Cumberland Island - Camping at Sea Camp

Cumberland Island is Georgia’s largest barrier island. Come see why the Travel Channel named it “America’s Most Beautiful Wilderness Beach”. During our visit we'll stay at Sea Camp where our only real itinerary is to have fun, stay safe, and be on time for the ferry. 

Thursday morning - Everyone should arrive at the dock in St. Mary's, GA by 11:00 am to check in at the ranger station. The ferry departs for the island at 11:45 am.

Thursday afternoon - After arriving on the island and setting up camp, we'll go for a hike around the popular sections of the island (about 3 miles round trip). Our trek will take us through sand dunes, along the beach, through the dunes again, the marsh, and to the Dungeness Ruins. After checking out the ruins, we’ll return to camp on the sandy road that runs the length of the island and is mostly shaded by trees covered with hanging moss. We’re very likely to run into some (or a lot) of Cumberland’s famed wild horses along the way. This hike is for everyone, and first timers will find it especially helpful in becoming acquainted with what there is to see and do on the island. It’s a magnificent walk with lots to see and photograph.

Friday morning - Another hike is planned (about 3 miles) to a secluded location to look for shark teeth. This is a place where they are plentiful, but it still takes a keen eye to find them. The first one is always the hardest to find. But once you get one, it’s addicting.

Courtney will lead a flora and fauna identification and photography hike. She will have binoculars, a jeweler's loop, and many guide books (plants, mushrooms, birds, butterflies, seashells, etc.) to share. The hike will be at a deliberately slow pace to allow plenty of time for identification and photos. The size of the group and length of the hike will be up to the interest of the participants. The hike will take place at a time and place to be determined by the participants. You are encoraged to bring your own binoculars and guide books.  

Your time on the island is yours to do wtih as you please. Generally, most people choose to hang out with others in our group enjoying the various adventures the island offers.  Your Trip Leaders are offering the group activities above for anyone interested in participating.

Sunday morning - Have your gear packed and be at the dock by 9:45 am. The ferry departs for the mainland at 10:15 am.

Other things to do:

Hiking - There is no end to the amount of hiking you can do. There are miles of beaches to explore. The road to the north end of the island is about 17 miles one way. No matter where you choose to hike, it’s all scenic. Bring your camera.

Biking - Bikes are available for rent for about $20 a day. You may not bring your own bike to the island. A favorite biking destination is Plum Orchard, a restored 100+ year old mansion. The park service offers tours of the mansion on select weekends. We’ll find out the tour schedule when we reach the island, but it is still a great place to visit even if no tour is offered. Plum Orchard is a 14 mile round trip from camp. Bike it, or if you're energetic, hike it. 

Sightseeing - For those who like to rise early, the sunrises are almost always spectacular on the beach. The starry sky at night is also a sight to see. You'll find that photo opportunities are everywhere as you explore the island, and the beach and ocean are never more than a few minutes away. 

Swimming - At your own risk. There is no life guard. Cumberland Island's average water temperature for October is 74 degrees.

Fishing - You will need a current fishing license. Do some research prior to our trip to find out where to fish, what you might be catching, and any regulations you need to be aware of.  Once you're on the island, the rangers can give you guidance.

More info about the island can be found at these websites:

http://www.cumberlandisland.com/ 
http://www.nps.gov/cuis/index.htm

Travel - The drive to St. Marys is about 6 hours. Two options:

Option 1. (preferred) Drive down Wednesday and rent a room for the night. You can stay at the Riverview hotel in St. Marys (directly across from the ferry dock) for about $100 a night. The Microtel in Kingsland is about $60 a night. Many other hotel options exist. Each person is responsible for making their own hotel reservations. It’s most economical to share rooms with others on the event if you can work it out (with carpool companions for instance).

Option 2. Drive down about 4:30am on Thursday morning and hope you don't have car trouble or get stuck in traffic somewhere (causing you to miss the ferry). If you miss the ferry, you can probably catch one the next day, but there is no guarantee. It depends on availability of space on the ferry and the ranger’s willingness to allow you passage without a prior reservation for that day.

Cooking:

You will need to bring a camp stove of some sort if you prefer cooked meals on the island. There are no cooking facilities available.  Your Trip Leaders can bring a Coleman 2 burner camp stove (only if requested). When packing for this event, there are plenty of food options for you to consider that do not require cooking.

Directions to the Ferry in St Mary's:

From downtown Atlanta, head south of the city on 1-75 S
(77.6 depending on where you start)
Take exit 165 on the left to merge onto I-16 E toward Jim L Gillis Hwy/Savannah (156 miles)
Take exit 157A to merge onto I-95 toward Brunswick/Jacksonville (95.3 miles)
Take exit 3 for GA-40 toward Kingsland/St Mary's
(0.3 miles)
Turn left onto GA-40 E/E King Ave (at some point it becomes Osborne Street) (9.3 miles)
Continue to follow GA-40 E till it ends
Turn right onto St Mary's Street, the ferry dock is immediately on the left
Go into the park service building (I think it's blue) to check-in for the Ferry

No checks will be accepted for this event after the payment due date. After the payment due date, payments will need to be made using Paypal.

Transportation to and from the island via the ferry

3 Nights Camping on Cumberland Island

Firewood (which your Trip Leaders will purchase from the ferry operator)

This event is rain or shine.

If you cancel on or before August 24, 2012, full payment is refundable less a $5 administrative fee. No refund after August 24, 2012 unless someone from the waitlist replaces you and pays in full. You will then be elegible for a full refund less the $5 administrative fee.

It is your responsibility to get your payment in by the due date. Please allow seven days from the date mailed for a check to be processed. Note: To say "The check is in the mail" on the payment due date will not hold your spot on this event. NO CHECKS WILL BE ACCEPTED AFTER THE PAYMENT DUE DATE. AFTER THE PAYMENT DUE DATE, PAYMENTS WILL NEED TO BE MADE USING PAYPAL.