Thursday, April 23, 2026: After work, we headed into Darien seeking owls. Darien has created a collection of owl nesting boxes and has placed them throughout the town to support the owls that home in the area. Barn Owls, Great Horned Owls, the Eastern Screech Owls, and the Barred Owls in the area have been sighted using the collection of owl boxes.
Following the map provided, we sought out each nesting box to see what we could find. Our timing may have been too early in the evening since we did not see any owls in the boxes or in the trees and since most owls leave the houses near the end of April, early May. Still, it was neat to see the various sights chosen by the group, and we did spot a random rooster along the way.
After our search, we headed to dinner and chose Tabby House Brewing Company, a great location right in town and just off the river. We chose to sit outside since trivia night was going on inside the bar/tavern area.
We ordered an Italian sandwich and an apple sausage flatbread. The presentation was great. Kevin found the sandwich packed with spice. The flatbread was a unique combination of flavors.
After dinner, we chased the sunset in the neighborhood with the owl boxes. Great views along the drive! Lastly, we went down Hwy 17 and watched the red sun fall in to the marsh. Very cool ending for the day.
Friday, April 24, 2026: The first of the week we had decided to spend a leisurely day on Jekyll Island. The weather was great, and we just wanted to be outside. Our first stop took us back to Horton Pond where the alligators were very active. We watched two big alligators making their rounds in the pond.
Next, we visited Clam Creek Picnic area and the pier on the north end of Jekyll Island. We had driven through the area a couple of weeks ago, but today’s weather was much better. We took off through the park and headed to the beach area. The tide was lower which allowed for a wider area to explore. Just one mile apart, we could see the bottom of St Simons Island clearly and make out several areas.
Walking on the beach, almost completely alone, we found lots of small shells along the shell line. Each time we visit a beach, Kevin wants to look for shark’s teeth. We walked along the shell line listening to the waves crashing on the beach. This would be a place to sit and relax for sure. Beth could sit and enjoy the sounds or a good book, and Kevin could pace the edge of the water looking for finds. Not that he has ever found one, but it would give him something to do, somewhere to pace.
On the pier, we found what obviously is a great fishing spot. Neither of us fish, but we can enjoy the shaded areas and benches on the huge pier. Again, the views are amazing, and today the air was clear enough to see for miles.
While on the pier, we watched as a helicopter flew by. It may have been heading toward Brantley County to assist with fire operations. Close enough we could see the service men on board. Beth offered a wave and got one in return.
Time for lunch, so we debated and settled on Sunrise Grill again. The area was not as busy as we expected for a Friday, and we got great seats out front. JD was our server and shared his personality most of the meal. We had made our minds up and placed our order. Kevin never orders what he chooses from the menu. Today, he was going for a burger but ended up with a BLT. JD found that funny when Beth told him.
As we waited for our meal, we talked and watched people coming to eat or just walking by. One family debated for several minutes and walked away only to return and request seating for 9. Walking away, they returned and had found more to join them. Eighteen in all were now gathered and were heading inside to eat. The tables would have to split causing two tables of kids and one large table for adults. Glad we chose to eat outside, for sure. The next couple in line also wanted to sit inside until the hostess explained there was one table left between the kids. They opted for the outdoor seating, as well, as the gentlemen exclaimed, “No!” We laughed together and understood totally. We have talked before about dining challenges with neighboring groups, and children can certainly be included in that dilemma.
As JD sat Kevin’s BLT down, Kevin looked at him and said he had ordered a hamburger. Not missing a beat, JD responded it’s a BLT today. JD followed up with a Diet Coke refill without a prompt. When you do not yet have, or just got, your meal but your drink is almost empty, wait staff should know not to ask if you want more. JD knew that for sure. We could tell he had been in the business for a while even serving at Sunrise Grill for the last year. Well done.
After lunch, we headed back toward the Historic District to catch a boat for our next adventure. Captain Pablo and First Mate Van conducted the safety meeting, and we were off for a 90-minute tour.
We floated about 150 feet from the dock and found what we were looking for – Bottlenose Dolphins.
We would watch the dolphins playing and mating for about 25 minutes. Wild dolphins hanging out in their own environment being chased slowly by Van as he navigated the waters keeping them in sight. Pablo asked the guests if we wanted to continue to watch this pod or travel out and see what else we could find, and we all agreed to explore. Pablo then began explaining the history of the island as we cruised past the Jekyll Island Club and the cottages. He also talked about the many visitors that dock in the marina just on the other side of the bridge to enter the island.
As the various birds in flight that would curiously fly along side, Pablo would tell us about them. Brown Pelicans, gulls, and egrets were the most common seen.
About a mile and a half down the river, we started seeing a second pod, and Van navigated to them since he had them in his sight. This pod would frequently swim in a group of five along with other smaller groups in the pod. Two large pods we had now located on the tour.
We had previously visited Driftwood beach on the northeast side of the island. Now on the southwest side, we were shown another area that is similar but more remote. There were some small groups of people on the beach. Challenge accepted one day in the future.
