"As usual (in our New Year's tradition), the four of us have travelled to a place even colder than our normal Northeastern environs. This is Assateague (Maryland), one of the few places we've been where you can step on sand and snow in the same footfall.

Another notable here is the legendary, native herd of small horses. I'd read about their traumatic migrations when I was a child and the imagery has stuck since. According to the signs, these horses have a tendency to bite and kick. We are instructed to clap our hands and shout loudly to make them leave.

This strange trip is sandwiched between events in our rather hectic life. I hope to gain perspective in the near future." PL

Only a portion of the continuing narrative from the end of the pier.