Assateague Island is a huge barrier island off the coast of Maryland and Virginia and is home to about 250 wild ponies, with a fence separating the herd in Maryland from the one in Virginia. I was hopeful but not expectant of seeing ponies but the hour drive was well worth it just for the beautiful beach free of man-made dwellings. Umbrellas lined the shoreline in a single row and after a mile or so run up the beach I plunged into the surf which had that perfect combination of bobbing and smashing and casting one gradually downshore.
Before heading back to the mainland we hit all three turnoffs - most of the island is inaccessible by road. The hardy can hike down the beach for camping if they don't mind being devoured by mosquitos. Three ponies were grazing at our first turn. I hopped out wearing only my bathing suit and took a few photos before retreating to the car for long pants and a shawl. Whew ... they continued to graze unfazed by the pests. The ponies, being neither fed nor harmed by humans, expressed no interest or fear as I stood several feet away respecting and simultaneously entering their space.
Next stop, the bayside, where more ponies grazed out in the marshes. As we crossed to one of the outer islands we encountered teens hooking the entire necks of chickens as bait on their fishing rods. They explained that this was the best bait for crabs as they illustrated their skill in getting the crab hooked, grabbing their nets and hoping the crabs held on long enough to make the catch. A few times they were successful but all were thrown back in to feast on more chicken necks. Who knew?
As we exited a baby pony was snacking at the entry gate. What an amazing day. Fabulous swimming, wild horses and a delicious bowl of Maryland crab soup on the screened in porch at the Atlantic Hotel in downtown Berlin.
1 comment:
Those horses are amazing! Maybe you guys will see a bear in Alaska...from a distance, of course. :)
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