Went to the 98 Annual Chinocteague Pony Swim. Shooting with 3 photo friends. You have to wade and weave through the mash and muck to get close to the water. I decide to go more into marsh and under pier by myself. Boot sinks up to knee in MUCK and thought I'm a goner. I now understand not being able to get out of quicksand. Young girl takes pity on me and comes to help pull me out.. Out but fell backward covered in muck and cut my thumb. I now have a MUCK butt and hands are covered with muck. Finally under pier that will hold all the press for event up on top. Did make my way to the water to rinse my hands.Now for the 3 hourish wait.
What I was thankful for:
1. Bug Spray from head to toe.
2.SHADE being under the pier. My poor friends were baking in the sun and feeling it.
3. Spying a ladder a couple hours in, leading to top of pier. Deciding after the ponies swim over , I'm climbing it an asking for forgiveness after. Only press allowed on pier.
4. Packing plastic trash bags. Pulling one out, unfolding it and placing it on the muck under pier to sit on after standing 2 hours.
5. Following through with my plan and climbing ladder. Saved me from going back through the marsh and muck to get back to land.
Pier is totally packed with press ( it was empty when we arrived). Ponies are on the other side of pier then the ladder so everyone is looking the other way. I don't think anyone noticed me climbing on top. Camera is in my backpack but I think to pull out my phone and grab a couple pictures. A WBAL (on her shirt) reporter says " Wait and they will come closer" to me. LOL Thinking to myself " I shouldn't be here" but hey I'm blending in so I whip my backpack around, pull out my camera and fire off a few shots before I hightail it off the pier. I made my way to a wagon we had left by the street and have beaten my friends there. They were winding their way back through the marsh and muck the way we came with the masses.
We got a few more pictures of the horses being lead to the fair grounds and pens before heading back to the car. Never say Never but this is off my bucket list and is a been there, done that, NEVER AGAIN event for me !!! I can smile about it now.
72 foals auctioned off. A new record of $509,175 was raised for the Chincoteague Volunteer Fire Company fund raiser. WOWZIER.
I've always wanted to go to the pony swim since reading Misty of Chincoteague as a kid. Love your photo and your story. The whole time I was reading it, I was worried about your camera getting dropped in the muck. Bravo for a great bucket list adventure!
my very first thought when l read you fell was the same as @eudora but since you didn't mention It I assume it survived better than you didQ! What an ordeal! I am truly impressed with your dedication...and the photo. So proud of you and your commitment Leslie
