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Kayaking Among the Tidal Waters and Nearby Rivers of St. Simons Island

Program Number: 2182RJ
Start and End Dates:
3/17/2013 - 3/22/2013; 9/22/2013 - 9/27/2013;
Duration: 5 nights
Location: St. Simons Island, Georgia
Price starting at: $950.00 - Price may vary based on date, departure city
Program Type: Water Sports Activity Level: t (see description)
Meals: 14; 5 Breakfasts, 4 Lunches, 5 Dinners    
Meal Options: Vegetarian    

With nature’s great outdoors as your classroom, learn about history and ecology in this kayaking adventure in which flat-water paddling keeps an opportune eye tuned to the tides and winds. Kayak through beautiful creeks in historic Bloody Marsh and to the fabulous birding beach on the south end of Sea Island. As you paddle through the island's saltwater marshlands, making your way up small rivers and tidal creeks, keep your binoculars ready for seasonal birds.




Highlights

• Take to the waters of one of Georgia’s most pristine rivers, the Satilla, with moss-draped live oaks forming a spectacular canopy.
• Explore Cathead Creek, a 15-mile tributary of the Altamaha River, characterized by narrow rice canals and cypress swamps.
• Paddle across St. Simons Sound to Jekyll Island and rest on the “boneyard” beach.



Activity Particulars

Kayaking up to four hours per day.



Coordinated by Center for Educational Adventure.




St. Simons Island

Pristine waters and white sandy beaches make St. Simons Island a popular destination. Part of the Golden Isles, the landscape’s moss-draped oaks, shady lanes and creek-fed pockets of marsh create a thriving habitat for birds, turtles, armadillos and deer.
Accommodations
Comfortable hotel with swimming pool, convenient to St. Simons Island attractions.
Meals and Lodgings
   Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort
  St. Simons Island, GA 5 nights
 Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort
Type: Hotel
  Description: The hotel is centrally located on St. Simons Island and close to everything the Golden Isles have to offer: the finest beaches and golf courses, restaurants, historical sites, water sports and shopping. Your resort hotel has an outdoor pool, rooms that overlook the golf course or tidal marshlands, and all of this in the surrounds of giant live oak trees. Each guest room has a small refrigerator and sink. The deluxe rooms are some of the largest standard guest rooms in the Golden Isles. With breathtaking views from a screened porch or sunroom overlooking the marsh or golf course, the recently renovated rooms offer two double beds, a large bathroom with double sink vanity, a refrigerator, coffee maker and a wet bar.
  Contact info: 5445 Frederica Rd
St. Simons Island, GA 31522 USA
phone: 912-638-3351 xor18008416268
web: www.seapalms.com
  Room amenities: Coffee maker Complimentary Internet Access-Wireless Iron and Ironing Board Kitchenette in select rooms Dinner/Cookware Private Deck/Balcony in select rooms Refrigerator Rollaway Beds Workspace Non-Smoking Rooms Voicemail Wake-Up Calls
  Facility amenities: Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort offers 27 holes of golf on three newly renovated courses. Enjoy spectacular views of the marsh while placing challenging shots over lagoons and beneath the majestic live oaks. Two pristine swimming pools, both with children’s wading areas, are located on the property. One is adjacent to the guest rooms and restaurant and the other is at the tennis and fitness center facility. Enjoy the tiki bar located beside the pool and the Putters Room and bar. For fitness enthusiasts, we are pleased to announce the opening of a new fitness facility as part of the existing tennis and fitness center. State of the art resistance and aerobic equipment will help keep you in shape while on vacation or attending a conference. Bicycles may be rented for full- and half-days at the Golf Pro shop. Biking is the perfect way to experience the beauty of St. Simons Island to its fullest. All guests of Sea Palms Golf & Tennis Resort may enjoy unlimited access to the St. Simons Beach Club, located right on the Atlantic Ocean and just a four mile drive from the resort.
  Smoking allowed: No
  Elevators available: Yes
  Additional nights prior: Call for seasonal rate. Participants arriving early or staying late need to call the hotel and make arrangements. 912-638-3351 or 1-800-841-6268
  Check in time: 4:00 PM
  Additional nights after: Call for seasonal rate. Participants arriving early or staying late need to call the hotel and make arrangements. 912-638-3351 or 1-800-841-6268
  Check out time: 11:00 AM


