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.

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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.