January 23rd, 2011
If one ever finds themselves anywhere near the DelMarVa peninsula (of Maryland’s or Virginia’s Eastern Shore, or Delaware), a trip to Assateague is a must! Take a ride down the Blue Crab Scenic Byway and cross the ‘other’ (and smaller) Verrazanno Bridge to Assateague Island. Here you will find wild horses and assorted wildlife, interesting wetlands, and vast beaches. As Assateague is part of the National Park system, fees are involved when entering the island but often there are weekends/periods when no fee is charged. Camping is available as is driving on the vast beach (for additional fees, I believe). The sand here is deep and loose, so you will likely need a four wheel drive vehicle to make it anywhere driving on this beach – or at least, at a minimum, a vehicle with significant ground clearance if you are accustomed to/accomplished at driving in loose sand. If it’s summertime and you are on Assateague and anywhere other than on the beach, I recommend having insect repellent with you, btw. Regardless, Assateague is a cool place unlike any other place you likely ever will visit. Where else can you get up close with wild horses that don’t mind humans gawking at them? But as the signs state: “Respect the space of the wild horses, because they won’t respect your space,” – meaning they will likely bite or kick anyone at anytime if they are so inclined; and: “Keep a distance of at least one bus length between you and the wild horses.” But to look at them, they seem very cute and tolerant of humans. But we all know looks can be deceiving.
Check it out, though! Assateague is a cool place! See: http://www.nps.gov/asis/index.htm
Adam Trotter / AVT
