Our Journey North: The Golden Isles.

March 10th - April 7th

So after a nice relaxing cruise we started our journey north. But lets not get carried away. Unlike our friends Tom and Heidi who went back to CN, BRRRRRRRR, we just ventured up to Blythe Island GA. Now as you all know, unless you live on a Caribbean Island, this winter has been crazy. Not just for the folks up north. The south has been hit as well with below normal temperatures and snow. So we were in no hurry which is why we booked Blythe Island County park for a month.

A little about the park. While researching the area for RV parks, everything we read said that Jekyll Island was the place to be. But  they didn't have room so we booked at Blythe. Things happen for a reason. Not only did we love the park but we also met two new life long friends Scott and Deeva.  We got along so well that they even came back for another weekend so we could spend more time together. What a life we lead. But the park is great. Trees, trees, trees. A nice lake for fishing and kayaking, hiking trails, a marina on the river, and just plain nice people. Highly recommended.

hiking trail at the campground

For Tom and Heidi

Our new fire pit made by Tim. Let me know if you want a custom one. 

The lake at the campground

So a month in this beautiful area. We think it was meant to be. Why you ask. Well because we were staying in Glynn County. Everywhere we turned we saw Glynn County this and Glynn County that. From prisons to the rec department. All the license plates had Glynn on them. Karma. It's no wonder we had a great time. Here are some of the highlights.

Jekyll Island. The history is mind boggling. Settled by the English in the 1600's, bought by a Frenchman in the 1700's for a plantation, and then bought from that family in 1886 to become an exclusive winter retreat for America’s most elite families, known as the Jekyll Island Club. For more than half a century, the nation’s leading families, including the Rockefellers, Morgans, and Pulitzers, came to Jekyll Island for their winter retreat. Most of the "cottages", 3000+ sq ', are still standing and most have been restored. And the Club as they called it is now a hotel.

Jekyll Island Club Building/Hotel

The first Condo

The small Cottages

They use to race these on the island

Nice cottage

They also built a small church that has one of the few signed Tiffany stained glass windows. That it survived while the island was abandoned during the 40's and 50's is mind blowing. That most of it survived is mind blowing. Of course back then the only way to get to the island was by boat. Not the easiest way to steal a grand piano.

The church steeple

Tiffany's window

While we were there we visited Jekyll island campground. Karma strikes again. We did not like it. Too crowded. Great location but that's all it had going for it as far as we are concerned. Also on Jekyll is a place called Driftwood Beach.  I'll let the pictures speak for themselves. A must see.

Tiffany and Tim Joined us for a weekend

While on the beach the bird whisperer, Lynn, called a Piliated Woodpecker. (There's an app for that.) You know, Woody woodpecker. The bird flew right up to us in a nearby tree. I will try to post the video I took. But here are some of the pictures.

Great bike trails, good restaurants, and plenty of history. A must see if your in the area.

The bike trails

St. Simon Island. St Simon has 3 things going for it. Fort Frederica National Park, a triple D restaurant, and a nice downtown waterfront and lighthouse.

Ft. Frederica was built in 1736 and was a British Fort. It was instrumental in keeping the Spanish from expanding out of St. Augustine Fl along the east coast. If they hadn't stopped the Spanish expansion our entire history would be different. There isn't much of the actual fort left, but they have done some great archaeological work on the site. They have uncovered not only the fort but the town that sprang up around it. The Live Oak trees are magnificent. Some estimated to be over 300 years old. All in all a beautiful park and some great history.

Southern Soul BBQ is another triple D restaurant. A small place that used to be a gas station. The smoker is out front and the smell of the slow roasted pork is wonderful. I had the ribs and Lynn had the brisket. Both were great. Also the sauces were good as well and we loved the Mac and Cheese and the deep fried breaded green beans. Definitely worth the trip if your even close by.

The lighthouse is the oldest structure on the island and it still works. Some great shops, bars, and restaurants in the area and a nice park, beach and pier. A great place to relax and have a good meal.

During our month stay we made two day trips. One to St. Augustine Fl. Where we visited the Spanish Fort, the beach, and to see St Augustine itself, the oldest city in the USA.  It was a rainy day so the whole visit was, well, wet. So we really didn't spend that much time in the downtown area, but we did have guides. Scott and Deeva, who love St. Augustine showed us around. So we saw more then we would of on our own. The fort was great but that was when the rain really started so we had to cut the visit short. We will be back and plan on spending much more time there.

Our other side trip was to Savannah. We actually went there twice. Once with our close friends from Wisconsin, Ed and Karen. The next time on our own. We loved that city. Great architecture and history with both civil war and revolutionary war sights and monuments. We have learned that when visiting a new city, National Park, or major attraction we always look to see if they have a movie. It gives you a great overview of the attraction. Or in the case of Savannah we took a trolley tour of the city. Our driver and tour guide was Angel and she was great. The city has 22 squares that all have different themes with some sort of statue in the middle. Most are surrounded by historic homes, churches, or businesses. a great place to walk around and soak up the atmosphere. And then you have the cemeteries. Absolutely beautiful.  We will be back.

Next blog coming real soon. I promise.     ;-)