Tybee Island, GA

Last stop of the trip was a ride to Tybee Island about 40 miles from our campsite.  The beach had a grainer texture than Sunset Beach in NC, and the waves weren't as high, but it was beautiful just the same, and the seagulls agreed.

View from the bridge over the Wilmington River leading to the beach.

Wormsloe Historic Site - Savannah, GA

Wednesday, we headed to Wormsloe, a homestead founded in 1737 by Noble Jones, and named  after places in his native England.  The entry arch, erected in 1913, leads to a live oak lined roadway.  Most of the trees were planted in the 1890's.  Among the 822 acre park are a cottage and forge area (where on special occasions, volunteers dress in period garb and perform some of the chores from the colonial period; the remains of the fortified tabby home of the original landowner; nature trails; shell mounds, a family burial site; and a museum in the visitor center.  There is also an 80 acre 1828 plantation home which is the private residence of the 9th generation of the Jones family. 

What I thought was neat about this replica of a 1752 map of the area, in addition to the spelling, was the mention of Bethesda, "the orphanage".  We passed Bethesda (house of mercy) a couple of miles before getting to Wormsloe.  It began in 1740 as an orphanage for boys, and evolved into  a boys academy which is still in operation.

Trail back to the visitor center and museum.

Savannah GA - River Street District

From the park, we drove down a cobblestone road to the river district.  Most of the shops and restaurants are located in what were the old brick cotton warehouses along the wharf. 

The Rte 17 bridge over the Savannah River is in the background

The Waving Girl at the harbour...the statue of Florence Martus, not the tourist.  Legend has it that she did not miss greeting a single ship in the 44 years of her watch.  We might have to come back to get a better picture of her waving.

In addition to pleasure boats, we saw tugs, steamships, and this clipper ship on the river.

This inn is on the historic hotel registry

 Even the bears in Savannah were friendly!  A very lovely place to visit!

Savannah GA - Forsyth Park

Tuesday we drove into Savannah, about 15 minutes from the park.  Our first stop was Forsyth Park which is  like Central Park in NYC in that the founder dedicated land for a public park in the middle of a bustling city a hundred plus years ago.  The large trees made for great shade while walking and looking at the beautiful fountain in the center of the park and the statutes and monuments dedicated to various military members from the Revolutionary, Civil, and World Wars.

Bob in front of the memorial to the Marine Corps and Marines of Savannah who lost their lives in WWII

 One of the apartment buildings near the park..the wrought iron work was gorgeous.

Savannah GA - Skidaway State Park

Monday, we left Calabash and went to Skidaway Island State Park, a campground just south of Savannah.  The sites were huge and very scenic with Spanish moss on the trees. The park has a large pool , along with an interpretative center and many walking trails.  The sites have fire pits and include cable tv, for about $25/night. Such a deal!

Evening get togethers

Jay and Paul still work, so we arranged for all of us to get together in the evenings.  Thursday night, we met at John & Plish's condo, which is in the same golf community as Jay and Paul's home--Brunswick Plantation.  The hit of the night, and the next couple of nights, was Plish's cousin, Dolly. Dolly grew up in Garfield, NJ, moved to West Milford and then down to Little River, SC, just over the state line from Calabash.  She regaled us with humorous stories, especially of her brother, Greg.  We all got together the next evening at the "19th Hole" at the country club at Brunswick Plantation.  There, we met up with other friends of Jay and Paul's and found out about a character named "Big Boy" who often shows up at parties wearing a jeweled speed-o and  Panama hat.  Saturday night, we had a very delicious dinner at Jay and Paul's.   To our surprise, Big Boy showed up.  To our dismay, he wasn't wearing the speed-o, but we did get to see the legendary swim wear.  He refused to have his full picture taken, preferring to remain anonymous to those reading this blog.  (Truth is, he didn't have enough Jamison's in him)

Plish, John, & Dolly 

Jay, Paul & Bob

Plish, Dolly, Jay, and me

Big Boy and  rear view of suit

 

Another Calabash Bash

Sometime in July  my friend, Mary Ann Dorer aka Plish, said that she and her husband John would be going down to their seasonal condo in Calabash, where our old time Jersey pal, Jay, and her husband Paul have a full time residence, and would we be able to visit w/them again.  It only took a second for Bob and me to say "Yes!".  We had been there in June, and had a great time.  So, the day after Labor Day, we headed north.  First night's stop was just outside of Walterboro, SC, and the next day we took the scenic route down Alt 17.  Long drive, but we got to Calbash Wednesday afternoon.  Thursday morning, we met w/ Plish and John on Sunset Beach where a wedding was taking place.  The waves were surprisingly small, temps in mid 80's and simply gorgeous weather.  We met with John and Plish at the beach on Friday and Saturday morning, too.  Sunday, they headed back to Jersey.  Bob and I spent one last morning on the beach  on Sunday, and then took care of some chores in order to head out to Savannah Monday morning. 

 Early morning clouds on the beach Thursday.

A beach wedding!  Here comes the bride!

A sandpiper searching for breakfast.

Truly under the boardwalk!