Laughing Pony

How cool! 😎

Rocket Launches 🤝 Solar Eclipse

We're less than a week away from the next launch at Wallops. The Atmospheric Perturbations around Eclipse Path (APEP) mission launch is scheduled for Monday, April 8, with a window opening at 2:40 p.m. Three sounding rockets will launch before, during, and after the peak local eclipse to study how Earth’s upper atmosphere is affected when sunlight momentarily dims over a portion of the planet.

For those in the mid-Atlantic region, weather permitting, the launches may be visible. Remember to always wear solar safety or “eclipse” glasses when looking at the Sun to protect your eyes.

The launches will be livestreamed on Wallops’ YouTube beginning at 2:30 p.m. ET. The Wallops Visitor center will be open from 1-5 p.m., where Wallops will see ~80% totality.

Learn more: https://go.nasa.gov/3TQFbZ0

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April 8th launch! Best spots to watch.

It’s never too early to plan your spring launch viewing!

On April 8, during the total solar eclipse, three sounding rockets will launch from Wallops as a part of the Apophis (APEP) mission!

Check out where to watch a launch and see the eclipse on the Eastern Shore. 🔽

FYI - for anyone needing it, Tom’s Cove has wheelchairs to reserve for free, making the beach accessible for anyone who needs it. We use these for my dad, who now uses a walker in his 80s. It enables him to still enjoy his childhood beach. 🥰❤️

On July 26, 1990, the Americans with Disability Act (ADA) was signed into law, giving protections and access to millions of Americans living with physical, mental, or sensory impairments. A big portion of this law mandates access for all to publicly accessible facilities. We are striving for that at Assateague Island.

One such service we offer in both districts is the opportunity to see the ocean and get onto the beachfront. During the summer beach season, we have a two-part system for access.

Firstly, we lay down these blue mats called “mobi-mats.” These mats are rolled out every season, allowing visitors to avoid climbing over dunes by providing a flat, stable surface. Wheelchairs can even maneuver on them! These are set up in the main parking areas in both districts and are easy to spot.

Secondly, the device you see in the photo is a beach wheelchair. These further aid visitors with access. At no charge, visitors can borrow these wheelchairs for limited time intervals. The tires are inflated and provide a large surface area so the chair can navigate successfully over sand. Ask to borrow one at the Ranger Station in MD or Toms Cove Visitor Center in VA.

Visit our website for more information on park accessibility: https://www.nps.gov/asis/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm

NPS Photo/K. Sloan

Of course we all know this already… 😊😋❤️

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Please see note from Museum of Chincoteague about efforts to save the Beebe ranch - contribute if you can!

❤️Misty ❤️Chincoteague

Good Morning Friends,
What a whirlwind of a month we have had at the museum. There has been an outpouring of interest in upcoming events, exhibits and of course, the fundraiser to “ Save the Beebe Ranch”

It’s time for a new update!

For those that are hearing about this for the first time, let’s explain what is going on.

The book Misty of Chincoteague, written by Marguerite Henry in 1946, tells a tale about a young foal on Chincoteague and the family that owned her. This is the Beebe family. The book and the series of stories that followed became best sellers, and spurred on many a child’s fantasy of ponies and the love of reading. The books are still hugely popular, which is a testament to the talents of the author and the illustrator, Wesley Dennis.

The Beebe Ranch, at one time, was well over 100 acres. Over the years, bits and pieces have been sold off until now, the last 10 acres remain.
The Beebe family, advancing in years, would like to keep it preserved for future generations and have reached out to the Museum of Chincoteague Island to see if it could help.
Saving the Ranch from development is good for the island community, good for the visiting public and good for the museum to support our mission statement. ” To preserve, protect and tell the story of our history”.
A campaign to raise the funds was announced and started on February 24th.
So here we are, six weeks in on a massive campaign to raise the money to buy the ranch. The asking price is 625,000 and as of today, people from Chincoteague and friends from across the country have helped us raise $310,000.

Letters from across the country are coming in. It is heartwarming and humbling to see how many people have been affected by Misty over the years. People are sharing their personal stories of how this book was the first book they ever owned, the story that made them a horse lover, help them through hard times, or became a cherished friend that they carried with them their whole lives. It is stories like this, that inspire us!
We are honored to be a part it!

If you are interesting in making a (tax deductible) donation and are able to do so, links are below. Also, the museum can receive checks at 7125 Maddox Blvd Chincoteague, Va 23336.

https://gofund.me/bd12d625

https://chincoteaguemuseum.com/support-the-museum

Channel Bass Inn circa 1928. This pic was posted in a Chincoteague Heritage group, as printed in a paper at the time. The Channel Bass Inn is a few doors down from Laughing Pony. So lovely to see what it was like then!

Wow - a 1995 classic look at our little island! It really captures the spirit of Chincoteague and the elements that make it such a special place, through all these years.

Whenever I cross the causeway, roll down the windows and smell the salt marsh, I too feel that same warmth, excitement & joy at arriving home to Mom-mom’s house.

Y’all know that Mom-mom and Pop-Pop’s house is now the Laughing Pony, your island getaway. ❤️

CHINCOTEAGUE; Virginia's Island Treasure Discover the heritage and charm of this unique island retreat on Virginia's eastern shore.