The Tide Is High And We're Hanging On

On my recent visit to Sapelo, the tide was higher than I have ever seen!  It was interesting to see the island from this perspective.  Here are a couple of pictures.

Dock on the mainland side.  There have been many times I would have appreciated this high tide.  How easy loading coolers, roller suitcases and my plastic boxes would be with a level dock like this!  Not to mention the day we moved all the furniture to the island.   There was a delivery of furniture being loaded.  I thought how lucky they are!

The marsh outside the Birdhouse Cottage, looks like a lake!  

The start of the tide coming in.  Later you could not see the grass in the center of the water.

Sapelo Dock.. incline reversed.  Usually, you must walk up the ramp when getting off the boat.  This is the first time I have walked up to get onto the boat.  High tide is amazing!

On the road leading to the Meredian dock, Jack is checking out the high tide too.  "What's water doing in there?"

I'll post more photos! 

Moving Past Lost

Riding around in circles is something most of us are familiar with.  You know you have driven past the blue house, and here it is again.  I've heard this situation called many things:  "getting turned around, a little out of the way, just roaming around, going in circles, wandering around", and the funniest one I heard is "I was on an adventure."  Once I heard someone say things were switched around.  Say what? Why can't we just say we're lost?

Moving past lost means having points of reference, land marks and something that looks familiar and tells you, "ah ha... now I know where I am".  Well for the adventurous visitor who enjoys finding things on your own or folks like me who want specific directions.... and anyone in-between, we are designing a map of Sapelo to help you find your way around.

Michele Johnson, artist and author is designing the map which will include streets, landmarks and pictures, so your adventure will have a planned arrival.  The map will also list the areas where motorized vehicles are not allowed.

Last week a group of us met to go over some of the finer details and accuracy of things most people probably will not notice but are important to us.  I was there with my request to include additional details.  (Being lost is neither adventurous, roaming or turned around.  I am simply ready to reach my destination).

We are so excited about this map for our guests.  Give us your thoughts about what should be included on the map.  Have you been to Sapelo?  If so, what items would you find useful on a map?  Let us hear from you.  There's no need to wander around on an adventure when you can head to the beach and start your fun.

Fred Hay Georgia DNR and Island Manager, Michele Johnson, map designer,  Maurice Bailey Manager of Sapelo Go golf cart rentals, Doc Bill partner with Sapelo Island Birdhouses

A Big THANKS!!

We have been busy this summer!  And that's a good thing!  The Sapelo Island Birdhouses team has been super and we, the managers and partners, wanted to show our appreciation and gratitude for their hard work, dedication and support.  The team has been there, ready to make sure our guests have a wonderful time.

On Wednesday, we hosted a "Thank You" luncheon at Skippers Seafood Camp in Darien.  Our luncheon was very special because this was our first time getting everyone together; a chance to not only have delicious coastal Georgia seafood but also join in a little activity where we each shared one truth and one fib about ourselves.  After many guesses and lots of laughs we learned a few little unknown things about each other.  From our answers we quickly realized how many diverse and interesting  things we have done.  And, how we can strengthen our connection when we take a moment to come together, after a busy, busy season..... relax and say "Thank You"!

And, we want to send a very special thank you to our guests.  You are the key in all we do.  We want to make sure your experience is one of a kind.... and that you will come back and see us soon.  We say thank you!  We are grateful for the wonderful relationships we have developed with our guests.  We hope you have found your favorite get-away spot.... on Sapelo Island or Shellman's Bluff.

It's a beautiful day on the Georgia coast and it's calling your name!

Meet the team

Jerome, on-site manager for Captain's Cottage on Shellman's Bluff.

JR,  on-site manager on Sapelo Island.

Terrie, guest services Shellman's Bluff.

Francine, guest services Sapelo Island

Brandon, coordinator welcome team and outdoor activities
 on Sapelo Island

Terrie, Franie, JR, Doc Bill, Annita, Jerome and Brandon

A Ghost On Cabretta Beach

While walking on Cabretta beach I saw something moving quickly across the sand.  What was that?  First it was there...then it was gone.  Scurrying by again I was fast enough to get a photo before it disappeared into a burrow.  It's a crab but looked different than the Blue Crab.    

It's a Ghost Crab!  A nocturnal crab which lives on the upper dry part of the beach in burrows.    With an indiscriminating appetite they enjoy a meal of anything they can catch.  They are neither true land nor aquatic crabs and move between the dry beach, pools of water and the ocean.  While moving fast along the beach they seem to disappear because  their white bodies and beige legs blend in with the white sand of the beach.  They are ghost like and fascinating to watch; but you'd better look quickly because in a flash they have disappeared again..... just like a ghost.

Sapelo's Cabretta Beach - a very special place

I have always considered Sapelo's Cabretta beach to be a very special place.... a place which holds secrets, or fascinating stories of sailors and pirates or fond memories of families, and beach goers looking for serenity.  Cabretta has a feeling of being sacred; a place where waves roar in and the sands blow softly creating a feeling of connection  .... like a  kindred spirit.  It is certainly one of the most beautiful beaches I have visited.   

Located on the north end of Sapelo Island, Cabretta overlooks Blackbeard Island where the famed Blackbeard the pirate visited.  The driftwood on Cabretta is unique and creates inspiration for the artist and photographer.  And, you'll want to share the beauty of Cabretta when you return home, so a camera is a must.  

Planning a trip to Sapelo?  Put Cabretta beach on your itinerary .... it's calling your name.  And, before you know it Cabretta will capture your heart too!

 

Lights, Camera, Action

Patty Gironda, host of Home At Last with Patty Gironda and her husband Ron, visited Shellman's Bluff and Sapelo Island on a media tour of the area. We stopped at Dockside Seafood where fresh fish, crabs and shrimp are brought in right off the boats.  Our next stop was Phillips Seafood for Sapelo Clams, harvested from the pristine, clean waters off Sapelo Island and processed at Phillips.  

Next it was over to Sapelo Island on the 3:30 ferry .... with fresh fish for an outstanding Thai dinner prepared by Doc Bill.  Saturday was filled with tours, meeting residents on the island and walks on the beach.  Cornelia Bailey, the island historian and Doc Bill, owner of Sapelo  Island Birdhouses were filmed at the Birdhouse Cottage preparing Sapelo Clams, gravy and grits.  Everyone had a wonderful dinner, including special guest Steven Filby from Australia visiting for the weekend.  

And, the Sapelo Island Birdhouse cottages will be featured too:  The Wood Stork Cottage, the Painted Bunting Cottage and the Birdhouse Cottage will definitely top off the show with luxury and style. 

Show details will be announced later.  We'll keep you posted!!

Welcome to the Sapelo Island Birdhouses

Welcome to the Sapelo Island Birdhouses

Birdhouses are not just for birds... the Sapelo Island Birdhouses are for people looking for a luxury vacation experience in a natural setting.  

Let us help you plan your next beach vacation get-away.  For reservations call:  912-223-6515 or email:  infoplease@sapeloislandbirdhouses.com.  Also... please visit our web site for more information and photos:   www.sapeloislandbirdhouses.com