Sapelo and Blackbeard
Islands Exploration
Staying at
the Reynolds Mansion
A
STORY ABOUT Paddling Sapelo and Blackbeard IslandS 2011
Sapelo
Island, at 16,500 acres, is the fourth largest barrier island
in the state of Georgia. According to the Georgia Department
of Natural Resources, Sapelo Island contains prime examples
of “every facet of a barrier island’s natural community, from
the forested uplands, to the vast salt marsh, and the complex
beach and dunes systems.” The fact that visitors can only reach
the island by boat and must be part of an organized tour or
guests of island residents has helped preserve the natural environment
in it’s pristine state.
Sapelo
Island is not only a protected natural environment. The island
also contains the tiny community of Hog Hammock, population
70. Most of the African American residents are part of the Gullah,
or Geechee community and can trace their roots directly to West
Africa. The Sapelo
Island National Estuarine Research Reserve is located on
the western perimeter of Sapelo, is dedicated to research, education,
stewardship, and sound management of coastal resources in Georgia.
Specifically, they focus on the natural, cultural, and historical
resources of Sapelo Island and the Duplin River estuary.
There is also the R.J. Reynolds Mansion, left from the final
private owners of the island, and one of the oldest lighthouses
on the east coast, relit in 1998 after 90 years
in
the dark.
Blackbeard
Island, named for the pirate Blackbeard who used the island
as a hideout, has its own fascinating history. Sold at auction
to the U.S. government in 1800, the island was used as a source
of Live Oak timber for ships and then became the South Atlantic
Quarantine Station in response to the yellow fever epidemic
of 1876. The only remaining building from the quarantine station
era is the brick crematory, used to cremate the bodies of yellow
fever victims. In 1924 the island was permanently established
as a national wildlife refuge.
Our base of operations
is the Reynolds Mansion
at the south end of Sapelo Island in the historical community
of Hog Hammock. After taking the ferry to the island we
will set up our base and prep ourselves for sea kayaking and
hiking explorations of Sapelo and Blackbeard Islands. Following
full days of adventure we will return to the luxury of the Reynolds
Mansion for dinner, fellowship and perhaps an evening walk on
the beaches. The Reynolds Mansion will embrace participants
in the old Southern charm and ambience of bygone days and allow
for restful sleep to recharge for another day of paddling and
hiking.
The
Sapelo and Blackbeard Island expedition offers participants
a unique opportunity to experience these islands and the surrounding
waters in a way that few others will ever know.
For
more information on this expedition call Headwaters Outfitters
at 828-877-3106 for reservations.
