During a trip to the Outer Banks for Tropical Storm Gabrielle, I entertained 13News photographer Chris Stuard by finding out the meaning of Coinjock, Kill Devil Hills and Kitty Hawk.

I'm sure if you grew up here in Hampton Roads, the names around here seem familiar and not at all out of the ordinary. To me, a native Californian used to Spanish surnames for EVERYTHING - living in Hampton Roads is learning experience about the British and sometimes piratical origins of names.

My favorite by far is Witchduck Road in Virginia Beach. Through my research I've learned it was named after the so-called "Witch of Pungo" who was "ducked" into the water to determine whether she was possessed or not. I associate Witchduck with something different.

It reminds me of a long time family friend/adopted uncle who would always stop by my family's rural California home to go duck hunting with my Dad. One story Dad still tells is about a hunting trip they took on the San Joaquin River. It was a superb day for mallards and wood ducks, and Dad says he'll always remember asking "Which duck" to shoot.

Now every time I pass the Witchduck Road exit on I-264, I think of home and even though the exit is 3000 miles away -- it's a comforting slice of Hampton Roads folklore I've made my own.