I Must Be Dreaming! Eagle Island - Day Two

Oh, hello again!  Excuse me while I wake up a little.   

(stretch ......yawn ............stretch  .............. yawn  ...............Stretch!)

 I must have fallen asleep on the porch hammock.  Where were you? Waiting for me?  So sorry for the delay.  Now, let's see, where were we?

Oh yea!  Mornings. 

I've always loved mornings and now I will have this morning's memory on Eagle Island to recreate when I want to gently awaken and feel alive.  So far, it looks like a 'keeper' for sure.  The 'mornings break golden' here on Eagle Island as a previous guest commented.

The porch fireplace is roaring with the chopped wood provided by Andy.  The rockers are pulled 'up close and personal.' 

All my senses are being fed as I take notice of the sound around me. 

I feel the warmth of the fire's flames as I cuddle in the rocker with my Eagle Lodge luxurious bathrobe,

I smell the aroma of the dew mixing with the island's natural seasonings feeding the ground plants with moisture and energy,

I gaze through the enormous live oaks and over the marsh grass enjoying the splendor of the sun rising to greet the day,

I hear the wildlife as they also begin to stir and move through the woods rustling the dried leaves and stepping on tree branches, and best of all,

I sip out of sturdy mugs and taste the freshly brewed coffee made with the island's clear water. 


All of the sounds are musical and the vision is calm. 

 I remember to Stop, Listen,  Enjoy.



It is difficult not to wonder what the rest of the world is doing.


Are they enjoying this present moment and soaking in their surroundings?


Are they allowing the noises and bustle to keep them from really appreciating their moments in time.


Here on Eagle Island, the stillness and the quiet is a gift.  It offers us a chance to remember what it is like to just be with ourselves and with our own thoughts.  To get to know the connection between the mind, the body, and the spirit.


As I get lost in the rhythm of the island, I spot an assortment of wildlife and birds.  Over 50 species have been spotted here along with a variety of animals. Wild Boar, alligator, snakes, dolphin, otters, frogs, and the famous bald eagle inhabit this island. 

Watch!

Now that we are awake and relaxed, let's change into our fishing clothes, grab another cup of this divine coffee, and head to the pier for the 'catch of the day.'  

A lovely swing is perched on the pier for an even better view of the marsh and Catfish Creek.  A nice picnic table with umbrella invites us to lunch there later, possibly with fresh catch. 

Before we throw our line -- look!  There are two crab traps next to the dock - let's pull them up.  Ah, we are going to have crab for dinner!!!! Nothing like living off the land!

It's easy to stay and fish all day at this perfect spot overlooking the marsh, IF you remember the tides.  Unfortunately for us, we hit the pier just as the tide was going out.  It was rushing out so fast that our lines were almost in Jacksonville when we decided we had timed it wrong.  Remember -- it is the tides, not the time that rules Eagle Island.

We'll come back later -- we did learn another tip.   (Eagle tip -- best time for fishing -- 2 hours before and 2 hours after the tide goes out.)  Now they tell me!


We need to get ready anyway -- the day is full of activity.


Good thing we had a hardy breakfast, because Charley, from SouthEast Kayak Adventures, is on the way. 

He'll be here at 2 o'clock for the guided kayak tour of these marshes along and around the creek.   This kayak tour is 'a must' since this area is a kayakers haven.

 You can always bring your own kayak and tour by yourself, but Charley knows all the birds and has an eye for spotting alligators; and we all know how important that talent can be.


Meet you at the dock with flip flops, sunscreen, layered wear, and a water bottle!

Right on time, Charley arrives.  We only need a few brief rules on rowing and safety before he nudges our kayaks into the water to begin our tour.  We are 'up a lazy river' (or creek) in no time at all.

Moving in and out of the marshes along Catfish Creek, is 'smooth sailing.'  This is the perfect way to explore the waterways and peer at the different creatures lurking and relaxing in their land where no disturbances interfere with nature and quiet is the norm.


Andy told us that in the near future, several of the other islands, Mick Island, Jagger Island, and Little Mick Island will be private kayaking adventure islands with campsites, picnic tables, chicki pads for tents and small huts for overnighters. 

A true campers delight and only 6 miles from Darien, but as close to nature and complete privacy as possible. .


Upon the return from kayaking (Eagle tip: get right in the Jacuzzi to soak your muscles and watch the sunset), a nice double headed outdoor shower awaits us after our jacuzzi.  The shower even has a sink and mirror and it is all completely private.......need I say more?


Goodness, I've worked up an appetite.  That bushel of oysters that Andy provided is ready to be steamed, grilled, shucked, and even enjoyed 'in the raw' - oysters that is!

The oysters are fresh and purchased in East Point, Florida around Appalachiocola.  


Andy is so customer-service oriented that he will order them for the guests and deliver them at no additonal charge. (Eagle tip: of course, if you want to give  up some of your privacy, Andy can send a cook over to prepare your meal and do your oysters while you relax.)


Are you enticed yet?

With no way to top that meal, we settle into our favorite spots on the porch, the dock, the picnic tables in the yard, or the swing by the pond and watch the sunset allowing rest and relaxation cover us as the evening chill arrives. 


The live oaks filter the setting sun offering a unique scene to add to the many memories and a 'kodak moment' for our photographers to share with the folks back home.


A glass of wine tops off our evening as we chatter about our busy day and all that we've seen and learned.   Mmmmmm. 


See you tomorrow. Day 3 on Eagle Island is coming soon.