The Journey Has Begun!: December 2012

Dec. 7th, 2012 we arrive in Yule, Florida just south of the Ga. boarder to visit with good friends as we normally do when passing through. The Kershners always have the welcome mat out for all who visit here! We would 'Dry camp'( no hook ups) in their yard for 4 days.

We visited with all the family and just kicked back and enjoyed their company!

Yule is within 5 to 10 miles from Fernandina Bch and Amelia Island. Great area to visit!

Thank you Anna, Greg and family for a wonderful visit! We love you Guys!

Dec.11th, 2012 we arrive at the St Augustine KOA. Small campground, in behind a shopping ctr but very close to downtown St Augustine and the beaches.
I would not consider the KOA to be on my top ten list of campgrounds as far as amenities goes but the location was what I liked most about it. Travelers were transient and therefore did not go out of their way to be friendly nor did I see the office clerk smile once. Don't get me wrong...accommodatingly, yes. Just not the greeting we're use to when checking in to places. Will try and check back with Bryn Mawr Campground, on the ocean, for cancellations for our Easter stay with all of the kids in the spring.
Ahhh....St Augustine! A great place to see and spend time visiting! Take a trolley and learn about the city. Many activities, history, shopping, eatery's, culture...! Marine Land, Ripley's Believe it or not and the Alligator sanctuary are all close by! Or just drive onto the sandy beach (off B st), park the car and take in the warm sun and swim in the ocean. A trip worth taking. Charming and Friendly....

Nov. 1, 2012 and on our way back to Md. for a few weeks and to enjoy Thanksgiving with the family. Boy time sure does go by fast! Fortunately, we were able to spend time with the grand kids, get all of the Christmas shopping done, wrapped and delivered! But not to be opened until Christmas morning!!
This will be the first time ever away from the family at Christmas....

Nov 24th and we're on the road again! Charleston, S.C. bound! Stopping at Kenly Flying J for the night gave us a fresh start the next day for an easy drive to our destination. Flying J's, Cracker Barrels and Wal Marts seem to be our favorite stop overs when on the road. A book called "Next Exit" has always been helpful for finding places such as these that are RV friendly.

Arriving in James Island County Park in Charleston, we realized that the park was wonderfully decorated for their festival of lights for the holidays!
They have a great campground, with plenty of walking trails, huge dog park with a lake and many other amenities! But best of all it is 10 minutes from downtown Charleston! Ahhhh..... Charleston!! A wonderfully "proper southern" town with endless charm! "Low Country"!
I suggest taking a carriage ride/tour (we went with Palmetto Tours). So much to learn about the history of this charming town. And yes, I checked to make sure the horses are treated well and not over worked. Much to see....stately homes, markets to shop, restaurants galore or just take a stroll along the water. A good sense of safety in this town. If you have time, visit the Angel Oak Tree! It is amazing!

Nov. 29th We're on the road to Skidaway State Park in Savannah,Ga. Upon arriving we learned that the water and cable were not working but fortunately, we had fresh water on board and digital antenna! Forget satellite! The live oak trees are so thick it makes the campground dark and reception is unattainable! Did I mention that the park had a clean out area...only! No sewer hook ups at the sites. On another note, the sites were extremely nice and inexpensive ($22 per nite)! The park is quiet and serene. Skidaway Island has no draw other than the park and gated golfing communities. However, downtown Savannah was with 15 minutes of the campground. Very different from Charleston S.C., Savannah is huge! 22 squares (Parks) throughout the city. Like other cities, there are different sections with different draws. Riverside shops and restaurants, market st where they have bistros and live music and so much more! A great place with lots to do but with out the charm that Charleston offers, in my opinion. Home of Paula Dean and her famous restaurant. But be prepared to stand in line! Again, I highly recommend a trolly to learn some history about the history.

Paula Dean's place

riverfront shops

our campsite

Great map of downtown

Take a trolly!

Dec 3rd and on our way to Jekyll Island ,Ga ( Georgia's "Jewel"!) And a jewel it is! It's been 28 years since we were last there and so happy to re visit! So much interesting history there. A state owned park. You can own a house but must take a 99 year lease on the property...takes the place of taxes that most of us have become accustomed to. 1200 permanent residence. 7.5 miles long 2 miles wide. Beaches are public and available to everyone. The ocean beaches as well as the Jekyll River. The state of Ga. allows only 30% of the Island to be developed. A paved bike/walking trail circles the island. Parks, historic district, campground, restaurants, Jekyll Island Club, horse rides on the beach and on and on....
If I have to have any complaints, it would be that the campground is not paved, no grass just very dusty/dirty with dogs dragging dirt inside and the overpopulation of squirrels! (same with the deer,800 on the island alone!) They would get into and on everything! Ate holes into tablecloth, dragged dogs leash across site,etc.! not to mention it drove Becker crazy!
But the campers were extremely friendly! Invited us to a pot luck dinner just as we drove into camp! We went! :)
A 15 minute drive to St Simons Island if you need to shop unless it's something small you can get at the local IGA market on Jekyll Island that's housed in a double wide on the beach. Much more to do on St Simons Island but very different yet still has it's charm.
As far as big box stores, Brunswick would be the place to shop.

Jekyll Island is Peaceful, serene, safe , a wonderful place to retreat and take in a day at the club spa,read or write a book, paint or take a *horse and buggy ride/tour (*highly recommend)...thank you Craig for all your native knowledge on our private evening tour through your wonderful home town and thank you Jim, you strong and beautiful majestic horse that drove the carriage! So much more to learn but too much to add to this publish so I'll leave the rest up to your carriage tour guide!