Paradise Lost and Found - Goodbye to Eagle Island - Day 4

The 'tide goes out' on our last day on the barrier islands of Darien, GA- Eagle Island - as we await Andy's arrival for our final half-day adventure and then release onto the mainland.


These Island Estates of Andy Hill's have allowed us a place.....


...to disconnect from the mainland and reconnect to the land, nature, and our souls. 


...to disappear for four days into the back islands and marshland and reappear full, present, and reminded. 


...to dislodge from the hustle and bustle and allow the rustic elegance of Eagle Lodge to pamper us. 


...to de-stress and dissolve into the rhthyms of the island and the natural habitat of long ago to better handle our daily stresses and know there 'is a place' to settle in when our hearts tell us 'it is time.'


It is our last day of respite and retreat.


It is our final walk on the dock to disappear again onto the waterways visiting our last destination point – May Hall Island.  May Hall, a 'paradise lost and found.'

Even the Bald Eagle, whose nest tops the elm tree outside of the lodge like a star on a Christmas tree, comes out to say goodbye to us. 






He swoops out over the yard with his mate not far behind him.  He watches, he listens, he knows -  the island is returning to the sounds of nature only and the whispers, oohhs, and aaaahhhs of the visitors will quiet for a while.

Our last sunrise, our last breakfast, our last view from the lodge porch. Until next time Eagle Island, until next time.

Let's pack it up…move it out…..the day still holds mystery, intrigue, and awe as our curiosity is peaked on today’s final tour of May Hall.

Andy is sharing another dream with us. A dream that started one way and has turned out completely different.  May Hall and the patience of a man. 

(A Little History:  Andy purchased May Hall in Jan of 2001.  2000 acres of marsh and six islands.  The King of England deeded the property to General McIntosh in 1774.  The Kings grant allows ownership of the marsh.  The islands are May Hall Island, Little May Hall, Grassiefield Island, Mick Island, Jagger Island, and Five Moon island.  The home was originally built in 1970 and after 8 years is still being remodeled.  May Hall will be open for rental in 2010, with the other islands available for Five Moon Camping in January.  - can you even resist? )
 

Stumbling upon the hidden and deserted partially built 3 story home on May Hall was like finding a buried treasure.

Once overgrown with hedges, bushes and a muddy-slope the only entry to the island.  stands the house on May Hall Island.


What began as a get-away house for a group of individuals turned into a financial mistake and therefore deserted in the middle of construction.

It stood with only walls intact. The windows were broken, the skylights unfinished allowing rain to soak the interior.  The island seemed impenetrable, until………….. the perseverant Andy Hill, with painstaking care and genuine love for the island, developed an ongoing relationship with the owner of the property.

Years went by as Andy waited for the owner to sell, checking and stopping by on a regular basis showing his desire to be caretaker of the island. The time finally came………….the offer was on the table……….the sale finalized………….work began.

Andy's vision is flourishing and we can see the final product taking shape. 

Since the island was one of 5 working sawmills ‘in the day’ – sawpits are still on the island and Andy works ‘with’ the history rather than removing it.


Andy, the ‘King of Reclaiming’ was just a call away when homes were being torn down and hotels were selling goods and furniture – all part of the grand scheme to make May Hall a historical treasure.

The blue stone reclaimed was used to build benches and patios.

Brick for the patio is reclaimed from another area in Union from a torn down building. 120,000 of the brick claimed from an old hotel in Brunswick.

An 800 year old armoire stands in the living room owned by Robert Gregory who previously owned and sold this home to Andy.

The master bed is 1000 year old (at least) Indonesian hand-carved nesting bed – a rare find as now they are not allowed out of the country.

The roof, better known as the ‘Full Moon Pad’ provides a view of the entire island and overlooks the Sound. It is just like being dropped into a Hollywood Movie Set such as Survivor or Lost.

The natural plant life and historical remnants of saw mills still remain. The pond is loaded with thousands of goldfish and the home will be sided with old and reclaimed ballast stone.

As we walk through the island trail, Andy gives us a running report of the future of this island, as he sees it.  The cleared area full of palmettos is for 20x20 cabins, a vision soon to be developed.

