A trek across the dune trail led us to toads, turtles, a snake and a band of ponies. From our perch upon the boardwalk at the beach we watched that same group on horses head out toward the surf.  Some rolled in the sand, others faced into the salty air.  It is wonderful to see them in their natural environment.  Never mind the occasional crazy person who moved right up among them with their kid or their dog to get that once in a lifetime picture.

By late afternoon it was the horses that ere invading personal space. The most brazen of the mares waked right up behind an unsuspecting couple in those low beach chairs watching the surf.  She dropped her head to their shoulders to check out what eats they might have.  Another of the group picked out the gals backpack.  It all came to an end when the pony patrol folks came and ran the band off to less populated area…they thought….the horses ended up in the Oceanside campground.  I suspect they found snacks there.  People are not careful enough with their food and coolers and horses have learned how to open about anything.  With the entertainment gone off the beach, we head back to camp.