At The Beach – Ocean City Maryland

1. The Strategic Goal – Find a quality professional golf course near Ocean City Md.
2. The Economic Goal – Find a pro golf course with economical rates and yet close to Ocean City MD

Deer Run Golf Course meets the above goals .. .. Deer Run Golf Course is a mature golf course just 15 minutes drive from Ocean City MD and offering course rates for the budget minded golfer and family. CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE MAP LOCATION of Deer Run Golf Course – Berlin Maryland

While I’m not a golfer (at least not for the past 40 years), I had occasion to take two foreign interns from France to the course. Neither of them had any previous golf experience. My function was limited to driving the golf cart and pointing us towards the next hole and keeping score (I quickly abandoned keeping score cards however as we decided that “multiple mulligans would be allowed)

We started the students off on the ” practice driving range ” .. they hit a bucket of balls with drivers and irons to get some “method” to their swing. After 10 or so balls they began to get the motion down and cheering with glee when the ball went straight out into the range. We then moved over to the practice putting green and practiced for 15 minutes putting golf balls into the “hole” ..

Now we were ready to begin the challenge on the 1st of the 9 planned hole golf outing. We were situated into a golf cart, I was given proper driving instructions and the golf cart was loaded with 2 golf bags, bottled water, digital camera and of course score cards/pencils and 2 wanna be golfers. Our cart guy ” Nick ” took care of bringing the cart out to us and was quite helpfull, friendly and pleasant (16 years old) ..

We anxiously set up on the first tee! .. It was crunch time and now the experience begins! Swing – MISS – Swing – Miss – and more of that .. FINALLY both Tristan and Dalya hit the ball and got it airborne .. From there we scurried to the balls and more HIT AND MISS swings and finally again success and the little white balls began their journey to the 1st hole! It was fun and surely a challenge for a beginner on a golf course.

This post ( article ) will be continued soon .. in the meantime .. you can enter to win a FREE ROUND OF GOLF at Deer Run Golf Course .. monthly drawing for Deer Run Golf Course Ocean City MD – click here to enter!

Assateague Island National Seashore – just 20 minutes drive from Ocean City MD – A return visit this spring was enlightening and somewhat of a welcome adventure from the past winter doldrums! Those of you who are visiting Ocean City MD should try to include this as a daytrip which can be completed in about 4 to 6 hours or longer if you wish! ( Oh! bring the kids and teens ) as they will love it if they understand and can learn more about our environment and continue to gain an appreciation for the wonders about us! The National Park Service has several FREE entry periods during the summer so take advantage of this and avoid the $15 entry (per car) fee. http://www.nps.gov/findapark/feefreeparks.htm. Senior Citizens (Over 62 years of age) qualify and can register for a FREE PASS card (with a one time $10 fee) at the Parks providing free entry ANYTIME to any of the Federal Parks in the USA. http://www.nps.gov/fees_passes.htm.

[During our visit on June 2, 2009 to the Assateague National Seashore Park, we found an abundance of photo opportunities of Deer and Assateague Horses ( Ponies ) .. It sort of began with a feeding Deer as we drove down the road towards the entry to the National Park Area .. A Deer feeding on the succulent leaves along the roadside. We stopped and took a photo from the car. The deer just sort of looked at us wondering what we were up to! Be very quiet however with little or no movement as the deer will vanish in a second if they are concerned about you or your encounter on their world!

We passed through the ENTRY GATE of the National Seashore Park - display my senior citizen pass to gain free entry (normally $20 for a pass - good for 7 days) .. and our first stop was at the "Life of the Marsh Trail" - a 1/2 mile loop out over the marshy grasses and water! There are "Placard" stands along the walk explaining about the various types of "creatures" and "plant growth" that inhabit or grow in the marsh areas, such as crabs, minnows, marsh birds, herons, egrets, etc..

Two Seagulls were perched on a railing and enjoying the view on this hot day! They were quite reluctant to fly away until we were within 10 feet of them. We really didn’t want to disturb them but had to walk past them to proceed on the trail. Off they flew when we went past , and they quickly returned to their perch once we were beyond them and further along the trail.

About 1/2 way through the trail, there is an overlook with quite a spectacular view of the Chincoteague Bay! There is a bench at the top to take a rest, or just simply enjoy the fresh breezes coming across the water. On one side is a down ramp set of stairs that leads to the bay itself and you can get your feet wet there, as seen here in the picture of one of the students “Olga” who accompanied us on this Assategue Island Tour Day.

