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Fort Frederica N.M.

Fort Frederica National Monument is located on St. Simons Island just east of Brunswick, GA. The Fort, and the townsite of the same name, are the remains of what once was a British Settlement in 1736. There are remnants of the foundations of what once were 2 and 3 story buildings. The foundations, mainly constructed of Tabby, which is a mixture of lime, sand and oyster shells are still present and outline the boundaries of the site.

The Fort was constructed to defend against the Spanish who had a fort located in northern Florida near Jacksonville. The only battle fought near Frederica was the Battle of Bloody Marsh. In 1742 the Spanish sailed north to attack the British and Scottish colonies in Georgia. In July about 200 Spaniards marched on James Oglethorpe's garrison and were routed in what was described as a fierce attack. The marshes ran red with blood, hence the name, The Battle of Bloody Marsh.

Today the site is a serene reminder of what was once hostile. The stately trees and mowed grass compliment the Frederica River on which they sit.

Savannah

A drive down the Georgia coast wouldn't be complete without a city tour of Savannah. We took the trolley on a bright sunshiny morning that the temperature was just a little chilly. It warmed quickly and the open air tour was very comfortable.

Most of the first half of the tour was through the Ante-bellum homes in the historic district, and the remainder was through the downtown and River Street. We stayed on the trolley for the whole tour, getting off only for lunch in the Market area.

We went back to the car to return to some of the spots seen on the tour. We went to see the "Washington Guns" which were 2 cannons, one British and one Spanish, which were given to the Chatham Militia after Washington's post-Presidential election visit. We were also in the area of The Waving Girl Monument. A statue honoring a girl who met every ship that passed on the river for 45 years, by waving to them.

The Olympic Monument is also in the immediate area. Put there to commemorate the only event that was held there in 1996. Olympic Yachting. Yachting being the only event more exciting than "Grass Growing."

Flea "Fix"

While sitting at the King George RV Resort on the FL/GA border, we decided we had to visit a Flea Market. Sharon found one in Florida in a Jacksonsville newspaper so we headed out the next morning. On the way there we drove past another Flea Market at Pecan Park just as we crossed over the border. As we drove by we figured that the one in Jacksonville would be better because it was in a much more populated area. Nothing could have been further from the truth.

It took us exactly an hour to get through the gigantic rummage sale that the J-ville market was. We didn't find any new merchandise on any of the shelves. But the stuff that was magically hanging from the ceiling and walls was something to see.

We were on a mission to get to Pecan Park now, as the withdrawal symptoms began surfacing. But soon we had been "fixed" as the new location was just what we were looking for. We stayed and walked through the whole thing as "Mall Walker's Back" plagued both of us.

If anyone asks us why were going to Arizona this winter, we can honestly say that we spent the Fall in Florida. (All 3 hours)

Cumberland Island N.S.

Cumberland Island National Seashore was a day trip with a ride on a ferry and a lot of walking. We thoroughly enjoyed the day except for the tremendous wind in our faces as we walked up the beach for 1.5 miles. It was an excellent place to pick shells for the G-kids.

The Island itself was once almost entirely owned by Thomas Carnegie of the steel family fame. He bought it as a gift for his wife and then died before the house was built. She however, remained on the island for many years raising her 9 children, later providing property rights for them in her will. There are several families with extended ownership rights reaching all through their grandchildren's children.

Cotton Picker

Breaking the law is an ugly thing. It gets uglier when Sharon does it. So when I was ordered to "pull over so I can get some cotton pods for Nicole," I had no idea the whole plant would be murdered by this woman. I never suspected it was against the law until later, but the law is the law, and I feel absolutely terrible about being an accomplice to this whole sordid affair.