The 550 foot boardwalk, where not a sound but the breeze can be heard, leads to the other islands for camping and hiking.

The boardwalk, just about 2 football fields long, connects the 3 islands – Little May Hall, Grassie Field, and May Hall and will be used for jogging, biking, or just walking to the other islands. The future plan is to have chicki pads with huts and camping sites available for variety and intrigue. 

Yes, May Hall is an excursion.

In ‘the day’ rafts formed a walking bridge carrying lumber to and from the island – it was a busy area, Doboy Sound to the coast at Darien, and it is busy once again.

The island's dense entrance along with the entire island is loaded now with Sago Palms and....












natural plants such as this pineapple plants grown from merely plopping the top of a pineapple into Mother Earth and allowing her to nurture her.

Yes, quite a day; quite a man; quite a dream.

We reluctantly respond to the 'all aboard' call as we speed through the Sound once again.






Back 'on the hill' we go.  'On the Hill, you ask?'  Just an old nautical term used referring to the 'mainland.' 

Such a unique term, and one Andy wanted to preserve.  So, in honor of his father and mentor and to coin the phrase, Andy, the Old Salt, named his St. Simon's office space and event location using these combined terms - Charlie's On The Hill! and that's where we are headed -- back 'on the hill.'

Land ho!  but not an end.  We will renegotiate our highways and share and remember these days. 

But, before we leave, Andy tours us through his two 'retreats on land' for those times when Eagle and May Hall are booked or the overflow is perfect for a mainland location, or taking a step back into sweet neighborhoods and plantation style living -- The Coastal Maritime Lodge and The High Tide Cottage await.


Coastal Maritime Lodge, is my dream house. Two story plantation style home with your choice of bedroom style and furnishings.

Andy, being the eco-friendly born naturalist, showcases an assortment of reclaimed articles and turns them into home accessories, furniture, cabinets, and chandeliers.  An example is the heart pine floor and furniture. 

The home has 4 bedrooms and four and a half baths and media room.  Five, that's right, 5, fireplaces. (Four of them the originals.) King size beds in each room and a queen apartment with room for kids.

The upstairs rooms are out of a Eugenia Price novel. The master has a balcony with a romantic, curved wrought iron railing.  The master bath is large enough to have a party with a little bunk room off of the master for 2 more couples or 4 kids.  

This area is a 'boaters delight' opening up the waterways and the mainland for a combined experience. 

Andy provides complete customized packages to everyone. He is your on-call concierge and aims to please you.

As another choice for out-of-towners, you can fly in to Brunswick with Delta commuter, and Andy will pick you up and drop you to the location of your choice - Eagle, May Hall, or Coastal Maritime. 

If this house is larger than your needs or pocketbook, across the street with the same attention to detail and even a little closer to the water, stands The High Tide, formerly known as the DeSoto House.

The High Tide Cottage is an adorable 2 bedroom, with basement, country cottage.  It is a perfect romantic get-away location and just about as cozy as it gets.  Off of the back patio and next to the lighted gazebo is a cute little bunk house.  Next to the bunk house is a summer kitchen with an oyster steamer and grill. 

With all these choices and all of this hisrory -- 'let your imagination run wild.' Customize your retreat, reunion, get-away, boot camp, anniversary, or honeymoon.' 

Will we see you soon?  Call!

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.

Day One - Eagle Island - A Relief!

 

Come along with me as I take you on a trip to The Private Islands of Georgia .....

www.privateislandsofgeorgia.com).

Be my partner, my companion, my friend, my buddy for the next three days. We'll experience this secret hideaway together.

I promise you a Five Moon Get-Away....better than a resort...Eagle Island Lodge is 'a Relief.'

Andy Hill, owner of these 7 magnificent private islands and 2 companion lodges on the mainland, assures me that we only need the basics, everything else is provided. So, pack your favorite vittles and drinks along with shorts, t-shirt, sweatsuit, toothbrush, camera, walking shoes, bathing suit, visor, and sunscreen…….and, we’re off.