So – onward we walked to finish the loop and return to our car in the parking lot. After retrieving us a cold soda from the beverage cooler in the trunk, we drove on to the next adventure, BAYSIDE drive, which leads to a parking lot bordering on the Bay, with Porta Potties, rental canoes and kayaks, and a bulkhead and walk over bridge for crabbing.

There were quite a few parents with children crabbing from the dock area there. We were VERY surprised to see a family of Assateague Ponies just across the bridge. 4 or so adult and one baby pony! We walked over the small bridge leading to an smaller island in the marsh to get closer to the Assateague Ponies.

We quickly realized that in the small group of horses was a small pony (foal) probably not more than a few weeks old. Eventually we managed to approach the entire group and get closer to the small “newborn”. To our amazement, the adult horses simply ignored us and keep feeding on the marsh grasses as we slowly approached the small baby pony. I was accompanied by two international students from Russia ” Olga and Irina ” and they, as well as myself were delighted and excited to be so close to a natural setting. The girls wanted to see if they could “pet” the newborn foal and kept inching closer to it.

Sucess – to our surprise .. The girls were able to walk directly up to the baby Foal and pet it while the adult horses continued on with their feeding. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE 5 MINUTE VIDEO OF ASSATEAGUE Horses June 2009.

Visiting Ocean City Md for a vacation or family get away – don’t forget natures bounty is just a 45 minute drive away . Great Vacation Rentals are found on At The Beach – Ocean City Md. As always – ” best rate guaranteed ” Ocean City MD hotel reservations are available on At The Beach here:

A popular recreation for locals and visitors alike – FISHING at the Beach ! Ocean City Md – Assateague Island and the Coastal Delaware State Parks Areas! Ocean and Bay Fishing ! Off shore Charter boats, bay charter boats, and just fishing from your own boat or from the shoreline or bridge or inlet jetty! TAKE A KID FISHING during your vacation! An experience for the family if you haven’t ventured yet to a fishing trip.

If you are vacationing and don’t have Rod n Reel .. well you can rent the gear for a few days or one day! Try Oyster Bay Tackle .. 116th ST Ocean City Md – Fenwick Tackle – Ocean Side Fenwick Island DE for equipment bait and tackle needs and fishing tips!

In the spring, summer and fall months fishing enthusiasts can try to catch their dinner from the surf on the beaches of Delaware and Maryland, the Inlet Jetty’s of Ocean City MD and Indian River Delaware and from the Inland Bays. Offshore fishing in the Atlantic is popular for those with ocean going size and equipment. One can always check up on the current fishing activity by reading the weekly FISHING REPORT – MARYLAND AND DELAWARE authored by Sue Foster of Oyster Bay Tackle. Species caught and methods used will vary by season.

In the spring the fishing activity usually commences in early to mid April with the arrival of the bluefish in the atlantic surf. Other species caught from the surf follow including Stripers, Seabass, Whiting – Kingfish, and a few other species. Bay fishing will heat up in June with catches of flounder, and July brings other species including Croaker and Seabass into the bay. Bay fishing is usually done by boat, however there are bulkheaded fishing areas in Ocean City MD – 4th to 5th St and the Bay.

Take a kid fishing too! Even if you don’t catch your dinner, you will enjoy the outdoors and relaxation, and pure enjoyment on the water and bring knowledge and fun for a child!

You can visit the At The Beach Fishing Center … Covering Coastal Ocean City MD and Coastal Delaware Beaches .. …

and check out the Ocean City Md and Coastal Delaware Fish Talk Forum - At The Beach

Should you travel to Ocean City Maryland for a weekend get-a-way – you will find the Best Ocean City MD Hotel Rates here! ( Guaranteed )

You may find some of the scenic photos enjoyable which I have uploaded to the At The Beach Photo Gallery over the past 2 years .. CLICK HERE TO BROWSE THE Ocean City MD and Coastal Delaware Gallery of Photos.

Have a comment? Visitors are welcome to register and advance this topic, offer other views, etc.. You MUST FIRST REGISTER, AND A PASSWORD WILL BE EMAILED TO YOU: Simply CLICK HERE to login or CLICK HERE to register so that you may post a comment.

Anyone who has visited the coastal Delaware, Ocean City MD or Assateague Island beaches knows that the Atlantic beach experience here is great, with pristine clean beaches, life guards, and FREE PARKING.. (usually) but there are other reasons to consider the Coastal MD and Delaware Atlantic Coast as a reason to vacation here!

I will list a few of those ‘ OTHER On and Off the beach Ocean City MD EXPERIENCES ‘ here.

