Darcy Cole never misses the pony beach walk and pony swim in Chincoteague, VA. As a photographer, she travels around Chincoteague in her teardrop trailer and photographs all the new foals born every season. It’s a passion project powered by the flexibility of life on the road.
“People would be surprised to know that the ponies didn’t originally bring us here,” says Darcy. “We came for the lighthouse, the beach, the parks, the water, the natural beauty. There’s so much.”
The RV Advantage: Enjoying A Slower Pace
Through her lens, Chincoteague becomes a daily celebration of life. “I’m a cancer survivor and I know that every single day is a gift. And the RV gives you a lot of freedom,” she says.
This slow-paced, mobile lifestyle has given Darcy the ultimate front-row seat to the island’s newest additions. “Chincoteague Island is an incredible community,” she says. “You have two groups of ponies here. And we have a couple of different pony identification books. We put out a new one every year. It’s like a yearbook. And then we put out a book about the foals each year as well. It’s like having a mission every day. My mission for this day is to spot new foals.”
A Coastal Community
For Darcy, half the excitement is in the search for the ponies once she reaches the coast. Her top advice: Be willing to wait. “Trying to find them, it’s sort of like the thrill of the hunt but with a camera instead. So, patience is key,” she says.
The best part of RVing at the coast? Starting your morning exactly like this: “Pack a picnic breakfast, bring a beach blanket, go to the beach, watch the sun come up, and the ponies’ parade down the beach. It’s been exciting,” she explains.
Darcy adds that the true magic of Chincoteague lies in what isn't there: “I’m so thankful we don’t look across that bridge and see nothing but high-rises,” she reflects. “I’m so thankful the refuge was preserved in its natural state for us to enjoy. I’m so thankful.”
Takeaways from Chincoteague
Slow Down: Disconnect from the daily rush to reconnect with what matters.
Capture the Beauty Around You: Frame the wild scenery through your lens and immortalize the rugged coast.
Seek Out New Opportunities: Don’t be afraid to hit the open road and explore new horizons.
