Pine to Palmetto: Exploring the area

Steve's visit while we are in St. Simon's meant a lot to both Ron and I, but I have to admit, especially to Ron. After all, Steve has been Ron's friend since their high school years. They have managed to keep their friendship strong even though life circumstances have pulled them apart geographically. I have gotten to know Steve and his wife Maryann over the past 10 years and I can see why their friendship means so much to Ron. I am blessed by their friendship as well!
High on Ron's list of things to do with Steve was to spend a day on Jekyll Island. The weather forecast was consulted and the decision was made that Monday, February 29th, with it's promise of 70 degrees and sunshine would be perfect. Since the plan included riding bikes along the beautiful bike paths of Jekyll Island, I definitely opted to stay behind. I have never ridden a bike and have made a conscious decision not to take it up now. So Ron and Steve were off to an early start and crossed the beautiful Lanier bridge as they made the 30 minute trip to the island. It's a beautiful bridge that allows both car and boat traffic to flow without impeding each other.

Once on Jekyll the bikes were rented at the bike shop. The guys were very happy with the rate of $12.00 for four hours and with their wheels. Here is a picture of the bike path as they headed to St. Andrew's Beach.

Driftwood beach is also very popular, especially at low tide when more of the tree roots are exposed. This is a great shot from Driftwood beach looking across the channel to St. Simons and the lighthouse.

Besides bike rentals, you can also rent a horse (another thing I don't ride) and the guys happen to spot some riders at North Beach.

A nice way to spend the day but this is more of
what the guys had in mind after their bike ride.

Tuesday promised to be another beautiful day, so the three of us headed to St. Marys, eager to share one of our favorite spots with Steve. You may or may not know that Steve is a recreational boatman and has been sailing his own sailboat for umpteen (technical word LOL) years. Needless to say, he is always interested in looking at and enjoying the beauty of boats. Well we were all in for a surprise. The Peacemaker, a beautiful restored, three masted sailboat was docked at a pier in St. Marys. What a jackpot!

The Peacemaker

Here's one picture of the ship and me suggesting you can come aboard matey!

After lunch we spotted another fantastic two hulled boat being taken out of the water. It was nice to contrast the old style of the Peacemaker with the ultra modern turn of the Insetta. Here's a couple of pictures that Steve took while watching the owners bring the boat ashore. I know he would have loved to take a turn at the wheel of that baby on the St. Marys River.