CLOUDY DAYS – OR – JUST A CHANGE OF PACE FROM THE SANDY BEACH: Then Northside Park, 127th St on the Bayside in Ocean City MD. CLICK HERE FOR GOOGLE LOCATION MAP is a great respite and offers views of the bayside environment, plus a crabbing Pier, saltwater pond, ducks, geese and other shorebirds a plenty.
There are picnic tables, pond side benches, shade trees, childrens playgrounds, basketball, baseball, etc.. and a wonderful circular paved roadway around the park for jogging, roller blading, biking or just a nice walk. BRING a picnic lunch, a blanket and and enjoy the greenery and open space. PARKING IS FREE, however buses run frequently from the North and Southerly portions of Ocean City Md and the Park is only one block from the Coastal Hwy. Starting July 13th, you and family can enjoy SUNDAES IN THE PARK, every sunday beginning at 6:00 PM to 8:00 PM and enjoy ice cream sundaes and live entertainment. Bring a foldable beach chair to enhance your comfort while being entertained by the musicians. CLICK HERE TO READ A DETAILED BLOG about Northside Park in Ocean City MD. CLICK HERE To check out other Ocean City MD Events.

Canoing and Kayaking: Nearby adventures for you and your children – spouse – friend ..
Experience the quiet adventure on a Canoe paddling trip on the Pocomoke River, Snow Hill MD .. only a 40 mins drive from Ocean City Md and maybe just 10 mins more from most Southerly Delaware coastal Communities.
Pocomoke River Canoe Company – Snow Hill Md : http://www.atbeach.com/amuse/md/canoe/ …. We did a canoe trip last spring in late June or early July, and I have posted a blog there previous so you may see some of that experience. CLICK HERE .. to read that Pocomoke River Article..
We returned in July 2008 – and I took a couple of video’s while paddling the Pocomoke River from the Pocomoke River Canoe Company in Snow Hill MD. CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE POCOMOKE RIVER CANOEING VIDEOS.
AND Sailboating and Kayaking: Fenwick Island DE … ( Fenwick Island DE is just a few minutes northerly of Ocean City Md on the Coastal Hwy, so it’s a quick drive there from Ocean City MD.) Paddle the Little Assawoman Bay – in a kayak or enjoy sailing the bay with a sail above your head! Located directly across from the Fenwick Delaware State Park .. Coastal Kayak, www.c-kayak.com. We routinely make a visit or two to the Coastal Kayak during the spring, summer or fall. They offer wonderful kayaking adventures for 1, 2 or many and expecially for the young and family, it is a wonderful adventure for everyone to TAKE TO THE WATER and paddle out onto the Little Assawoman Bay, situated to the west of Fenwick Island Delaware.

Another neat little half day trip .. Explore the Assawoman Wildlife Preserve .. just a short drive from Ocean City Md and Coastal Delaware .. an off the road adventure with wilderness abounding !
Assawomen Wildlife Nature Preserve, near Fenwick Island De and Ocean City Md.

Of course – don’t fail to consider a trip to Assateague Island . TAKE THE KIDS - National Seashore Park . also a short auto drive from Ocean City Md and the Coastal Delaware Beaches .. Here is a recent blog after a visit to Assateague, from last spring of 2007 .. Assateague Island National Seashore Park – … and another blog from a trip to Assateague Island during the Winter of 2008 ..

We also took some video’s in July 2008 of Assateague Island and you can CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE VIDEO’S OF ASSATEAGUE ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE.

The ARTS in Ocean City MD – Events and Exhibits for our youth and senior citizens (and all others in between) . ” Quote from their web site- “Activities are available for every age and all skill levels — from children’s exhibits to professional workshops and shows to museum excursions and group outings. Monthly receptions offer an opportunity to socialize, enjoy and appreciate both artistic and culinary creations. We award an annual scholarship to a Stephen Decatur High School graduating senior who wishes to pursue an education in the arts. ” click this link to jump over to their web site for more information, events schedule, location, and more!

I’ll return to this topic in the future… and add to the adventure and THINGS TO EXPERIENCE off the beach that one can enjoy along the coastal Maryland and Delaware Beaches .. Your vacation or day trip to the Eastern Shore of Maryland and Delaware can often include these type of adventures and experiences – especially for the children, who relish such education and enjoyment of our natural resources in Maryland and Delaware …

I welcome your comments – thoughts – and feedback on this article.

