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Wild Ponies, Culture, and History of Virginia's Eastern Shore

Program Number: 6619RJ
Start and End Dates:
6/3/2013 - 6/6/2013; 8/26/2013 - 8/29/2013; 9/23/2013 - 9/26/2013;
Duration: 3 nights
Location: Chincoteague Island, Virginia
Price starting at: $348.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: History & Culture; National Parks
Meals: 9; 3 Breakfasts, 3 Lunches, 3 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

Experience Chincoteague and Assateague islands as ecologists help you explore their rapidly changing coastal ecology aboard a working research vessel. Personally interact with local artists, watermen and carvers while exploring the maritime history, legend and lore surrounding the islands’ famous wild ponies. Enjoy the appeal of this quaint seafaring town and learn about the diverse inhabitants of the barrier island ecosystems.




Highlights

• Visit the Marine Science Consortium boat basin for a research cruise with a biologist.
• Hear from a specialist at Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge as they explain the refuge system across the country.
• Hear the history of the world-renowned Chincoteague Ponies by one of the saltwater cowboys himself.



Activity Particulars

Walking up to one city block at a time.



Coordinated by Marine Science Consortium.




Chincoteague Island

One of several islands along Virginia’s Eastern Shore separating the Chesapeake Bay from the Atlantic Ocean, Chincoteague Island is world-famous for its oyster beds and clam shoals, quaint Victorian-era villages and pristine beaches, and is the gateway to Assateague Island National Seashore and the Chincoteague Wildlife Refuge.
Accommodations
New residential hall with university-style suites, two bedrooms per bathroom, air-conditioning.

Road Scholar Instructors
These instructors are participating on at least one date of this program. Please note that changes may occur.
Nancy West
Nancy Richards West has lived on Chincoteague Island for three decades, using this picturesque setting as inspiration for her paintings. The first resident artist chosen by the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, the thrill of painting en plein air often lures her out of the studio and into the field, where she captures the effects of changing light, weather and seasons. Nancy has extensive training in classical drawing and color theory, and her delicate treatment of oils is subtly elegant.
 
Roe Terry
Roe Terry is an award-winning decoy maker and a Chincoteague Island saltwater cowboy. Roe began carving bird decoys as a child under the guidance of a local decoy maker; today he produces more than 300 decoys and artistic bird carvings per year and has won many awards for his craftsmanship. Roe is also an expert on the famous Chincoteague ponies, having participated in the pony swim for nearly 40 years as a “saltwater cowboy” who herds the horses across the Assateague Channel.
 
Meals and Lodgings
   Residence Hall, Marine Science Consortium
  Wallops Island 3 nights
 Residence Hall, Marine Science Consortium
Type: Field Station
  Description: The Marine Science Consortium (MSC) is a residential environmental learning center and field station which provides hands-on educational programs on coastal and marine environments. Road Scholar participants will be housed in one of the MSC’s residence halls. The residence hall is two stories tall and has no elevator. This facility is set up like a college-style dorm or camp retreat center where bedrooms are grouped into sets of four bedrooms, accessed through one exterior locking door. Inside participants will find four comfortable bedrooms and two bathrooms. Bedrooms have single twin beds, no bunk beds. There are two bathrooms per set of four rooms. Each bathroom has two sinks, two showers with changing areas, and two toilets. Bathrooms are not connected to bedrooms but are shared by only two rooms. (There will never be more than 4 people sharing one bathroom. Usually there are only two). All rooms are comfortable with central heat, and air conditioning. Each room has 2-4 beds, one night stand, a lamp and clothing storage. These accommodations give participants the private space they need, in private single bedrooms or shared with desired roommate, as well as great opportunities for socializing with others. Meals are served in a common dining room shared by all MSC guests. A hot meal option is provided along with cereal, fruit, and yogurt available at breakfast and a salad bar available at lunch and dinner. Some meals are also taken at area restaurants that feature a variety of local seafood specialties. While our address says that MSC is located on Wallops Island, participants will find that our campus is not actually on an island. We share a historic postal code with the nearby NASA Wallops Flight Facility and Navy base because of our common history and partnership. We are just a 5-minute drive away from three of Virginia's beautiful barrier islands- Wallops, Chincoteague, and Assateague.
  Contact info: 34001 Mill Dam Rd
Wallops Island, VA 23337 USA
phone: 757-824-5636
web: www.msconsortium.org
  Room amenities: A/C and Heat, Nightstand, Clothing Storage
  Facility amenities: The residence hall is located across campus from meeting spaces and cafeteria, with parking available nearby. A coin-operated laundry room is available. The campus has a large lounge for participants with comfortable chairs and sofas, tables to play games, and television. Wireless Internet access is available in the main Education Center.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Bathroom: There are two bathrooms per set of four rooms. Each bathroom has two sinks, two showers, and two toilets. Bathrooms are not connected to bedrooms. (There will never be more than 4 people sharing one bathroom. Usually there are only two).
  Additional nights prior: $35 Please call the MSC to make a reservation.
  Check in time: 3:00 PM
  Additional nights after: $35 Please call the MSC to make a reservation.
  Check out time: 9:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Registration and Check-In is from at 3:00-5:00 PM at the Marine Science Consortium Education Center. You will be staying at Residence Hall, Marine Science Consortium that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after lunch around noon. You will be staying at Residence Hall, Marine Science Consortium the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. Three forms are required prior to the group starting: medical release, health history and participant acknowledgment of risk form. Bring photo ID (is required if the schedule is changed to include visiting the NASA base on Wallops Island). Foreign Nationals must complete the Foreign National Form 6 weeks in advance to access the NASA/Navy Base You may want to bring your Golden Age Pass/Golden Eagle Pass/Duck Stamp if you plan on visiting the National Wildlife Refuge on your own.
  Parking availability:
Parking near rooms.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  Wallops Island
  Nearest city or town:  Chincoteague, VA
  Nearest highway: VA Rt 13
  Nearest airport:  Salisbury Airport (SBY)
  From End of Program
  Location: Wallops Island
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Salisbury, MD

