Two Lane Adventures: Day 4 - Savannah and beyond

Wednesday 13 March 2019

Before we departed Golden Isle Campground, we enjoyed breakfast at Mary’s restaurant. It is a simple breakfast … everyone gets the same thing. Two eggs, grits, bacon and white toast. We did get to select how we wanted our eggs!

Heading north on 17, we crossed Fancy Bluff Creek low tide. Fancy Bluff Creek, originally referred to as the Brunswick River is a short 7-mile tidal river in southeast Georgia, near the city of Brunswick. The waterway was originally referred to as the Brunswick River, but was renamed to Fancy Bluff Creek due to the fact that a lone 1 mile upstream of Brunswick, Georgia the river, while remaining navigable and slightly tidal, becomes more marshy and with more wetlands on either side, thus disqualifying itself as an official river. However, the waterway is still referred to as the Brunswick River by many locals.

The Sidney Lanier Bridge, a cable-stayed bridge of similar design to the Talmadge Memorial Bridge over the Savannah River to the north, crosses the mouth of the Creek in downtown Brunswick. The current bridge was built as a replacement to the original vertical-lift bridge, which was twice struck by ships. It is currently the longest-spanning bridge in Georgia and is 480 feet tall. It was named for poet Sidney Lanier.

The Marshes of Glynn Overlook Park is a fine vantage point for viewing some of the vast and beautiful marshlands and river networks that flank Brunswick and much of coastal Georgia. Enjoy beautiful views overlooking the famous Marshes of Glynn. The Lanier Oak is located across the street from the Marshes of Glynn Overlook Park, in the median of US Highway 17. Under this tree during the 1870's, Georgia poet Sidney Lanier stood and, viewing the landscape, was inspired to write The Marshes of Glynn, considered his finest poetry.

We always see the Shrimp fleet from the US 17 Bridge over the Darien River in Darien, Georgia. On average, over five million pounds of shrimp are harvested in Georgia each year, valued at over $20 million to the boats. Shrimp naturally thrive in Georgia's coastal waters, and their presence has influenced a way of life. This area features wild Georgia shrimp that are netted directly from their natural environment and delivered to the dock on a daily basis.

Warm-water wild-caught shrimp flourish in nutrient-rich Georgia marshlands, migrating to the ocean and growing naturally in the wild to be fished by shrimpers who trawl the seas from April through January for fresh, daily catches of the popular crustacean. Through decades of experience studying ocean tides, weather and shrimp-schooling behavior, generations of Georgia shrimpers have honed their trawling art to a science, netting millions of pounds of wild-caught shrimp and delivering it fresh to certified Georgia docks.

Georgia Buffalo Ranch and Trading Post is closed and for sale. Last time we came through here, it was open and full of buffalo. There are a few buffalo left, but not the herd that was here before … sad face L

Christ's Chapel in Memory Park aka the Smallest Church in America is a little sanctuary that has become a stop for thousands of Highway 17 travelers. Situated near the South Newport River, the church was constructed in 1949, and represented a dream come true for Mrs. Anges Harper, a local grocer. She wanted the chapel to serve as a place of meditation and rest for weary travelers. Although small, the structure is not lacking in character and beauty with stained glass windows imported from England. In late 2015 suspected arson destroyed the Smallest Church in America. Donations of building materials and cash are pouring in to rebuild the 190-square-foot structure. The church reopened in early 2016. Local ministers still lead non-denominational worship there every third Sunday and the church is very popular for it remains one of the most unique structures along the Georgia Coast Scenic Byway.

Almost to Savannah and we came upon Kellier’s Flea Market, with an over-sized cow out front. In March, 1985 Keller’s Flea Market opened its doors. Hubert Keller transformed the former mobile home sales lot and farming hay field into what would become a favorite attraction for tourists and locals alike. The flea market opened with 60 stall spaces – 30 open spaces and 30 enclosed spaces. In August, 2002, Keller had the opportunity to purchase “the big cow” from the Robert Simons family. She now proudly adorns the entrance of Keller’s Flea Market. Keller “dressed” her in the adorable hat, diamond ring, watch and her charm bracelet – full of reminders of her most prized possessions! People passing by and visiting, just love her!

We arrived at Red Gate Farms, our home for the next 5 nights. It is a small campground on a 200 acre farm and wedding venue. The sights are long and spacious!

At 1pm, we started the St Patrick’s Day Celebration Rally with Yankee RV Tours with traditional root beer floats and an opportunity to meet our fellow attendees.