Travel Details
  Start of Program:
Program begins with hotel check-in at 4 followed by orientation at 5 pm and dinner afterwards. You will be staying at Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort that night.
  End of Program:
Program ends after the morning presentation around 10:30 - 11 am. You will be staying at Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort the night before.
  Required documents:
The Road Scholar Health & Safety Form is required. You are required to sign a waiver of liability form provided by the kayak outfitter providing the trips. This waiver will be sent to you ahead of time and you must return it in advance of the program in order to participate.
  Parking availability:
Parking is free at hotel for duration of program.
Transportation
To Start of Program
  Location:  St. Simons Island, GA
  Nearest city or town:  Brunswick, GA
  Nearest highway: I-95
  Nearest airport:  Glynn County Airport at Brunswick, GA
  From End of Program
  Location: St. Simons Island, GA
    (Additional transportation information same as above)
Travel Details
 

Savannah, GA

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
A2B Transport
phone: 912-223-3271
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$100 for one person and $5.00 for each additional person
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hour 35 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

85 miles
   

Advanced reservations required. They accept all major credit cards. There is a $5.00 fee for credit card use.
 

Jacksonville, FL to St. Simons Island, GA

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
Advantage Limo - one of several
phone: 912-399-5833
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$75.00 for one person, $10.00 for each additional person
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 1/2 
 

Distance:

 

70 miles
   

The easiest way to get to St. Simons Island is to fly to Atlanta, GA and then take the commuter plane to Brunswick, GA, which is 17 miles from program site. You will have to change planes in Atlanta. Shuttle service from Brunswick airport to program site on St. Simons arranged by reservation. Advantage Limo 912-399-5833; Island Transport 912-634-0113; MAX Transport 912-634-7749; Island Premier 912-266-7450. Flying in to Jacksonville, use the same numbers above for shuttle service.
 

Brunswick, GA

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
A2B Transport
phone: 912-223-3271
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$30.00 for one person and $5.00 for each additional person with a max up to $50.00
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

20 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

10 miles
   

Advanced reservations required. They accept all major credit cards. There is a $5.00 fee for credit card use.
 

Jacksonville, FL

 

From Airport

 
 

Service:

 

Commercial Van/Shuttle
A2B Transport
phone: 912-223-3271
Advanced Reservations Required

 

Per Person/One Way:

 

$90.00 for one person and $5.00 for each additional person
Prices are subject to change.
 

Travel Time:

 

1 hour 25 minutes 
 

Distance:

 

77 miles
   

They require advanced reservations and accept all major credit cards. There is a $5.00 fee for credit card use.
 
Driving Directions
  From Atlanta, GA to Sea Palms Resort On St. Simons Island, GA DIRECTIONS TO SEA PALMS FROM ATLANTA, GA I-75 South to Macon - I-16 East to Savannah - 1-95 South to Georgia Exit #38 - Turn left off ramp onto Georgia Spur 25 - Spur 25 will merge with US Hwy 17 South after eight traffic signals - Follow US Hwy 17 South to third traffic signal and turn left onto the St. Simons Island (Torras) Causeway - Arriving on the island, bear left at the round-a-bout, onto Sea Island Road. - Proceed approximately 2.5 miles to the traffic signal and turn left, (Frederica Road) - Sea Palms Guest Registration building is 1.5 miles on the left - Clubhouse and Conference Center are across the street on Windward Drive
  From Brunswick Airport to Sea Palms Resort DRIVING DIRECTIONS FROM BRUNSWICK AIRPORT TO SEA PALMS When leaving the airport turn left on to Jetport Road. At the end of the road take a right on to US. Hwy. 17, heading south. Stay on Hwy. 17 for approximately 5 or 6 miles. Once you pass the Hercules (Pulp mill on the right) you will take a left on to the St. Simons Island causeway. The Causesway to St. Simons Island is approximately 4 miles long. As soon as you get on the island get in the left lane because you will take a left at the first traffic light. You will be turning onto Sea Island Road. Proceed on this road a couple miles then at the next traffic light, turn left onto Frederica Road. Approximately 2 miles on your left will be the Sea Palms Golf & Tennis Resort Registration building.
  From Jacksonville, FL to Sea Palms Resort on St. Simons Island, GA I-95 North to Sea Palms Resort on St. Simons Island, GA - Turn right off ramp to US Hwy 17 North - Proceed approximately ten miles to the St. Simons Island (Torras) Causeway - Turn right onto causeway - Arriving on the island, bear left at the round-a-bout, onto Sea Island Road. - Proceed approximately 2.5 miles to the traffic signal and turn left, (Frederica Road) - Sea Palms Guest Registration building is 1.5 miles on the left - Clubhouse and Conference Center are across the street on Windward Drive
Equipment Requirements: Binoculars are good for birding. May bring own kayaks but not required. We use Southeast Adventure as our outfitter.
The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.


