4/29 and 4/30/22: The Golden Isles in Georgia

We spent the last couple of days exploring St. Simon's and Jekyll Islands in Georgia. 

Again, in St. Simon's we took a trolley tour. This time we had a born and raised St. Simon's native. She brought a lot of Georgia Southern hospitality charm to her narrative. She was a retired teacher and very well informed, providing a great snapshot of the island's history and culture. 

She captured the colonial period under General Oglethorpe (he was a busy man setting up Georgia cities for success). She also sensitively captured the history of St. Simon's history although painting a pretty romantic picture of the relationship between the enslaved and their enslavers. 

What was most interesting to me was the history of Christ Church (Episcopal) on the Island. It was founded in 1820; destroyed during the Civil war and then rebuilt in 1885 by Anson Dodge. The Dodge family itself is very interesting, having come from the North and part of the rebuilding of the area. 

My understanding is the Dodge family brought lumber milling to the area and rejuvenated the economy. Anson Dodge's calling was the ministry. He became a priest and rebuilt the church. Here is a very brief synopsis of the history

These are the State trees: Georgia Oaks. Majestic and beautiful.

Christ Church, next three

 On Jekyll's Island, we enjoyed a boat tour of the island. Again, we have an informed host. Although we didn't see any dolphins we enjoyed the flora and fauna that we did see. 

Some interesting things I learned: 

Pelicans can live up to 70 years. 

Dolphins (wild) can live up to 60 years. They enjoy a protected environment in the intracoastal waterways here with no predators. They live in family pods of 15. 

The salt marshes feed the manatees who migrate here when the water reaches 70 degrees. 

People migrate here in their "mini-yachts" to enjoy the current weather. 

There are cottages of the turn of the century millionaire plus class who wintered over on Jekyll Island. (They had their summer cottages at Bar Harbor, Maine) During WWII they all had to leave the island due to the present German Uboats that threatened the coast and attacked our navy there. 

After the war, their cottages were in such disrepair that as a group they decided to sell the property to Georgia for 650,000. It is now such a beautiful State Park. Tomorrow, we will bike here. 

On the Jekyll Island Dolphin boat. We didn't see dolphins but we learned alot about the Island.

The boat

Oyster colonies on the Island. Not edible, but good for raccoons and possums, other predators. They experience to many extremes between tides to be safe for people to eat.

Zachery's Riverfront Restaurant. Just lovely eating on the veranda style porch. Cool breezes, great music and views.

Shrimp greek salad. Delicious

Our campground.