We headed off to ride on St. Simons Island this morning. Our stop at the visitor center to pick up a bike trail map was quite a bit different than our Visitor Center stop on Jekyll Island. St. Simons is much fancier. We both perceived a bit of shock from the receptionist at our cycling attire. She cautioned us that the bike path is really a sidewalk and not at all like Jekyll. We were also queried on where we were staying and it seemed like when we said that we were in Brunswick it explained it all. We had a good chuckle having seen the hefty collection of mansions and manicured estates on the way in. St. Simons Island also has a lot of things with Plantation in their name.
Based on prior research, we took our unfashionable selves to the Hampton Spur at the North end of the island and rode as far as we could on a perfectly good path that ran parallel to a fairly busy road. We stopped at Frederica Park intending to do a Botanic walk there but were attacked by a whole lot of nasty biting insects – so much for that. Back at the car, Tom took a walk on the “Ancient Dunes” trail while I sat and scratched in the shade. I think I’ve hit my limit with heat and humidity but I’d better buck up cause we’re not yet done with it!
Given the trail name I thought that I would see some sand dunes along the shore. I could hear what I thought was some surf as I walked along. However it turns out that the path is on ANCIENT dunes which are now covered with palm trees and brush. After nearly a mile on a fairly dodgy path I encountered a sign indicating that yes, indeed, even though that looks very wet and swampy, that’s where the trail goes.
I did some jumping and hopping and got through without getting my shoes wet. Just after that was the one very scenic section of the trail.
After we showered and stopped itching we headed to the waterfront park in Brunswick – not far from the house. It’s an active port and a big ship was docked and being loaded. We also took a look at a Liberty Ship replica commemorating the WWII shipbuilding in Brunswick. And then the bugs found us again!
We scurried into the downtown to get some takeout for dinner. Brunswick is struggling; a bit like Hudson in the before times.
I’d still rather hang in Brunswick than in St. Simons.