| Friends Trip to Ossabaw Island
In April and October 2004, the Friends took two members only
trips to explore the coastal wildlife and primeval maritime forest
on Ossabaw Island. Those attending were introduced to the natural
and human history of the island. The weather, the food, and the
camaraderie were superb!
A group of 21 Friends of the Georgia Museum of Natural History
gathered on Ossabaw Island on the first weekend of April for an
exploratory and educational visit to this unspoiled treasure of
the Georgia coast. We enjoyed pleasant hiking in the maritime
forest among the palmettos and epiphyte-draped live oaks although
few could keep up with the pace set by Tanna Nicholson. For many
it was a bird-watchers paradise and with Gene Keferl as our authority
we were well-informed about the diversity of migratory warblers
and coastal wading birds. The roseate spoonbills were a rare sight.
Mealtimes were a focus for the trip and the menus coordinated
by Jean Porter were praised by all. The Ossabaw pig prepared by
resident, Roger Parker, on Saturday night was a special local
treat. Both Roger and Milton Hopkins regaled us with great stories.
The groups stayed in the recently restored Club House, with dormitory-style
accommodations. This 100+ year old building is situated at the
head of a long allee of ancient live oaks. Jim Bitler, the Ossabaw
Island Foundation on-island coordinator, guided several of our
excursions with stories and information about the natural and
cultural history of the Island. On Saturday morning, we were particularly
fortunate to be invited to Sandy West’s home, the large
Torry-West north-end mansion. We departed on Sunday afternoon
as we had arrived, by boat from Skidaway Island near Savannah.
All wished the weekend had been longer.
Friends who enjoyed the April trip were Jay and Daphne Allen,
Jean and David Porter, Clay Bryant and Holly Reed, Gregg Bayard
and Maggie Kiley, Amy Edwards and Steve Hillard, Cecil and Sandy
Hudson, Tom Rogers, Liz McGhee, and Tanna Nicholson all from Athens;
Milton Hopkins and Betty Stewart from Fitzgerald; David and Flossie
Dodge from Madison; and Gene and Charlsie Keferl from Brunswick.
In October, the group included Suzie and Dave Lindsay, Larry and
Debra Davis, Charles and Laura Seabrook, Monica Watkins, David
and Jean Porter, Gene and Rebecca , Jim and Karen Porter, Tom
and Gisela Gresham,
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