Hurricanes and Cumberland Island

I’ve visited Cumberland Island last year (1, 2) and enjoyed it so much that I made reservations months ago. Unfortunately, Helene and Milton both affected the island. The park was closed during my original dates but I was able to get in after the second hurricane. Trees were down around the island. The park was able to clear the main road of the trees but most of the north paths were closed. Turns out that this is a wilderness area and they are not allowed to use chainsaws to clear hiking trails. It may take awhile to open those paths.

One amusing issue was that the 3.5 mile path back to the campsite had a few small trees across the path and lots of little debris. So energy was required to hike, carry the backpack, and to high step over the debris and walk around / go under / or climb over the bigger stuff.

I was the first person after the storms at my campsite so I had to pick up debris there so I could safely walk around plus a good spot for my tent. The campground was less than half full. I’m assuming many people canceled.

I didn’t spend much time on the beach since it was very windy and cool most of my visit. I spent a little time early on when it was warmer but unfortunately I got lots of bites from sand fleas. My feet looked like I had measles.

Most of my time was similar to last year’s visit. I visited Plum Orchard and took the tour again. The Tiffany lamps are still amazing. This time we learned more plus got to visit a volunteer’s room. Two volunteers live in the servants area, keep the house clean, and guide 3 tours every day for two months at a time. It would be interesting thing to do.

I wandered the Dungeness area again but spent more time at some of the smaller ruins and building this time. I was amused by the workshop and storage area where old bathtubs were stored.

I may or may not have visited an area called “The Chimneys”. This is where the enslaved people working at one of the mansions lived. The government has maintained the chimneys that are the only remains of the homes. However, the land is still private (though expected to transfer to the park in a few years).

The animals were out again. LOTS of wild horses.

I saw armadillos, deer, turkey, feral pigs, squirrels, and butterflies!

And, because it’s the south, lots of large live oaks along with Spanish moss that weren't affected by the storms. Both a challenging and a relaxing trip!