To become a true Outer Banks Insider, you must develop a relaxed attitude and deep respect for nature, especially the weather. Outer Bankers' lives are ruled by nature's temperaments. From the calm, humid, and sunny days of early summer to the windy days of autumn and the raw days of winter nor'easters, you'll marvel at the variable weather conditions. And then, spring, both warm and cold, sunny and rainy, comes around again.

The interplay of sand, land, water, and wind is the primal force that drives life on these barrier islands. During your visit, even if you're not inclined toward contemplation, slow down and spend some time getting acquainted with your temporary habitat and with what makes it unique.

Bounded by the Atlantic Ocean on the east and a vast expanse of sound waters to the west, and connected in between by waterways and wetlands, the Outer Banks is among the most fascinating and complex habitats in North America. The Gulf Stream and the continental shelf's edge influence us from a mere 37 miles away. Cradled within our boundaries are several unusual maritime forests, and Cape Hatteras marks the dividing line for northern and southern animal and plant species.

Because of our geographic location and environmental offerings, animal lovers from the world over come to the Outer Banks to sight rare pelagic birds, breaching humpbacks, and nesting waterfowl. Even manatees and harbor seals have visited our shores. Anglers ply the waters for anything from the humble flounder to the majestic blue marlin. Botanists study our ancient live oaks. Writers hole up in wooden beach cottages and ponder how poetically the wind howls. Families return year after year, generation after generation, to splash among the waves, explore tidal zones for sealife, and canvass the shores for colorful shells.

While the old-timers rightfully argue that things have changed dramatically here since the 1970s, there's always been a constant: We are at the mercy of the forces of nature. Our dependency is clear: Nature feeds us, creates and crumbles livelihoods, offers unlimited free entertainment, is the artist's muse, and sends us scurrying for shelter at a whim.

In this chapter we'll introduce you to the land and its wonders, shaped by our bountiful waters and our crazy Outer Banks weather.

Our roles as environmental stewards are an essential part of Outer Banks life. This stewardship is manifested in efforts to protect our waters, marine life, and beaches by fighting efforts to drill for natural gas off the coast. You can join our cause (the Outer Banks is your vacationland, after all) by learning more about LegaSea, an environmental group that was instrumental in stopping Mobil Oil from drilling for natural gas off the coast years back. LegaSea and many Outer Banks residents wish to preserve this wonderland for their descendants and the many visitors who come to this pollution-free haven. Visit the group's Web site at www.LegaSea.org.

Insiders also have self-imposed, state, and national restrictions on game fishing. We support tag-and-release programs and escort infant loggerhead sea turtles off the sand and into the water. Young and old alike participate annually in a nationwide coastal cleanup. All we ask of our visitors is that you treat the area's fragile ecosystem with care. This vacation paradise is home not only for us, but also for our less vocal friends who thrive on the air, sea, and land.