February 23, 2011

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:














25 comments:

  1. These pictures are so beautiful...I especially love the ones of white sand and grasses. So lovely! I'm glad you had such a wonderful weekend away.

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  2. Soak it all in Char. . . soak it all in. . .

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  3. Such lovely, calming photos. Your words read like a book and cause me to want to take a journey alone. Such peacefulness.

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  4. What a nice diversion to go to the sea off season. Your photos are lovely. The pictures of the flowers in the previous post are so pretty. I hope the rest of your trip was relaxing.

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  5. Beautiful ... wish I was there ... sigh.

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  6. you are making me a bit homesick (in the best of ways) xx s

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  7. Your descriptions and photos have me really yearning to be there with you tasting that shrimp and pound cake and smelling the salt air and feeling that wind which I am sure I would find warm! How adventurous and peaceful it all is! Can't wait for the next installation:)
    xo

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  8. Very nice Char...Wish I could have gone to Uncle Bubba's with you. I love simple Southern food, when it's good!

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  9. Some of these shots remind me of Louisiana, shrimp boats, etc.... I get a lot of thinking done when I drive alone down there to visit HOlly. Simple deserts are the best. I bought a Members Mark pound cake at Sam's, topped it with fresh blue berries and whipped topping from the can....Oh my it was so good!! My homemade pound cake is better but this one was really good for something quick!
    Great price on that room!! Always love some good seafood too!

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  10. One of my favorite places on earth. I love the low country.

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  11. It sounds so relaxing, looks so serene. Enjoy! Wish I could do the same this week!

    xo Mary Jo

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  12. I've never been there and I've always wanted to go. Thank you for taking me along with you. The last two photos are my favorite. So different from anything around my area! Or even of where I've lived in the past. Love them!

    Sharon

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  13. this road trip is bringing out a wonderful eloquence to your writing. so happy for you.

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  14. Reading the account of your trip is almost as good as being there myself. I'm ready for the next installment.

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  15. Oh, it sounds divine! Love your pictures, especially the last two. Beautiful!

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  16. sighing at the sunset pictures. so beautiful!

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  17. Your photos are beautiful and your story makes me yearn for the days when I did a lot of driving through the hills of SE Ohio - beautiful scenery and time alone with my thoughts.

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  18. Just wonderful.
    Every photo.
    And your telling of
    I want to go on a road trip now :)

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  19. Beautiful, gorgeous shots! There's just something about the beach in winter that grabs you.

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  20. I forgot to say that we lived in Atlanta in the early 70's and I was scared of the traffic then. I'd probably fall apart now! Maybe not, though...I'm much braver and more confident than I was at 21.

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  21. I love to travel to the coast in off season...it's the best way to go! Your descriptions and photos have me ready to jump in the car. I just plotted the trip from here to Savannah -- oooh, I want to go there now. Your last two shots in particular make me want to bust out of my blocked up creative rut and pick up the pastels...haven't felt that stirring in a while, so many many thanks for sharing your beautiful adventure!

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  22. We went to Savannah and Tybee Island on our second anniversary trip. It was magical. Thanks for the memories you brought back.

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  23. beautiful light for photos, dessert in bed in a hotel room that's a steal - what more could a girl ask?

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i feel as if each comment was between us as we sat and sipped something warm....i love to hear what you're thinking.