After watching the second pod, we moved further south into almost open waters. We were still seeing random groups of dolphins, and since we sat in the front, we overheard Pablo and Van discussing amongst themselves how rare it was to see so much activity on a tour. Van exclaimed, “Amazing!” It was about this time that Pablo also informed all the guests on the tour that he could not remember a tour with so much wild activity. He said to make sure to tell others that only saw a few. Some trip tours, they have to search for the entire trip for dolphins, and they have done tours where none were seen.
Turning back toward the dock, we kept seeing the same sights and more activity from the dolphins, pelicans, and other birds.
For a last minute excursion idea, this was certainly a great tour. Captain Phillip, the owner of the tour operation, met us back at the dock. Each staff member made sure the tour was satisfying. No doubts for us. Jekyll Island Boat Tours provides excellent services.
After the tour, we headed to St Simons Island for dinner at Sal’s Neighborhood Pizzeria. This is one of the few locations anywhere around that others have recommended for Italian food. Other than Fox’s Pizza Den, we have not eaten nearly as much Italian on this trip as usual. We arrived to find indoor and outdoor seating and chose the outdoor since the weather once again was great.
Bruschetta was on the menu and that certainly was our choice for an appetizer. Keeping with our usuals to compare, chicken alfredo and spaghetti with meatballs was our order. Excellent, large servings definitely allowed for leftovers.
The meal was very flavorful and filling. The atmosphere would have been calming tucked in the small alley dining outdoors, but once again, we ended up near one of those groups.
Back in January, we made a side note on a post while we were in Beaufort, SC, about the variety of conversations that are held near us when dining our. We said that we didn’t eavesdrop; we were drafted. Tonight was another great one. Four guys and two gals competing for air space. We learned about everything from tattoos, selecting the correct tattoo artists, why none of them wanted a tattoo on their back that they could not see, to the reason one of the guy’s wife, who was not present, has selected tattoos as reminders of life events that should be kept private. Nothing against tattoos at all, but the brag fest to see who had the most outrageous story was going on for too long and was way too loud.
Other topics included how they had a hard time remembering their badge numbers, how they were forced to use time off, ran out of time based on unfair events, stored guns at their homes, kept their homes, flight issues, and other random conversations seeing who could outdo the other. Dinner was going to be exhausting with so much competition, and they didn’t even have their food yet.
Back to camp to end a fun-filled day of adventures. It has amazed us that we keep finding new things to explore. The area is packed with so much variety, and we are enjoying life.
Saturday, April 25, 2026: The Brantley County 82 Fire continued to burn out of control, and the winds were driving the smoke straight at us. The fire started Monday night and had grown daily due to winds and drought conditions. What was 750 acres exploded to 15,000 acres, taking everything in its’ path.
We did venture out and visit The Old Jail Art Center in Darien. The McIntosh Art Association has done a great job restoring the old jail into a museum focusing on local history.
The building houses three elements. Gallery art and crafted items by local artists, The Kit Jones Gallery, and The Old Jail Museum. The local crafts and gifts offer a wide selection of items of all types. The Kit Jones Gallery provides information and the history of the boat that has been restored on the property. Built on Sapelo Island in 1939 by R. J. Reynolds, the vessel Kit Jones was salvaged and restored in 2023 to rest as a landmark monument next to the Old Jail.
The old jail that was constructed in the late 1800’s and housed not only prisoners but also provided housing for the sheriff and his family. The restoration includes many artifacts from the area presented with good information.
Before circling back to the campground, we headed south to see if the smoke got better or worse. About 3 miles out of town, we found blue clear skies. Darien was simply in the bullseye for smoke today. The winds did shift about 2pm, clearing out the sky for the late afternoon. The smoke caused an eclipse-like effect on the sun above.
About 15 joined us for the potluck dinner at Legacy RV Resort. Maybe the smoke kept others away, but either way, we had another great time gathering with other guests at the campground.
Sunday, April 26, 2026: We had planned to visit some outdoor attractions in Savannah, but the smoke in the air was also affecting that area as well. We took the morning do to some things around the camper. Being stuck inside is not always a bad thing. Sometimes it is good for resting, reading, or small projects that we have put off for days like this.
Since we had a wide variety of leftovers and food, we had plenty for lunch. Sal’s fettuccini was very good again. We still had spaghetti to enjoy, maybe Monday. After lunch, we continued our own projects, and mid-afternoon, we headed to Brunswick for an adventure we had come across that morning.
The Historic Ritz had “Still Standing – A Tribute to Elton John”, and we were excited.
Since we ordered the tickets Sunday morning, we were assigned general admission. From our last visit, we knew there was not a bad seat in the house. We opted for the last row and got end seats. Perfect!.
It was good to see the Ritz packed for the show. The crowd once again was an older crowd, but everyone was ready for a good time. Promptly at 3pm, the band made it’s way to the stage, and the excitement grew. After an introduction, Ben Frey, as “Elton John”, walked on stage.
The set list was filled with many songs we knew by name and a few that we would know once they were played. For over two hours, we enjoyed the great entertainment. We also enjoyed watching the fans react to the impressionist.
We should seek out more shows like this, especially in the small venues. We have enjoyed the two this month, and supporting the small venues is a great thing.
All to close the end of a great week in coastal Georgia. We are coming into our last days in the area and will surely miss the wide variety of activities. We are not done yet though. See you soon.