June 12th

Jeykell Island and St Simon!

We traveled the back roads through Florida to Georgia. The state highway was definitely a truck route, but so much better than the interstate. We drove through beautiful farming communities and huge green pastures. Still a lot of lumber groves, in all stages of growth. There were strange fenced ponds for miles along the road. Obviously well maintained and mowed. So many we both commented.

We were back to small town life, Dollar General and fruit and egg stands along side the roads. We have yet to stop at either. Kind of hard with the trailer.

We definitely see a change of landscape as we head north. We are on the Atlantic Coast, still dunes; however so much marsh along the roads. The vegetation is short and you can see for miles. Lots of little islands.

We are camping on Jeykell Island at the state park. A beautiful treed campground. We actually had a breeze and could eat outside tonight. We played Farkle not Skipbo as we would have lost cards.

As it got dark the trees came alive with sounds. We are surrounded by them. So my mind was sure something would be flying at me soon. It was truly noisy. Dave had a little talk with me that I was hearing the song of the South! This was music to his ears. I needed to chill and enjoy it. He grew up with it.

They are crickets and tree frogs. They were waiting for the little frig from the other branch to hop on over and get froggy??😄 No falling bugs or tree frogs. I lasted an hour before it was shower time!

We had a full day. Dave spent many a vacation or football game weekend here or on St Simon. It has been 30 years since he's been back. Nice to say many of the things are the same. We went to the historical district. The playground of the New York wealthy in the 30's and since. They built beautiful mansions, pools, a hotel and yacht club. You can bike, walk or take a tram tour to see them. We walked and really enjoyed the grounds and seeing all the beautiful homes. It's truly amazing what they built 90 -100 years ago. The hotel and boat club are open to the public. The grounds are stunning.

The small little airport, 12 foot elevation proudly displayed. No rental car lot, just 6-7 fancy golf carts waiting outside with the family name clipped on the windshield.

We toured the island and headed to St Simon.

Another beautiful area. Much larger, more amenities and beautiful downtown and beach. It was bustling with people. Very inviting. We visited Christ Church. Built by John Wesley. Beautiful and very important in church history. We visited Ft Fedirico National Monument.

The area is just beautiful. Again the live oaks with the moss, grape mertel trees and so much more.

King of Prince is one of Dave's old favorite Hotels. It is right on the beach. Stately and historic. Would be a fun place to stay.

The bridges between the islands are works iof art themselves. Great views. The picture of the big Yacht is the Emerald Princess Casino. You can board each evening, go for a ride, have dinner and enjoy the casino.

Sea island was were Dave spent lots of time. It is now private and we were not able to tour it. Things change over 30 years! He did try to talk the guy into letting him drive through, no luck.

We were blessed with beautiful weather. A nice breeze from the ocean. Of course I was dripping wet after our walk. Thank goodness for strong AC in the car. I had to throw away my 60 day damp rid bags on day 9. New ones in place.

We are having a great time and enjoying every minute.