Publish Date: Monday, November 24, 2008
Location: Cumberland Island GA
Coordinates: 30° 46.66′ N 81° 28.18′ W
Ayla marveling at the Horseshoe Crabs
Cumberland Island was a joyful surprise! We had never heard of it, and certainly hadn’t planned to go there, until Ben Sprague, of the many new friends we’ve met as part of this journey, told us about it and said it was worth a visit. Boy was Ben right!
The incredible beauty of the South’s ecological diversity is pristine and protected here for you to enjoy forever on this jewel of an island. The tidal salt marshes, palmetto groves and windswept sand dunes act as the back drop for a festival of wild life from wild horses and armadillos; to wild turkeys and bobcats. There are over 36,000 species of plants and animals that live together on this 17 mile barrier island, which is now a National Park. http://www.nps.gov/cuis
The highlight of our visit was a 3 hour island tour with Fred Whitehead, a passionate naturalist and
View looking over Fred's truck as we're cruising down the road
photographer. Riding in the back of his pick up truck ducking under palm fronds and moss, we felt as if we are on an Indiana Jones adventure. Just visiting the island you would certainly appreciate it’s beauty and diversity, but Fred’s knowledge brings the island to life by adding a greater depth and dimension to the story. http://cumberland.wordpress.com/
Ayla at the Greyfield Inn
Our day on Cumberland Island was completed by stepping back in time to dine at the elegant and graceful Greyfield Inn. The Greyfield Inn was built in 1900 by Thomas and Lucy Carnegie as a gift for their daughter Margaret Ricketson. Her daughter, Lucy Ferguson, converted the home to an Inn in 1962, where it is still run by family today. Dinner is a most unique and warm experience. It is not like dining out at a restaurant, instead you are treated as a guest in a private home. The evening begins with cocktails and hors d’oeuvres served in the living room by a crackling fire. There a handful of guests mingle and get to know one another. A chime is rung, and you are escorted to the dining room where a beautifully set, long dining room table invites you to dine with other guests. Another fireplace here casts warmth and light over the dinner conversation. I felt like I was in a scene from Clark Gable movie. http://greyfieldinn.com/
We leave Cumberland Island far richer in spirit. Not only because of the beauty and serenity of the
Ed and Michele, our kindred spirits in travel
landscape, but because of the new friends we made due to the ambiance of hospitality created by the Greyfield Inn.
Hey Kathryn, Dave and Ayla,
I’m so glad you had a memorable visit, I felt certain you would. Next time you stop in, look behind the curtains of the last east-facing window in the living room (just outside the frame of the picture above “Ayla at the Greyfield Inn”). You will need a flashlight….
Happy travels and Merry Christmas! ‘Am so enjoying following your adventure.
Ben