Jekyll Reunion

Jekyll Island may very well be one of my favorite places on Earth. I do have a bias however since I lived there from August 2003 until June 2006. Those were some fun years at the beach. During that time I was able to work with some of the smartest, kindest, and craziest people. Every now and then we get together and have little reunions. A Jekyll Reunion hasn't happened in awhile and I was delighted when Katie mentioned that she was renting a house and that we were invited. So in a small Honda Fit, 4 of us crammed in headed north.

We arrived a day early so the first morning was mostly just us exploring the beach.  Emily saw her first Black Skimmer and we had a nice shorebird morning with terns, gulls, and willets.  The sand dunes were littered with Palm Warblers and the shrub was full of mockingbirds and migrants.

After picking up our dear friend Lanie J at the airport we had veggie burgers on the beach delivered by a charming fellow.

By nightfall the whole group had arrived.  We had fun swimming in the St. Andrews sound, drinking beverages on the rooftop deck, and generally catching up on life. 

The next morning was our last and though the trip was short we tried to make the most of it.  Andy and I got up early and birded the northern end of the island.  We started at the Jekyll campground feeders where we had chickadees, Ruby-throated hummingbirds, Carolina Wrens, and some frisky squirrels.

Next we hit up the old ampitheater slough.  The normal Pied-billed Grebes, herons, and migrants were found along the trail and on the water.  The forests of Jekyll are so beautiful and each time I have a chance to walk around in them I remember how much I miss the maritime forest.  South Florida has something similiar but it's not the same to me.

We ended our day at St. Andrews, swimming with the people seining.  It's a murky water and not the prettiest of sights but the swimming was fun nonetheless. Dark marsh mud ebbs out with the tide and you can barely see a foot down.  A drastic change from the clear blue waters of Florida.  The only part wrong with this trip was that it was just way too short.  I really would like to spend a week on Jekyll with no cares in the world.  Maybe next time.

Michigan Camping

Our mini-Jekyll reunion took place near Ludington, Michigan this summer.  Katie, Melanie, Heather and I all met up near the lake for some camping and catching up.  We consumed some beverages, mostly beer.  We went to a few bars: The Mitten Bar being my favorite but The Rail treated us well too.  And we explored Ludington State Park.  The big lake was cold but invigorating and I enjoyed swimming with some of my favorite ladies in the big icey pool.  We also had some lounging times at another small lake but probably the best part of the trip was just hanging out at the campfire.  I loved our campsite and the weather was perfect for being outdoors.  I can't wait until the next reunion with these fine folks!

Best bird of the campsite: Least Flycatcher

Best beer of the campsite: New Holland Mad Hatter

Jekyll Island 2011

Well friends, another great trip to Jekyll Island was taken this past weekend and I must say that place never ceases to amaze me. You would think after living there for 3 years I would have seen it all but it's not possible. We started the first night off by seeing two sets of sea turtle crawl tracks and then we ran up on two guys shark fishing. We watched them catch and release two lemon sharks before we called it a night.

The next day we spent a large portion chilling on the North End, also known as the Boneyard Beach. After bocce and sun we headed to St. Andrews sound for some rope swing fun and a little wading in the intercoastal. It was a nice day and we topped it off with dinner at Bubba Garcia's, the best food on St. Simon's Island. After calamari and shrimp tacos we had some shuffleboard round at Brogen's before calling it a late night.

On Sunday we slept in and then took in the beach at the 4-H Center. It is still my favorite beach on the island. We saw a pod of 20 dolphins swim back and forth as we wiled the day away playing more bocce and just relaxing. It was sad to say goodbye but like an old friend I know I'll see her again. Jekyll, you are so good to me and I miss you more than you know.

South end of Jekyll Island

Cold and overcast but still beautiful and fun.

Emily and I had a great weekend on Jekyll Island. The beaches were littered with Spider Crabs and Moon Snail collars. Jellies and even a few Sea Pork were scattered about. On Saturday night we went down to the beach for some star gazing. The Geminids gave us quite a show and it was nice out due to the lack of wind. Even though this wasn't the most ideal time of year to visit we still had tremendous fun walking around and exploring.

Jekyll Bound

Soon I'll be on Jekyll walking on the North End. The photo above was taken 5 years ago one winter day in December. I hope that this weekend proves as much fun.

Grandfather tree

It's hard to go to Jekyll and not visit this old tree. We made a small stop on the first day.

Camping on Jekyll Island

Successful interview in Georgia this weekend. On my way back south to Florida. Luckily I have a one night stay at the Jekyll campground.