Any tips for Assateauge or Chincoteague?

Kerry and I will be spending 2-3 days at Assateague and Chincoteague later this month. If any of you have experience at either location, your recommendations and/or suggestions would be appreciated.

Also, how likely is it that we will be able to photograph the ponies? Where would be the best place(s) to go to do so?

Kerry's taken a few photo trips but this will be my first one in quite some time. Needless to say, I'm looking forward to it.

Meg

When I was there several years ago, the ponies were wandering around everywhere including the parking lot. This was mainly at Assateague, I think. There were plenty of opportunities for pictures in nice, natural settings.

We were there for a couple of days at Easter. Stayed in Chincoteague City and spent our time in Chincoteague NWR (which is actually on Assateague). Got some good shots of Snowy Egrets, Little Blue Herons, and Glossy Ibis - all unknown in my neck of the woods (PA). Don't know what's there in summer, though. We did see a few ponies in the NWR. Good sunrise and sunset. Check what time the refuge opens - you might want to take a bike to get in before the road opens.

Both times I've been to Assateague this year, the ponies were plentiful. Couple weeks ago, I had to pull over because seven of them were standing around in the road, including a foal. This was the area before I even got to the pay part of the park! They WILL walk right up to you and check you out. If you have a backpack or something with food in it, you may have to wrestle for it! See my portfolio for some of the shots.

Don't forget to visit "Old Ferry Landing". There's a nice crabbing pier and bordwalk there. I got the shot of the horse walking through water there, and it's a good spot for Egrets.

Also, "Life of the Marsh" trail has some great photo spots.

..OH -- don't forget bug repellent!!!!