Assateague in October

[jefg99]

The Events Committee is working on an overnight trip to Assateague Island in Maryland/Virginia in mid-October. I had not been there before, and had occasion to stop by last week while vacationing at Fenwick Island, DE.

The island itself is some 37 miles long, accessible from Maryland at the northern end, and from Virginia (Chincoteague) an the south. I believe the latter is the main more developed entrance to the National Park. I entered at the northern entrance, and drove only a short distance on the island. As I was out for a morning drive and only going to be there a short time, I chose not to pay the $15 entrance fee to the National Park. The State of Maryland maintains a state park on the northern tip.

The island itself is home to several hundred of the famous ponies, said to be descendants from a shipwrecked Spanish gallion more than 300 years ago. They roam totally wild in two separate herds, divided by a fence at the Maryland/Virginia border.

As "someone" I was with didn't have as much interest in spending time there as I did, we saw very little of the island, it's marshes, dunes and ocean.  is into the  I could have easily spent the day, and would have enjoyed an early morning boat tour or some nice kayaking. We were lucky, however, in seeing a number of ponies close to the road as entered the island and drove about two miles to the National Park entrance booth.

I brought back several brochures from the Park, and will bring them to a future meeting.

www.flickr.com/photos/21066820@N06/4783605779/

www.flickr.com/photos/21066820@N06/4783605741/

www.flickr.com/photos/21066820@N06/4783605791/

www.flickr.com/photos/21066820@N06/4783605773/

[tjdelikat]

I am hoping to be able to attend this trip. I have been to Assateague many times and have kayaked the Assawoman Bay several times.

The many marked walks provide up-close looks at the nature and wildlife of the island. In the National Park (Maryland side), the ponies roam free and are "owned" by the national government.

I prefer this portion of the island in comparison to the Virginia/Chincoteague side where the ponies are owned by the Chincoteague Fire Company. This is where the pony swim takes place (usually July 4th). The 2 year-olds are sold off as a fundraiser for the Fire Company.    The $15 fee (per vehicle) that Jeff mentioned for the Maryland National Park goes to care for the ponies (medical, etc) and is good for 7 days. I purchase an annual pass every year.

You can get THIS close to the ponies but must remember that they are wild animals and should be treated as such! This was taken with my 18-55mm lens from the car window. 

Like Jeff, I usually stay in the Fenwick Island area and drive the short distance to the Island. Tent and RV camping is also available on the island.  http://www.assateagueisland.com/assateague_camping.htm

For the day visitors, I recommend good walking or hiking shoes/boots, a hat, and bug repellent. I'm available for any questions. 

[sgelatt]

How fun! I am looking forward to this trip! I have never been!

[leelf62]

If I can make it, I will!!  I was there in the early 80's... camping.  I hope it's still the same.  8-)

[tjdelikat]

It's remained pretty much the same since I've been going there (30+ years.)

[Brian Keifer]

October's filling up quickly for me, but I'd love to get down there with our boats.  Anyone happen to know what the requirements are for out-of-state kayaks?  Do you need a MD/VA registration or launch permit?

[film2shoot]

last time I was there about 8 or 9 years ago I didn't need a permit on my kayak. But times have changed since then so I don't know.

Tim

[tjdelikat]

Here are the newest boating regulations for Maryland. I've never had to register my kayak or obtain a launch permit. 
http://www.dnr.state.md.us/boating/regulations/

You'll want to launch from "Bayside" on the Island.
http://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/upload/parkmap.pdf

[film2shoot]

I rigged my kayak for taking photographs on the lake and rivers. Now I just need to take it out on the lake and see how it works. This is one of my two kayaks that I own, it is not my favorite one but it is a little bigger than the other one. Gives me more room in the cockpit. Hope it works, I plan on taking on the trip to Assateague Island in October. I hope to make it. I used bungee cords to attach the tripod to the kayak, hope they hold. I took a few photo's of the set up.

[bellamia]

Tim, your camera didn't look waterproof.   Just wondering since that looks like a lot of equipment if you tip over.  Tony was wondering what type of vehicle you drive to transport the kayak.  Neither of our cars is very big. 

[Brian Keifer]

I'm curious to find out how this works out for you.

I find that when shooting from a kayak that hand-holding the gear helps damp out the movement of the water and allows me to track subjects as they move.

Rhonda - any gear I take out on the water is on a rider on my homeowner's insurance that covers it in case of a worst-case scenario.  It's not that expensive, and gives wonderful peace of mind.  We carry both of our boats on top of my Subaru Impreza WRX wagon. 

[film2shoot]

I drive a SUV and I can put two of my boats on top. I tryed to hand hold my camera while kayaking but had no luck in getting good photo's.

Tim

[tjdelikat]

Tim, I will tell you that Assawoman Bay is large and there are MANY speed boats on it....I hope there is no stability problem with your set up. This bay is a lot different then lake kayaking.

[tjdelikat]

Events Committee....I emailed you this evening. But in case you didn't receive the email......

There is a BIG Corvette convention in town over the 15-17 and there will be over 1,500 (est) show cars in Ocean City (plus those who go to see the cars). Should we move to the 23rd-24th?? There were not many rooms left to reserve for the 16th-17th.

I am still willing to go on the 16th and be the self-appointed tour guide as promised but wanted you to be aware that traffic will be BAD! I've been there for their cruise weekends before.  

Let me know soon so we can move ahead with plans.  

[bellamia]

Since the Events Committee was not aware of the Corvette Cruise Convention and we are in the process of arranging a meeting to choose the rest of the events for the year, we will discuss this trip and try to choose another date.  We will post the new info ASAP.

Rhonda
Events Chairperson