Jun 29 2006
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We rarely went to the beach when I was a young girl; we lived in land-locked western states like Wyoming and New Mexico, and the beach was several days away. I remember only one vacation where we traveled to the beach - our 1990 trip to Florida. Perhaps this land-locked childhood is the reason that I so look forward to the beach vacation every year!
We don’t even have to leave the state of Maryland to get to the Atlantic Ocean! (Although we do cross into Delaware to take advantage of the tax-free shopping, and the quaint seashores!)
Arriving on Friday afternoon, we did not waste any time - Kris was looking forward to trying out his new crab cage, and I had some trekking to do. So we trekked down to the docks on the bayside, and enjoyed ourselves!
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Kris caught quite a few crabs, only to play with them for a few minutes and send them back on their way in the bay. |
I had to reuse the picture I took last year - this year’s crabs were too quick to photograph! We walked up and down the docks, and luckily I had my Trekking sock with me for a photoshoot.
Trekking by the docks of the bay, wasting time…
I am using Trekking XXL colorway #108, and matching it with Nancy Bush’s Sleeping Socks pattern from Knitting Vintage Socks. I am planning to add a heel, unlike the book pattern - I am looking at the Dutch/Horseshoe Heel, as it will probably be the best fit for this pattern.
Unfortunately, in a moment of clumbsiness, I dropped my fourth double-pointed needle right into the water… and the extra needle was at home! It was metal, and I began to wonder if a bamboo needle would have floated. So, we planned a trip to the yarn shop to pick up a spare set. A minor setback in my Trekking sock progress, but I had other projects to keep me busy.
We greeted Kris’s family later in the day, and made plans to head out to Assateague Island the next day. Kris, his father, and his brother have enjoyed clamming off the shores of Assateague for many years, and I was looking for any excuse to get out and ride my bike… so we were off to the “Wild Pony Island”.
Now you hear stories, but you just never know how bad it is till you actually get there… There are tales about the mosquitoes of Assateague Island, and let me tell you, they are all true. Within 3 minutes of getting out of the car and unloading my bike from the bike rack, I had approximately 200 bites all over my body - they even bit through my clothes! They were absolutely vampiric! Once I got on the bike and got some wind around me, they could not “latch” on. Because of this, I was not able to take many pictures of Assateague. I couldn’t subject myself to more bites by being a standing target! I did manage a few however…
I did not see as many wild ponies on the island this year (Last year, I saw several!). This was the only group I came across on my ride: three ponies eating marsh grasses. The ponies that live on Assateague (and the neighboring southern tip of the island, called Chincoteague) are of unknown origin. The two main theories are that the ponies are descendents of the horses kept by the colonial settlers (in the 17th century), or horses that survived a Spanish shipwreck and swam ashore, adapting to the climate and the brackish water and marsh plants for food. Both theories are very plausible, but regardless of their origins, the ponies are a fascinating part of the beautiful island.
There are paved bike trails all over the National Seashore, and the adjacent State Park. I enjoyed my ride all over the island - about 14 miles on the particular trails I chose - and arrived back at the bayside just in time to see Kris and his dad bringing in their fresh clams. (They prepared a clam feast that evening - and I heard it was very good. I don’t eat seafood, so I will take their word for it!)
Although I became quite immersed in my current book, Alias Grace, and took many long walks on the beach with Kris, I managed to get in some knitting! While at the beach, I knew I had to get to Sea Needles, the great shop I discovered last year in Bethany Beach, Delaware, to get a replacement set of DPNs for my Trekking sock. On the way there, I worked on my Blueberry Waffle knee socks - just perfect for the Socks on Vacation contest for the Summer of Socks!
I have a few more inches to go before the heel turn. I hope it is smooth sailing from there - these socks are taking forever!
Although I was tempted by their new shipment of sock yarns (so many beautiful colors!), I went to the shop with a list - and I stuck to it. I stayed true to the Summer of Stash rule! I bought some replacement needles for the socks, and some other needles for a one of next month’s purple projects. I went to see the new books and pattern pamphlets and I was impressed by some of the new Berroco patterns - Norah Gaughan is a good influence! - and I left with the Keltic and the Memoirs Collection books.
