Jekyll and Cumberland Islands

Blue Heaven Rendezvous #8
Jekyll and Cumberland Islands.

Tuesday, Nov. 11

We were glad to get through the channel markers for the Brunswick River from the overnight sail because the winds had piped up to 18-20 knots and seas were getting to 3-4 feet. Once in the river the winds were more 8-10 knots and much flatter water. We motored into Jekyll Creek with Estelle ahead of us. We anchored past the bridge and Jekyll Island Marina. We had a big breakfast because we had eaten a rather light dinner out in the ocean. Al was concerned that we were too close to shore and did not like the strong current here, so we decided to go to the marina. We tried to raise Estelle but they had turned their radio off to be able to sleep. Once tied up we rested until lunch time. Then Jim and Jeannie contacted us on the radio wondering where did we go? They chose to stay anchored so we were to meet them later for a drink on their friend’s boat called Seabird who was tied up at a dock between us at the marina and where Jim and Jeannie were anchored.

So Al and I got our bikes out and rode into the historic district. For those not familiar with Jekyll Island, it was purchased by the millionaires of the 1800’s such as Goodyear, Rockefeller, Pulitzer, Gould and a few others for their winter hunting retreat. They each built their own “cottages” (mansions) and a huge clubhouse where you can stay today and see croquet being played on the pristine lawn with everyone in their proper whites! There is a small free museum that explains all about the island’s history and about the marshlands habitats. There are also some small shops, and wonderful biking and hiking trails. There of course are cottages and places to rent along the Atlantic Ocean side and a beautiful beach. The island is a must see in my book.

We met Nancy and Bruce on Seabird, who are friends of Estelle. These two couples plan to sail to Belize after the holidays. They keep trying to convince us, but Al and I don’t think we are quite ready for that type of adventure yet!

Wednesday, Nov. 12

The weatherman was saying a possibility of rain today with some sun and clouds. It was to be in the high 70’s. We decided to get biking early to try and avoid the rain. We followed the bike trails which took you through the vegetative interior. It was quite beautiful with the green foliage and the hanging Spanish moss. We took a wrong turn and ended up biking to the southern end of the island and ended up biking against the wind. When you have not biked for years, it’s a bit hard on the old knees! We finally reached the small IGA grocery and picked up a few needed items. We got back to the boat with just enough time to give our legs a rest, change into some nicer clothes, because we were to meet our friends on Estelle and Seabird at the Clubhouse for lunch. So we got back on our bikes to the historic district.

The Clubhouse was so civilized! Beautiful furnishing and the dining room had white linen tablecloths and the waitresses were in 1800’s period garb. It truly was a very nice lunch, reasonably priced and the friendships and camaraderie was great.

After lunch we sat in the solarium at the Clubhouse chatting and Al and I finally left the two couples to discuss their plans for their trip to Belize. We visited a few shops in the historic district. Al patiently sat on a bench outside until he finally came into the jewelry store and said it was looking a bit ominous, and suggested we get back to the marina before it rained. I made my wise purchases (How could I resist a 70% off sale!) and got back to the marina with no problem.

Helen and Ray on Rigamarole, who were at the marina, invited us for drinks. It was fun getting to know them and their cruising stories. They are headed to Daytona where they live now, since they sold their house in New Hampshire just recently. They said when we get there, if we need a car for needed items, to give them a call. It certainly is nice to have friends along the way!

Thursday, Nov. 13

We planned to leave with Estelle around 9am but we received an email from the manager of our mail that some bills came in that needed to be paid. So we called Estelle and told them we would catch up, since they had already pulled up their anchor. We were headed to Cumberland Island which is owned by the National Park Service and has no amenities. We quickly wrote our checks and put them in the mail at the marina and left.

It was foggy today but carefully we motored across Jekyll and Andrew Sounds. We entered the Cumberland and then Brickhill Rivers. It was truly a winding passage, weaving back and forth through the marshland, to finally anchor not far from Plum Orchard mansion. Jim and Jeannie picked us up in their dinghy and we tied up on the inside of the dock. Once again this island has history, but the most recent was when Thomas Carnegie in 1882 purchased the island and rebuilt the mansion called Dungeness which unfortunately burned in 1959. He also built several homes for his children, one being Plum Orchard. There are tours but only on the second and fourth Sunday of the month. We looked in the windows and saw a built in swimming pool. An indoor swimming pool in the 1800’s, now that is impressive! Looking at this estate, you can just imagine the parties that went on here.

Some other visitors said they saw and alligator at the pond, but we were not fortunate to see it. We walked through the maritime forest for a bit and saw numerous armadillos.
We went back to our boats for a nice peaceful evening with a beautiful moon rising over the tree tops while enjoying a drink with Jim and Jeannie.