journey to the sea - atlanta to tybee

there is something refreshing about driving four hours alone with your thoughts, i was also able to listen to some radio programs that i normally miss as i'm usually not in the car on sunday mornings.  one program i love is "american voices" on npr.  it reminds me of my dream project - to drive around the country backroads talking and interviewing people and taking their photographs.  since i can't do that - this program at least allows me to listen to some versions of those stories.

driving through savannah and out to tybee got my blood stirring.  the live oaks are gracefully draped with spanish moss.  like elegant senoritas, they caress the air with their fans of gray silk.  as you drive closer to tybee, the salt flats stretch out on either side of the road - flat and endless - lined with sea grass.  occasionally water birds stretch to take flight and lazily drift back down.  the shrimpers have docked for the afternoon, having unloaded their hauls and await a new day. 

the lighthouse and fort stay together, protective and secure.  brave souls hover near the walls as the cool wind whips scarves and jackets like unfurled flags.  visiting off season allows me time to listen to the ghostly voices slip past on the wind as i admire the strong, beige walls of the fort.  but the beach beacons and i can't resist. i dig ig my toes in the sand, watching the few people hunch their shoulders against the strong winds - whipping hair, clothes and sand.  frothy waves dance on the salty waters and the sounds soothe me.  i sit and rock in the swing.  too cold to sit there all evening, i take some photographs and go to seek shelter for the night.

off season brings bargains and i snag a "ocean obscured view" at a beach front bed and breakfast. (the desoto)  it is not fancy - but it offers warmth, access to the beach and free breakfast.  if you are the adventurous sort - i always recommend going off season and seeing what is available.  going late in the day and talking to the clerks can often snag you a deal.  this room is normally $200 on season - it was $72 on my walk in.  sweet!

a quick clean up and i decided to go with "uncle bubba's" for dinner.  being owned by the deen family brings a lot of traffic and i waited patiently about 20 minutes for a table, but in doing so i got a great table by the waterfront and a good view for people watching while i eat.  (i always bring a book too)  the menu is fairly basic seafood type items.  i went for the fresh fried shrimp dinner.  the shrimp was divine but the sides were generic - cheese grits and corn (there were several to choose from, again nothing fancy.)  there was a basket of tiny, cute corn muffins with honey butter while i waited and the sweet tea was definitely sweet.  one of my indulgences when i travel is taking dessert back to my hotel to savor while watching tv in bed (something i never do at home).  the dessert my friends was fantastic - homemade pound cake, with ice cream and fresh strawberries.  again, nothing fancy but sometimes simple is so amazing that it doesn't need the fancy.

i tried to stay up for moonrise at 9:30 but the combination of the long drive, full tummy, and ocean waves overtook me...more tomorrow.

here are the shots: