Gatorology

We skipped Georgia on the way up.  No reason, probably just excited to get to Maine and eat lobster (after lobster after lobster).  Doesn’t matter why, because we hit it on the way down.  We spent our time on Jekyll Island, on the Georgia coast, and I must say, it’s lovely.  Absolutely lovely.  I actually like it better than Amelia Island or Hilton Head Island.  It’s like their calm, quiet cousin, if tourist islands had cousins.  Put it on your list of coastal places to visit.  It’s small – there is not a lot to it.  A few shops, a few restaurants, miles of beaches, a river, a forest.  Golf.  Beautiful birds.  Sea turtles.  One main road that circles the whole island, with a few other streets in between.  Bike paths everywhere.  Spanish Moss hangs off everything (which is neither Spanish nor a moss!). And, of course, alligators.  But don’t let the alligators worry you, I believe Jekyll only has one instance of an attack!  Just one instance.  Only one.  No need to worry.  Seriously, though, come visit Jekyll Island, GA.  It’s lovely!

Know what else is cool about Jekyll Island?  It was a winter playground for the rich & famous during the Gilded Age.  I had no idea!  Roosevelt’s, Astor’s, Morgan’s, Rockefeller’s, they all came here for some warm winter weather.  They bought the whole island. They started a private club.  They built “cottages” when they outgrew the club. The club and some cottages still exist and are open as hotels, shops, galleries or for tours.  Oh, to be filthy rich…..

I took a Gatorology class while we were here.  I think it’s a made-up word, but you get the idea!  I got to touch a baby gator.   There are no pictures of the actual “touching” event, but I promise you it happened.  She was soooo cute, and soooo tiny!  She felt like a snake.    Now I know what to expect, should I have to touch one again during a life or death battle.  Go for the eyes, the gator expert said (yes, I really did ask that question!).   If we’re looking to relocate in “warm weather, near water”, I must figure out how to co-exist with gators….and probably look into some land activities, in big fields, far away from water. 

We’re on the road today.  Next stop, Florida!  We expect to be there until early March, and back in Tucson by April.  It’s going to be a nice break.   We’re looking forward to “just living” – very little touristing.  The beach.  Pickleball.  Golf.  Fishing.  Maybe even go to a movie!  Friends & family are there too, so that is always wonderful.  If you live in the snow belt, you are always welcome to join us in sunny, warm Florida!  I’ll keep the blogs coming during our winter sabbatical….