Sapelo Island Atlantic Coast Camping & Beachcombing Weekend + bonus Island Festival! - Fri, Oct 15 2010

REGISTRATION & PAYMENT REQUIRED: Once you've reviewed the event details, and decided you'd like to join us, you MUST sign up at the bottom of this page. This is a paid event with payment managed through the AOC. Please read the event description carefully for details; you will be given payment instructions after you sign up. Late payments are NOT accepted for this event, in any circumstance.



Sapelo Island Atlantic Coast Camping & Beachcombing Weekend + bonus Island Festival!


The Basics:
Event Type:Adventure
Event Location: 40 Miles South of Savannah, GA
Date(s) & Time:Fri, Oct 15 2010  8:00 am >> N/A
Registration Opens: Wed, Sep 15 2010 10:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Oct 1 2010 4:00 pm
Event Duration:3 Days & 2 Nights, thru Sun PM Oct 17
Difficulty Rating:D2: Easy to Moderate
Trip Leader(s):
Charlie Cottingham
Bobby Marie
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:$58.00/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:25
Minimum Group Size:15
Number Registered So Far: 25 / 0 (To see who's signed up, log in to the Member Area)
Are Dogs Permitted: No

Itinerary:

OVERVIEW:  Are you a beach lover who enjoys the wonders of nature and a healthy dose of adventure—plus perhaps occasionally a little luxury when you're camping?  This may be the perfect trip for you!  Sapelo is a beautiful barrier island on the Georgia coast about 40 miles south of Savannah.  Its pristine natural beaches and wilderness areas are enhanced by its protected status as a National Estuarine Research Reserve.  Mid-October is a great time to camp on Sapelo, with average daily highs in the 70s, average nightly lows about 60, and usually little rain and few pesky insects.  Like Cumberland Island to its south there is no bridge or highway connecting Sapelo with the mainland—visiting groups such as ours make advance reservations on the public ferry which takes only 20 to 30 minutes each way. 

CAMPING AMENITIES:  We'll have exclusive use of the GA DNR's oceanside Cabretta Campsite with tons of level shaded tent space.  There are also 3 screened hardwood-floored Adirondack buildings at the site—sleep in one if you like in lieu of bringing your tent.  The group campsite has hot showers, flush toilets, safe drinking water, numerous picnic tables, and a spacious fire ring—and we'll be transported by bus directly from the ferry dock to and from this private group site.  The trip is highly suitable both for those who prefer taking a minimum of camping gear and also for those who are happier with their queen-size air mattresses, multi-burner Coleman stoves, and big coolers filled with ice, fresh food and cold drinks. 

ABUNDANT THINGS TO SEE AND DO:  Like Cumberland Island, Sapelo is blessed with lovely secluded beaches, sea-oat-capped sand dunes, forests of huge gnarled mossy live oaks, abundant seabirds & wildlife, and historic ruins.  Beachcombing, shell collecting and stargazing on our private beach are always spectacular!  We also usually see wild dolphins and alligators!  We can visit the palatial "Reynolds Mansion," the Marine Research Institute, and the beautifully restored 190-year-old Sapelo lighthouse on the island's south end, and we may be able to arrange use of a motor vehicle to facilitate these longer excursions.

"CULTURAL DAY FESTIVAL!"—Special BONUS option this trip!  Saturday October 16 happens to be Sapelo Island's big annual "Cultural Day" and we've been invited (with FREE entry!) to join in the fun, food & festivities in the quaint village of Hog Hammock.  There'll be special island music, dancing, drumming, storytelling and delicious food & refreshments!  Island delicacies available for purchase include exotic island seafood dishes, barbecued ribs, chicken, tasty veggies and much more.

GROUP MEALS PLAN & SUGGESTED FOOD & GEAR:  (Also refer to notes below under "Required Items to Bring.")  Charlie and Bobby will provide a big Friday evening group dinner, included in our trip price.  We suggest that for Saturday dinner we avail ourselves of the "Cultural Day Festival" delicacies and refreshments discussed above.  Sat & Sun Breakfasts and Sun Lunch will be informally prepared and shared "pot-luck style" at our Cabretta group campsite, with each camper who chooses to participate simply contributing an ingredient or small dish, salad, dessert item, etc. of your choice.  Upon arrival Friday morning we'll consolidate our coolers and cooking & dining gear beside one of the screened shelters, and reposition most of the on-site picnic tables at that group dining area.  Lunches: During much of the day on Fri, Sat & Sun we'll likely be away from the campsite exploring, beachcombing, etc. so we suggest that each person bring a light daypack and be prepared to carry with you a few items to snack on such as a piece of fruit, sandwich, trail mix, cookies, water, etc.—plus your camera, etc. 

