Starting location: Anchorage by Cumberland Island, GA.
Weather: 62 am, 71 pm, cloudy with drizzle then mostly sunny by afternoon – Saturday 3/23. 57 am, 65 pm, mostly sunny, winds gust to 30mph – Sunday 3/24. 58 am, 65 pm, still windy but calmed some by evening, overcast – Monday 3/25.
Ending location: Jekyll Island Marina. Jekyll Island, GA. MM 684.5 AICW.
Statute miles: Approximately 20
General summary: We noted as we continued North that the mangroves had disappeared and the shores on both sides of the waterway were now edged with tall seagrass.
This next stop was a bucket list visit for me because I came here on vacation in 1979 and have fond memories. This was the first road trip I ever took with my dad, stepmom, stepsister, and stepbrother. I remember playing charades in the car, swimming in the ocean, building sandcastles on the beach, and going to the local outdoor theater. There was also heat and humidity, biting flies, and jellyfish stings.
This island used to be a winter haven from January through March in the early 1900s for some of the richest of the rich in America (Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Pulitzer, to name a few). It is said that 1/6 of the world’s wealth was located on that island during that time. Each family paid yearly dues to the club and had stately mansions built. Interestingly, none had kitchens as they were all expected to eat dinner in the club dining room. Men wore tuxedos and women wore different formal gowns each night. (Each woman, then, traveled with 20 trunks.) There was no road to the island, so each family traveled by train to Brunswick and then the island boat picked them up. Men on horseback with guns patrolled the beaches and ensured there were no other boat landings.
The museum also told the story of displaced Natives, cotton and rice plantations, and slavery. The sailing ship “The Wanderer” ended here and the story is horrific. Again, it is strange to be a tourist where atrocities occurred, but appreciate that there was no attempt to hide these facts.
The outdoor theater where we saw “Fiddler on the Roof” and “Oklahoma” hasn’t been used since 2005 and is being reclaimed by nature. Had to check it out, though.
Took the loaner golf cart to Driftwood Beach for a walk. I think the townhouse we had stayed in was just South of here. They looked familiar.
Provisioned at cramped but incredibly well-stocked Jekyll Market before leaving.
Boater information: Jekyll Island Marina was really great. Floating concrete docks (try to come in around slack tide as there is a 6-9 foot tidal change). Very timely and helpful dockhands. There was gas, pump-out, power, water, bathrooms, showers, a pool and hot tub, free bikes, free golf cart for up to 90 minutes. Historical area (highly recommend museum and trolly tour!) and Shopping area (pretty well stocked Jekyll Market) within walking distance. Need golf cart to get to Driftwood Beach. Most beaches are dog friendly!
The Great Loop in a C Dory 25 
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