Why Are We So Tan? Assateague Island & OC

We're on the East Coast... OC refers to Ocean City, MD. Also a mere 10 minutes north of Assateague Island. What a delightful getaway. Thanks to cool bachelor Uncle Ryan whose work had him in a hotel nearby, we crashed his room with two queen beds for a midweek night (Thursday) stay, thus avoiding holiday and weekend traffic to the seashore or shore or beach or whatever it is called out here. We had a good drive, cheap eats (we brought our dinner and breakfast with us), fabulous weather, good company (us! + Ryan), and the perfect dose of sun and sand. Well, maybe not the perfect dose. Marc's back got a bit toasty. The rest of us enjoyed every single moment. Icecream, rides, playing in the sand, wave jumping, searching for shells and sand crabs, building sand castles and animals, running in and out of the waves, some shrimp (could have been better, but the ambiance was nice), people watching.... everything!

 

We know, we know... it's no California or Hawaii (no one can compete with Brett and Sariah for locations being hotspots for family visits), but it's definitely a unique, cultural experience to have a boardwalk and the crazy carnie rides and wild horses on the beach. Plus, the water is warm and hey... it's OUR coast. We love it.

 

 

We didn't see as many horses as expected, but then again we were only on Assateague Island for the morning. I was picturing The Man from Snowy River-type equine stampedes, but rather it was horses on the side of the road in smaller numbers. Madeleine was still searching out the car window as we drove away and very happy to see the dozen or so horses that we did see. We hear that if we camp overnight (we plan on it this fall) we will see the masses of horses on the beach. We look forward to it!

 

Oh and that funny face on Madeleine? She begged us to go on the large ferris wheel, but once we started going up, she couldn't quite resolve whether she was excited or a little scared of the heights. She eventually loved it, but her initial reaction was a little skeptical.
The water (and weather) really WAS perfect. After the introduction to 'beach' at North Beach, Madeleine really was brave in these Atlantic waves as long as we were holding her once it got past her waist. Sophie was less enthused and kept waving her arms in that distress-signalling pattern so characteristic to her every time she even HEARD the waves approaching. It was torturous for her, funny for us.

 

We have definitely had some good summer-time trips. While AI and OC are a little too far (3.5 hours) for another trip this summer, we hope to get back there again possibly in the fall or definitely next year for camping. And this trip marked the end of Marc's transition/intern year... the end of the incredibly flexible and benevolent schedule (as far as doctors go). It was a great end to a great year and a great mid-summer trip!

(Must think of better adjectives. That "great" ending was too much. I'll work on it.)