November 1, 2014

St. Marys, GA & Fernandina, FLA

We planned on taking the ferry to Cumberland Island today but when we woke up to temps in the high 40s with 30 MPH wind gusts we changed plans.  There are only two ferry crossings a day and we didn’t want to be struck on an island with those weather conditions. BRRRRR!

I packed us a lunch and we took off with no real plan or destination in mind-just kind of letting the day unfold.

Our first stop was at a Music store where Monte picked up a clip-on chromatic to tune his banjo.  We have been schlepping it around with us since beginning our On the Road lifestyle and he hasn’t played it once.  We store it in a space between the bed and mirror when we are stopped and place it on the bed when we move.  I suggested Monte use it or lose (sell) it.  I guess he decided to use it.

When we saw a sign for St. Marys we decided to check it out.  The town of St. Marys is located on the north bank of the St. Marys River.  The area was first explored in the mid 16^th century as part of the settlement of Spanish Florida. 

We parked on Osborne Street and braved the wind and cold to walk down to the waterfront.  The entire block leading up to the waterfront had Halloween displays representing local businesses.

 

 

 

 

 

The city is the gateway to Cumberland Island National Seashore. 

 

 

We stopped in at the Visitor Center where I signed my passport before looking at the displays.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Before leaving the town we stopped in at the Cumberland Island Museum located a block away from the Visitor Center.  The museum is staffed by volunteers. 

We began our visit by watching a short film detailing the geography and history of Cumberland Island.  The island has three diverse areas; saltwater marsh, forest and beach.
When the Spanish arrived on the island they encountered a Native American people called the Timucua (Ti-MOO-qua).  The explorers were shocked at the height of the Timucua who averaged four inches or more above them.  The native men wore their hair in a bun on top of their heads, adding to the perception of height.  No mention was made of what happened to the Natives.
General Nathanael Greene, who received land on Cumberland Island as a repayment for Revolutionary War debts, built The Tabby House.
During the Gilded Age, Thomas Carnegie, the younger brother of steel and railroad giant Andrew, bought land for his wife and family as an island get-away.  After Thomas’ death, his wife Lucy would go on to own over 90% of the island and would construct several winter homes for her children including Plum Orchard, Greyfield, Stafford and The Cottage.  The Cottage was lost to fire in the 1940s but the other three homes still stand.

After the film we walked through the museum looking at the displays.

Mountain Wagon-this versatile carriage was used to transport passengers and baggage or supplies because the rear seats could be removed for more room.

 

 

Piano Box-this carriage was named due to the resemblance of the main body to a piano box.  It became popular by the beginning of the 20^th century due to its affordability.

 

 

Moving on we headed south, crossing into Florida to the town of Fernandina on Amelia Island.  We found a place to park along the waterfront.  While we ate our lunch in the car we watched the boats being tossed around by the high winds. 

 

 

 

 

 

Bundled up we made our way down to the water and watched this boat violently hitting against the dock. 

 

 

After a few minutes I told Monte I just couldn’t stand the cold wind anymore so we headed across the street to take a slow stroll past shops and restaurants.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

I was very happy to get back to the car and turn up the heater.  Once in a while it is a nice change of pace to take a walk in the brisk clean air but I wouldn’t want to make a habit of it!