I'm spoiled. I admit it. No shame. Packing for a hotel trip was not fun. I've grown accustomed to packing just a few clothing items to replenish the camper each trip; for this weekends' hotel trip to Jekyll Island I had to remember to pack the deodorant, toothpaste, bicycle helmet . . . you get the picture. I forgot tennis shoes, beach towels, sunscreen. The well-stocked SolAire is mighty convenient!
Despite the "inconvenience" of packing and driving separately (the Chief attended a conference most of the week), the trip was worth the effort. Island life is so pleasant this time of year - cooler temps, a breeze, and great entertainment. The annual Shrimp & Grits Festival brought life to the historic district with bands, artisans, and plenty of food. Someone oversold the parking, so our Trooper buddy told us. I've never seen bumper to bumper traffic on Jekyll like I did morning, afternoon and evening yesterday. Glad we had our bicycles!
Bumper to bumper traffic in the roundabout on Jekyll Island
Friday evening we wandered down to the festival grounds to grab some dinner and catch the band's last set. The last rain shower of the week had soaked the island just prior to my arrival, so the puddles were full and the grass a bit soggy. We followed that with a nighttime walk on the beach; the tide was coming in and the strong breeze blowing was a tad cool.
We awoke early in hopes of witnessing a beautiful sunrise. Clouds threatened to derail the plan. What I photographed was gorgeous, even if it wasn't a fireball. Sunday's sunrise was more like what I was expecting, and I was thrilled to capture the rays.
Sunrise - Jekyll Island, GA - Saturday, September 19, 2015
Morning twilight - Jekyll Island, GA - Sunday, September 20, 2015
This fella stopped to pose for his portrait.
While the Chief finished his business at the convention center Saturday morning, I checked out the new shops in the recently completed village. If you haven't been to Jekyll recently, you need to plan a trip. Much progress has been made in the last few years; a new convention center, shopping village, new and restored motels & hotels. The historic district has been restored, too.
Sidney Lanier Bridge
Browsing became buying when I discovered Caroline's. She had some things I've been contemplating buying for a while, so .... Now I have that Nantucket basket for my bicycle - deep enough & strong enough to hold my camera and some Amazing Grace wind chimes for the SolAire (almost got the Big Ben, too, but couldn't justify two sets in one day).
Fun morning of shopping at Caroline's in the village on Jekyll Island.
I also picked up a pair of FitKicks; not sure if I'm far behind on fashion or on the cutting edge - these were new to me. Quite honestly, they're ugly, but the package showed all the things you can do in them - like bike riding. I had forgotten to pack my tennis shoes and I knew that we would ride bikes to the festival after lunch and I didn't want to walk the festival in my bicycle clips, so this was a perfectly necessary purchase. They are comfortable; I've had them on ever since. Like wearing Spandex socks with a plastic sole.
Evening twilight at St. Mary's, GA - Saturday, September 19, 2015
We headed off the island Saturday evening in search of a new adventure. We discovered music in the park in St. Mary's and a picturesque sunset. We returned by way of the Kings' Bay Naval Base, my chauffeur hoping to show me the submarine at the base's entrance. No lights! Left us wondering whether the lights were in need of repair or the government is saving a few dollars on electricity.
Hoda Kodbe & Jenna Bush Hager announced on Labor Day that one sunset picture is all you should post on Facebook - more is overkill, but I figure anyone who's read this far doesn't mind how many sunset photos I post, so I've loaded up some of my best shots from the weekend. Enjoy!
Sunrise - Jekyll Island, GA - Sunday, September 20, 2015
Thursday evening we loaded the SolAire and headed south to our favorite beach spot. After stopping for dinner in Bainbridge and picking up some groceries at Wal-Mart, we were on our way. As the sun went down, Jamie noticed the tail lights on the trailer weren't burning. Yikes!
We pulled over. My mechanically minded, ever-prepared husband discovered a fuse had blown. No problem; he had a spare. {There are lessons in this: 1) keep some spare fuses and 2) travel with a mechanically minded, prepared person}
Fortunately, we're quite familiar with our camping spot in St. Joe Beach, so arriving at 10:30 PM wasn't a problem. We backed into our spot - we meaning he - backed in, while I radioed "c'mon back" until the trailer was strategically placed in reach of the electric hookup. We use radios to communicate while situating the trailer; otherwise, the neighbors would hear us hollering.
Since it was late and we didn't want to wake the neighbors who are caretakers for this property, we opted to forego the rest of the setup until morning. We had enough water in the tank for the night. So, Friday morning, we finished the setup, leveling the trailer, attaching the water hose and unhitching the truck.
Our Labor Day weekend was extra long -- we gained an extra day of relaxation when my employer gave us Friday off. For years, I have felt that I need a two week vacation two weeks into the school year to recuperate from the opening of a new school year. An extra-long weekend -- close enough. How nice to wake up at our destination on Friday morning!
