The Chincoteague ponies can be seen wandering the beaches, forests of pine, or the salt marshes on Assateague Island. Assateague Island is 37 miles long and has three different agencies that own/operate it: the National Park Service (NPS), Maryland State Parks, and the United States Fish and Wildlife Service. The ponies live in two herds, separated by fence and State, 150 on the Virginia side and 80 on the Maryland side. On the Maryland side, roaming freely is encouraged, while the Virginia side fences off areas to discourage wandering where people are.

The best time to come down to the islands to see them is between late April thru mid-October, although for me, I like it best in May/June as I get the best views of Spring-born foals wandering the salt marshes with their moms. The Virginia side has the unspoiled beaches and the lighthouse, and a US Fish and Wildlife refuge, plus about 70 new ponies on that end of the island each summer. Not a hard choice for me.

It has been rainy and foggy out there this week, but, this is real life so the pictures kind of reflect that look. The last thing you want to do is drag a bunch of equipment hiking through the marsh. We camped out at Tom's Cove right on the waterfront. They have fishing peirs, crabbing piers... everything you need. You haven't lived until you have had crabs over the campfire. The cost is always more on pony week, $71.88 a night, water and electric on the water. I know, we are a little spoiled, but, I need my coffee in the morning and while you may not call that camping, I slept in a hammock. Close enough, yes? But, why on the water? I could just wait and hope for some rain! :)

Please leave the link to your post here so it can easily be found by others. It helps you and me to have them in one place. Where else can you take such a quick trip around the globe? Thank you so much for joining us!! ❤

It is interesting to see the different colors and markings of the Chincoteague Ponies. I find it fascinating to watch every spring, the colors of the foals. There is a book out that I am ready to purchase called The Colorful Chincoteague, by Amanda Geci. It documented and researches the colors found in the Chincoteague Pony. The colors and patterns that are known to exist or have existed are documented as they have never been before. The author is also working on documenting the many instances of other breeds being crossed into the Chincoteague Pony breed population throughout its history.

There are all sorts of fun to be had. Crabbing... fishing, you name it! After the ponies did their walk on the beach the other morning, it was business as usual. A mans gotta eat, yes?

As always, there must be flowers to color my world. #alwaysaflower

Have you been to Chincoteague Island
Where the wild ponies roam,
Where fingers of land intermingle
With marsh and bay and cove?

Along the Eastern Shore
Fisherman cast out their lines;
They're catching fluke and channel bass,
The tide is rising high.

Above the seagulls' wheel,
The oysters lie in bed.
Off the coast the dolphin dive;
The tide is at its ebb.

Peaceful Chincoteague Island,
You sleepy Tidewater town,
Your tides and mine are one ;
How can I leave you now?

Christina Pope