Wild Wild Ponies!!

As a prelude to the big birthday, we retreat back over the Maryland border for a day trip to Assateague Island National Seashore. The drive takes us through the Delaware beach towns of Dewey, Bethany and Fenwick Island before coming into Ocean City. We had first considered this as our home base, but had heeded advise and hence chosen Rehoboth. Our choice is further confirmed. Ocean City is a big and busy place, though quiet this side of season, you can still feel the bustle in the air. Stretching for miles, it is non-stop hotels and strip shops, a souped up Panama City Beach. A great choice for families with both teens and young ones. For the two of us, we'll take the more serene Delaware shoreline.



Nine miles south of the hub, is the northern entrance to the national park filled with wild ponies. We are suddenly transferred to nothingness for miles and a beautiful shore that stretches on and on with nary a soul in sight. Heaven!!

































The horses come out in abundance for us today, of course! They are all here to wish Celeste a very happy. Though we've seen the wild horses at Cumberland Island so often, these ponies are really unique, much more active and full of life. They completely engulf us at one point and, we admit, are for a moment a bit intimidated and retreat to our vehicle quickly. It is exciting!!




















The shows continue throughout the park, on the many trails available. The Life of the Dunes, Forest and Marsh trails, all approximately 1/2-mile treks, showcase the many different arenas of this little haven. The ponies make appearances randomly all day long. Song birds, gulls, osprey, hawk and a baby deer say hello, as well. It is a nature lover's dream day. We are in the right place!









A stop at a boardwalk landmark seems appropriate on the journey back. Dumser's is near empty this mid-week late afternoon day. We can only visualize what the summer brings. They appear ready. The two of us split a really good club sandwich with cut fries. It is difficult to pass on the homemade ice cream, but we are too full. With a front that is coming in quickly, winds are escalating as the temperature continues to drop. We almost beat the rain back, but not quite. No complaints. The day has been just beautiful!!