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Greyhound
phone: 180-023-1222 x2

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$33.00 (not including taxi from airport)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1.3 
   

Bus station is a 5.2 mile ride from the airport by taxi. Gene's Taxi: (410) 749-8888 Bailey's Taxi: (410) 546-4025 International Taxi: (410) 548-1008 You will be traveling to the bus stop in Oak Hall, Va. Information is provided above about how to get from there to your final destination.
 

Oak Hall / T's Corner

 

From Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
Marine Science Consortium
phone: 757-824-5636
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

0
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

.25 
   

Please call the Marine Science Consortium and let us know in advance if you are arriving by bus to Oak Hall, Virginia. We will arrange a ride for you.
 

Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

None - Car Required
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Travel Time:

 

1.25 
   

We recommend renting a car ahead of time for the week. As there is no public transportation at all in Chincoteague, participants would otherwise be confined to the downtown shopping area during downtime. Avis, Enterprise and Hertz rentals have desks and cars at the airport. Avis: (410) 742-8566 Enterprise: (410) 677-3810 Hertz: (410) 749-2235
 

Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Travel Time:

 

1.25 
   

Costs include both the arrival and return trips. Gene's Taxi: (410) 749-8888 Cost: $206 Bailey's Taxi: (410) 546-4025 Cost: $199 cash $239 credit

 

Salisbury MD ( Airport-Taxi-Greyhound Bus Station-Marine Science Consortium)

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Greyhound Bus Lines
phone: 800-231-2222
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$33.00 (not including taxi from airport)
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1.3 
   

From the Salisbury Regional Airport you can take the Greyhound Bus to the program. The bus station is a 7 mile ride from the airport by taxi. You will be traveling to the bus stop in OAK HALL, VA. Greyhound Station Address 350 CYPRESS ST Salisbury, MD 21801 IMPORTANT: Tickets are NOT sold at the location in Salisbury. You may get tickets by mail for trips departing from Salisbury if you buy at least two weeks in advance. Tickets may be purchased on Greyhound.com or by calling 1-800-231-2222.
 

Salisbury Regional Airport to Greyhound Station

 

To Bus Terminal

 
 

Service:

 

Taxi
Taxi Service
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Travel Time:

 

15 min ride from Airport to the Greyhound Station 
 

Distance:

 

7.5 Miles
   

Gene's Taxi: (410) 749-8888 Bailey's Taxi: (410) 546-4025 International Taxi: (410) 548-1008

 

Norfolk International Airport

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

None - Car Required
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Price of rental + $12.00 toll for Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

2.3 
   

We recommend renting a car ahead of time for the week. As there is no public transportation at all in Chincoteague, participants would otherwise be confined to the downtown shopping area during downtime. The following companies have cars and desks at the airport: Alamo (800) 462-5266 Avis (800) 831-2847 Budget (800) 527-0700 Dollar (800) 800-3665 Enterprise (800) 736-8222 Hertz (800) 654-3131 National (800) 227-7368 Thrifty (800) 367-2277

