Cumberland Island was on the top of our list of places we regretted missing. This year we made a two day stop at Georgia’s largest and southernmost barrier island. We so enjoyed the 17 miles of undeveloped beaches, wide marshes, pristine natural beauty, hundreds of wild horses, and the unique history which includes stories of the wealthy Carnegie family.
Friday, April 25, 2025: We left our slip at St. Mary’s Intercoastal Marina for our quick cruise over to Cumberland Island, but soon we were contacted by the US Coast Guard questioning our intentions and route! Bob was waiting for the call knowing we we close to King’s Bay Naval Base and seeing some Coast Guard boats mulling around. Luckily, the Coast Guard told us to stay on course and go fast as nuclear sub was coming in from the Atlantic! Super cool to see the sub pass behind Three Sons. Unfortunately, the sun was not shining brightly to capture some quality pictures.
Our first anchorage was the southern end of the island where we dinghyed to the Dungeness Dock. We got our steps in exploring the southern trail loop. Thankfully, we had lots of stops, including the ruins of Thomas and Lucy Carnegie’s Dungeness mansion and many service buildings they constructed during the late 1800s and early 1900s.
Our hike was filled with stunning views along the way including the dirt canopy lined paths with huge live oaks filled with swaying moss, and countless wild horses.
When exploring the mini cemetery, we encountered a wild horse exiting from the woods and passing very close. We had no where to go, being backed into a stone wall, and tried to stay clear but he (or she) definitely gave us a little stink eye as he meandered by.
The route took a turn into soft sand and we trudged over the dunes coming out on the other side of the island and a beautiful beach.
We stopped for a picnic lunch along the hike! It was a beautiful setting complete with picnic tables.
We looked and looked and finally thanks to Chris we spotted an armadillo.
After our 5 mile walk exploring, we headed back to the boats for resting and dinner. Bailey know were the cookies are and stared us down until she had her fill. The night ended with Farkle on Sweet Equity and Tracy taking home the win.
Saturday, April Day 26, 2025: Day 2 on Cumberland Island We moved Three Sons north 7 Nautical Miles/1 Hour to the Plum Orchard anchorage. We wanted to explore the middle part of the island and it is a 8 mile walk on land from where we were anchored in the south. The problem, the island has no paved roads and is remote with no cars (expect for a paid tour van) and the roads/paths are soft sand so biking was not an option.
Our intention was to not tour Plum Orchard Mansion and then walk from there to explore the northern part of the island, especially the first Baptist African Church where Carolina and John Kennedy were married. Unfortunately, once we arrived we realized the walk north was another 10 miles through a rough, dense path. However, we enjoyed the Plum Orchard Tour and surrounding area.
Thomas and Lucy Carnegie had mansions built on the island for each of their children. Plum Orchard is an 1898 Georgian Revival mansion built for Lucy’s sone George and his wife, Margaret Thaw. The house served as the couple’s primary winter residence until George passed away in 1921. Soon after his death, his younger sister Nancy moved in after her marriage to the island doctor, Dr. Marius Johnston, in 1924. Many of the original furnishing from Plum Orchard were auctioned off by Margaret after her husband’s death. Nancy did move many furniture items to Plum Orchard from Dungeness. The house was filled with furnishing from both families and they were quite different. . The house helped to understand the story of both families how they valued the island, how they lived extravagant lifestyles and their time spent with friends and family.
We didn’t get in as many steps as we were hoping but enjoyed a picnic lunch again and dinner on the boat with some drone flying.