For us Jacksonville folk, our journey begins on Interstate 95 north for an hour and a half when we arrive in Darien, GA. Heard of it?  I had only seen the name when zooming past it on the way to Savannah, but not a place I would think to pull off and visit. Aha! That begins the mystique and the secret of these private islands. Today, I not only stop, but am promised my life will take on new meaning in just a few hours.

Our destination is Eagle Island, the main private island with the others being: May Hall, Little May Hall, Mick Island, Jagger Island, and Grassy Fields Island.

Eagle Island, 10 acres of old coastal Georgia, preserved by Andy, because he is a naturalist and a believer in old Georgia.  Andy also is happiest on the water and brings that option to us.  His vision is to offer a pleasure island, of sorts for our enjoyment, relaxation, weddings, anniversaries, birthdays, reunions, nature events, private gatherings, retreats, vacations, boating, kayaking, and so on and so on.

The value of visiting these islands begins with Andy meeting us at the Darien boat dock where he loads and unloads our goodies and backpacks. From that point, we are carefree souls open to this new venture. We take off our watches as Andy pulls away from the dock and leads us into and around the marshy waters off of the Darien coast. From now on the only time to watch, is Eagle Island time. Eagle time is determined by the tides – just low and high tide is our concern - not the hour or the day, just the tide.

Ten minutes later, we arrive at Eagle Island’s boat dock where Andy leads us up the pathway, through the natural habitat of massive oaks heavily laden with Spanish moss, pines and palm trees standing tall, and the elms providing a shady path to the Lodge. An easy walk over the oyster shell path and then, The Lodge appears in front of us.

The Eagle Island Lodge greets it’s visitors with open arms. A two-story cabin with a 360 degree view of this magnificent land. The screened porch encircles the second floor providing a different view from all directions.

Sitting on the swinging bed on the southend of the wraparound porch, I look out onto a pond, perfect for children to skim rocks, look for little fish, or to view the reflection of the island in its mirror-like luster as the rising sun provides the reflective light.

Two horseshoe beds at the edge of the pond, assure me of a little healthy competition later in the day. A wooden swing on the opposite end of the pond is the perfect spot for the onlookers as they cheer for their team.

I spot a trail leading out into the woods. Let’s see where it goes.

Are those fresh boar tracks I see? Andy says, they inhabit the island, but not interested in us at all. Okay, I trust this man, so my thumbs up gesture means….we’re movin’ in.

Deeper into the island’s trail we walk, over shell mounds and wood planks, raised roots and marsh mud. Listening closely to the island sounds. New sounds and just a few sounds; quiet is the only pulsing sound. Birds freely singing, yes. Breezes softly swaying the palms, yes. My breathing, yes.

And, that is it.  Quiet, complete quiet. Privacy, complete privacy.   Oh, how different. Oh, how grand!

As we continue on the trail, we stumble upon oyster shell mounds and uprooted areas.  Could they be native burial grounds or the remnants of bonfire pits of days gone by?  As a prior guest writes in the lodge's log, 'you must stop and listen quietly to shake off the drum beat of civilization and transition back through the ages to hear the shouts of the raftmen as they guided their knotted logs through the river channels to the sawmills.'  'Do you hear the captains bark order in loading their ships.'    Listen!

We arrive at the south end of the island. A hammock awaits. Oh, just in time to relax a spell before we go on. I listen, sleep, and dream. Mmmm. I know one day soon, a family having a reunion will visit this lodge. They will find this spot. The teenagers will pop their tents here and have the time of their life, camping on this private island as if running away for the first time.  They, too, will hear the indians drum beat!

Andy says that just across from this spot, Mick Island and Jagger Island, will soon house chicki huts along with their picnic tables allowing campers to visit year-round. Jump in a kayak, your's or Eagle's, and within moments you are setting up camp at Jagger Island.

Time to weave back to the main house taking the exit trail back to the pond location.

Now, I don’t know about you, but that was my kind of hike. Flat land, just the right trail length, and no way to get lost. If you want more than that, there are 10 acres to choose from in the next couple of days. Keep me posted, will you?

