My 2 cents about everything
Located 28 miles northwest of Savannah Georgia by way of Georgia Hwy 17N you will find yourself imaging life in the 1800’s, as you see the beautifully preserved Victorian era homes. Some of the historic homes were built by affluent Savannah folks as summer homes or get a ways during yellow fever outbreaks. Graced with walking […]
via Guyton Georgia USA tells it’s own story… — EffinghamMoves
The Okeefenokee swamp is located in south Georgia and Florida.
The area is approximately 700 square miles and is the largest swamp in North America.
You can easily spend a full day or more in the park capturing a glimpse of the many species of birds, reptiles, plants, mammals, fish, and amphibians.
We entered the park in Waycross, Georgia 59 miles west of I 95 at the US 82 exit in Brunswick Georgia.
The park is very accommodating with a gift shop, information center, restrooms, boat tours, a train tour, 92’ observation tower, snack and gift shop, and a reptile show.
The signs throughout are a constant reminder that the animals can be dangerous, I understand the frequent postings because the setting is so serene that it would be easy to let your guard down.
As we approached the welcome center two alligators, one huge and the other medium size sat out in the open. They sit so still that I questioned whether or not they were real.
There is an admission fee, with several discounts offered including the senior discount. We passed on the boat tour because we did not allot enough time. The park closes before dark unless they are hosting a night event or light show.
The signs throughout are a constant reminder that the animals can be dangerous, I understand the frequent postings because the setting is so serene that it would be easy to let your guard down.
As we approached the welcome center two alligators, one huge and the other medium size sat out in the open. They sit so still that I questioned whether or not they were real or part of the attraction.
I was excited about the observation tower but it offered me a challenge. It is accessible by boat or walking through the swamp…yikes…they have a walkway that is about 6 inches above the water. Of course, the release of liability required to be signed was only the beginning of my apprehension. My first time out there i just couldn’t do it.
Most of the boardwalk is high enough to feel comfortable and the animals mostly come out at night , but you never know..I doubt they follow a rule book
My second try at the low board I looked straight ahead and walked quickly. I was so relieved to see the steps going up at the end. On our way back I walked in front of my husband. When I got halfway I thought this is it, I did it, and then I heard the splash! I ran and then I heard a big splash! When I jumped up on the steps, I forgot all about Hubby. I called out for him and he didn’t answer because he was standing real still and quiet. Anyways, he finally came up a few minutes later and said “I think it was a small gator or a snake”…So folks if I go back again I’ll take the boat. Children under 18 are not permitted on the walkway and should not go on it..I ‘m usually not a scare-dy cat but this is the real deal, there are no mechanical animals here.
The observation tower is a treat for birdwatchers at 60 feet, but to take photos and see the view of the 25 mile radius on a clear day I made my way to 92 feet. You can see the blackwater winding creeks and way down upon the Suwannee River🎶
The tour guide on the train was very informative, and had a personal relationship with the wildlife. The dominant alligators have names and their behavior is monitored and studied. Mating season is in late March.
The reptile show was very interesting and I would suggest it for school age children.
Temperature was 65 degrees, and sunny. No bugs bothered us, and best of all there were no “litter bugs” the water was sparkling and only the habitants were floating around..
Happy travels 🙂 through America the beautiful…Share the good advise from the swamp
My sneeze attack this morning confused my brainy calendar. I set myself on Monday because I’m so allergic to that day, but quickly realized it was Tuesday. I stayed away from negative thoughts of a cold or flu and looked outside to confirm my suspicion of yellow pollen. It was twice as nice to see it all over my car and steps because that means spring is almost here and the prettiest flowers with beautiful fragrance will be everywhere.
Azaleas. magnolias, camellias and dogwoods will create a colorful canvas of scenery in the southeast during February and March. Mix it up with some sunshine and feel natures flower power to enjoy the day…..:)
If you happen to wander our way and want to be a bit of a “know it all” around your friends, use my cheat sheet:
For more information on the Camellia garden on Hilton Head Island:
https://www.coastaldiscovery.org/home/discover-and-explore/things-to-see/camellia-garden/
The Coastal discovery center has an easy walking trail and it located on Hilton Head Island, S Carolina. Exit #8 S. Carolina off the I95 travel east to Hilton Head Island and you will see more than billboards.
This scenic historic site located in Savannah Georgia USA can easily be missed by visitors to the area because it is off the beaten path of the Historic District of the city. Located on Isle of Hope a coastal community in the southeast area of Savannah, this former plantation has an abundance of wildlife, salt marsh, historic ruins, a colonial village, a military battery and relaxing walking trails that will take you a step back in time. The gateway canopy of oaks sets the pace for the breathtaking views you will see at Wormsloe. The tree lined avenue of 400 oaks is a 1.5 mile walk and other trails branch off from there.