Daily Schedule

Day 1: Registration and Orientation/Kayaking Information
(Sunday, March 17)
   
 Afternoon: Held at 5:00 PM in Conference Center of hotel followed by a wine and cheese social time.
 Dinner: Dinner and Orientation will follow the registration. Catered meals at hotel.
 Evening: Introduction and information about the rivers we will be kayaking will be given by Southeaster Adventures, the outfitter. Safety instructions will be presented as well.
   
Accommodations: Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort
Meals Included: Dinner

Day 2: Kayaking Cathead Creek/Coastal Ecology Marshes And Beaches/Barrier Island Dynamics
(Monday, March 18)
   
 Breakfast: Continental breakfast served in the lobby area.
 Morning: We will kayak Cathead Creek. Cathead Creek is a 15 mile tributary of the Altamaha River and flows from the wild and woolly Buffalo Swamp - emptying into the Darien River right near the waterfront community of Darien. It is an intimate setting for exploring the rich waters of the Altamaha delta and it’s inhabitants.This tributary of the Altamaha River gives one a sense of the majesty of this mighty river’s floodplain. Narrow rice canals and cypress swamps characterize this trip. This is an easy way to see this unique ecosystem. This trip is approximately 5 hours.
 Lunch: Lunch will be at a local restaurant following the Cathead Creek trip.
 Afternoon: Explore the islands untamed natural areas - the salt marsh, the sandy beach, and the maritime forest -all abundant with indigenous critters, plants and trees for you to discover. With a naturalist as your guide, you will visit the salt marsh and discover its wonders.
 Dinner: Catered dinner at hotel.
 Evening: Ecology of the barrier islands will be presented by a naturalist. You will learn about the importance of the barrier islands and the ecosystem of the barrier islands.
   
Accommodations: Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 3: Kayaking/St. Simons to Jekyll Island to Brunswick/Underneath The Water
(Tuesday, March 19)
   
 Breakfast: Located in lobby area.
 Morning: We will meet on the beach in front of the lighthouse on St Simons @ 8:30 a.m. for a paddle across the St Simons Sound over to Jekyll Island, and then over to Brunswick - through the beautiful marshes of Glynn. Paddle across St. Simons Sound to Jekyll Island and take a break on Jekyll’s beautiful north end “boneyard” beach. We’ll catch the tide through the “Marshes of Glynn” arriving at our Brunswick Store. About 4 hours. This trip has some lovely open water scenery as well as some salt marsh experience . There will be a break for lunch at Spanky's or a box on the dock. We will do a nice paddle exploring intimate freshwater White Oak Creek, just south of Brunswick. This trip is a meander up various little finger creeks - lots to explore. We will meet at the boat ramp on Hwy 17 for White Oak Creek at 3pm. This is a full day of fun and activity.
 Lunch: Lunch will be in Brunswick at the pull in dock at Spanky's.
 Afternoon: Free afternoon to explore on your own or with newfound friends. More kayaking is available on your own if you desire....set up with Southeast Adventures.
 Dinner: Catered dinner at hotel.
 Evening: A visual presentation called "Underneath the Water" by a naturalist is an exciting account that will surprise you and entertain you after a day of paddling.
   
