Chincoteague, or Sad Vacation Photography Story
UPDATED: 1/22/2023
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Most photographers have a that-time-my-memory-card-crapped-out-on-me story. This is mine. Did I learn a lesson here? Yes. When your 6-year old non-professional grade memory card displays some weird warnings on the screen, and you also have several back-up cards at the ready, use them. (For information on the cameras and lenses we use and other photography tips, read our blog here.)
In early October 2015, I spent 4 days on vacation with my dad in Chincoteague, right off the coast of Virginia and most notable for for its annual pony swim. We spent several days hiking the wildlife refuge trails that were completely swarming with mosquitoes but still picturesque. We saw a good number of birds, had close encounters with the wild ponies, got some great photos of baby seagulls on the beach hanging out together and running away from the waves and straight at the camera (I swear, it could have made National Geographic).
In loading the photos to my computer to begin processing them, I found that they had completely vanished. Dust in the wind. Luckily, I had switched to another memory card at the very end of the very last day and ended up with 5-10 shots . . . so that's something.
I also had the very real proof of this trip marked on my body with 30+ mosquito bites that announced themselves with reddish welts. They literally bit my legs through my jeans. I give them credit for their strength, endurance, and cunning. I also earned several of them lingering just a little longer in a spot to capture a photo. I guess the joke's on me. Mosquitoes: 30, Lindsey: 0.
For this trip, we rented a house through VRBO and predominantly cooked and grilled our meals at the house, which included some locally caught seafood. The house was on a little inlet around which some tall trees grew. At sunset, all assortment of birds would swoop in, particularly egrets. One evening, we watched first on egret and then a second, and then small clusters and single birds landing in various trees. We counted to 80 before we stopped counting, and many more arrived afterwards calling out to each other as dusk fell. That is a nice way to end a vacation day!
For those within a relatively short drive of Chincoteague, which I would define as the general mid-Atlantic region, this spot makes for a nice, relaxing get-away with beach, hiking, and wildlife.
Check out other posts about travel in Virginia:
