Cumberland, GA

This was one of my first instances to explore the wilderness in America. I would cherish this for long. I am of the opinion to preserve the old and enjoy it as it is. One can really love the beaches of Miami, Bay area, hamptons etc which are made widely commercial over these decades with their jazzy high rise buildings, malls, pubs & clubs so that people of all ages get attracted. But I am sure all the others on the other hand would agree with me that the back waters, marshes, springs, swamps, canals & lakes etc hold equal attractions. There are many islands in and around the east coast which are well preserved with their ecosystem for one to explore. Cumberland,GA is one of these kinds which I explored in 2006 with my husband and a dear friend.

We visited cumberland Island for a 3 day camping trip. Cumberland island is situated in the south east corner of georgia.For thousands of years people have lived on Cumberland Island but never in such numbers as to permanently alter the character of the landscape. The residents of the Island unanimously decided that thecumberland Island be made into national park and wilderness area around 1970's. Our visit to the island has been very adventurous. I have attached few photos for which I have given detailed description...

The marshes come into view first as you approach the island from St.Marys, Ga.We were greeted by 4 wild horses as we came closer to the Island. When the tide is out,the marsh appears like a broad plain of tall grasses intricately interwoven with tidal creeks. Closer examination reveals an array of birds wading through the grass or feeding at the banks of creeks. Fiddler crabs scurry across mud flatsand eat decaying vegetation and other organic materials. Raccoon and other animals come down from the uplands to feed on crabs and to search for shellfish. The Island mainly has oak tress which stand in solitude with draping spanish moss which lends a touch of the exotic as it sways in the breeze.

One the first day, we had a glimpse of armadillo( said to be very shy and difficult to catch, but kiran and hari proved othrewise over the next two days!) while walkin towards our campsite "seaside camp" from the dock. We went to the beach the same day and spent some time looking around, we were amazed that there was no one but us on the beach and few wild horses.. A breathtaking sight. We set our camp and other stuff during the twilight as we got ready for the coldnest night of our trip 39 degrees... For dinner we had vegetarian burgers.

The next day we had outstanding temperatures; had tasty omlettes for breakfast made by my husband who calls himself an expert in the area! We then rented bicycles to plum orchid a mansion built in 1898. Since we didn't have hot showers in our campsite, we had to ride 3 and 1/2 miles to the next campsite" shafford camp". We then rode along the beach for 2 miles encountering occasionally wild horsesgrazing on the sand dunes and pelican facing the wind.. From there we went to the Plum orchid for beautiful view of the sunset.We rode approx 20 miles on the first day. Though I experienced some cramps, thanks to LAFitness regime all three of us were fit to do most of the riding(26 miles in 2 days) except for my occasional breaks coz of the cramps. Guess what we had for dinner that night?? Chole and roti !!! after a day of hardwork we were sound asleep only to be waken up during the night by the noises of the raccoon or the horses ( we are still confused!). But otherwise we had great sleep in the 50 degrees temp.....

On the third day, we spent most of the morning in the camp and the beach playing cards and other games. In the evening we went to dungeness, about a mile and half from our camp built during 1783. Interdunes meadows, both wet and dry mark the forest's eastern edge. Their sand and grasss give way to realm of dunes and beach. Farther inland fresh water ponds are said to appear like jewels( we didn't get a chance to view one). It is said that here during the spring night you can hear the booming of the bull alligator as it goes through courtship rites. Rest of evening was spent at the marsh lands where we could catch a glimpse of the white tailed deer said to be rare. We collected wood on our way back and spent the evening at the camp making rajma and roti for the dinner and grilled corn on the campfire.

June, July and August are considered to be insect infested months so think of bugs if you want to camp then, But the advantage of being in Cumberland Island during May to Aug is witnessing seaturtles laying eggs.. winter is mild, whereasSpring and fall are considered the best time to camp. I would suggest this campsite for all those who have camped couple of times, those who are planning to camp there the first time, you might need to over prepare yourself for trip. Do keep in mind that there is no electricity and drinking water at the campsite. Hot water shower is only restricted to primitive campsite which is 3 and 1/2 miles from the seaside camp. The water there I must warn is not treated so you might have to boil everytime beforeyou drink. This place my husband, my friend and all others who visited would agree with me, is one of the most beautiful campsites to visit and learn about an unique ecosystem; we would certainly encourage all those who would want to go there for a relaxing and wonderfull time... A 3-4 days trip would be ideal to see all of the Island.

Processing my thoughts

Well, its been a crazy few months since the time I got to know I was carrying twins! Time passed and now my little angles are almost 5 months old. Can't say this experience is as easy as it looks but I have learned to live my day as the events unfold. I have been as busy as a bee & it surprises me at the end of the day how I manage to stay so fresh mentally. The secret is to take it easy and go with the flow.

I'll be updating my thoughts every now and then, you can see what we are doing. I don't call myself super busy but yeah.. I have my share of moments when all I want to do is sit and finish the blog I started...;)