Monday, May 4, 2026: For our last day in the area for a while, we choose to visit Jekyll Island again. We spent a couple of days just enjoying the weather, being outside, and relaxing on the island over the last few weeks, and today gave us another opportunity.
We started by stopping by Horton Pond to view the wildlife that hangs out. The sun was bright, and the pond was calm. While the gators were not as active today, we did see Big Daddy sunning on the other side of the pond. The turtles were also taking advantage of the warm sun, hanging out on the pad or the fallen trees around the pond. Very peaceful place and, being a Monday, there was not anyone around.
We found something new for lunch, Tortuga Jacks. We have driven past many times. Wanting something new and not having had Mexican in a while, this was our stop. Outside seating in the sun made for a perfect day.
Mexican food comes in many forms—authentic, Tex-Mex, or the familiar chain-style that tastes the same just about anywhere. The sign at Tortuga Jack’s promised something a little different: Baja Mexican. Not wanting a huge lunch since we had dinner plans with friends, it was salads for both of us. So much for the small meal. These were served up very fresh, seasoned to perfection with chips and salsa that were familiar but had their own style of kick. Like everything Jekyll, the service and the food were great.
We headed to Driftwood Beach to “walk off lunch”. The tide was higher than it had been when we last visited. The waves on the trees made for some great crashing sounds as we walked up the beach. This will never get old.
Next stop was the beach on the north end of the island where the large fishing pier is located. The area is so calm and has great views. We walked to the very northern tip of the island and back. On our walk back, we started noticing dead fish on the shore, well parts of them. Sharks. We learned that some people only want the tails. They catch them, cut off the upper portion, and throw them back in.
Off to the historic district to visit one of the cottages we had not gone into yet. The Goodyear Cottage on Jekyll Island was owned by a lumber baron from New York. Like the other owners on the island, this house was used as his winter retreat. In 1973, the cottage was restored and is used today as a gift shop, art gallery, and museum featuring various items produced by Jekyll Island Arts Association vendors. Many local artists fill the main floor of the house. The basement area is used for pottery making, and the upstairs is used for straw weaving and other classes.
Time for some ice cream. Each time we visited the Georgia Grown Signature Shoppe, we have noticed a tall freezer full of Leopold’s ice cream. We purchased some lotions Beth has become fond of and some ice cream to enjoy on the bench near the shop. While sitting and enjoying the time, we looked around and noticed there was not another person in sight. It was like we had the island to ourselves!
One last stop at Mosaic to say bye for now to Vickey. Vickey was our tour guide on two tours, and she was a docent for the afternoon of April 4th. Each time we have been on Jekyll Island, we have run into Vickey while she is giving other tours. Each time, she recognizes us from afar and always speaks. Wonderful lady!
Back to the campground to prepare for dinner with friends. We had talked with Bonnie and Mark for two weeks about going to dinner. Tonight was the night, and Drew and Amy were joining us, as well. Bonnie was working and would not get off until six. We watched Drew and Amy leave the campground and waited for Bonnie. When the time to leave had come and passed, we walked to office to find out Bonnie was not feeling well, and Mark had gone with the others. We said our goodbyes to Bonnie and Angela and were off to dinner.
Drew had chosen a place we had not visited, Wee Pub Beach, located in Jekyll Island Beach Village. Perfect! An Irish pub style with live music planned for the night. We were sat a great table to enjoy the musician on the stage. An order of crab dip and chips arrived about the same time a group of golfers were seated at the table behind us and one beside us. Let the boasting begin, and our conversations became a struggle.
The food was very good, and the gentleman performing on the stage was playing some very good acoustical guitar music. Each song, we notice his volume would increase and decrease as he was trying balance the sound in the room. When we were halfway through our meal, the pack around us got their food finally. Now we could converse while we finished our meal. No matter, we had fun with friends and a really good meal. As the area continued to get louder and louder, we headed outside to continue our conversations. We had just missed the sunset, but the weather was nice. The guitarist stepped out and even commented on the group near us. He said he couldn’t compete with them so he would just take a break.
Back to camp to prepare for the big push on Tuesday.
Tuesday, May 5, 2026: Our plan to was to leave at 7am with an arrival about 4pm at Moody Bluff Campground in Tennessee. We pulled out about 7:45 and headed north. We stopped at the last Love’s in Georgia to fill the bus since gas prices in the state were still under $4.00. We paid $3.64 with our discount from Blue Compass. Filled up with fuel, our next planned stop was a Love’s just north of Yemassee, SC, to fill our propane. Some of these locations are hard to maneuver to the propane filling area with the parking lots being so small, but this one we have used several times, and it is easy in and easy out. At the stop, I checked the camper out as well as the tow dolly, making sure everything was secure. Back on the road and heading north again.
About 20 minutes up the road, I started noticing what I thought was leaves blowing behind the camper as we were traveling in the middle lane. I kept watching the road to see where they were coming from. Suddenly I realized that I was not seeing leaves and that we may have a problem. Thankfully, we had a great spot to get well off the side of the road to check things out.
Sure enough I was not seeing leaves but instead was seeing flakes of tire breaking apart. Our tow dolly had lost the passenger side tire. A quick call to roadside assistance and help was on the way. We had a Georgia motorist assistant stop and check on us as well as a highway guardian. Since we had help on the way, we waited for the tire service.
Having to wait quickly became entertaining. The Savannah/Hilton Head International Airport was just off the side of the road, and we kept watching large planes landing. In just a few minutes, we were seeing fighter jets circling then doing what appeared to be touch-and-go’s at the airport. For almost an hour, we enjoyed our own personal air show while the tire was being replaced. Costly stop, but we were back on the road again with a new time to beat on the GPS of 5:30pm.
We stopped and filled the propane at exit 38 in South Carolina. Quick stop and we were good to go. All I can say is “Plans”. At exit 62, we heard a loud pop and noticed traffic spreading away from us in the mirrors. Off to the side again to check. Sure enough, the other tire had blown. When I searched for services in the area, I noticed that there was another company by the same name just a few miles back. I called and a familiar voice answered and after I told him our problem he said “The other one now?”. He had a local provider and would have them en route. We took advantage of the stop to eat lunch and wait. After about 45 minutes with no response, I called him back to find out there had been a miscommunication. Straightened out, now we had service enroute. We were back on our way after about 45 minutes with a new time to beat of 8:00 pm.
The rest of the trip was good. We pushed up the road since our dolly lights were non-existent anymore, and we needed to get to our destination before dark. We pulled in just after sunset and got setup on a “new to us site” at Moody Bluff. The day certainly was an experience but also a learning session.
Wednesday, May 6, 2006: The next couple of days were filled with work and family visits. We did take advantage of being back in an area where we can have Pal’s. Their Frenchie Fries are the best. For a fast food chain local to NE Tennessee, this is one that we visit when we want a quick little meal.
Another feature of the area is the wildlife that freely roams the campground. Thursday morning, the deer and birds were very active.
Thursday, May 6, 2026: There is a car show in Johnson City this weekend, and the old cars have filled the campground with entries and fans. Old cars are not our thing, but we enjoy seeing them out and about.
The weekend is coming, and we have lots coming up. It is a busy time when we are here, but we enjoy every minute.