 

From Salisbury-Ocean City Wicomico Regional Airport to The Marine Science Consortium

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Hotel Shuttle
Marine Science Consortium
phone: 757-824-5636
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

Shuttle cost: $25.00/one way and $45.00/round trip.
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1.5 
 

Distance:

 

45 miles
   

The MSC offers limited Airport shuttle service on the first/last day of programs. On the first day the shuttle departs the airport at 1:00 pm and arrives at the MSC by 2:30 pm. On the last day the shuttle departs the MSC at 1:00 pm and arrives at the airport by 3:30 pm. Because shuttle service is limited and air travel unpredictable we advise scheduling your flight to arrive well in advance and to depart well after the scheduled shuttle times. Call at least 4 weeks in advance for reservations.
 
Driving Directions
  VA Rt 13 Follow Route 13 (Lankford Highway) to the traffic light at VA 175 (T’s Corner and Chincoteague Road). This is about 4 miles south of the MD-VA border on the Delmarva Peninsula. Take VA 175 E for approximately 2.5 miles. Past the junction of Rt. 679 in Wattsville there will be a traffic light. Make a left at the light, baring to the left when the road splits. The Center is located approximately 0.25 mile up on right across from the Goddard Flight Facility. Turn right onto Enterprise Street (the right after the blue and white Marine Science Consortium sign), the Education Center will be on the left corner.
Elevation Note: Sea level

Equipment Requirements: Our programs run rain or shine, bring rain gear. Bring a pair of closed toe shoes you don't mind getting dirty. Insect repellent and sun screen.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Check-In, Dinner, Guest Lecture on Regional History
(Monday, September 23)
   
 Afternoon: Check in at the Education Center from 3:00 - 5:00 pm. Welcome to the program, group introductions and restaurant orientation.
 Dinner: Dinner is from 5:15 - 6:15 pm at the MSC cafeteria.
 Evening: Chincoteague Island and the surrounding area have a fascinating and unique history that sets them apart, even from the rest of the Eastern Shore! Learn the story of the settlement of Virginia's Eastern Shore from a local history teacher. Start the week with an introduction to some of the traditions and customs of our island that have evolved from hundreds of years of isolation and still remain. See them transpire during your stay here on The Island!
   
Accommodations: Residence Hall, Marine Science Consortium
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Island Tour of Chincoteague and Assateague, Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge, Assateague National Seashore, Life as a Waterman
(Tuesday, September 24)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast will be served will be in the MSC Cafeteria. Each day will present an array of fruits, hot and cold cereals, meats, breads/biscuits, eggs or pancakes for your choosing.
 Morning: Take a bus tour of Chincoteague to see local sites and popular places, follow the path the ponies travel during the annual Pony Swim, and learn stories behind street names. Tour ends at Assateague Island, home of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge (CNWR) and Assateague National Seashore.
 Lunch: Lunch is on the island at a local restaurant.
 Afternoon: Hear a member of the Refuge's education system talk about the unique features and history of the National Wildlife Refuge system, focusing on Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge. Time will be available to explore all the exhibits at the new, green visitor’s center.
 Dinner: Get ready for a seafood feast! Sample local crabs and clams or if you choose, a juicy steak.
 Evening: What does it mean to be a waterman? Hear a local waterman talk about his lifestyle and the unique watermen heritage of the Eastern Shore area. Find out how watermen make their living off the water throughout the different seasons. Hear tales of crabbing, clamming, fishing, and other waterman trades.
   
Accommodations: Residence Hall, Marine Science Consortium
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Research Vessel Cruise, Wildlife Artist Demonstration, Dinner Out, Musical Performance
(Wednesday, September 25)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast will be served will be in the MSC Cafeteria from 7:30 to 8:30. Each day will present an array of fruits, hot and cold cereals, meats, breads/biscuits, eggs or pancakes for your choosing.
 Morning: Take a research cruise through one of the most productive ecosystems on earth! We will employ oceanographic research methods to measure our physical and chemical environment; then we will otter trawl to sample the myriad organisms found in our estuary.
 Lunch: Lunch is at the MSC cafeteria from 12:00- 1:00 pm.
 Afternoon: Watch a painting come to life as a local, professional artist talks about and demonstrates the techniques used to render our natural world on canvas.
 Dinner: Enjoy a delicious dinner out on the island at a local restaurant!
 Evening: Listen to local band Three Sheets as they perform rousing nautical tunes!
   
