Barrier Island's in Winter 2010 -- St. Simons Island, GA

Would I do it again in January?  Probably not. 

This time, though, we didn't have a choice.  I had already rescheduled our 6th Anniversary get-away to St. Simons Island when I sprained my ankle in November.   No more putting it off.....it was time!

So, my dear hubby, Frank, and I loaded up the car with our winter gloves, hats, coats, and chapstick and headed for the King & Prince Hotel on St. Simons Island, GA. 

We had a positive attitude that all would be great -- how much colder could it get, afterall.

It was 40 degrees when we left Florida and even colder 1 1/2 hours later when we arrived in St. Simons, but the sun was out and we were prepared.  We thought.

Thank goodness for Andy Hill, owner of www.privateislandsofgeorgia.com/ and Eagle Lodge.  Even though he wasn't in town (his office is in St. Siimons) he was kind enough to get passes for us at the Private Resort - The Cloisters and Lodge on Sea Island  --(www.seaisland.com/Home.asp). 

This indoor tour luxury tour opportunity was just what we needed in this below freezing weather.

So, after we checked into the beautiful King and Prince (http://www.kingandprince.com/)%20and bundled up, we headed immediately to the warm car and the Cloisters Resort.  The photos tell it all. 

What a place.  Adorned in all the best of wood, carved furniture, paintings, fixtures, etc.  The hallway seemed endless with ballrooms and conference rooms, studies, libraries, cigar rooms, cognac rooms, and the like all jutting off of the main hall.

Of course, the highlight was sitting in the same chair the GEORGE BUSH sat in during the G8 conference at the Cloisters several years ago.  I think maybe 2000 or 2001.

The flag from each nation attending was carved and placed into the beautiful oak table made by a local craftsman. 

That's me sitting in Tony Blair's chair.

The room had the energy of power and MEN!  Wood, leather, strength, comfort.  Each person had an engraved plate on the back of their specific chair.

The entire table...not sure what was going on with the light in that room.

The resort has the largest collection of oriental rugs and they are displayed for our pleasure throughout the halls and rooms of the resort.  We were in awe and delighted in this special opportunity.

The library was ALL WOOD and loaded, I mean LOADED with leather-bound books and set up for a comfortable day of books, discussion, and leisure. 

I could hardly tear Frank away...... but if we stopped he would find comfort for sure in one of those velvet chairs.

We still wanted to see the 65k foot spa across the street, so we wrapped up again and were off to this massive spa with everything you could want.  Indoor pool, jacuzzi, classes, fitness center, boutique, products, etc. etc. etc.  --

The entrance was beautiful with a flowing fountain and a pond full of coi fish. 

They were hungry too.  When they heard our steps on the wood plank deck, the surfaced with their mouths open --

LOOK CLOSE!  Their mouths are wide open. 

We wanted to check out the spa jacuzzi which holds about 100 people I think.  It was more like a pool.  I thought I'd take a dive.

The humidity was so heavy in there we could hardly breathe.  Quite a change from the freezing, dry air just outside the door.  My hair and skin wanted to stay there forever!

Here's a sample of the type of cars that were parked outside!

Yes, that's a Bentley.  And, a fine one at that!

We were overwhelmed with the beauty and luxury that is behind the gates at Sea Island.  And, we weren't finished yet.

Andy also had a pass for us to the Lodge on Sea Island, another Cloister property.  It is the Golf Clubhouse.  Every day at 5PM the bagpipes are played for an hour.  Rain, sleet or snow -- Frank was going to see the bagpipes played.  That was his treat from me and a surprise for him.

We didn't quite know that it was outside on the golf practice greens, but found out quickly that we would be wrapped in blankets with a butane heater if we wanted to enjoy this special treat.

I have never been so cold purposely!  My NOSE!  I couldn't even feel it.  This was Frank's suggestion.

  Yes, I could've been inside with the warm fireplace in the lobby, but then the bagpipe player would have Zero Audience. 

We were the ONLY ones out there watching him as he played his best with his freezing hands, cheeks, and breath.  A fine job he did.  I hollered to him -- 'Top of the Evening to You".....he responded, "And the rest of the day to you."  I was touched.

\

Can you see him -- way behind Frrank standing like a lone soldier on the greens.  ?????

It was worth every minute -- but as soon as it was over we ran back inside and warmed our hands by the wonderful fireplace and toasted our special anniversary.

We need a nap before dining at Halyard's that night.  Our next day would be more touring and outside, so we needed to get some sleep.

Up early enough to get a wonderful photo of the sunrise before we left the hotel.  This is from our room. 

Bright and early, we loaded up the car and checked out of the K&P Hotel.  We were off to the lighthouse and the slave quarters and then home.

There is nothing more nostalgic and warmly regarded as a Lighthouse and this one is pretty special.  I sat in the car while Frank took the picture.  It was below freezing and even the waitresses at the 4th of May had gloves and jackets on when we had breakfast.

Fortunately, the sun was out that day and we were able to get out of the car and check out the slave quarters before heading home.  "Anybody home." See that it is made out of coquina!

 Not bad digs and a wonderful spot for the beautiful coastal sunsets (this one was at the Lodge)

The amazing difference in the vegetation is astounding..oak canopies and spanish moss. 

Even a winterized tree looks good in moss.

All in all, a glorious get-away and just a short drive from our beach area.  Try it!  Maybe when it gets a little warmer, but try it for sure.

Disappear in Sapelo - Day 3 - Eagle Island

An exciting day coming up -- we venutre off  Eagle Island (the back barrier island) and tour the inhabited barrier island of Sapelo. 


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. 

Entering back into the intracoastal through Doboy Sound we run parallel to Sapelo imagining life on this barrier island with only a ferry boat providing transportation to and from the mainland for school and shopping. 


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. 

Before we dock and head to land, we cruise the edges of the islands where we see 'Shanty Ruins' barely standing reminding us of the planation times on these islands. 


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.'

The time flew by and here we are with our 'finds.'  (You, Me, Andy, and another writer)

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.