2011 finally outta here. We are enjoying an awesome day here, 73 degrees and the beach was amazing for our walk. We were also treated to an unusual event..3 dolphins or porpoises not sure which is native to this area, were "fishing" in the shallow water, by finding fish and then chasing them up on the beach, much like killer whales do when they chase seals.
The campground is overflowing with weekend visitors. The local hotels are also very crowded and add to that a Blues Festival in the historic district and it adds to very busy. There is a large campfire tonight for campers that includes live music that we are looking forward to.
We see that there is a storm over the great lakes that will work its way to New England this next week which is going to give us some temps overnight near freezing. Damn, time for levis and a jacket.
I hope you all have a great new years eve and a great year to follow.
Saturday, December 31, 2011
Saturday, December 24, 2011
Meet "Big Al" - Jekyll Island's own alligator & other residents
Took an afternoon hike to what was described as a bird rookery in the middle of the island. What we found was a small pond with dozens of birds that had come to roast for the evening. Although we had heard that the island did have resident alligators but did not expect to run into one. But we were very lucky and found "Big Al" sunning himself in the late afternoon sun. It was very exciting to see him as well as all the birds. Enjoy!
Friday, December 23, 2011
Searching for the Perfect Sand Dollar...
This is driftwood beach, a place where these trees once living and due to erosion over the years the saltwater gradually killed the trees and now it is the most erie looking "beachscape" you"ll ever see. The University of Georgia regularily has buses that bring in students to this beach for whatever they are studying. It isn't the best local beach for shell hunting but were are in the constant hunt for the perfect sand dollar. NJ has amassed quite a collection and is in the process of identifying them and catagorizing them.
Thursday, December 15, 2011
Ta Dah! Introducing...
The Portuguese Man o' War. So we were taking our daily walk on the beach to look for shells when
we notice all these blue things that look like small balloons with blue string-type things hanging from them. Of course we didn't have a clue what these were and decided to take some pictures to try and identify them. Didn't take long till our mystery was solved! They are Portuguese Man o' War and possess a nasty sting.
We had a strong nor'easter (yes, they have them down south too) over the weekend with really strong seas so it appears that is what blew them ashore. Interesting is the fact that they have a gas-filled bladder which can grow up to 12 inches wide - the ones we saw were only about 2 inches. These bladders can also deflate if threatened causing the whole thing to sink. The tentacles can reach a length of 165 feet and are used for "fishing" of small sea creatures for their diet.
This critter is responsible for up to 10,000 human stings in Australia each summer and can cause severe pain which can last 2-3 days. Although death is extremely rare but it can happen. Yipes!!!
Who would think that something so beautiful could be so deadly!
we notice all these blue things that look like small balloons with blue string-type things hanging from them. Of course we didn't have a clue what these were and decided to take some pictures to try and identify them. Didn't take long till our mystery was solved! They are Portuguese Man o' War and possess a nasty sting.
We had a strong nor'easter (yes, they have them down south too) over the weekend with really strong seas so it appears that is what blew them ashore. Interesting is the fact that they have a gas-filled bladder which can grow up to 12 inches wide - the ones we saw were only about 2 inches. These bladders can also deflate if threatened causing the whole thing to sink. The tentacles can reach a length of 165 feet and are used for "fishing" of small sea creatures for their diet.
This critter is responsible for up to 10,000 human stings in Australia each summer and can cause severe pain which can last 2-3 days. Although death is extremely rare but it can happen. Yipes!!!
Who would think that something so beautiful could be so deadly!
Saturday, December 10, 2011
The Saga of Missy & other stuff
Poor Missy!
About 2 weeks ago now, we went to the beach and when Missy jumped out of the truck she lost her footing and hit her chin on the ground and drove her upper canine into the lower canine and fractured both teeth vertically. Now we're off to the vet in Brunswick and are advised that both will have to be extracted so off to surgery she goes. She does very well and is released and then several days later we are smelling what seems to be rotten meat. We had been advised not to lift her lip as it delays healing but now we have to and are confronted with a huge hole that should be sutured. Back to the vet and she tells us that sometimes this happens and back into surgery she goes for a re-sew. She is back home so we'll see how it goes. Missy never does anything the easy way.
We are really enjoying this area. We are involved in winter guest activites. Tonight is the camp Christmas party at the golf club. I have been able to get involved with the local softball scene and have been working small tournaments on the weekend. Today was the last day for the year, then they take January off and start again in Feb. The talent isn't great but its not bad either.
Hope you all hve enjoyable holidays.
About 2 weeks ago now, we went to the beach and when Missy jumped out of the truck she lost her footing and hit her chin on the ground and drove her upper canine into the lower canine and fractured both teeth vertically. Now we're off to the vet in Brunswick and are advised that both will have to be extracted so off to surgery she goes. She does very well and is released and then several days later we are smelling what seems to be rotten meat. We had been advised not to lift her lip as it delays healing but now we have to and are confronted with a huge hole that should be sutured. Back to the vet and she tells us that sometimes this happens and back into surgery she goes for a re-sew. She is back home so we'll see how it goes. Missy never does anything the easy way.
We are really enjoying this area. We are involved in winter guest activites. Tonight is the camp Christmas party at the golf club. I have been able to get involved with the local softball scene and have been working small tournaments on the weekend. Today was the last day for the year, then they take January off and start again in Feb. The talent isn't great but its not bad either.
Hope you all hve enjoyable holidays.
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