3 degrees F, 25 mph winds, 6 inches of new snow ... a perfect day to "stroll" in the alpine terrain of Grayson Highlands (home to the highest Virginian peak at over 5000 ft) in search of wild ponies that inhabit this harsh terrain. In the early 1970s, a herd of hardy Assateague equines were released here to control the quickly-growing brush which threatened the scenic balds. Although the herd has thrived, we had difficulty finding it today due to the frigid winds as the ponies sought cover in the conifer forests. Nevertheless, once in the presence of these endearing creatures, the struggles to reach them were immediately forgotten.
