The Lighthouse

I kept waking up all night not wanting to miss the sunrise. The local news didn't report the time for sunrise and my alarm clock in the room wouldn't recognize anything but 7AM. I looked out the window at 5:30 and it was already getting light! I dashed out and drove to the Refuge.

I'd forgotten that NASA has an installation in the area. Driving by I'm always fascinated seeing the hangers and rockets on display. What a country. When I got to the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the gates were up but the toll takers weren't there yet...it was FREE! My first AHHH was passing the Assateague Lighthouse. Next I saw hundreds of birds, ducks and geese in the wetland areas. A great snowy white heron was near the side of the road. On the right, I could see the famous ponies grazing in a field in the distance. At the beach I found a perfect spot. I parked and set up my easel and supplies. I painted a wonderful scene of the cove with the island behind and the top of the lighthouse rising in the distance. This is my special souvenir of Chincoteague! On the way back, I couldn't help parking and walking to see the lighthouse. Lighthouses hold such appeal for everyone. It was interesting to learn that this lighthouse was brick and didn't get its red and white stripes until 1963.

This trip to Chincoteague (and Lewes & Easton) did my heart good! I'll return again soon.