18th birthday weekend {Personal}

Hello, everyone! My family spent this past weekend, my 18th birthday, on Chincoteague and Assateague island, the places where my favorite childhood book were based off of.

Chincoteague and Assateague are small islands off the coast of Maryland and Virginia, and Assateague is a wildlife refuge for many creatures, including their famous wild ponies. In Misty of Chincoteague, the first book, the talented author made the salt-covered grass on the dune beaches seem tasty enough to eat. not kidding. :)

The first day we were there, it was cloudy and dark and cold, unfortunately, but we were able to make the most of everything.

this is the famous statue of Misty from the stories.








Later in the day we went biking on Assateague and went down to the beach, where the sun finally decided to show.

And while biking back, you wouldn't believe what happened. A group of wild ponies showed up, and people were able to walk amongst them! It was almost magical, if that is possible. :)







And I got to fulfull a dream since I was a preteen. I pet a wild pony on Assateague island. And it was my birthday. :)


Honestly, the ponies live in some of the most beautiful places. It was breathtaking!












Easter morning we went to the beach for a couple hours, which I had been looking forward to for a looooong time. So long. And it was so stunning, and we had such a blast. Easter cannot get better than hanging out there. :)






(sorry about the corny face-I'm still trying to get him to smile in pics :))















On our way back to load up and return home, we went around a wildlife-viewing loop. It was like an American version of an African safari. Biking down a lane and looking to your right or left at huge lakes, with birds of every type walking around in the water...










and of course I had to finish the trip with a scoop of mint chocolate chip ice cream from their Island Creamery (which, btw, is better than Mr. Whippies, if you ever go there!). It was the best I have ever had. :)

That little vacation to the islands was one of the best I have had in a long time. I absolutely loved it! The people were so kind, there were a million birds there, and the experiences that you can have on Assateague are numberless. Best way to spend my 18th birthday. :)