Bite Size Hikes: March 2017

Every year my daughter and I go on a mother/daughter vacation. Some years we've flown and others its a driving trip or both and throw in a boat/train ride for good measure. Each year I try to make it different and it's always something we both will never forget. I know time is fleeting and that she may not always want to go on vacation with me, but these will be the ones I'll cherish forever. It's time I get to watch her explore, meet different people, cultures and discuss life without the distractions.

A few years back I wanted the option to fly, but didn't want to spend $800 for us to get to our destination. So, I chose Jacksonville, FL when it was $49 or so one-way to fly Southwest (Sadly, I haven't found it that low in a long time). We didn't actually stay in Jacksonville, but instead drove up the coast to Fernandina Beach. Fernandina Beach is a quaint, Atlantic Coast beach area, that's perfect for dining, playing in the sand and not a huge tourist destination.

But, I wanted to go for a different reason. Around the corner is Cumberland Island, Ga. Cumberland Island the only way you can get there is by boat. It has 28 miles of undeveloped beaches and wild horses roam the area. We took a day trip here and it's stunning. The old architecture remains from the Dungeness Ruins. Dungeness was built by Thomas Carnegie and his wife Lucy in 1884. If you love history, old architecture, wildlife, getting away from it all or just to do something different this island will not disappoint. Plus, being close enough to Georgia has it's perks. You can get here by driving within a few short hours. There are camping options as well! Pair this with visiting Jekyll Island or some other Georgia towns along the way. Can't go wrong with this fun getaway. Be sure to check Ferry schedules and get reservations before you go. Cumberland Island

I will note that bugs are bad on the island especially in the Spring and Summer. Definitely go prepared! And lucky for us it was rainy which seems to happen a lot on coastal islands. We love playing in rain and were the only people on the beach for miles, but keep this in mind when preparing for your trip.

She loves flying

Coastal Georgia is beautiful

Marsh lands one side of Cumberland Island

Cool sea life

Jungle run to the beach

Dungeness Ruins

Boardwalk to the beach

Ferry Boat ride

Wild horses

Remote beach

I love camping and pretty much anything outdoors. If I could put my hammock up, work and be productive I would so do it. But, for most people they just don't feel that way about the outdoors. They may have certain aspects they love, but when it comes to camping it's "where is the nearest hotel with a spa and room service"? I have heard a host of these comments all screaming "no to camping". I'm here to tell you camping doesn't have to look like a hotel room. There are so many options now that are considered "glamping" (camping without the tent; no sleeping bag needed, no fire to build: tent, yurt, airstream/teardrop trailer, hut, cabin, or treehouse are all great ways to experience the great outdoors without sacrificing the daily conveniences, but they may require bug spray).

My personal favorite to date is Len Foote Hike-Inn, Amicalola Falls State Park, Dawsonville, GA. I have visited this place twice, once with my husband in the dead of winter and the second time I took my mom on her 65th birthday in the middle of a hot August summer. My mom is a give me a hotel kind of lady. But, I wanted her to experience some new adventures and I believed you get the best of having the outdoors and getting a bit pampered with this option. The only way there is by making a five mile hike to your accommodations of rooms with bunk beds (heat and air included). Fantastic food prepared family style awaits you for dinner and fuels you again for breakfast before sending you off down the mountain or some other trail you care to explore. Bathrooms are shared, but super clean and you're not squatting in the woods. Plus, a shower to wash the trail grime off. Games on a back deck overlooking the Blue Ridge Mountains, cooler temps, eco-friendly environment and a quiet place away from it all. It's unique, something for everyone and you learn a thing or two about conservation. Some nights they have special guest speakers that talk about the area, do yoga retreats, photography instructions, etc. It's really a one of a kind experience and just may ease you into a life of hiking and backpacking/camping.

This trip is still talked about, so I'm going to go with it was a definitely a one of a kind and memorable time. Pretty sure she would go again. There has been talks of a reunion with some of the wonderful people we met during our stay.

After my wonderful experience in this type of place I did some research and found a couple more that are on the East Coast. There is one in Gatlinburg, Tn called LeConte Lodge. This one has a lottery waiting list. I have tried for the past two years to get in with no luck. But, if you have a flexible schedule or hit it just right I think it would be worth checking out.

Another one, I especially want to do is hike the White Mountains of New Hampshire and hop from hut-to-hut. I love the idea of not needing to carry food and having meals prepared for me. These are just a few unique camping places on my bucket list. Be sure to update me with any you may find. I love the unique camping experience coupled with my roughing it from time-to-time.

P.S. Don't miss the Amicalola Falls where you have to park to begin your hike to the Hike-Inn. Gorgeous and is the tallest cascading waterfall in the Southeast.