My day began with this and plenty of coffee. BJ’s is the best!

It included a quick stop to buy sunflowers for a party with friends.

Then there was dinner and time to talk and play with paper dolls.

We celebrated with Rebecca and Albert and Johanna.

And here is how we ended the day. Pretty perfect. Thank You, God.

I finally found the small falls at Black Mountain State Park. They are located near the entrance to the camping area and at the end of a short (.25) trail. But the pathway is very steep and involves some narrow steps. It was worth the walk but when the brochure and map say, “steep,” they means steep! The trail features lichen-covered rocks, ferns, wildflowers, rhododendron, and hardwoods. Cocoa give this hike three paws. Though it was beautiful, it was steep and short. She enjoys at least a mile walk so she can spend time sniffing and checking out areas where wild creatures live.

Here’s a photo of the large ferns found in the northeast Georgia mountains as they are just opening up.

Can you believe this cow’s ears? He heard Chipley’s whinny little voice pleading for him to draw closer. He (the cow) almost freaked out. Chipley is my little cowboy dog. He absolutely loves cows. I don’t know where this passion came from. He was born in the city but all I know is that he is cow crazy!!

Finally, the cow had had enough of our giggles and laughter, and stuck his tongue out at us!!

What is the song that goes with this photo? . . . (Yes, D, got it right!)

Sailing . . . takes me away to where I’ve always heard it could be

Just a dream and the wind to carry me and soon I will be free.

There is something about Spanish moss that just rings true of the deep south—southern Georgia and northern Florida for sure. Here’s a captured moment for all my northern and even my England viewers. A couple of scenes from the very deep south and yes, that is definitely “Gone with The Wind” southern moss in the trees. I’ll see if I have another one. (smile)

I’m still amazed by the deep blue sky on Cumberland. Here are a couple of very old chimneys left over from when the “Carnegies” lived on the island and actually owned most of it.

Here’s all that is left of one of the cars that a past millionaire once drove on Cumberland Island. There were several of these lined up and abandoned to the elements of time, wind, and weather. They had been cast away, forgotten and left for the public to gaze at and wonder who once drove them around this vast and wild island. As we approached the place where they had been parked years upon years ago, none of us said a word, but we were thinking the same thing. Later as we prepared to board the boat that would take us back to St. Mary’s, we talked about what we had seen. Even the greatest wealth in the entire world was no safety net against death. The extravagance that was brought to this tiny island could not change life’s ultimate conclusion. The things we value so greatly here will not go with us. They will be left behind to rust, rot, and waste away. With that in mind, I have to wonder why we place so much emphasis on “things” . . . on titles and on positions we believe might make us “something more”? With each day, I’m being reminded of the things that really matter—the things that will go with us into eternity—the care of a loved one and most of all the love of a merciful God, who only has His very best for us.

Here are a few final shots taken on the way back to the boat at Cumberland. Being on the island is truly a once in a lifetime experience. But the fun thing is this: it doesn’t have to be that way. If you live close enough, it can be enjoyed over and over again. Call for reservations. The Park Service only allows a certain number of people on the island each day. Overnight camping and backpacking are allowed in certain areas. For the most part, the facilities are primitive (There’s no Coca Cola on the island, no machines and certainly no vendors.) Bathroom facilities are few and far between but well maintained. What you pack in, you must pack out. Still it is a very worth-while trip even for families with small children. Plus, I saw lots of older people hiking on the island this time. The best thing to do is bring sunscreen, bug and tick spray (a must), a camera, and enjoy all you see and do.

There are several pathways like this on the island. Maps are given out at the visitor’s center and are easy to follow. Most people do not get lost—I don’t think. These sun-speckled routes (like the one above) were cut through maritime forests by early owners, who were made up of some of America’s wealthiest families.

The Park Service continues to prevent the ruins at Dungeness from falling in or completely being over grown by vines. However, the nearby recreation house that once contained an indoor swimming pool and racket ball court has collasped. When I first visited the island in the ’80′s, it was still standing but barely. Long time residents continue to recommend Cumberland Island: A History as a must have book on the island’s history.

I thought I would post a couple of the seagull photos I took while on Cumberland Island. While we were there, the sky was cloudless and a deep Indigo blue. I knew that when I looked at my photos everything would be blue, blue, blue. A friend with me suggested that I use a photoshop action that would add clouds to the sky. That could be fun at some point, but I thought I would just give you the Cumberland sky—uncut and unedited.

These little guys were sitting on the dock when we left the island. They both seemed quite content to pose for my camera. I wondered if they were friends. C. S. Lewis wrote, “Friendship is born at the moment when one person says to another: What! You too? I thought I was the only one.” I also found it interesting that one of them brought the other a gift. Notice the small, colorful object in the center.