Andy is taking us to Sapelo Beach where the Gullah community is in full force and Gee-Chee is the language spoken within the community.
Andy is picking us up this morning at 9:30 sharp. Today we will need a picnic lunch, walking shoes, a bucket (I wonder what that is for), bug spray, and a sun visor.
Meet you at the dock!
Here comes Andy with his customized 38' Sea Hawk. The perfect boat to transport guests and have room for luggage and movement. We are excited, aren't we? As we push away from the dock, Andy tells us about the islands we are going to visit today. Sapelo, Wolf, Queen, Little Mick, and Jagger.
First up, we circle around and about weaving through these hidden islands.
Wolf Island and Queen Island are new to us today.
Queen is the only island that is on the ocean with a beach made of white sand and shells. Can you imagine having a wedding on 'Queen' Island. How perfect is that!
Your own island for your own private wedding.
Andy says the weddings held on Queen Island are like a fairytale for the wedding couple.
The Gullah communitiy on Sapelo consists of approximately 50 people - the rest of the island is owned by private individuals. The owners, like Andy, of property on Sapelo leave another vehicle on the island to use when they arrive. The 'only' way to get down the trail to the Sapelo Beach.
Thomas Spaulding, one of the first and very respected plantation owners in this area is responsible for the growth and much of the history of the island.
The recipe for 'tabby' siding was invented here - a mixture of shells, water, and lime - and used with a plank board to cover the sides of the slaves little shacks on Little Sapelo Island.
Much anticipated arrival! SAPELO! (the island referred to in many Eugenia Price historical novels!)
Picking up the truck awaiting the day's guests, we load up our beach items and hit the road.
First stop is the historical lighthouse, built in the 1800's, at the south end of Doboy Sound. The lighthouse is no longer in use, but provides a beacon for the boaters and can be seen from Queen Island, Little Mick Island, and Jagger Island.
Curving around the dirt roads and deeper into the island sanctuary, we arrive at the R.J. Reynolds Mansion, built in the 20's and now being used for the University of Georgia Marine Institute. (not a bad gig) Here on this isolated island, Lindbergh would fly in on his private plane and visit his friend at the mansion. How did they know about this island and I've just learned of it? The mansion itself is used for high level Board Meetings, Weddings, and group rentals. They'd never find us here!
In a hurry to get to the beach on this gorgeous day, we scurry along. The only paved road which circles the island is called the 'Audobon.' Off of this road juts unpaved dirt roads and trails with interesting names -- Dump Road for one and Nanny Goat road takes us directly to the secluded beach - for private owners and community only.
Talk about untouched!
A beach running the length of the island and loaded with shells of all kinds inlcuding the local 'welk' shell.
Here is this 'welk' shell that I brought home with me - this little guy found a home. I didn't know he was there until he fell from the ledge of my fountain into the fountain itself. I wondered how the shell did that and I picked it up - low and behold - Mr. Crab was a stow-away. He now lives in the waters of Ponte Vedra Beach!Let's have lunch and then split up and take a couple of hours to walk this pristine and undisturbed beach.
We are ALL ALONE!
We can investigate and collect the different shells, search the dunes for lost articles, relax on the soft white sand, find unusual driftwood, and take pleasure in this 'hidden treasure of an island.'
Time to get back to Eagle Island before dark. The hike back to the car is bittersweet. Eager to continue our journey, but hard to give up this moment where we are 'lost at sea.'
Our return to the dock takes us past the little community grocery store, that says 'OPEN,' but nobody is there right now. We missed the opportunity to purchase the local goodies, but now have a reason to return.
Dusk is closing in and so are the 'no see-um's' -- back to the truck and on our way back to the dock where we drop off the truck until the next group of guests escape to the island.
A beautiful return boatride to our 'home away from home - Eagle Lodge.' We are glad to be back to sort through our goodies and collect our days memories.
The crab trap provides another scrumptuous meal as we learn the 'island-way' to crack and eat!
A sunset is close to greeting us, so let's scurry to find our favorite spot.
I'm back in the jacuzzi with a glass of wine and the fire warming the porch.
The Island is seeping into my nature. Do you feel the veil? The veil of understanding. Have you gotten it yet? Do you get it?
Has the island covered you with it's softness until you become one with it's island sounds and rhythms.
This is where urban meets nature and hands over the baton.
This is where the technology age can be connected, but quickly loses it's attraction.
This is where you can 'sign on' to WIFI and receive a cell call, but don't feel the need to 'connect.
This is where you the only thing you want to connect to is the land and yourself.
This is where you Refresh, Reflect, Rejuvenate, Regroup, Reconnect, Relax and Re-love.
If Heaven is an Island - it must be Eagle Island - and we are not yet ready to leave this magical place.
Goodnight! See you tomorrow morning - our last day in our paradise.
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