We scooted off the bow of the boat, careful to keep our camera bags hoisted high on our backs. There was no dock to this primitive island and the small boat that had ferried us from one barrier island to another could only draw so close to the shore. The ride over to Shackleford was exhilarating, it was just Doug and I, and the friendly local captain, we raced across the waves towards the little island. If I close my eyes I can still feel the wind in my face and salt spray splashing over the sides of the boat. We thanked our captain for the ride and he said he would see us in a couple of hours. There were only two other people on the entire island. We were unprepared for a trek across the island and I was glad that we were. Had I known the course of our day, I would have been tempted to over-pack, over-plan, this way we had only our camera bags to carry. The beauty of the island took my breath away and the appearance of the wild ponies of Shackleford was pure magic. This is what the camera saw on that serendipitous afternoon.
I learned a valuable lesson on the island, to just let go, to allow the day to reveal its surprises in all its hoofed wonder.
Oh, oh, OH!!!!! I was SO waiting for this (as you know… 🙂 ) and what sweet soul’s refreshment you brought my way this morning!! Once again, you’ve spoken my language. What a never-to-be-forgotten experience! I simply have no words for what those photos brought to my heart. Exquisite. There’s a word!
Thank you Jackie for taking the time to visit and share these moments with me. You were with me in my heart. May horses always run free somewhere in the world!
Wow! Lovely photography. You surely captured the personality of the horses and the flavor of the location.
Thank you Adela for the gift of your time and kind words. I could hardly take in all the colors and textures, you could feel the wild spirit of the horses – such a treasure.
Terri, I LOVE these photos! I am a horse lover through and through and adore pictures of them. What a thrill it must have been to be so close to these wild, beautiful creatures.
Thank you Helene for visiting. I was so grateful for my telephoto lens that allowed me to bring them so close into view. It was an honor to be on the same island with them, they were magnificent. I bet you read all the same horse books that I did growing up, it was like being in the middle of those stories. Wishing you a peace filled weekend.
These are lovely photos. I haven’t taken a nature walk in some time. These are giving me a good reason to get up from the computer and go outside. (I will probably not see a horse this time, but maybe sometime soon?) Have a lovely weekend.
Thank you Karen! Fall is a great time to wander outside, unless you live where it is perpetually hot. I hope you get a chance to get lost in nature for a bit, I find it very nurturing. May you have a peace filled weekend!
THOSE are some GORGEOUS pictures!!!!
Thank you Michelle! I could not believe the beauty of the island and the horses, it was like walking through a fairy tale. I hope you have a very peace filled weekend.
Such sweet pictures. Lovely.
“Magical” was my thought as I saw these pictures on the anniversary of Justin’s death.
Thinking of you and glad you had this other special day that you enjoyed.
Thank you Lois! Nature is so kind and gracious with her beauty. I find such soul restoration in wandering with my camera. Wishing you a very beautiful Autumn!
Isn’t Shackelford Banks the best? We have been to the Outer Banks numerous times and I absolutely love Shackelford and all the other little islands. I could spend an entire day there. Thank you for sharing these gorgeous pictures.
I got chills! Not very many people know Shackleford! I dream of going back and walking that solitary island again. We had such an adventure that day. Thank you for taking the time to visit and write a note! Hoping that some island hopping is in your future!