Great Loop: Jekyll Island - Biked It, Liked It!

Jekyll Island Club

March 30^th – April 2^nd, 2022

This island is set up for biking.   All sights and attractions are connected by bike and walking paths, thoughtfully designed so it is easy to see the island while travelling on two wheels.  Exercise is the perfect antidote to sitting on the boat while in passage.  We find we crave movement when ashore.  Jekyll Island encourages exercise in a lovely environment 

Our passage to Jekyll was straightforward.  High tide occurred mid voyage, so we did not have any shallow water issues.  Early in the trip we passed King’s Bay Submarine Base.  This is a major facility for US Navy subs.   North of King’s Bay the ceiling started to lower, and we encountered intermittent fog as we wove our way through Saint Mary’s entrance.  

King's Bay Sub Base

Fortunately, our radar works well and kept us informed of traffic and buoy locations.  We avoided the shoals inside St. Mary's entrance and were delighted when the fog lifted sufficiently to see Cumberland Island on our starboard side.  Salt marshes separated us from the island and in the hazy conditions, with early morning light, gave the island an eerie diffused, monochromatic appearance.

Cumberland Island

Our destination appeared just north of Cumberland Island.  We docked at Jekyll Harbor Marina early in the day as we had departed Fernandina at sunrise to take advantage of light morning winds.  Two dock hands met us to help us tie up and get plugged into power.  We quickly unfolded our bikes and headed out to take advantage of almost a full arrival day.

Jekyll Island Marina

We were not disappointed.  As we crossed the ramp to shore, we were greeted with shade from the overhanging trees.  The trees were covered in long strands of Spanish moss blowing gently in the wind.  Adjacent to the marina office, a bike trail heads north towards the historic district.  Until the 1890’s, the island was a plantation that had been owned by successive generations of the same family since the late 1700’s.  

Jekyll Island Bike Trail

Beth on bridge across marsh lands

Perimeter Bike Trail

It was purchased, at the end of the 19^th century by rich east coast industrialists to create a pleasant location to escape cold northeast winters.  The names of those that build winter homes includes Rockefeller, Pulitzer, and J.P. Morgan.  During World War 2 the island was evacuated and post war it was purchased for use as a state park.  Many of the mansions have been preserved and the Jekyll Island club, a hotel, remains active and open for visitors.  It invokes the elegance of the gilded era and would be perfect for a special getaway.

Historic Mansion

Beth in the Historic District

Our path north from the marina led us down tree covered paths, across board walks bridging the shoreside wetlands, back into the trees and to the manicured lawns surrounding the Jekyll Beach Club and the surrounding mansions/cottages.  At this point our progressed slowed as we paused to read the history of each structure and the development of the island. 

Original Late 1700's Plantation House

Further north, the bike path led us to the remains original plantation homes from the 1700’s. As they were of masonry construction they survived to the present.  We continued north until we arrived at Driftwood Beach on the northern end of the island.  At this point we turned around and returned to the boat.

Beth on Driftwood Beach

For the next 36 hours we played cat and mouse with a strong weather front which brought high winds and the threat of rain.  The wind did assail us with gusts in excess of 30 knots.  The rain was another story.  On radar we could see bands of heavy rain headed our direction and passing either north or south of our location.  It was missing us completely. So we were able to again hop on the bikes and explore the southern end of the island.  

Beth and Mike enjoy the Beach

We found a secluded beach, on which we were the lone visitors across from a water tank on South Beachview Drive.  We would have loved to walk the beach, but the high wind was sandblasting our exposed legs, so we retreated to the protection of the trails through the woods.

While out, we stopped at “The Pantry”, inside the Jekyll Island Club, for coffee and a pastry.  The inside courtyard offered protection from the wind.  It was a peaceful spot to relax and refresh.

Mike enjoys a pastry and a coffee from the "Pantry"

Jekyll island is a stop at which 3 days can be enjoyed and would pass quickly.  The island is unique, with its history and ecosystem.  The islands stewards have done a terrific job maintaining its charm both in the wild and populated area.  It is a good location to recharge and enjoy the slower pace of southern coastal living.

Geriatric Jumps of Joy - We thought Jekyll Island was Great!

 

Berthing

• Marina: Jekyll Harbor Marina
• Services:  Fuel, Pump Out, Laundry, Showers, Restaurant, Water, WiFi
• Electrical: 30 and 50 amp
• Free Vehicle:  Golf cart available for trips to the nearby store

 

Trip Log