CUMBERLAND ISLAND NATIONAL SEASHORE

July 1, 2012

 

After a great night at anchor just of the park dock we are ready for a little sightseeing. 

Cumberland Island National Seashore is part of the national parks system.  We tied up the dinghy at the park dock &  checked in at ranger station near by.  The island is crisscrossed with foot paths & camp sights.  We headed out to walk across the island to the beach on the Atlantic side.

ON THE WAY TO THE BEACH

 

BEACH FLOWERS ON WHITE SAND

The path across the island wound through huge trees & finally came to the hike over a sand dune to get to the water.  Walking in the water along a long stretch of beautiful white sand is so relaxing.  It is good for the soul, today was no exception.  We came back by way of the trails that wind through the maritime forest and branch off every so often to camp sites.

 


The island is rich with history of the Old South.  On the south end of the island there are the ruins of a plantation house & slave quarters.  Wild horses roam the island along with deer, owls, turkey & falcons.  Huge sea turtles nest on the beach.  

The maritime forest is different from any forest I have seen.  It has huge trees dripping in Spanish moss.  Beneath the trees grow many kinds of palms, ferns, grasses & small blooming plants.  It makes you feel you are in a faraway place & in a time gone by.   

This is another one of those must see places if you are making your way north or south along the east coast.