Sick Leave!

Just when I was up to date ....   I ended up with the flu. At first I blamed Trevor because he refused to have a flu shot and then got sick, but I guess the strain of flu I was immunised against at home is unlikely to be the same as over here??

From Savannah, Georgia we travelled south to Brunswick - still in Georgia. Although the RV had turned into something of a hospital ward, we both felt up to moving on. We even tried to make contact with several charities in Brunswick with a view to volunteering our help on Thanksgiving Day!

Vapor trails from busy skies.

Unfortunately we were a bit too optimistic - by the time we arrived in Brunswick, I was feeling dreadful. I went to a Medical Clinic; had some tests which showed positive to Influenza A; prescribed a course of Tamiflu capsules. I spent a couple of days in bed. We were not in a fit state to help out at a soup kitchen.

Recovering!

Thanksgiving Day almost passed us by but Trevor had been chatting with a couple from Ontario - Ron and Diane. They invited us to have drinks with them. They knew we had had a flu but were so kind and friendly. I had a cup of tea! It was good to be back!!

The next day, 23 November, was Trevor's birthday. Ron and Diane invited us on a tour of Brunswick and the Golden Isles. The Golden Isles of Georgia are a group of 4 barrier islands and the mainland port of Brunswick - Jekyll Island, St Simons Island, Little St Simons Island and Sea Island.

We crossed causeways to access Jekyll Island - marshlands stretching as far as the eye can see.

Jekyll Island is known for its historic landmark, the Jekyll Island Club Hotel. The Jekyll Island Club was a private club founded in 1886 when members of an incorporated hunting and recreational club purchased the island for $125,000. The Jekyll Island Clubhouse was completed in 1888. The Club thrived through the early 20th century with an exclusive and limited membership consisting of many of the world's most influential and wealthy families most notably  Morgan, Rockefeller, Vanderbilt, Goodyear, Pullitzer, Macy, to mention a few. It was also the setting for many historical moments including the making of the first transcontinental telephone call  and the first meeting of the Federal Reserve. The Club lasted for 54 years, closing at the end of the 1942 season largely due to the Second World War.
The State of Georgia then operated the club as a resort until 1971 when it was closed. In 1978 the complex was designated an historical landmark. It was restored and reopened as a luxury resort in 1985.
With continuing restoration and maintenance to the Hotel and surrounding 'cottages' it really is a place of beauty.

We visited Driftwood Beach on the north end of the island - a favoured photographers spot.We also visited a Sea Turtle Centre, a hospital for sick and injured sea turtles.

There are numerous golf courses dotted over the Golden Isles. They look to be top class courses. Marinas and public boat ramps abound.



We then drove through downtown Brunswick, which has been fully restored and serves as the mainland to the Golden Isles linked by the Sidney Lanier Bridge, a cable stayed suspension bridge, 480 feet tall and the longest bridge in Georgia.

It was a lovely day and we owe many thanks to Ron and Diane for their kindness, their travel suggestions and experience.







The next day we were off.  Both feeling much better but a bit weak. No wish to go walking or swimming; it is enough to drive over the state line and into Florida. Although I did manage a Starbuck's coffee!

We crossed into Florida about midday and went to a Welcome Center.  It was enormous and so many people!! Perhaps everyone is moving to Florida? We picked up brochures and maps (all free) and a free cup of orange juice! It is sunny, brilliant blue sky and 66 degreesF.

Just caught my eye!