… and I discovered a new yarn shop - just off Coastal Highway on Fenwick Island! It is called The Spinning Wheel. They carry a full line of Patons yarns, some sock yarns, and some goodies not seen in other shops - handmade buttons, kits, etc. They have a large pattern and book collection, as well as a wall full of needlepoint and embroidery kits. I was very tempted to try one of the Kristin Nicholas stitch kits - they are so cute! I just may have to track one down in my area. However, I walked out with two books: one is a gift for momma, the other is the Patons’ Indigo Days Collection, the book I have admired many times online, and finally saw in the store.
I really could go on and on… but I don’t want this to turn into a boring vacation slideshow! For those of you that are interested, you can see more photographs of my trip on my Flickr page - don’t miss my adorable husband, my naughty picture, and another trek on the beach … and one more -
I am the one with the skirt, and without all of the hair on my legs 
It looks like so much fun, and so relaxing! Nothing like strolling along on the beach with someone you love…
I understand about mosquitoes, they are rough here. My favorite magnet is the one my dad got my mom years ago while we were on vacation (such a loving man I tell ya)-it says “send more tourist, the last ones were delicious” with a big skeeter on it. Charming, eh? Mom gave it to Ronica, wonder why-ha ha.
Glad you are back safe and sound!
Alias Grace is a great book. Margaret Atwood is one of my favorite Canadian writers (a close tie with The Yarn Harlot).
You’re just too cute Lolly! Are ya lovin’ Alias Grace? I got so sucked into that book that I really don’t remember what happened around me while I was reading it.
Love your photos!
And I thought I’d already experienced all the ways you can lose a DPN!
I love your shots. The two of you have the best “eyes” for shots. It’s really nice to look at them all. Makes me feel like I am right there.
Glad to see that you are having a good time. Can’t wait to “hear” more!
looks like a fantastic time!! love the naughty shot
what a bummer to see your dpn go falling into the water! just think that someone someday is gonna come across it way far into the future and wonder…
sounds like you had a great time!! : )
It sounds like you & Kris had a wonderful vacation to the beach. while it is fun to explore new places it is also a lot of fun to have a “standard” place that you can return to time & again.
What great pictures - I think they definitely convey the spirit of your getaway!
Cute final picture and narrative.
Sounds like a wonderful time, well except for the mosquito bites. Ouch!
what a great time! ahh, darn i love crab.. too bad you didn’t have the means to cook em’
i have to say, i especially love the photographs of the waterways and reflections … and i’m glad kris loves his skirt and shaved his legs!
I was one of those little girls who was all ga-ga over horses even though I rarely got anywhere near one, and everybody gave me horse themed books and stuff all the time. I remember (well, the story’s not all that memorable, but I remember the cover well
) a book called Misty of Chincoteague. About a wild pony, obviously. I never had any idea where that was.
Lolly, I always enjoy your photo ‘essays’, especially your wonderful trips/excursions. By the looks of all the visuals and such, it sounds like you had a wonderful mini vacation to the beach (despite those pesky mosquitos. Yikes! We ran into a few of our own last weekend and are paying for it now). Welcome home! You were highly missed around these parts. ;~)
Are you ready for P.S. purples and lilacs and lavenders and plums? Can’t wait to see what you create!
xo - a
What a wonderful vacation. Thanks so much for sharing with us.
I loved reading about and seeing pictures of your beach vacation. We have been to Assateague as well and thought it was lovely. Besides the bugs, that is!
I’m so glad you had decent weather. It was a rainforest here! Great pictures!
Ooh, it looks like you had a very nice and relaxing time. You look so great in all of those pictures, too! Especially the Assawoman one, ooh la la! You make me laugh
I’m sure you’re missing the sea air already but at least you knit some of it into your socks.
such pretty pictures, I love the beach!!! Sounds like you had a lovely time and once again you amazze me with all of your knitting progress.
