But that said, you would love my vacation.
We go to Chincoteague every year because it fits all of our criteria for a fantastic vacation. In comparison to other beach towns, it's relatively inexpensive (you can easily stay for $80 or so on season and even less off-season, plus many people camp). It's extremely well-maintained because it's part of the National Seashore. And keeping with that fact, there is no consumerism near the beach. All the stores hawking t-shirts and beach towels are in town, a few miles away. Plus, it is a biking sort of town. Once you park at the hotel, you don't need to get back in your car again unless you're lame like us and always forget to bring reflective clothing and therefore use the car at night.
It's a sleepy town where few restaurants remain open past 9 p.m. There is one movie theater that shows one movie each week (and the next nearest theater is 45 minutes away). There are two mini golf courses, but we haven't been back to them since our first trip. There are two competing ice cream stores. We are Creamery people, though once upon a time, we were Mr. Whippys people. There is nothing to do at night except sit and read. And that's why we love it.
The best part of Chincoteague is the nature reserve. Wild horses and deer stand in the middle of the road and you can walk right up to their tick-infested bodies and pet them. There are hundreds of birds if you are a bird-watcher, which we're not. The nature reserve is so cool-looking that it feels as if Disney's Imagineers set it up with a few imported trees and well-manicured tall grasses. It just doesn't feel like you're in Virginia when you're riding along the Black Duck Trail.
So here are some of my vacation photos. You should come to Chincoteague too because you would love our vacation. Who wouldn't love a cheap beach town where all there is to do is rest on the beach or ride your bike around town? And what does a town need more than hundreds of infertile couples flocking to it, pomegranate-strings flashing, for a giant group vacation? Whose in? Next August? Barren Bitches Beach Bonanza?
Wild horse who was actually part of a pack of wild horses but I cropped them out of the picture because it looked better with the single horse. Sorry, ponies.
Even the sky looks better at Chincoteague.
Empty beach.
Seaweed and sticks near our beach blanket.
A friend I made while Josh was trying to read. What you can't see in this picture was that the gull was chasing a somewhat transparent crab. Crab got away. Gull was not given one of our crackers as a consolation prize because Josh thought that would encourage bad behaviour. All who want to comment on Josh's meanness towards birds may feel free.
Another shot of the beach. I love how we mostly had it to ourselves. Thank you, off-season.
Josh's back as he bicycled in front of me.
A crane flying over the water as we biked onto Assateague Island.
Two deer who chilled with us while I told them all about myself. Great listeners.
The water between Chincoteague and Assateague.
Crab claw.
It's Chincoteague, so how can you not end with a picture of a pony? This horse (along with a few others) were living in a paddock outside our hotel.
Barren Bitches Beach Week Bonzana Summer 2008!
Seniors RULE!!!
Barren Bitches Beach Week Bonzana Summer 2008!
Seniors RULE!!!
32 comments:
My dh and I love going to quiet places where there is nothing to do but lounge. How's the food? And of course we love icecream!
It sounds nice- I think that your vacation fits us :)
It would definitely fit me and P always loves the beach. J is more of a "do something on vacation" person, but I think he'd be fine as long as the beach was so empty and he could roam as long as possible.
A Barren Bitches Beach Week sounds like a lovely plan :-)
I've been Ocean City a hundred million times and Assateague more than a few, but I don't think I've ever been to Chincoteague. We'll have to go one time.
I went there with a group from school once and loved it. I also ate the big bowl of ice cream at The Creamery and got my picture on the wall.
The funding for the trip was cut last year and no hopes of returning with school but I'm in for the Barren Bitches Beach week - only if there are t-shirts stating we survived it!
The Misty and Stormy books (forgot the author!) were my absolute fav growing up. I read them over and over and pictured myself in the midst of all those wild ponies. I always cry when I see movies of them being rounded up, but wanted to adopt one all the same. I'm so jealous. You're right, I would definately love your vacation! I'm glad you had such a great time. :)
Marguerite Henry is the author (goo.gled it). FYI- I had the hardback books from the original printing, they were my mother's when she was little. Much more impressive looking than the ones I just found online! As if that makes the story any better, but a well-worn, dog-eared book just seems comfier.
Beautiful pictures - especially the horses. My grandmother used to own horses.
Your vacation sounds ideal! I want one!
I am so there next summer!
It looks gorgeous.
Sounds like a wonderful time (even though I'd rather be climbing Everest -- nOT!!)
So, how does one tell if she's a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior?
I WOULD love your vacation.
Great photos, they make me want to go away.
I'm definitely in for a Barren Bitches week! Sounds like so much fun! :)
It looks wonderful the beach plus ponies . . . that has to be great!
That does look like a pretty cool vacation. I just love the beach.
You are right. I would love love your vacation! That looks wonderful!
Beautiful photos! I'm just so not a beach person. LOL!
HURRAY FOR JOSH FROM ANIMAL PROFESSIONALS EVERYWHERE! hahaha. Great thinking on not feeding the bird. We knew there were some of you out there. ;-) Seriously. Love to hear that.
As for the crane, that's a "great egret." We have them all over down here. LOOOOOOOOOVE places like that and LOVE horses. Ever read Misty of Chincoteague Island? Man I love those stories. :) (just saw the other comment about these, but had to leave this in. I had tons of M. Henry books)
Thanks for the photos!
We looove love love LOVE beach towns, especially ones that feel "old south" like that one seems. Hilton Head is our favorite...while not always quiet, and partially commercialized, Disney's place there feels so old south and relaxed that you can't help but fall in love.
Plus, the food. THE FOOD.
Infertile Week sounds so cool! Like Sturgis for the Harleys, except maybe without the nudity and stuff.
Maybe.
:)
Barren Bitches Beach Week! I'm in. Thanks for sharing pics of your vacation in Chincoteague. I used to live in DC and would vacation on those beaches from time to time. Your photos brought back some wonderful memories.
Also, many, many thanks for your words of encouragement on my blog. I appreciate it - heaps!
Oooh looks like heaven! Can I come next time :) X
Great pics!
I used to live south of there (Pungoteague) for a few years. I would often skip school to go to the beach by myself and watch the ponies in the grass. When I think about those times, I really hate Super Stupid Arkansas...
Sounds like you had a fabulous vacation! I love the beach (not the sand, but the idea of the beach and the ocean), and love it even more in the off-season when things are quiet. ;)
Can't wait to hear about the plans for Barren Bitches Beach Week!
I would have love it! You are right!
We've been down there once, but it was before we moved to Maryland! It's such a beautiful place. We've been to Assateague since, but camping like that in the hot summer with my inlaws was not my ideal vacation. I'd absolutely be up for a BBBW next summer!
I think I would love your vacation too :). Ahh...I'm so there :).
Lovely pictures...sounds like a great time!
I've always wanted to visit there! Thanks for sharing your pics-maybe a weekend trip soon will be in the plans.
I need to explore areas close to home a bit it seems. Looks lovely indeed!
I'm loving your pics!
Bea
Oh Mel, these are just gorgeous pictures.
I am so. in.
Great pics, looks like a wonderful place.
Oh yes! I would have loved your vacation. Sounds, and looks completely wonderful and I am completely jealous!
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