GEORGIA ON MY MIND

7TH HIKE: CUMBERLAND ISLAND

Facts

Location: St. Mary's, GA

Park: Cumberland Island National Seashore

Trail: Sea Camp & Dungeness

Time: 1.5 hours

Date: 5/22/11

Adventure

St. Mary's River

I woke up on Sunday morning at 7:30am with a little help from my cousin Carolyn. We had planned for a day of fishing on the boat in the St. Marys River and hiking on Cumberland Island. First, before hitting the water we went to a local bait and tackle shop to acquire minnows & shrimp as well as a fishing license for me. After getting the boat in the water we rode by all sorts of historical landmarks in addition to viewing Florida from the Georgia coast. We stopped several times to cast off some shrimp into the water. My first good tug and all I managed to reel in was a conch shell, the funny part is I actually thought there was a fish on my line. My cousin Will managed to catch two whitey's for the day and so did Carolyn, but I finished with a goose-egg. Midway through the day we decided to stop fishing and check out the trails and beaches on Cumberland Island.

Exotic Trail

First we walked along Sea Camp. The Island was absolutely gorgeous, the trees were large and covered in Spanish moss. The surroundings, although still green, were nothing like what I typically see in a day at Ridley Creek. All the plants, trees, and leaves were far more exotic. I saw lizards instead of squirrels. There were palm trees and I was drenched in sweat from the humidity. On the other side of the island (approx: .5mi) was the beach. I forgot to take a photo of the beach, mostly because I was so excited I ran into the ocean and played. Carolyn and Will were looking for shells and shark teeth. After our mini hike we sat on the island and had a picnic lunch of turkey & ham or PBJ sandwiches, doritios,  chocolate chip cookies, and peanut butter crackers. We got back on the boat and headed to Dungeness. Anything more than a mile walk in the heat would have brutal and possibly resulting in heat stroke.

Wild Horses & Palm Trees

Dennis (Carolyn's husband), parked the boat by Dungeness where we saw tons of wild horses. I think the image of a wild horse next to a palm tree was probably the strangest for me, it just didn't make sense in my mind. We explored the ice house museum and passed a deranged tour where the guide talked about "decapating the Jesiuts and how that was the end of their visit to the island." We continued to see more wild horses and deer. We explored the ruins of the old Dungeness masion, the garden, pool house, and antique cars. After the hike we tried to fish one more time, but to no avail I went home empty handed, or without dinner I should say. When we got back to the house I sat in the back yard to fish for brim on the mini dock. While fishing my cousins and I drank the new Jack Daniels honey whiskey on the rocks, but had no luck with the fish (I finally caught one Monday morning before our second fishing trip). After a shower we spent the night relaxing on the porch/backyard, eating shrimp, drinking whiskey, and having good conversation. We talked of life, relationships, weddings, and delivering babies.

I have no doubt in my mind that I will return to Georgia. I loved everything about my vacation! Thanks again Carolyn :)

Hanging in a Tree on Sea Camp