I guess it is catch up time. We are currently sitting at anchor in Colee Cove, Florida, just off the St. John's River. Actually we are enroute to Palatka, Florida to visit Ginny;s family. So, at the moment, we are not on the ICW. Prior to this, as you know, we were at Jekyll Island in Georgia. Since then we have spent a day & a half exploring Cumberland Island National Seashore Park. I have to tell you; if you can get there: go! It is great. 'Course you have to walk, or ride a balloon tired bike. Frankly, I'd rather walk. Anyway, after left Jekyll, we rumbled along to Bri
ckhill River just above the Plum Orchard docks. After a bit of set up hassle, and mechanical discussion with the powers by Honda, we got the taxi into the water and headed for the dock. For bit of understanding as to why we bought a crane to help with the setup, stand on your waterbed with a 50# weight that is 3' long and sharp on on
e end. Walk to the end of the bed and balance the weight, on edge, on either of the bed ends. try not to cut the bed. One other thing, you can only walk along the outside 8" of the bed. Enjoy!
ckhill River just above the Plum Orchard docks. After a bit of set up hassle, and mechanical discussion with the powers by Honda, we got the taxi into the water and headed for the dock. For bit of understanding as to why we bought a crane to help with the setup, stand on your waterbed with a 50# weight that is 3' long and sharp on on
e end. Walk to the end of the bed and balance the weight, on edge, on either of the bed ends. try not to cut the bed. One other thing, you can only walk along the outside 8" of the bed. Enjoy!A short bit of history on Plum Orchard; The mansion was given as a wedding gift from the mother to her son. Tough life, eh. Once we gawked our way around the mansion & its grounds, we took a short hike down the Duck House trail; sort of a "lets go see" thing. You just have to
love walking. The trails are gorgeous; "paved" with sand, mulch, or pine needles. Birds sing and flit in front of you in little bursts of color and motion. It is amazing. We moved Scooter that afternoon to a spot just above the ranger station on the lower portion of the Park. A quick taxi hop put us on the trail to the beaches and the dunes. Another visual blast .
love walking. The trails are gorgeous; "paved" with sand, mulch, or pine needles. Birds sing and flit in front of you in little bursts of color and motion. It is amazing. We moved Scooter that afternoon to a spot just above the ranger station on the lower portion of the Park. A quick taxi hop put us on the trail to the beaches and the dunes. Another visual blast .
Next morning found us up and on the trail to Dunegness; an amazing glimpse into a world that most of us can only imagine. Let me preface this by saying that the mansion that is picture herein was built as a winter home to be used 3 weeks per year! Also remember that in those days, getting to the island would involve a number of carriage rides, a train ride or two and a boat ride. Keep in mind the name Carnegie; perhaps that will help. 
The estate was 4000 acres when the "house" was built. When the family left for the season, it was watched over by a crew of servant/caretakers; about 125 of them. Unfortunately the property was also bothered by poachers. One of these hardy souls was subdued in a gunbattle, jailed and then released at a later date. Shortly thereafter the mansion & one of the yachts, burned. All that remains is the shell you see here. The little things are so fascinating; fresh water is quite plentiful on the island. Pumps were built to supply the buildings, Unfortunately they were noisy: solution: build a water tower, pump into it during the day & let gravity quietly supply water during the evening. Where have all the thinkers gone?
The estate was 4000 acres when the "house" was built. When the family left for the season, it was watched over by a crew of servant/caretakers; about 125 of them. Unfortunately the property was also bothered by poachers. One of these hardy souls was subdued in a gunbattle, jailed and then released at a later date. Shortly thereafter the mansion & one of the yachts, burned. All that remains is the shell you see here. The little things are so fascinating; fresh water is quite plentiful on the island. Pumps were built to supply the buildings, Unfortunately they were noisy: solution: build a water tower, pump into it during the day & let gravity quietly supply water during the evening. Where have all the thinkers gone?Next day Scooter entered Florida at Fernandina Beach, transition point for 2,000,000 pounds of shrimp from the ocean to the market each year. We elected to spend the evening tied to a mooring; did some shopping, ate salmon ala' sweet potato, got up took the taxi in for showers and now find ourselves on the St. John's River. Hope for an early Spring, stay warm, stay healthy, stay in touch, and enjoy!
No comments:
Post a Comment