Savannah

Skidaway Island State Park November 18

Our journey continued with a rather short drive from Charleston SC to Skidaway Island, GA home of  Skidaway Island State Park near Savannah. Based on recommendations from several people and neighboring RVers, we used Hwy 17 until it blended with I95. Hwy 17, often passing under a canopy of Live Oaks, was a scenic, non-hectic yet 50 mph route to our next home. We had pleasant drive and arrived at SISP mid afternoon. The staff indicated which sites were available to pick from (a different approach from having a specific site assigned, here they reserve a type of site and you pick yours from the available ones at arrival). Until the 1970’s, Skidaway Island was only accessible by boat and at this time is rather natural. Wetlands, marshes, Spanish Mosh, Live Oaks, alligators, Herons, Civil War earthworks and moonshiner stills can be seen walking or biking the trails within the park.

Our Site - #44 very nice

Palmetto and Live Oaks abound

The staff at the park office suggested the trolley ride by Old Town as a good way to see Savannah and we took this advice and headed into the city. The GPS took us right into the historic area and soon we were riding the trolley and getting Savannah History 101. Sitting on a high bluff over the Savannah River, the city was founded in the 1730’s by James Oglethorpe as the center point of a new type of colony. Built according to a well laid out plan, Savannah survived the Revolutionary War, Civil War, fires and disease to offer a beautiful look at earlier times. Many houses, ornate with wrought iron gates and balcony railings, join numerous parks created at the founding at the city. 

many fine older homes can bee seen downtown - notice the  wrought iron railings -a sign of prosperity

Jones St, considered the prettiest street in America, was enjoyed by us when we took advantage of being able to hop off and on the trolley at designated points.

Jones St - one of the prettiest street in America!

In the midst of the historic area is the church where the  song "Jingle Bells" was composed in the 1850's.

interesting place for the  creation of an all time classic!

The water front, in spots untouched for many years, offers great views and many dining choices. We chose the Boar’s Head Grill and Tavern (a restored cotton warehouse on the river front) and enjoyed the lunch special.

many fun places to eat along the waterfront

Needing a Wifi fix (SISP doesn’t have it), we ventured over to Barnes and Noble the next day. There we enjoyed a hot beverage, did some downloads and a bit of shopping. Back at the campsite we enjoyed a walk later followed by some RV maintenance items and it was time to call it an evening. 

Tybee Island lies 28 miles away by car (or Jeep) and offers a restored Lighthouse and Lightkeepers’ cottages, nice beaches, museum and coastal artillery fort. The light house, standing over 190’ tall,  stands on a nicely restored campus the includes 3 Keeper’s cottages (the head keeper’s cottage would make a really cool house) and the first 60 or so feet of the tower stands on the original 1773 brick base. At the top, a 1st order Fresnel lens, 9 ft tall and 6ft in diameter, still operates to guide ships. 

Lightkeeper's station - since the late 1700's

Thanksgiving Day began with a steady rain, but the plans of the day revolved around watching the Macy’s Parade followed by the Purina dog show. That evening found us joining the crowds at Target. Our mission to get a 3ft artificial, pre-lit tree for the RV was successful and combined with the beach theme snow globe, Santa floormat and outdoor signs, we are now decorated for the holidays.

a little touch of the Holiday

Friday and Saturday were worked on the RV (which included a trip to Camping World to pick up two LED twin light fixtures for the main living area, replacing the  dimmer original units) , cleaning house, walking dogs, exploring more of the local area. 

Sunday we visited the nature center at SISP, and viewed their Giant Sloth, followed by walking the nature trails back to the campground.

SISP has over 4 miles of great trails

We wrapped up our last day by driving a few miles over to Wormsloe Historic Site. You may recognize the long driveway with the Live Oak tunnel from several Hollywood movies

Wormsloe Driveway , over 1/2 mile long - used in many movies

All said, Skidaway Island State Park is a very nice place to stay.

take care

Cooper and CJ