Abell to Art: Impressionist Paintings

Escapism: Island Adventure Awaits

Have you ever wanted to just escape the routine of your daily life, albeit temporarily?

Do you sometimes find yourself wanting to simplify? 

 Dungeness Ruins on Cumberland Island, Ga

Would a trip to a remote island fit the bill?

While such a venture may not truly be possible, perhaps some brief escapism would. Come along with me on an imaginary escape. Daydream about warm sand between your toes with  the sounds of the ocean to fill your senses. Imagine pristine beaches and virtually undisturbed sand dunes.

Recently, my husband and I had the opportunity to explore the the unspoiled beauty of Georgia's coast. Artists by nature are always looking one place or another for inspiration when often it is right in front on you. This time called for real adventure- a bit of a departure from a typical beach trip with only a stay at a fine hotel. The Golden Isles on Georgia's coast offer many exciting opportunities, but if you really want to experience an unspoiled barrier island you have to visit Cumberland Island.  Here, the occasional neigh from a horse or the sight of an unusual bird seem commonplace.

Cumberland Island National Seashore at 18 miles in length, is the largest of Georgia's barrier islands. With the Atlantic Ocean on the eastern end and inlet rivers, sound, and marsh bordering other sides and throughout, the island abounds in history, natural beauty, and architecture. A plethora of feathered and four-legged inhabitants reside among the limited number of humans, including loggerhead sea turtles, wild turkeys, hogs, horses, and birds.

The only way to reach Cumberland Island is by ferry or private boat from St. Marys. Visitors can choose to go for the day or extend your stay and book an overnight campsite. There is also lodging available at the Greyfield Inn, a Carnegie mansion.

Once you arrive, you can either take a guided tour or follow any number of trails around the island. While not exactly deserted, there is an immediate sense of being "far from the maddening crowd"and civilization for that matter. Naturally, we chose the latter to begin our island exploration. The park rangers are very emphatic with their directives ahead of time. Particular cautionery point-avoid getting too close to the horses that roam freely. Despite appearances to the contrary, they are wild animals!

Want to know more?

https://www.nps.gov/cuis/index.htm

Surprises along the way

Despite the ferry being filled with people on the trip over, we saw few on our hikes around the island over several hours. Many times,  the only sounds heard in the maritime forests were our feet softly padding on the trails and the rustle of an animal nearby. Daunting to say to the least at times as you wander along. It is easy to imagine residents from long ago trodding these same paths.

What else can you do on Cumberland Island besides hiking?

Fishing, beach combing, biking, bird watching, swimming, wildlife watching, star gazing for campers, and plenty of photo opportunities

If you go...

If you are in need of an escape or break from the daily grind-consider a trip to an less-inhabited island. Undisturbed, unspoiled, natural beauty is a wonderful respite. If you go to Cumberland Island, be prepared with water or water bottle & snacks, wear insect repellant, and soak up every bit of scenery.

Even if you can't leave your physical surroundings, you can imagine.

Follow these tips by the National Park Service for a great experience.Cumberland Island,

You may never pass this way again, so tread carefully. As the park rangers remind, "Take nothing from the island with the exception of seashells... leave nothing behind so that this special place will continue as it is.

Thanks for reading! Happy island escape.