Sapelo Island

As noted in the preview, 35 campers trundled off to Sapelo Island for a hair-raising bus ride through the woods in a Georgia DNR wildlife preserve... I guess when they said "wild" life, we though it would be the flora and the fauna, but wild ride would have been a better description. Regardless, our tour guide Yvonne hurtled straight and true, only taking us airborne a few times. The old school bus we took was no worse for wear when we got off.
Sapelo is a barrier island like Jekyll, but has a far different history and management. It was the playground for a few rich, but individuals rather than a group. Each stamped their character on the place. The last, R. J. Reynolds, left his grand mansion and thousands of wild acres as part of a state park.Only the small village of Hog Hammock remains of the generations of African Americans who had earlier developed 5 communities on the island. Isolated plantations, a hunting camp, and a lighthouse are but a few of the remnants remaining. No causeway, and limited access make Sapelo look to Jekyll like Jekyll looks to Saint Simons, far less population and activity. Maybe except for the occasional crazy wild bus crashing through the forest.

Photos by Judy McClure

The bus of excitement

Yvonne

Exploring shell ring, a huge midden left by the indians.

First Baptist Church, resurrected from remnants blown onto Sapelo by a hurricane.

Lunch at the beach.

The 1820 Sapelo light house.

The Reynolds mansion, open as a guest house in the state park.

Photos by Mahlon Stacy

Off to Sapelo Island

An early, cloudy and chilly morning were the perfect start for an outing of 35 campers to Sapelo Island. More to follow...

How many pancakes?

Brian Hiebert and the rest of the pancake breakfast team did another splendid job of serving breakfast on Saturday. A new record of nearly 340 folks had a great time chomping on pancakes, sausage, eggs and grits. The size of the crowd had the staff racing to overcome some shortages, and nearby chickens were hiding eggs to avoid the scramble. Most of the eaters shopped the tables outside and in. Great job, all!

Photos by Fred Sprout

Everybody feels a little bit safer

After discussions starting in November, carried forward into the new year by Tim Worley, the winter campers decided to fund an AED, a defibrillator to be available in the community room. This was put in place last week. The fire department has agreed to oversee the unit for batteries, pads and other maintenance. This is a huge asset to the campground, though one that we hope we never need. Thanks all.

Adding a new firepit

Winter campground guests have often taken advantage of the large fire ring in the tenting area for special activities, but in recent years groups camped in that area have limited our access. To remedy this, a request for funding was made to build another fire ring in the tenting area, increasing the chances for more campfires. The Men's Coffee crew took this on with gusto. The pit will be ready for use next week after the final cement work cures. Thanks, guys!

Upcoming: Sapelo Island Tour

Bud and Jean have been spectacularly busy arranging things for us to do this winter. They have organized a tour of Sapelo Island on February 21. Sapelo Island is about 40 miles north from here, above Darien. The island was a plantation for many years, now is mostly owned by the State of Georgia and still has a few residents living there.
The tour will cost $10 per person, and is limited to 36 people. The tour leaves the dock at 8:30 AM, returns at 3:00 PM. Bring a lunch. There will be some walking involved.
Much more information and a sign up sheet is on the board in the Community Room.

Basket Making

Sometimes you'll find winter campers have escaped from the campground and gone off to do other things on the island. Here are examples... a couple winter campers making pine needle baskets in a class at Goodyear.

Upcoming: Convention Center Tour

JIA has offered residents a tour of the new Convention Center ahead of it's opening. To accommodate shifty schedules, they will offer the same tour at 11:00 AM and 2 PM on the same day, Friday February 24.

Since construction will still be going on, they have asked for a firm list of tourists. If you wish to participate, you must sign up in the community room by Thursday, Feb 16th.

Parking and meeting location will be forthcoming, check back here or in the Community Room.

Super Bowl Party

Sunday, February 5. New York Giants vs New England Patriots. In the Tent. Bring snacks, appetizers, tailgate food, a comfy chair and your choice of drink 6:00 in the tent.

More Ladies Lunches

The adventurous ladies have been off to different places, Darien and Brunswick. Here's some pics

Ladies lunch at the Purple Pickle in Darien

Ladies lunch at Indigo Coastal Shanty in Brunswick