The site of the tabby ruins nestles up to the salt marsh. Tabby homes were built in North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, and Florida in the 1700’s. Tabby is made with burned oyster shells, sand, and water.
Oysters make a home in the salt marshes in Coastal Georgia.
The Colonial Village will likely interest the young visitors who find a day out looking at nature and museums boring
For I95 Georgia travelers exit #109…it’s about a 40 minute drive, and there is no where to eat at the site, so I suggest stopping in nearby Sandfly at myfavorite barbecue restaurant in Savannah. No need for directions because you will pass right through Sandfly. Also, bring bug spray for the walking trails, and expect high heat and humidity in the summer.
Happy travels…..get off the interstates and see more than billboards….:)
I’ll start by apologizing for all the shadows in my photos of beautiful Forsyth Park in Savannah, Georgia USA. With an average of 261 days of sunshine a year, and me being a lazy morning person, I always have the 2PM high sun. January happens to be my least favorite month, so today with a little pep in my step, I put on my Nike’s, a hooded sweatshirt and headed out to check the trees and plants for any hint of spring.
The city of Savannah was designed in the 1700’s and homes were built around the city squares. Like the squares, homes also surround this 30 acre park that is family friendly, full of greenery, and hosts open concerts and festivals throughout the year. It’s not unusual to see visitors touching the spanish moss that drapes the trees, but it is home to some very tiny critters. To read more : https://effinghammoves.com/2017/04/18/itchy-moss/
The fountain at the entrance to the park is a popular “selfie” spot and is featured in many tourist guides. During Savannah’s huge St Patricks Day celebration in March the fountain water is flowing green. A variety of architecture surrounds the park and the multi-color homes are a clear expression of the charm of Savannah.
There are Bed and Breakfast style lodging near the park and also one of Savannah’s most sought after full service luxury hotels and spa…The Mansion….http://www.mansiononforsythpark.com
You can finish off your day with some light shopping, a quick cup of coffee, or some healthy food choices at http://www.brighterdayfoods.com/ on the south end of the park.
As it turned out the first month of the year went out with a pleasant day in the Hostess city of the South”. Minutes from exit 109 of the I95…..in Georgia you are sure to find true hospitality in this beautiful city….
Happy travels…try the Shrimp and grits….boiled peanuts…..and Sweet Tea
Twenty five miles northwest of Savannah Georgia in Effingham County is New Ebenezer one of the first five settlements in Georgia USA. In 1741 the colonists who originated in the Province of Salzburg known today as Austria made this their home. Bring a lunch and plan to spend the day. Situated on the banks of […]
via New Ebenezer…Historical Site 25 miles NW of Savannah Georgia — EffinghamMoves
I finished up my early morning “volunteer work” ahead of schedule today. The sun and 60º temperature on a January day quickly convinced me to find something to do outdoors.
I happened to be in Beaufort S.Carolina, so cruising around the “sea islands” with the serene scenery is just what I needed to calm my mind and spirit.
I started out by crossing the Beaufort River over the Woods Memorial Bridge onto Lady’s Island. In recent years this area with all it’s beauty has become a vibrant community. You’ll easily come to that conclusion when you see the fancy new Walmart.
If you ever watched the movie “Forest Gump” you will recognize the bridge.
Traveling south on US 21, I crossed onto St Helena Island. Things slow down a bit here and the island is rich in history of the Gullah Culture.
Bring a sack to fill up at the roadside fruit and vegetable farms.
I turned onto the 7 mile highway to Lands End. This is where things get interesting because I hope to “see the light”. I have no fear of the haunting tales because if there is a spirit surrounded by the beauty of this area it surely has to be at peace.
To read more about the mysterious light: https://eatsleepplaybeaufort.com/beauforts-haunted-history-the-lands-end-light/
You have arrived….Lands End, South Carolina…
After leaving my first stop is at the “Chapel of Ease”, another “haunted area” on the 7 mile road. I tried real hard to get a dose of scary but just peace and quiet here for me.
For more information: https://eatsleepplaybeaufort.com/beauforts-haunted-history-st-helenas-chapel-of-ease/
I find myself frequently pulling the car to the side of the road to snap a photo or just sit and think about things. The idea that this area has been inhabited since the 1700’s, renews my faith in the fact that we are of a kind and gentle folk. The untouched marshes, creeks and rivers are a sanctuary to the natural wildlife freely living in harmony with us.
The Gullah culture is rich and “Praise houses” are still on the island. In my travels this is the only area I have seen this.
To read more : http://gullahcommunity.org/our-community/praise-house/
Places to fish, shrimp and launch a boat are everywhere.
At the end of my brief vacation from “busy busy life” , it’s definitely time for a lunch and thrift store shopping..
Happy travels…get off the I95 in South Carolina exit 33 and find your way to Beaufort…there’s so much to see but don’t visit during a big storm it gets a windy…:)