What beautiful pictures! I especially like the one of your feet, and your “naughty picture!”
You look great!
Great pictures Lolly.. I’m glad you braved the mosquitos to bring us all such lovely photos! Good to know about the bugs though.. I get eaten alive whenever we go camping- the husband says he brings me along as “mosquito bait”.. lol My blueberry waffle socks are taking for-freakin’-ever as well.. glad to know I’m not the only one!
My mom had a serious of children’s books about assateague and chincoteague and I loved reading and rereading them when I was a kid. That’s so cool that there are actually still horses there! I should take my mom there someday- along with some mosquito netting.
I love how much you two seem to adore one another.
That blue crab is so cool!
Welcome back Lolly. I am so impressed with you woman! Your knitting is always beautiful, your writing fun and interesting, great photos, and you are an inspiration with your decision to get yourself more healthy this year! Bravo!
What a beatutiful place you have been with your trekking socks!
I love all the pictures. Now, please tell me you guys ate the clams (I assume that is what clamming means, lol). Me wants clams! Yummm.
Sounds like you had a great vacation! Welcome back!
I’ve added you to my contact on Flickr.
I think you need to learn magic loop for more aquatic knitting Lolly!
Your pics are so lovely! Did I ever mention I used to live in Charlottesvillle Va so this area is so familiar to me….your beautiful pics bring back such fond memories!
Thank you for letting me vacation vicariously with you! I can’t venture to the beach this summer due to baby on the way (maybe this fall!). What a nice trip you had!
Looks like you had a wonderful trip! Thanks for sharing all your beautiful vacation pictures.
hooray, great trip! Thanks for sharing the pictures.
I went to the spinning wheel last april when DH and I went to OC for our birthdays/anniversary. Lots of Patons. No sock yarn, but crochet thread! heh.
yay for the beach! Assateague is great, but we try not to go even this late in the season due to the bugs! Yuck!
**running off to plan trip to beach later in summer**
Love the final photo — so sweet. Can you really see love in feet? I guess so!
Love the dock picture!! AWESOME composition!
Great pictures! Looks like a great vacation and I love the glimpse of the horses.
That last picture is so cute!
Oooh, I love Assateague - so jealous! The pictures are really cute.
And I totally cringed when I read about your DPN in the water — that is totally something I would do.
Oh lovely photos! It sounds like you had a fantastic time!!!
everytime I think about going to assateague I remember the horrific swarms of mosquitos…and FYI Ponies love potato chips…I saw a lady attempt to take her bag back from a pony and wow that pony won! hehe.
Looks like a fabulous time!
I can imagine your poor face when your dpn went bloop bloop bloop! awwww!
Such wonderful photos! I’ve wondered about Ocean City and your photos gave me a good idea of what it is like — are the mosquitos only on the island, or in the city too? Looks like a wonderful place for bike rides as well.
Great pictures and it looks like you had a great time. I think I love the beach for the same reasons - landlocked childhood.
Looks like a great time! Love the “naughty picture”!
What a hoot! And that’s a great one of you with the sock on the beach too. I expect I’ll be getting a contest entry soon? 
Welcome back. 
It looks like yall had a wonderful relaxing time!
Thanks for the memories! Ocean City - Rehobeth are part of my old stomping grounds. There’s also a knitting shop up in Rehobeth (just a wee FYI for next year … ) http://www.knittygrittyrb.com/
Loved the pictures. I used to live on the west coast and I miss the ocean terribly. Those mosquitos sound awful!!
Ahh! I love Assategue and Bethany Beach and Fenwick Island. Born and raised in Ohio, the trip you just went on was our yearly family trip (except we had to endure Pennsylvania to get there!). I love so much of that area (Ocean City/Bethany Beach)…seeing your pictures just brought it all back!
After a lifetime of going to that area, my mom had never ventured to Assategue (I’m sure I’m spelling this wrong) until I read “Misty of Chincoteague” and became obsessed with the wild ponies! We camped on the island and somewhere I have a picture of a pony looking over the shower stall door into my shower! Thanks for the memories and pictures!
that looks like a perfect spot for a holiday.
