Getting Misty

Saturday, Sept. 10

Woke to...sunshine!  Bright, beautiful sunshine!  I had to do a "Snoopy Dance" to celebrate the return of the sun and blue skies. 

Had a fun boat tour of Assateague in the morning - a gorgeous morning to be out on the water (and away from the mosquitoes!).  Saw 4 ponies, lots of birds - including the American Oystercatcher which was tops on my birdnerd list.

                      All aboard the Assateague Explorer

Two ponies along the shore

There are duck blinds out in the water and ospreys have built nests atop them.  The gulls seem to like the location as well.

Enjoying the ride

Assateague Lighthouse

After the boat ride, it was back to the beach - this time for some fun in the sun.  Seems everyone else on the island had the same idea, but there was room for all.  It was fun to play in the surf, search for shells (mostly found remnants) and walk along the beach.  I stayed for hours, enjoying the sights and sounds of an environment which I rarely visit.

                       The view from under my little umbrella

Beach view - and beautiful sunny sky!

I was greatly entertained by Sanderling antics along the shore

A few more shots from out and about in Chincoteague.  Saturday evening was a block party in town - Main Street was closed to traffic, a terrific band played and people danced in the streets.

There were stacks of oyster shells and some

of them were used as mulch in gardens and on pathways.

A sculpture of "Misty"

For local friends who may not know this, turns out that Marguerite Henry (the author of "Misty of  Chincoteague") owned the real Misty and lived in Wayne, IL for a number of years.  Misty resided there as well, and at the corner of Army Trail and Dunham roads, there is a small natural area named for Misty!  Guess where I'll be headed soon...