As a child in the late 1950′s, my favorite book was Misty of Chincoteague by Marguerite Henry. A book about wild ponies running free on a small island off the coasts of Virginia and Maryland. I’m sure you know what’s coming next. Yep, one of many items on my bucket list…a visit to Chincoteague and Assateague Islands in the Chesapeake Bay area to experience first hand the land of Misty.

Wild ponies on Assateague Island

In the book, one of the ponies, Phantom, is the mysterious of them all. A rarely seen wild mare that evades all efforts of being captured…until a young boy and girl lay eyes on her and decides they can’t live without her. A creature forever of the wild, she brings to the island a gentle, loyal colt Misty and the story unfolds…

There’s no better way to explore the remote areas around the islands than by boat and especially during the evening hours. After much research and reading many rave reviews, Daisey’s Dockside Nature Cruises was the chosen one. The Daisey’s were among the original settlers of Chincoteague and their love for the island has been passed down through generations.

Immediately upon arriving at the boathouse, we were greeted by friendly staff, introduced to our captain and led to an exceptionally clean and extremely comfortable 24-foot pontoon boat. Limited to six passengers to each boat, plenty of room was available to relax and move around in preparation for an evening filled with oohs and ahhs. To our delight, the excursion featured views of the world-famous wild ponies, dolphins, bald eagles and all kinds of other birds in their native habitat.

Besides the incredible tranquility of the scene, our captain – Nate – a life-long “Chincoteaguer” was the best. Knowledgeable, caring, funny…a true southerner…you immediately felt part of the Daisey family straightaway. Not at all in a hurry, our two hour cruise went into overtime without a concern in the world. An evening cruise turned sunset cruise and then a moonlight cruise as we headed to better viewing areas north of the islands. A bucket list item come true and one that will always remain in my heart, just as Misty has all of these years.

Sunset in the Chesapeake Bay

Bucket Lists. Some people believe in them…others do not. Personally, I’ve always felt if you write down your goals and dreams you’re more apt to accomplish them. Are you a believer?

(Cross-posted over at Vision and Verb where a collaborative group of like-minded women

from all over the world share their passion for photography and the written word.)