This was our last full day in the Golden Isles, and the weather was perfect! First thing, I walked the half-mile path by our airbnb again to see the Turtle River in the sunshine. Nice!
Neighborhood walking path
Sunshine on the Turtle River
Little friend
After stopping at the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center, we crossed onto Jekyll Island and parked under the causeway to begin our bike ride.
Wetlands overlook at the Jekyll Island Guest Information Center
Swampy delight
First, we rode through the Historic District. Beginning in 1888, Jekyll Island was a winter retreat for some of the world's wealthiest families – Vanderbilt, Goodrich, Rockefeller, J.P. Morgan and such. This declined during the Great Depression and finally came to an end during World War II, when the U.S. government ordered the island evacuated for security reasons. At the end of the war in 1947, the State of Georgia purchased the island, and today it's a Georgia state park. Many of the “cottages” (mansions) of the rich folks remain, as well their former club, now an upscale resort.
Indian Mound Cottage, former retreat of the Rockefellers
Jekyll Island Club Resort
In constrast with hectic St. Simons, Jekyll Island was calm and tranquil. We loved riding here. Our favorite part was Driftwood Beach, on the northern tip of the island, with all its gnarled and weathered trees. We got off our bikes for a while to explore on foot. Stunning and photogenic.
Driftwood Beach
Gnarly trees
Jana enjoys tank-top weather
Time, wind and tide
In the distance, you can see St. Simons
Tom celebrates a warm birthday!
Other cool stuff: Jekyll Island Fishing Pier, alligators at Horton Pond, riding through tunnels of Spanish-moss-draped oaks, Dune Beach in the golden sunlight. Jekyll was amazing, and it felt like we had it practically to ourselves today.
Gators of Horton Pond
Tranquil trail
Dune Beach
Golden dunes
Ready for Christmas
At 5:00 we loaded the bikes back on the car and drove over to St. Andrews Beach to watch the sun set behind Jekyll Sound. It was spectacular!
Sunset at St. Andrews Beach
For dinner, we chose Red Bug Motors Pizza in the Beach Village area of Jekyll. It was great! A fine end to Tom's very fine birthday.