Survivors
A pair of yearling sibling wild horses on Horse Island NC. These hardy creatures have been surviving out here on marsh grass riding out harsh Atlantic coast weather and storms. I hope they are keeping safe in Hurricane Florence. I thought this was appropriate way to send positive wishes and wild horse survival vibes to all those living along the NC/SC coast and to those that have houses/properties there. An occasional reminder of the fragility of our civilization that Mother Nature throws our way. And yet, like these horses we survive, we rebuild and we keep on going.
I was visiting Emerald Isle NC earlier this summer with my family, and I packed up my Kayak when we did a day trip to Beautort. I left them browsing the delightful shops and restaurants of Beaufort, packed my camera and long lens in my dry bag and set out around Carrot Island. I had to paddle all the way around to Horse to find the horses (they travel between the two as they are only really separated at high tide). Had a blast kayaking in the ocean. I discovered that these horses are quite used to humans. The yearlings were skittish but the older horses were largely oblivious to my presence. I stayed mostly in my kayak trying not to disturb them too much, but even then I was able to approach within about 20 feet of them. I likely could have approached closer but this is a terrible idea and certainly not recommended. Also, please don't feed them should you ever venture out to see them. They are used to this nutrient poor sea grass diet and apples and other richer foods may upset their digestion.
Survivors
A pair of yearling sibling wild horses on Horse Island NC. These hardy creatures have been surviving out here on marsh grass riding out harsh Atlantic coast weather and storms. I hope they are keeping safe in Hurricane Florence. I thought this was appropriate way to send positive wishes and wild horse survival vibes to all those living along the NC/SC coast and to those that have houses/properties there. An occasional reminder of the fragility of our civilization that Mother Nature throws our way. And yet, like these horses we survive, we rebuild and we keep on going.
I was visiting Emerald Isle NC earlier this summer with my family, and I packed up my Kayak when we did a day trip to Beautort. I left them browsing the delightful shops and restaurants of Beaufort, packed my camera and long lens in my dry bag and set out around Carrot Island. I had to paddle all the way around to Horse to find the horses (they travel between the two as they are only really separated at high tide). Had a blast kayaking in the ocean. I discovered that these horses are quite used to humans. The yearlings were skittish but the older horses were largely oblivious to my presence. I stayed mostly in my kayak trying not to disturb them too much, but even then I was able to approach within about 20 feet of them. I likely could have approached closer but this is a terrible idea and certainly not recommended. Also, please don't feed them should you ever venture out to see them. They are used to this nutrient poor sea grass diet and apples and other richer foods may upset their digestion.