Earlier Work

Biography

DayTripping
Little St. Simons Style

Only a stone’s throw from here lies a small island that most residents of the Golden Isles seem to be completely unaware of. Unaware, that is, that Little St. Simons Island is more than just a vacation spot for people who want to spend some time on a private island.

Yet, the island offers a chance to get away from it all, if only for a day, and to be pampered in the process. A day trip to the island includes:

• Boat transportation between St. Simons Island and Little St. Simons Island.
• A guided island tour and interpretive program led by an experienced naturalist.
• A lunch of Low-country specialties and constant access to those much-needed beverages.
• An afternoon on the beach, a seven-mile strand of undeveloped sand and surf.

Nick Van Lanen, naturalist supervisor on the island, said there are numerous opportunities for day trippers that will help them develop a deeper understanding and appreciation for the workings and wonders of nature. From guided interpretive programs to hiking and other activities, guests are encouraged to spend some time “out in the field.”

The guided interpretive programs are led by naturalists and are a wonderful way to not only explore the island but to learn about the ecology of a barrier island first-hand, as well as observe local wildlife.

Day Trippers are treated to one of the many interpretive programs that are scheduled daily. On most day trips, you will tour the island by truck, and if you prefer to explore the island rather than spend more time on the beach, hiking trails and bicycles are available. If you decide to come back some time, you can also tour the island by watercraft, horseback or a combination of any of the above methods.

“The programs are designed in such a way that guests are exposed to different aspects of the island’s natural history, Van Lanen said, “depending on the length of their stay.”

The interpretive programs tour many distinct ecosystems that are found on the island, including the hardwood maritime forest, wetlands, salt marsh and beach ecologies.

Among the possible tours are:
The North End Tour – this is the usual day trip tour; a driving tour with interpretive stops that explore the maritime forest ecosystem. Topics also discussed on this tour are the general geological development of the island and the subsequent processes of community succession. Guests also get a first-hand look at some of the island’s diverse wetland systems.

The South End Tour – a driving tour with interpretive stops that contrast the pine-dominated forest of the South End with the hardwood forest found on the North End. Salt marsh ecology is also examined.
 

The Old House/Indian Midden Tour – a tour that emphasizes the cultural history of the island, which dates from 700 - 1650 AD. This tour involves more hiking than the driving tours and examines two of the island’s most significant archaeological sites. Evidence, including shells and pottery shards, indicates the area was initially inhabited by descendants of the Guale Indian tribe.

The Beach Walk Tour – this tour looks more closely at the physical forces and specific processes that have shaped the island. It also gives guests the opportunity to learn about some of the creatures that inhabit the beach and the near-shore waters. There are 9.5 miles of unpaved roads and trails for hiking for those who seek to explore on foot.

Van Lanen highly recommended hiking because the slower pace permits closer observation and is an excellent way to see wildlife and explore the island. Between maps provided by the staff and trails and most road intersections that are marked with signs, you’ll have no trouble finding your way around the island.

A picnic served at the beach is the general meal on day trips although during inclement weather, guests might find themselves eating at the Lodge.

The afternoon can be spent on the pristine beach in relative privacy or in a continued exploration of the island.
Little St. Simons is also a birders’ paradise being on the Atlantic flyway and those interested in birds will find numerous species, including Red Knots, Wilson’s Plovers, American Oystercatchers, Piping Plovers, bald eagles, roseate spoonbills, painted buntings and many, many more.

Another type of wildlife often seen on the island is its fallow deer. When the white deer was hunted to extinction on the island, Philip Berolzheimer, the owner of the island, was said to have introduced European fallow deer (courtesy of the Bronx Zoo) to the island. With their palmated antlers and varying colors of white, fawn, spotted and chocolate brown, the deer roam the island freely.

And, naturally, the island is home to the coast’s native snakes and alligators, marsh rabbits and armadillos, among others.

There is more than enough to keep you entertained on the island from the time you arrive at about 10:45 a.m. until you depart at 4:30 p.m. So much so, that you will wish you were not only spending the night but the week. And, the best thing is, if you feel like doing nothing other than kicking back and reading or dozing, that’s all right, too. Day Trips range from $100 for one person to $75 for two or more.

For more information, call 638-7472 or visit online at www.LittleSaintSimonsIsland.com

In the same issue, Victoria also wrote an article on Saw Palmetto plants.