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Chincoteague Retreat August 24-30, 2008

The Patterson family (with Bash and Henry adjuncts) organized a family reunion on the Chincoteague Island (Eastern Virginia) for the last week of August.  There were 23 (more or less) of us living in 3 homes, but eating the evening meals together.  Thus there was no house really big enough, but we managed quite well.  This is a photo reprise of that time.

On Sunday, Meghan, Robbie and I went walking to check out the area.  This is the boat launch right behind our property, but gives a nice view of some of the "cheap" homes in the neighborhood.
The typical pattern was to feed the children, then attempt to feed the parents.  This is Sunday evening at our place, first try and it went well.
Nora (out of Jamie and Bridget) is only nine month's old.  As such, many family gatherings were "a bit" much for her, but you can see she's in a good mood at this point in time.
Just a few miles from our houses is the National Seashore at Assateague.  Since Seniors get a "forever" pass for $10, the elder statesmen chose this route to get in.  We spent quite a bit of time playing in the Atlantic.  The slope was steep, so the waves broke pretty close to the shore and were a might challenging for the young ones.
Meghan and Robbie had much fun letting the waves chase them.
By the end of the week, they had managed the boogie board and even Delanie (also out of Jamie and Bridget) was having fun on her own.
Here is Will (out of Richard and Jane) coaching Megan with Bob providing  outside cover.
Lots of fun was had playing in the sand.
Even by the older kids.  (This is John Arthur.)
Assateague is famous for the wild ponies that live here.  For those unfamiliar, this is all documented in "Misty of Chincoteague" © 1946.  These ponies are just a canal away from the highway, but often were not this close.
There are penned ponies you can get close to.
As well as rentable rides.
Friday night we had a beach picnic.  John Arthur was the firemaster.  It was very hot, and the wind was strong enough that nothing was safe from flying away if not in a hand.  Good though.
Here's the line trying to get to the food.
With this kind of wind, Kite flying was much fun.
With lots of help flying them.
And yes, we did get to see the lighthouse on Asseteague.  This photo is take across the channel from Chincoteague.
And we had a beautiful sunset.  This photo is taken Friday night (at the picnic), but we had a fantastic day on the beach Saturday as well.
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