Horse Play (Rating C)
Details
You must read the following NVHC Sign-in Sheet Statement/Liability Disclaimer, https://nvhc.com/signin.pdf and then answer the question that you will see when you RSVP with "I accept" to be permitted on the hike.
(8ish-mile nature and fitness hike. Rating: C )
Trek about 8ish peaceful, flat miles at Assateague Island National Seashore to enjoy its fabled WILD PONIES without summer's jolting, jam-packed crowds. We'll hike on soft and hard sand, asphalt trails, park roads, and boardwalks. We'll hike at roughly 3 mph while moving (MODERATE PACE) with MULTIPLE STOPS when we stumble upon the ponies, birds, and other treasures.
MEET: 8:30 a.m. Sun., Nov. 9, North Beach Parking Lot, on your left immediately after the fee booth for Assateague Island National Seashore. 6635 Bayberry Dr, Berlin, MD. I recommend copying these coordinates into your GPS: 38.208186, -75.152371, or click to navigate with Google maps: https://goo.gl/maps/AGHiAhVXZAwnwH7v9
BRING: Sense of humor, sense of awe, lunch, water, dress in layers (jacket, hat, gloves, scarf, etc.). Optional: camera or binoculars.
OPTIONAL: Group dinner at seafood or other restaurant in Ocean City following the hike.
WEATHER: Heavy rain or high wind (for Bay Bridge) cancels. The weather forecast will be posted here two to three days before the hike.
ENTRANCE FEE: National Parks pass or $25 daily fee.
IMPORTANT NOTES: (1) Adults only and no pets, not even pet ponies. (2) Do * NOT * try to cross the Bay Bridge the morning of Nov. 9 because the Bay Bridge Run is scheduled then. They will still keep one span open, but it could be packed. OCEAN CITY, MD HOTEL ON SATURDAY IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED. Assateague is roughly 3 hours from Northern Virginia.
ASSATEAGUE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE
https://www.nps.gov/asis/index.htm
FEES:
https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/fees.htm
NPS’s FREE TRAIL MAP APP:
https://www.nps.gov/subjects/digital/nps-apps.htm
PONIES: We hope to see some of the 78 wild horses, including Joy, Chestnut, and Cinnamon Bun. Please drive SAFELY & SLOWLY. Cars have killed ponies!!:
https://assateagueislandalliance.org/collections/assateague-island-horses
HOTELS, ETC.: (Good prices on oceanfront hotels in off season!)
https://ococean.com