Coastal Solitude: the Lure of Eagle Island

When you visit Eagle Island off the coast of Georgia (an hour south of Savannah) it is refreshing to know that all your wishes will be granted…or tantalizing to imagine that it could end up like Gilligan’s Island—and the captain will desert you. Either way, this experience will provide a much-needed respite from the daily grind of life.

Not really knowing what to expect, I found myself cautious but optimistic about being “stranded” on an island. Though only minutes from the mainland, this destination is a world away. In other words, you can't get back on the mainland without maneuvering a floating device (boat, canoe, kayak), or swimming back with the marsh animals.

The adventure began when I arrived in downtown Darien, Georgia (a lovely place to spend the day), and captain/owner Andy Hill met me at the Coastal Maritime Lodge. The lodge, a large single family home, is perfect for a launch point. This is the place to stay before or after your trip. Newly renovated and tastefully decorated, almost every room has a story related to the furnishings, artwork and creative use of recycled materials.

From the lodge we made our way to the dock for a lovely boat ride, not a “three-hour tour”, but more like a 15-minute glide across the Georgia wetlands and outer marsh area. Eagle Island is an all-inclusive destination that beckons you to relax, sit back, do nothing or kayak, hike, fish and explore. The choice is yours and ever-friendly Andy is on hand should you need anything.

Private massage, grocery run, fishing guide? Again, Andy is available to make all the arrangements. But eventually he leaves. You alone. All alone. Luckily there are other guests or visitors, but it can get awfully quiet and dark when the sun sets.

Now I am not one to be without some connection to the world and thankfully there is wifi, phone reception and cable television if you choose to be “wired”. Otherwise the solitude is refreshing and the stillness of time makes you appreciate the sounds of nature, the squeak of the hammock, the crackling campfire, the ebb and flow of the waterways and the contemplation that comes with knowing that the island is all yours.

http://www.privateislandsofgeorgia.com

Grace Anne Belangia loves to travel and always has her bags packed for another off the beaten path adventure.