Tybee Island, Ga

An Indian word for salt, tybee, gave this island it's name but the people give it the laidback lifestyle. We were only  twenty minutes east of Savannah in the early morning hours when we arrived at this small island on the Savannah River and Atlantic Ocean. There were just over 3,000 people living here a few years ago but the number of restaurants alone make it obvious the town feeds many more! Our first night in town we headed over to the backside of the island for drinks at AJ's.

We were delighted that Mel, Kay, Chris, and Darla joined us for supper. We were not disappointed.

An added bonus was that we were in the perfect spot for a sunset. This wasn't even planned.

The next day began with a morning walk on the Atlantic side. The girls are staying in a condo right on the beach.

Shops for tourists are scattered around the quaint little island. I am sure glad to be here in off season. I can imagine what it must be like in the summer.

The lighthouse, supposedly the oldest and tallest in Georgia, leads ships to the Savannah River.

Our second night in town the rains came and we went indoors at perhaps the most touristy of all eateries.  It comes complete with a little pond of alligators. The outdoor patio was not an option.

The Fish Art shop was a fun place to visit. They ask for a $1 donation just for taking pictures because they know we will. I was so impressed with the creativity and craziness of this place. It is just fun. They even have a night slot in the door where if you buy something you just put your money in the door.

The rains did bring a cold front through but that did not stop us from geocaching. This was before we realized where the trail through the hammock was so we took the low road through the marsh.

Once in the hammock we traversed among the live oaks, spanish moss and palmettos.

What a view of the marsh we had here from this hammock, or small hill, in the marsh.

 Our friends took a marvelous (they said) boat ride out to see dolphins and learn more about the island life. It was just too cold for me.

We explored the island and picked up some geocaches along the way. All the caches on the island seem to take you to a neat place which is just the way caching should be.

Leon, what are you doing under the pier? A geocache of course.

The back side of the island is a land of creeks, marshes, and plentiful wildlife.

The Atlantic side is so pleasant this time of year without all the tourists. The condos and cottages line the beach and rental cottages are sprinkled throughout the town.

 The island is home to the nesting sea turtles but the only ones we have seen are painted.

We found Sting Ray's to be a delightful place to park our bicycles and have lunch. There is a bike route on the back streets on most of the island but the entire town is bicycle friendly. I only wish Hot Springs could figure that out!

Kay E and I went geocaching one afternoon and found this out of the way marina and bar and grill. Too bad it was too cold and windy to even think about sitting outside other than long enough to sign the log.

The streams here provide excellent spots for kayaking. I brought mine but I think I would need a guide to keep from getting lost. Where are my kayaking buddies when I need them? Oh yes, all out west.