Camping on Cumberland Island

Time for a new adventure!  Well, somewhat new.  A few weeks ago some friends and I finally did what we had been planning for a year, we went camping.  We decided to camp in the beautiful campgrounds on Cumberland Island in St. Marys, Georgia.  The biggest draw of this place, at least for me, was the wild horses.  However to others, the beauty of the place is the main draw.

We set out on a glorious Saturday morning to arrive in time for the ferry that carries campers from St. Marys to the island (costs around $17.00 a person.  The actual camping is $4.00 a person).  Once we had unloaded the luggage into buggies, we headed into the welcome center for a short introduction on the campgrounds.  Next we were off, walking through the lovely wooded landscape, covered by tall trees with snaking branches, dripping in moss.

We were assigned to the Sea Camp grounds, campsite 13, which in my opinion is the best site. Located closest to the ocean with a hidden walkway up to the dunes, we were all amazed by this place.  Who knew this hidden treasure was so close to Florida???  And for those who are worried, the campsite was located right next to bathrooms!  Perfect :)



We took a tour of the island which included seeing the old ruins of the Carnegie house, a walk along the beach, many encounters with horses, and even seeing a navy submarine pop up out of the inlet!


We then feasted on some chicken and smores, made over the campfire.  The rest of the night was spent climbing trees and sitting on the beach.


I was woken up bright and early by a neighing horse, not that I minded.  Since I was up early I was able to see the sunrise over the ocean!  We then packed up our tents and walked back to the welcome center to await the arrival of the ferry that would take us back to shore.



This is just a short re-cap of this amazing adventure, but I suggest everyone visits this place at some point.  Whether it be to visit for the day or to pack some hot dogs and smores and stay for the night!  Just make sure to reserve early because the Sea Camp grounds do fill up (and the other ground you will need to hike to!)

Sunrise on the beach

Walkway leading from the campgrounds to the beach

Wild horse at the campsite

Wild horse grazing by the dock

Jillian, Sierra, Dan and Jesse sitting at the welcome center waiting for the ferry

Chris and I with our tent

Sitting around the campfire

The hidden walkway (going from the dunes to the campsite)

The hidden walkway (looking up towards the dunes from the campsite)

wonderful trees!

The whole crew!

Chris and Jesse climbing the trees

ruins

Finally!

So I FINALLY came up with a good topic for my blog after trying for 6 months!  Every week (well as much as I can afford on my limited budget) I am going to go on a new adventure and write a blog about my experiences.  Through this, I can get my out-of-practice writing skills whipped back into shape, while at the same time letting you all in on some fun stuff to do around town!  I must mentioned that I was influenced by Amanda Tew and her Foodie Adventures blog, which is amazing!  Check it out! 

My first adventure actually happened a couple weekends ago, but I will use it as a starter.  For the first time ever, I shot a gun.  And it was awesome.  By now everyone knows about my love for the show NCIS.  Apparently I have watched too much of it and got it in my head that I wanted to have the chance to be a special agent for a day.  This was the closest I could come.  So a couple of Sundays ago, Chris and I headed to the Gun Gallery located on Beach Blvd. 

I was a little skeptical when I first pulled up (see link!).  I was thinking I was about to meet some very interesting people, and not in a good way.  However, the people that work there are super, super nice!  One guy spent about an hour showing Chris and I how to hold, load, aim, and shoot the gun.  This was just what I needed because I was pretty nervous about holding a loaded weapon.  We shot a GLOCK (which to me looked close enough to a special agent gun to feel like the real deal).  It was pretty hot and really loud in the shooting range but it was a ton of fun!  I am definitely recommending this as a life experience.  Both Chris and I left the store happily holding our target, which had many badly aimed shots in it.  And I, for the day, was Special Agent Gibbs.  Or perhaps Special Agent David.  I can't decide.... =)