The weather was pleasant on the Gulf. The wind blew just enough to keep us comfortable while we basked in the sun.
On Game Day, the first day of the season for college football, rain showers ensured we caught some football on television; otherwise, we would have been more tempted to spend the afternoon in the sand watching the waves crash on the shore.
I fiddled with my new Nikon camera and captured a few shots.
I watched a flock of these birds for hours. Incredible fishermen!
Eye on the Prize - beak open!
Just about there!
Got him!
Beautiful Creature
Funny guy
I captured so many views of the sunset that selecting one favorite was impossible. So, I'm breaking the one-sunset-picture-rule that Hoda & Jenna shared on Friday morning television.
I just love a colorful sunset.
"Isn't this what the models do?" he asked as he splashed water.
These sea oats remind me of a beach adventure with my parents years & years ago.
This camping trip was not about the adventure, but rather, it was about the rest and relaxation. We lazed around for four days, doing as much or as little as we pleased. We had no pressure to sight-see or venture. Just what we needed.
We managed to end our summer with two weekends of buddy camping nearby and we marked our 30th night in the SolAire. That's 25% of the nights since we took delivery in April.
First, we met David & Marie at Rocky Bend for their inaugural camping trip in their newly purchased travel trailer and the Flint River Poker Float, and second, we joined Jerry and Angie at Kolomoki Mounds State Park and Still Pond Vineyard's Grape Stomp Fest.
At Rocky Bend, we boarded the White Rose Saturday morning for a cruise upriver for the Captain to check on kayakers.
Flint River view at Rocky Bend
Jamie headed to the river's edge to catch a ride on the White Rose
Our camp proprietors & riverboat captain -- the scenery on the Flint River never gets old.
A cavern on the Flint River
Cruising the Flint River
At Kolomoki, we met Jerry & Angie for our final summer weekend; it's back to school time for the teachers in this foursome.
The SolAire and the Wolf Pup ~ camping buddies at Kolomoki
We were most appreciative of the spaciousness of the SolAire and the air conditioner blasting cold air, which offered us respite from the unrelenting south Georgia heat and humidity, and shelter from a torrential downpour -- indoor dining and a movie for four.
Angie warned us about the ants. We had our first run-in with ants at Eastbank Campground; Angie & Jerry woke up Friday morning to find the ants had found them. I stopped by Wal-Mart and bought every ant remedy on the shelf, assuring myself that if one didn't work, the other would.
As Jamie set up our rig Friday evening, I busied myself with preventive measures, surrounding our trailer with granules. Fortunately, it worked! We didn't see a single ant until Sunday morning as we were packing up, and those were on the outside. A shot of spray handled the job.
We headed over to Still Pond in late morning. After all, we were camping, and we just don't get in a hurry; that would defeat the purpose of the camping lifestyle. The crowd had already gathered, but we found a little shade under a tree, set out our chairs, checked out the vendors (especially Cathy Cakes!), skipped out on stomping grapes, and listened to the band playing our kind of music.
Kept thinking I'd see Lucy stomping grapes at Still Pond Vineyard
The band at Still Pond entertained us for a set, but the lengthy line for lunch and a cool drink in the sweltering heat prompted us to cut the afternoon short and head for town. After grabbing a bite and cooling off at the local DQ, we explored Coheelee Creek.
The covered bridge has been sealed to prevent further graffiti and damage.
Water rushing over the rocky falls was a bit muddy after Friday night's rain; nonetheless, it was beautiful.
Our buddy campers Jerry and Angie
The Food
Of course, camping and friendships revolve around food. We've greased our arteries well. Bacon for breakfast, lunch and dinner, two weekends in a row.
Bacon wrapped cabbage quarters on the grill
Bacon & egg burritos
And more bacon:
Bacon & turkey club sandwiches
And bacon again . . .
Some things are just more fun together . . . like cooking. Jamie & Angie cooked breakfast for us.
Buddy cooking
It's been a wonderful four months traveling with our SolAire. We've definitely found our home away from home. And, we've enjoyed developing some camping buddies.
Heading south out of Bainbridge, we drove the densely forested scenic route along Hutchinson Ferry Road and Booster Club Road. The road is built atop a ridge and we could see the steep descent to the lake. We continue to be amazed by the dramatic shift in terrain from the area where we live to this area which is so close to home.
The approach to the campground was straight downhill and offered a dramatic view of the lake. I found out just how steep the entrance is on Saturday when my bicycle brakes failed to slow me and I had to take evasive action.
Our first view of Lake Seminole as we approached on Friday evening.