Accommodations: Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 4: Kayak Satilla River/Lunch Satilla Lodge/Afternoon Satilla Kayak
(Wednesday, March 20)
   
 Breakfast: Located in lobby area.
 Morning: Satilla River: This is a kayaking trip down the beautiful Satilla River with moss draped live oaks that form a canapy over parts of the river. Naturalists will point out flora and fauna, as well as a brief history of the area. You will cruise the beautiful blackwaters of one of Georgia’s most pristine rivers, the Satilla. Cypress trees and wildlife abound. The beautiful Satilla River flows through Coffee, Ware, Pierce, Brantley and Glynn Counties in Georgia on a winding course to the Atlantic Ocean. Beach-white sandbars, brilliant fall leaf colors, and a variety of animal and plant life create a photographer's dream. The Satilla ecosystem supports wildlife including deer, otter, beaver, raccoons, opossums, bobcats, turtles, alligators, snakes and many birds such as the belted kingfisher, barred owl, great horned owl, and the red tail hawk.
 Lunch: Lunch at the Satilla Lodge located on the beautiful Satilla River.
 Afternoon: Continuation of Satilla River kayak trip.
 Dinner: Catered dinner at hotel.
 Evening: Presentation TBA
   
Accommodations: Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 5: Low Tide Salt Marsh Paddle at Bloody Marsh /Christ Church And Ft. Frederica/Social and Farewells
(Thursday, March 21)
   
 Breakfast: Continental breakfast in lobby of hotel
 Morning: Meet at 11th street on St Simons @ 1:30pm for the Bloody Marsh trip - about 3 hours. The origin of the name came from the marsh supposedly "running red with the blood of Spaniards" in 1742.
 Lunch: Enjoy lunch at the hotel or on the kayak trip..
 Afternoon: Visit Christ Church and Fort Frederica, two historical spots that you don't want to miss when you come to St. Simon's Island. An expert guide will be your leader as you walk where Spaniards tread and many battles were fought.
 Dinner: Catered meal at hotel....usually a low country boil. Social in hotel lobby.
 Evening: Time to share stories of the fun week together.
   
Accommodations: Sea Palms Golf and Tennis Resort
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Day 6: Lecture and Wrap-up/Check-out
(Friday, March 22)
   
 Breakfast: Located in lobby area.
 Morning: A reptiles course will be presented by Driftwood Education Center. Experience or "not" the touch of various reptiles found locally. This is a favorite class.
 Lunch: Program departure time is 10:30.
   
Meals Included: Breakfast
Important information about your itinerary: Every effort has been made to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information featured on this website. Itineraries are based on our best information at this time. Circumstances beyond our control may require us to adjust itineraries or other details. We regret any inconvenience this may cause and appreciate your understanding. Information will be sent to you from your Program Provider approximately three weeks prior to the program start date. The prices listed for commercial services and facilities that are not included in the program cost, such as airport shuttles or extra nights lodging, are subject to change without notice. Since Road Scholar cannot guarantee the accuracy of these prices, we strongly suggest contacting the companies directly for the most up-to-date information.

Suggested Reading List


Dr. Bullie's Notes


Author: James Holmes


Drums and Shadows: Survival Studies among the Georgia Coastal Negroes


Author: Georgia Writers' Project


Freedom's Shore: Tunis Campbell and the Georgia Freedmen


Author: Russell Duncan


Georgia Trilogy


Author: Eugenia Price


God, Dr. Buzzard, and the Bolito Man


Author: Cornelia Walker Bailey


Journal of a Residence on a Georgian Plantation in 1838-1839


Author: Frances Anne Kemble


Lamb in His Bosom


Author: Caroline Miller


Major Butler's Legacy


Author: Malcolm Bell


Rice Gold: James Hamilton Couper and Plantation Life on the Georgia Coast


Author: James E. Bagwell


Sapelo's People: A Long Walk into Freedom


Author: William S. McFeely


Sapelo: A History


Author: Buddy Sullivan


Sarah Morgan: The Civil War Diary Of A Southern Woman


Author: Charles East


St. Simons Trilogy


Author: Eugenia Price


Ten Years on a Georgia Plantation Since the War


Author: Frances Butler Leigh


The John Couper Family at Cannon's Point


Author: T. Reed Ferguson


The story of the Page-King Family of Retreat Plantation, St. Simons Island and of the Golden Isles of Georgia


Author: Florence Marye




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