Accommodations: Residence Hall, Marine Science Consortium
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Hear the history of the world renowned Chincoteague Ponies by one of the Saltwater Cowboys himself.
(Thursday, September 26)
   
 Breakfast: Breakfast is at the MSC cafeteria from 7:30- 8:30 am.
 Morning: Hear the history of the world renowned Chincoteague Ponies by one of the Saltwater Cowboys himself. Tales of bucking broncos, photos, and record pony sales, from a man who experiences the excitement and flurry every year. After the program it's time to check out and say goodbye.
 Lunch: Lunch is in the MSC cafeteria from 12:00- 1:00 pm.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Assateague: Island of Wild Ponies


Author: Andrea Jauck and Larry Points


Description: Children's Book- In a nature tour format, the authors portray the seasons of this famous island. They present facts about the area's ecology while focusing on the ponies. The tone is conversational, written in an informal style and defining equine terms in context. One or two full-color photos on each page show the animals in their habitat. Scenes show both the natural beauty of the island and the ponies in action, sometimes in humorous poses. Photos and text promote Assateague's wildness while cautioning readers about humankind's effects on the fragile environment. Suggest this as background for readers of Marguerite Henry's books, and as a supplement to Jack Scott's Island of Wild Horses



Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge: An Ecological Treasure


Author: Irene Hinke-Sacilotto


Description: Beautiful photos of Chincoteague National Wildlife: birds, ponies, sunsets. Not a lot of detailed information but it is a photography book primarily and nice to look at and dream of being there.



Chincoteague Revisited: A Sojourn to the Chincoteague and Assateague Islands (Hardcover)


Author: Dorothy Camagna and Jennifer Cording


Description: Through Dorothy Camagna’s artful photography and Jennifer Cording’s essays, Chincoteague Revisited captures the essence of the community, ecology and the natural landscape of this unique place off Virginia’s coast. The first essay, "Community", welcomes readers to island life and to the islanders themselves—an uncommon culture of people who share a common bond. Local watermen, decoy carvers and shop owners ply their trade; visitors from everywhere transform the community in the spring; simple, whitewashed houses line Main Street, and the Channel Bass Inn bed and breakfast invites afternoon callers to tea. Townspeople and visitors enjoy the traditional Christmas parade and the tastes of the annual oyster festival. Chincoteague Island comes to life in poetry and pictures. The next essay, "Refuge", centers on the mystery and beauty of the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge—its seashore, marshlands, maritime forests and wildlife. Through Camagna’s expert eye and Cording’s sensitive language, the sun sets on the loblolly pine, and the great egret takes its majestic flight towards Chincoteague Bay. The most famous inhabitants of Assateague Island, the wild ponies, also call the refuge home. Each July, local cowboys herd the ponies for their swim across the channel to Chincoteague’s shore, where the foals are auctioned at the annual Firemen’s Carnival. And finally, the essay titled "Transitions" focuses on the ecological and seasonal changes of Chincoteague and Assateague Islands. "It is a delicate balance," writes Cording of the fragile combination of a beautiful natural landscape and thousands of human visitors who descend on the island each season. Chincoteague Revisited is a rare collection of over one hundred full color photographs with accompanying essays—from aerial shots of the coastline and barrier islands, to intimate portraits of the water, land and people that make Chincoteague Island a destination to be visited, revisited and remembered.



Misty of Chincoteague


Author: Marguerite Henry


Description: On an island off the coasts of Virginia and Maryland lives a centuries-old band of wild ponies. Among them is the most mysterious of all, Phantom, a rarely seen mare that eludes all efforts to capture her--that is, until a young boy and girl lay eyes on her and determine that they can't live without her. The frenzied roundup that follows on the next "Pony Penning Day" does indeed bring Phantom into their lives, in a way they never would have suspected. Phantom would forever be a creature of the wild. But her gentle, loyal colt Misty is another story altogether. Marguerite Henry's Newbery Honor Book has captivated generations of boys and girls both with its thrilling descriptions of true incidents from the tiny island of Chincoteague, and its realistic yet wonderfully magical atmosphere. This story of an animal brought into captivity poignantly reveals the powerful opposing forces of humans and nature. Wesley Dennis's pen-and-ink ponies are masterfully depicted with rippling muscles, shaggy coats, and free spirits.





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