Wild Ponies Grazing at SunsetWild ponies grazing as the sun sets in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia.

Earlier this summer, I visited Assateague Island and the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge in Virginia. The wildlife refuge is famous for the wild ponies that have lived on the island for hundreds of years. Evidence suggests that they are descendants of the survivors of a Spanish galleon that wrecked off the coast of Assateague.

Wild Pony with Birds 1A wild pony grazes among birds in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia.

Wild Pony with Birds 2A wild pony grazes among birds in the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia.

Sunset on the Chincoteague National Wildlife RefugeThe sun sets over the Chincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia.

In addition to the wild ponies, a large draw of the island is the Assateague Lighthouse, which still operates and is open to the public.

Assateague Lighthouse at DuskThe Assateague Lighthouse watches over the iChincoteague National Wildlife Refuge on Assateague Island in Virginia.

The beach at Toms Cove attracts a lot of people. I was able to capture an image of the galactic core of the Milky Way extending over the beach. The little buildings you see are lifeguard shacks.

Milky Way Over Toms CoveThe Milky Way over Toms Cove on Assateague Island, Virginia.

Awe of FireworksTwo onlookers watch fireworks shoot out over Lake Wesauking in Towanda, Pennsylvania. I celebrated Independence Day this year with friends at Lake Wesauking in Towanda, Pennsylvania. Some neighbors put on a spectacular fireworks display over the lake. I had fun taking photos of the fireworks. Here are just a few of my favorites. Enjoy!

Sparks Kiss the WaterFireworks explode over a lake and sparks fall, kissing the surface of the lake. Independence Day celebration at Lake Wesauking in Towanda, Pennsylvania.

Fireworks over the lakeA fireworks display over Lake Wesauking in Towanda, Pennsylvania, in celebration of Independence Day.

Spring Sunrise Over Yosemite ValleySunrise over Yosemite Valley in the early springtime. Featuring the sun rising behind Half Dome with snow at its peak, rushing water from Bridalveil Falls, and the stark face of El Capitan.

In mid-April, I had the good fortune of being able to visit Yosemite National Park, California. I was there a bit before peak season. The flowers in the meadows hadn’t yet bloomed, but there was still snow on the peaks, the weather was gorgeous, and I got to skip all the crowds.

I took lots of photos and I’m especially happy with the one above. It features the sun rising behind Half Dome, the stark face of El Capitan, and Bridailveil Falls full of water.

The following is a photo Upper Yosemite Falls and Lower Yosemite Falls.

Upper and Lower Yosemite FallsUpper Yosemite Falls and Lower Yosemite Falls in the early spring in Yosemite National Park, California.

Below is a photo of Half Dome and Cook’s Meadow.

Cook's Meadow and Half DomeView of Half Dome and Cook's Meadow in Yosemite Valley, California. Early in the spring, snow can be seen on top of Half Dome.

The following is another with Half Dome, but this time featuring the Merced River.

Half Dome and the Merced RiverThe moon peaks over Half Dome as seen from the Merced River in Yosemite Valley. Early in the spring, snow can be seen on top of Half Dome.

Below is Upper Yosemite Falls and Cook’s Meadow.

Upper Yosemite Falls from Cook's MeadowA view of Upper Yosemite Falls from Cook's Meadow in the early spring.

And finally, here’s a photo of Wawona Covered Bridge.

Wawona Covered BridgeThe Wawona Covered Bridge spanning the South Fork Merced River in Yosemite National Park, California.

I hope you all enjoyed my photos. Yosemite is one of my favorite places.