(oh, yea, Eagle Tip of the Day:  Be aware of the tides when out hiking on the trail.  They come in fast and furious.  One could get out on the south tip and have to 'wade' out their return.)  Not that I experienced that first hand or anything :(

By now, our travel items are delivered at the house. Let’s go pick our bedrooms. There are four bedrooms and 2 bathrooms. As goldilocks said, I need to find one that ‘feels just right?’

Starting from the top, we have the loft bedroom with an adorable desk/vanity and king size bed and spiral staircase leading from the living room to the loft. On the main floor, we have 2 bedrooms with king size beds. All 3 rooms share the main house bathroom which has a beautiful tiled walk-in shower stall and vanity.

Looking for even more privacy? Out the front porch and down the stairs, the entire bottom floor is another ‘apartment’ / bedroom. Two sets of bunk beds and a queen bed along with a ping pong table, dining table, TV area, laundry room, and full private bathroom. Ok, that helps me make my decision. I’ll take the bottom floor, you can have your pick upstairs. They are all so special. With all these options, Eagle Lodge could really sleep at least 12 individuals who know and like one another; or, a couple and 4 kids downstairs, and 3 more couples or 6 kids upstairs. Be creative, customize it to your individual needs.  Oh, did I say, there are also 2 queen roll away beds. 

At Andy’s recommendation when reserving the island, we are prepared for a low-boil feast tonight. Andy’s Eagle Island recipe with special seasonings is on the website for our use and I highly recommend it.  Andy and David Goode create a spectacular feast.

Using the downstairs (under the main house) summer kitchen, we start meal prep.

The large pot is boiling on the gas potboiler, the corn on the cob gets cleaned and cut in two, the large onions get peeled, the sausage is cut into bite-sized pieces, (Eagle tip: if you add two kinds of sausage – hot and mild – to cut them in different angles so you know what you are getting,) potatoes are chunked, jalapeños are sliced, and the whole shrimp are ready to add. Check out the web, for Andy’s special rue making this a Cajun country Low-Boil feast.



Within an hour, we are full to the brim and our taste buds satisfied. We relax by the raised-hearth fireplace in the living room sharing stories.


I brought my drums with me, so why don’t we find the island’s night rhythm. Boom, boom boom, Boom, boom boom -- Lub Dub, Lub-Dub, Lub-Dub.  The heartbeat rhythm allows us to soak in the pleasures of the day as we attempt to keep our eyelids open for just a minute more. We are very relaxed. See you in the morning.

Night, night.......

KRIPALU RETREAT ---- A TREAT!!!!

Now that I've been, I must go back!!!!!

We just don't see these types of views here in Florida. Everything seems so large and expansive when looking out over nature's beauty!

The workshop with Joan Anderson was incomparable and enlightening. A must for women approaching or over 50! A way to appreciate ourselves and unite with other women facing our futures, banding together, and supporting each other.

Additionally, having Kripalu as a base for our workshop was The Best! Everything offered at Kripalu was available to us when we were not in class.

For those of you who don't know about Kripalu, I recommend checking out their site and their course offerings. Plentiful!

Kripalu used to be an Ashram where the naturalists, hippies, and yogi's communed. It has since expanded to include others; yet remains true to it's humble beginnings serving organic and vegetarian food with herbal teas.

Only recently has non-vegetarian and coffee been added. Yet, I can assure you the food is exquisite and served 3 times a day in large quantities.

Shhhh!!!!! Silent breakfast, lunch and dinner are options if your visit is to escape and spend time meditating, thinking, or just finding solitude. Here it is not only acceptable, it is encouraged. Using the eyes and not the mouth is essential when taking in the beauty and the intention of Kripalu.

The rooms are simple, yet ample. The hiking path, the fire pit, the labrynth, the wonderful yoga classes and awesome spa are all part of the amenities and not to be missed. Never have I been in a yoga class with over 100 participants and all speaking 'OHM' at the same time. That is elevating all by itself. Classic!

My favorite was the 'SILENCE' badge that one can wear to avoid communicating unnecessarily --it allows a person to become invisible for a time. Frank said he wants to institute that here at our house :(

I will be back to Kripalu and I will participate in more of Joan Anderson's retreats wherever they are. Check out both websites for your own journey beyond.................

http://www.kripalu.org/

http://www.joanandersononline.com/

Namaste -