard of.
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