Friday, May 23, 2008
We left Fernandina Beach at 9:00 AM., an hour earlier than our scheduled departure due to the weather forecast of heavy rains this afternoon. Winds SW 5-10 changing to 10 - 15 and the seas 1-2. Besides the chance of rain, it is another great boating day for traveling on the outside. Around 11:00 Am the rain started moving in on us. The winds picked up, but Captain Kevin held the course. We arrived at Golden Isles Marina at PM.
St. Simons Island is the largest of Georgia's Sea Islands. St. Simons is steeped in history. In 1736 General James Oglethorpe established Georgia's first military outpost at Fort Fredrica, which is now a national monument. During the Revolutionary War, the island's oak trees were milled locally and used in war ships, including the USS Constitution, "Old Ironsides." During the 19th century, dozens of antebellum plantations were constructed on the island. The highlight of historic St. Simons Island is Christ Church and Cemetery. Still in use the church dates back to 1883. Methodist church founders John and Charles Wesley held the first services under the oak trees in 1736. Today St. Simons Island is a popular tourist destination. Golf and tennis are replacing beachcombing. The Village Pier section of town showcases St. Simons Island's friendly, laid back, small town atmosphere. Neptune Park, between the fishing pier and the lighthouse, is a relaxing spot to walk, picnic or sit in the shade and people watch. In the Village Pier area there are a concentration of tourist oriented shops and restaurants, but no grocery or drug store. Dining choices range from ice-cream to full-service dining. 
Debbie waiting to go to diner in the marina's loaner car
We took the car into town and had dinner at a wonderful restaurant, Halyards. (http://www.halyardsrestaurant.com/) Our plans for tomorrow are to leave prior to 7:00 AM, for an early start to Hilton Head, South Carolina.
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