Ossabaw
Island is one of the best-preserved of Georgia's magnificent barrier islands.
With a total area of 26,000 acres, its many natural zones progressing from the
ocean include beaches, dunes, meadows, ponds, maritime forests and freshwater
and saltwater marshes.
The island was inhabited by Native Americans from as
early as 2200 B.C. to the 18th century and offers numerous archaeological sites
as well as slave cabins, a late 19th century prefab house and a grand 1920s
mansion in the midst of its undisturbed wildlife. Owned by the State of Georgia
and managed through a public-private partnership with the Ossabaw Island
Foundation, Ossabaw Island has been designated as a Heritage Preserve by the
state, with its use restricted to natural, scientific and cultural study,
research and education.
This year
Ossabaw Island had 365 recorded turtle nests--almost twice as many recorded during
the 2014 turtle season-- so spending two nights on the island to witness baby
loggerhead turtles emerge from their beachside nests and make their way to the
ocean was a no-brainer. Adventure called and I listened.
On August 7th, we departed Delegal Creek Marina on Skidaway Island. After a 30-minute boat ride across Ossabaw
Sound, we were met by Mark Frissell, Ossabaw Island's facilities
manager, who help with
baggage and escorted us to the Club House.
Elizabeth DuBose, executive director of the Ossabaw Island Foundation greeted
us and made us feel quite comfortable during social hour. The well-planned, delicious dinner was
prepared by Mark and Elizabeth.
Following dinner we enjoyed an island overview by John
"Crawfish" Crawford, a lifelong coastal ecology educator and
naturalist.
After an early
breakfast the next morning, the group ventured out on the back of two pickup
trucks for ride to Ossabaw Island's beach to watch and assist the turtle biologists
in their monitoring work and learn about the life cycle of the turtles from a
nest-side vantage point. Luck was on our
side, we observed hatchlings emerge and make their way to the Atlantic Ocean.
We then loaded
the trucks and headed to the south end of the island for a perfectly-planned picnic. After lunch, we were escorted to a
driftwood-lined beach for an hour of hiking, swimming and exploring. Before heading back to the Club House, we
were given a tour of the lush interior of the island.
Following a
shower and short nap, we feasted on a fabulous meal of Ossabaw Island barbeque. I must say, that pork was some of the most
delicious I've ever tasted. Needless to
say, I am looking forward to The Pig Roast in October.
The evening was
spent chatting with the biologists and among ourselves, forging friendships
and memories that will last a lifetime.
A very special
thank you to Elizabeth DuBose, Mark Frissell, John "Crawfish"
Crawford and Robin Gunn.
Posts
Thanks for the great sum up and photos, good memories!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Caroline! It was a pleasure meeting you. Hope to see you at The Pig Roast in October. :-)
DeleteIt may be that people who are interested enough in their health to bother with dietary supplements practice good health habits, make efforts to eat right, get plenty of rest and regular exercise and improve immune system reactions in that way. Instagram seamoss_valley
ReplyDelete