Fabulous beach story! You need an emergency sock kit with extra needles. The one I have has saved me many times.
that sounds like a fabulous trip. i love that you dropped a needle in the water — a knitter through and through! btw, i stopped over at your weight loss site and was so inspired to make some positive changes in my life. first up, drink more water!
I love that color sock! I am glad you had a great trip.
Jolene
What a great post…again! Just love your style.
The pictures are great. Mr Wonderful and I also took a picture of just one of each of our feet. I plan on posting it in my next blog post, inspired by yours.
It seems as though you had a wonderful, restorative trip!
What a great photo session. I love the one of the two of your feet that was my favorite…. Hope all is well…
Sounds like such a fun trip!
I miss the ocean! It looks like you had a lovely time!
what a fun trip to the shore! got some great photos, and looks like you made some good progress on your socks and on down time
I love the last picture!
Love the photos! I winced when I read that you lost your needle in the water. That would definitely happen to me. I admire your willpower. I, too, love the beach even though I grew up an hour away from one. I love the sound of the waves.
Looks like you had a wonderful trip. Isn’t it always fun to discover a new yarn store?! Love that “naughty” picture…you go girl! =)
Great beach photos, Lolly! Actually, a vacation getaway ANYWHERE sounds good to me right now–it’s been a loooong week. Too bad about the lost needle, thank goodness for emergency trips to the yarn store!
BTW, thanks for posting the link to your Weigh Down page, I found it very inspirational. I’m embarking on a lifestyle change of my own, so I’m definitely cheering you on with yours. You look GREAT, girl!
Oh no! Needles can’t swim!
Love the pictures. I just wrote down another want to see destination on the long list of places to go, things to see before I’m 75.
Just an aside, Avon’s Skin-so-Soft works wonders on keeping the bug bites to a minimum without making you so stinky you can’t stand yourself.
I live in Northwestern Ontario. Haven to big, hungry mosquitos (they bite through your clothes too), swarms of blackflies, no-see-ums, horseflies and deerflies. Believe me, the stuff works!
Sounds like it was a great vacation! I am so glad you had good weather. Thanks for sharing it!
Oh, it looks like it was wonderful! Hee hee - I like your “naughty picture.” Did you ever read the young adult books about the ponies on those islands?
Thanks for the great photos. I love the story about the poor little dpn that now sleeps with the fishes. (That SO sounds like something that would happen to me!) I’m glad you keep including shots of yourself on your blog…I do believe there is less of you than before. *S* Good on ya!
Such great photos! It sounds like dispite the mosquitos it was a great time! At least there is now a fish or crab that can finish it’s socks as the bamboo DPN it was using floated to the top!
Glad you had such a good vacation. The island with the wild ponies, what an interesting theory of how they arrived there. Mosquitoes are a pita, I know from growing up in the south. Humans are their staple! It definitely sounds like a relaxing vacation.
I camped at Assateague June 30 to July 3 and just have to back you up on the mosquitos! My boyfriend and I went through 3 cans of heavy duty Deep Woods bug spray and about 200 mosquito bites between the 2 of us. While the beach at Assateague has to be one of the most beautiful on the Northeast seaboard, the campsites are a haven for bloodthirsty mosquitos, known as the “official bird” of Assateague Island. Its also funny when the ponies waltz through your campsite and sniff through all your things looking for food, and knocking stuff over.
But you can’t beat watching the random herds of wild ponies while knitting socks on that beautiful shoreline! My vacation knitting was Jaywalker.
[…] 06.06 : Beach Vacation and a pretty popular knit […]
[…] I started this lovely sock at the beach last month - remember the whole “dropping the needle in the water” incident? I think that the pattern - the Sleeping Sock from Knitting Vintage Socks. The original pattern does not have a heel, however, so I improvised and added a classic Dutch heel (described in the same book). The stitch pattern and texture seem to be a good fit for this unique yarn. […]