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Should you travel to Ocean City Maryland for a weekend get-a-way – you will find the Best Ocean City MD Hotel Rates here! ( Guaranteed )

You may find some of the scenic photos enjoyable which I have uploaded to the At The Beach Photo Gallery over the past 2 years .. CLICK HERE TO BROWSE THE Ocean City MD and Coastal Delaware Gallery of Photos.

Have a comment? Visitors are welcome to register and advance this topic, offer other views, etc.. You MUST FIRST REGISTER, AND A PASSWORD WILL BE EMAILED TO YOU: Simply CLICK HERE to login or CLICK HERE to register so that you may post a comment.

March 20, 2008 – The first day of spring – A visit to Assateague Island National Seashore Park ,which is nearby Ocean City Md. I had a couple of visitors to Ocean City Md with me and suggested a drive to Assateague Island as a sight seeing adventure. Neither of my guests had ever been to Assateague. We drove to Assateague and discovered that Assategue’s wild ponies and deer were visibly present along the winding road entering the National Seashore Area of Assageague. The Island’s primary occupants of ponies and deer were obviously waiting for SPRING to arrive. It was a somewhat chilly and WINDY day with wind gusts approaching 20 and 30 mph, but fortunately with a sun drenched landscape. Standing sheltered from the wind but in the sun revealed a very pleasant day, but the chilly wind was relentless. The Assateague ponies were mostly found feeding along the roadside (which was protected from the wind) and not venturing to the bayside or oceanside, both of which were feeling the prevailing chilly winds from the west!

There were many ponies feeding along the roadside, and we even observed a couple of obviously pregnant female horses. They were mostly just ignoring us as their main intent was to feed on the sparse green grasses along the roadside. I also observed that their hair growth was thicker than what i had observed in summer trips to Assateague Island.

We ventured further along the entrance road and reached the “entry” gates to the National Park area. The entry fee is $10 per car for a 7 day pass. Having completed that registration, we went further and decided that due to the high winds, we would only venture on the bayside through a wooded forest walking trail, which protected us from the wind on this particular day.

The Forest Walk turn around point is at an elevated OVERLOOK viewing the bay marshlands and the western shore. A spectacular view and surely inspirational!

We then drove to the ocean side and parked the car to venture up the wooden walkway over the sandy windswept dunes to view the Atlantic Ocean. Sand swept relentlessly around our feet blowing to the East. Not a foot track was to be found anywhere in the white sandy dune or beach, which brings some real exhilaration and understanding of the wonders of nature to your “senses” .

During this period of high winds the white sand particles blew as if it were mere snowflakes in a snowstorm causing the dunes to change shape in a matter of hours! It’s no wonder the Assateague Ponies nor human visitors were populating the beach on this day, however soon the beach will be populated with people fishing, swimming, bathing and simply enjoying the refreshing breezes which contain the “salt air freshness” …

While the Assateague Ponies were easily observed when driving into the park area, the deer were not seen for some time, but eventually we saw them, also along the roadsides. One had to have a sharp eye to see them as their winter fur cover is much lighter in color and therefore they blend in easily with the surrounding bushes, shrubs, etc.. The deer are much more elusive and can be frightened by us humans so they can quickly disappear into the shrubs and bushes unless you approach by car slowly and don’t make noises. Their hunger kept them feeding while we took a few pictures from inside of the car.

This turned out to be a great 1/2 day Pre-Spring trip to enjoy some of the nearby Ocean City Md Attractions in Assateague Island, experience our wonderful natural environment, and bring another memory home for visitors to share with their friends. If you are visiting Ocean City MD, or nearby areas of Berlin Maryland, or Ocean Pines Maryland, you are but a short drive away from this near spring time experience. Assateague Island is a great place to visit during most any season of the year. We hope you will enjoy the natural environment should you visit. … At The Beach, Ocean City Md .. .. CLICK HERE TO JUMP TO THE ASSATEAGUE ISLAND NATIONAL PARK web site provided by the National Park Service.

I have uploaded a few of the photos taken on this day visit to Assateague Island in our At The Beach Photo Gallery … Ocean City Maryland – CLICK HERE TO VIEW THEM …

Should you travel to Ocean City Maryland for a weekend get-a-way – you will find the Best Ocean City MD Hotel Rates here! ( Guaranteed )

I welcome your comments – thoughts – and feedback on this article.

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Have a comment? Visitors are welcome to register and advance this topic, offer other views, etc.. You MUST FIRST REGISTER, AND A PASSWORD WILL BE EMAILED TO YOU: Simply CLICK HERE to login or CLICK HERE to register so that you may post a comment.