Somewhere in Time ... too

Here we go again.  We've left our camp in central Florida and have now pitched our 22 ton tent in Brunswick Georgia.  So what's the big deal about Brunswick one might ask?  Many would says "never heard of it" or "is that the home of bowling balls"?  But eureka!  It's a very nice place to park your RV if not for a night  ... but maybe all winter.   Coastal Georgia RV Resort  www.coastalgarvresort.com.iis our next stop on this winter's adventure.  A little research on the internet a few weeks ago uncovered this little gem.  Just off I95 about an hour south of Savannah this relatively new park is modern, very clean and neat.  Placed conveniently near Jekyll and St. Simon Islands, it's got a lot going for it.  So let me tell you what we've been up to.

Our friends Jim and Carol joined us for a trip to Jekyll Island.  We'd heard it was a pretty cool place to visit and besides, Sharon had learned that the TV show "Royal Pains" was being filmed out there this week.  Thinking they would surely chose us as extras if they just got a look at us, we put our best tourist clothes on and headed out.

Now just getting to Jekyll Island is quite interesting.  Especially if you like high bridges over water.  Reminding me of the 'Mighty Macinac' bridge that spans the two peninsulas of Michigan, this smaller version provides a very keen view of the tidal marshes between the local islands.  But does make for a 'white knuckle' drive for yours truly.

Bridge to Jekyll Island

Jim and Carol had read that there was a very special place we may want to stop for lunch so we thought we'd give it a try after a quick trip around the circumference of the island.  I actually got turned around within the first 50ft on entering the islands main gate (be prepared for forfeit $5.00 for the privilege of getting in) and headed the wrong direction.  After the little impromptu tour we finally ended up at the the right place.  The Jekyll Island Club Hotel (www.jekyllclub.com) was and is, one swanky place.  It reminds me in many ways of the Grand Hotel on Macinaw Island in Michigan (www.grandhotel.com) Remember the place where they filmed the movie 'Somewhere in Time' with the late Christopher Reeve.

Jekyll Island Club Hotel

The history of the 'Club' dates back to the late 1800's and was originally a get-a-way for the rich and famous men of the Northeast.  Tycoons of one sort or another decided they needed an escape to kick back and forget about all the effort it took to get rich.  So they formed this club and soon thereafter decided they would need to add little 'cottages' on the property so as they could have a little privacy and have a place to spend the evening after hunting and fishing all day.  More about this later.

We made reservations before arriving but I secretly wondered if they'd let me in once I got there. Wouldn't you know it but I'd forgotten my ascot and white linen suit.  As the maitre de looked the other way it was just enough time for me to sneak in.  Seated next to a table of about twenty elderly old babes who were the local Mahjongg mavens, I was looked me over pretty closely as I sat down.  I was sure they didn't approve of my rumpled appearance but they kept on fidgeting with there slices of pecan pie and soon forgot about me.  Expecting to be soon politely asked to leave, they eventually ignored me and went on to terrorize the poor waitress by asking for separate checks at the end of their lunch.  Each trying to figure what kind gratuity to leave the slightly frazzled waitress was fun to watch.  One by one these stately and refined ladies of the south finally left freeing up the waitress to finally take care of us.

Club Dining Room

After a very delicious lunch (did I mention that Jim picked up the tab ... not surprising for such a well-off fella, if you get my drift ... made his bundle in creative ways to weave corn silk back in Iowa) we headed out to discover more of the island and locate the one of the guided tours provided on the property.  A cushy seat on a moving tram was just the right answer.  Narrated by someone who had probably had forgotten more than I will ever know about the property, we zipped around the place, occasionally stopping to tour one of the 'modest' cottages.  I say modest as some were only 5,000 square feet and others several times that.  Must be those poor old tycoons needed a lot of room to store their hunting and fishing gear.  Later, as the ladies in their life discovered that the old fools need not  have this place all to themselves, accommodations were made for them as well.  One can only imagine some 125 years ago what an idyllic life they must have had.

Here's a few of the quaint little dwellings on the property.

So there you have it.  Another day goofing off and enjoying this great country and the bounty if has to offer.  All the scars, warts and wonderful places that keeps us looking for more.  Check out this area the next time your passing by.  Lots to see and do.

Still livin' the dream.

Phil