...well, just before New Year's I suppose. Here's the thing about beaches and nature reserves in winter - you will never find a a calmer beach. Calm was what I really wanted this year, as last year's Christmas/New Year's was definitely not what you could call calm. It was also my ideal way of going to the beach - i.e. my friends, who realize my profound introverted nature text me, inform me that the beach is happening, as we all need to get away from relatives for a few days, and then it all just magically happened. Best spontaneous post-Christmas pre-New Year's idea ever. My single regret (ok, aside from some rain on the way back which rather extended the drive) was that I wasn't able to get any photos of the SUPERIOR Christmas light displays we saw around the island. All I have to say is this: Christmas Lobsters pulling Santa's Sleigh. Next time I'm going to document this.
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When introverts go to the beach together, you tend to give each other a lot of space. Which, during the holidays can be just what the doctor ordered. |
It's really beautiful down there - and I am forever surprised that more people don't know about
Chincoteague, the wild ponies, etc. I've been down there a couple times now, and it's been lovely each time. Beaches, woodland,
uncommonly fluffy squirrels (link goes to particularly romantic description of said squirrels), plentiful fried seafood -- it's a good time and I highly recommend it if you're looking for a place to go for a mellow weekend and you live in the DMV area.
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Accurate representation of my feelings about being on the beach in winter | |
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Fat wild ponies forever |
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This is the view you come upon after winding your way through a woodland trail. |
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Many many snow geese |
Previous years, I've seen eagles, and apparently around when we were
there there was a snowy owl hanging out, though we did not see him. Oh,
and tons and tons of egrets hanging out in the trees in the twilight!
Again, I lament my poor camera skills that I couldn't document the bird
life. I'm proud that on this trip, yet again, I was unable to
successfully identify a single variety of duck. They have a lot, I just
cannot tell one from another, though I choose to unfairly blame the
friend who drove us down for having forgotten her duck guide. Yes, this
person owns a duck guide :)
Anyway, you can learn more about the reserve
here, at the Fish & Wildlife Service's website. Check 'em out! Posting these pictures up here just makes me want to go back now....sigh.