Eastbank Campground located on Lake Seminole is less than a two hour drive from our home. Despite having crossed the bridge at Chattahoochee, FL, nearly every trip to the beach of our lives, we had never explored the Lake Seminole area.
The campground, which is situated at the southernmost end of the lake, affords a lovely view of the sunset across the water.
Evening sun gilds the lake
The confluence of the Flint and Chattahoochee rivers forms the Apalachicola River which runs to the Gulf of Mexico. The Jim Woodruff Dam creates the lake. Our campsite had a nice view of the dam, and, of course, on Saturday, we explored the dam on our bikes.
Biking the dam at Lake Seminole
Jim Woodruff Dam
Public access for fishing
After exploring the dam, we ventured further into Florida for some more sightseeing.
A theme is emerging here: we've biked across state lines several times this summer!
Crossing the state line on the dam
The short ride parallel to the river took us directly to River Landing Park featuring oaks draped with Spanish moss, the old highway bridge - a portion of which still stands as it was too costly to tear down, remnants of a fort from the War of 1812, and a single surviving Indian mound from centuries ago.
Our initial view of the old bridge
River Landing Park in Chattahoochee, FL
Reading the historic marker to learn about the significance of the site
A British fort of the War of 1812 was established here
Prehistoric Indian mound located in River Landing Park along the Apalachicola River
We spent some time looking at the flood markers. Jamie reminisced about 1998; he was on patrol in the area. He claims to have a photo of the flood waters from atop the dam stored away somewhere in his memorabilia. Time will tell if he can produce it ~ and a postscript is sure to follow if, in fact, he does.
Flood markers painted on the column of the old bridge
A marker erected in the park indicates flood levels
A closeup view shows the water level above 76 feet on July 10, 1994, March 12, 1998 and March 26, 1929
We started our ascent to the top of the ridge into the town of Chattahoochee, FL. We made it about a third of the way before we ran out steam. We recently rode 126 miles in the "mountains" of Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia, and nothing compares to the elevation change from the river into this border town!
We sat down a few minutes, took a breather. And then, still gasping for air, our legs wobbly, our bodies drenched in sweat, we walked our bikes up the hill -- mountain!-- to Hardee's. An air conditioned water break.
Morning was turning into midday, the temperature rising, the humidity thick. {Later, viewing the elevation change in MapMyRide and the weather channel's heat advisory for the day, we have no shame in walking the latter part of that climb.}
In the refreshing coolness of Hardee's, we met a few gentlemen from the town's coffee crew who exchanged bicycle stories with us, and even invited us to church the next day. We always find it interesting to strike up conversations with locals.
Recovered, we explored the town,
A Confederate memorial
bought some ant-riddance at the DG (the camp host informed
us of an invasion and indicated we should take precaution; the lady at the
hardware store suggested Comet for the job), and continued on our journey,
meandering through the grounds of the Florida State Hospital.
A sign warned us: No Photos -- guess that's because of
HIPPA. Anyway, the whitewashed buildings
were beautiful; an historic marker provided insight into the origins of the
facilities and answered our quandary as to why these buildings were erected
here. In short, no, this was not an old military base turned psychological
hospital; it was an arsenal at one point, then a prison, and, since 1876 a
mental hospital.
Our return to camp was significant only in that my brakes failed on the descent. Thank goodness there was no traffic so I could make the turn and keep going until I could reach flatter terrain to regain brake control. Could have been disaster! Now I understand those "Runaway Truck" signs along the interstate in mountainous areas.
The south Georgia heat and humidity sent us inside for the afternoon. Regrettably, our campsite lacked shade. {Lesson learned!} With both a fan and air conditioner running at full speed, we remained uncomfortably warm for the duration of the afternoon.
We can't pass up a sunset, especially one across water, so we braved the outdoors for a short walk around the campground.
Saturday's sunset at Lake Seminole
Looking across Lake Seminole toward Woodruff Dam.
Hydrilla and other non-native invasive plants have taken over much of the lake. Perhaps that's why we saw just two boats on the water this weekend.
As we prepped for the move on Sunday morning, what to my eyes did appear, but three tiny ants marching over our threshold. And then, the army followed. The Comet had held them at bay a while. We had powdered around our tires and our hitch -- "anything that touches the ground," just as the camp host instructed. Our investigation revealed their entry point, and our oversight. We had not encircled the electrical box post. The army marched across the electric connection right up to the camper frame, across the underbelly and directly through the door. Much to our dismay, I'm sure we brought some home with us.
Despite the heat and the ants, we delighted in being tourists in our neighboring county, discovering the nearby picturesque landscape and historic exhibits, perpetuating our interest in dams, bridges, and crossing state lines on our bicycles.
Another travel trailer trail tale in the book.
Postscript
Photos Jamie took on March 11, 1998 showing flood waters at the Jim Woodruff dam on Lake Seminole.