TRIP SCHEDULE & LOGISTICS:  It's about a 4.5-hour drive from Atlanta to the mainland ferry dock and its adjoining "Sapelo Visitor Center" in Meridian, GA via I-75, I-16, I-95, and GA-99—see our detailed Directions below.  For this Sapelo trip our scheduled public ferry departure will be at 8:30 AM sharp, Friday Oct 15.  It will be imperative for each of us to be there at the dock no later than 8:00 AM Friday for loading and boarding.  A later ferry is not an option.  On past Sapelo trips with a morning ferry many have chosen simply to depart Atlanta in the wee hours (about 3:00 AM Friday) and drive direct to the dock.
  For those who can drive down during the day or evening on Thursday we've arranged an inexpensive lodging option (just a 15-minute drive from the mainland dock—see details & directions below) and we expect that most in our group will choose that option.
  In lieu of setting up a specific time for a group carpool departure, we'll help you arrange advance-planned "custom carpools" for those who prefer pairing up for the trip.  The Clarion Hotel on Atlanta's southside (I-75 Exit #235—see below) has proven to be a convenient, free and safe place to hook up and leave unneeded vehicles if necessary.
  At 7:40 AM Friday we'll gather at the Sapelo Visitor Center near the mainland ferry dock, and at 8:00 AM drive our vehicles temporarily to the dock and load our gear onto the ferry (see directions below).  Please avoid bringing small loose items and have your gear and personal items well packed into sturdy coolers, covered plastic boxes, rugged duffel bags, suitcases, backpacks, etc, which protects your gear and makes our ferry and bus loadings & unloadings much easier.  We never have to walk our stuff more than 20 or 30 yards during the trip.
  We'll leave all our vehicles parked (free parking) at the Visitor Center near the mainland dock. The ferry will depart for Sapelo at 8:30 PM sharp, arriving at about 8:50 AM Friday.  At the island dock we'll be met by a GA DNR bus driver who will take us and all our gear directly to our beach-side Cabretta Campsite—about 5 miles NE of the island dock.  We'll have three days and two nights to enjoy this beautiful campsite and the many other wonderful things the island has to offer.
  Our charter bus pick-up at the campsite will be at 2:00 PM Sunday for our trip back to the island ferry dock.  We have ferry reservations for departing Sapelo at 4:00 PM Sunday, with expected arrival back at our vehicles about 4:30 PM.  This makes it likely that we can be back in Atlanta by perhaps 10:30 PM Sunday night, assuming a stop for dinner and gas en route home.

SUGGESTED OPTIONAL THU NIGHT LODGING just 15 MINUTES from MAINLAND FERRY DOCK:    For those of us who can depart Atlanta on Thu Oct 14 we've arranged a special group rate at the Knights Inn at I-95 Exit #58.  This hotel has worked out great for many of Charlie's previous Sapelo groups.  Staying there makes it easy to be at the dock for our 8:00 AM ferry boarding, esp. since the Inn includes a free continental breakfast.  If you'd like to reserve a room call 912-832-4444 and mention that you'd like one of Atlanta Outdoor Club "group rate" rooms—no deposit or credit card number is required to make a reservation and there's no penalty for a cancellation.  Their manager, Mr. Al Patel, has guaranteed us their lowest group rate— $39.95 + tax = $44.75, good for one or two persons, including the continental breakfast, with only a $5 charge each (untaxed) for a third or fourth guest in the room.  If you're seeking a compatible roommate to share a room, please try to attend our Oct 12 Pre-trip Planning Meeting (see below) and also notify me and Bobby.
  At about 8:00 PM Thu all who have arrived at the Knights Inn are welcome to go out to dinner with Charlie at a local seafood restaurant, "Sapelo Station," on US-17 in Eulonia, GA, just 5 minutes from the hotel (separate checks are fine).  The restaurant expects to be open until 10:00 PM that Thursday in case you have to arrive late.

 "PRE-TRIP PLANNING MEETING" prior to OCTOBER AOC SOCIAL at "TACO MAC" in the PRADO, TUE OCT 12, 6:30-7:30 PM :  If your schedule permits, please plan to drop in and join us for this informal "pre-Social" happy-hour planning meeting at the Taco Mac (in the Prado Shopping Center, 1/4 mile south of the I-285 Roswell Road exit in Sandy Springs).  No problem if you have to arrive late.  We'll introduce one another, help pre-arrange "custom carpooling" groups, discuss directions, gear, meals & activities, and address all of your questions and suggestions about the trip. After our meeting there will be plenty of time to enjoy the AOC Social!

FOR MORE ON SAPELO:  Go to the excellent Wikipedia article at the following link:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapelo_Island
Links to great photos from our Aug 2009 AOC Sapelo trip:
Allison Adams' Album:   http://megasuperstar.shutterfly.com/262
Brian Clements' Album: http://picasaweb.google.com/bclements14/200908SapeloIslandGA#

Link to more nice shots, from AOC Labor Day 2007 trip:
Lisa Maldonado Santore's Album:  http://lsantore.smugmug.com/Travel/Sapelo-Island/3460146_VzEB3#194475447_G5PMg


Required Items to Bring:
CHECKLIST OF SUGGESTED ITEMS TO BRING ON
SAPELO ISLAND CAMPING TRIP
* Asterisk indicates "Optional" item. 

FOR SLEEPING:
 Tent  (or share with a friend, or sleep in screened Adirondack Shelter)
 Foam Pad,  Blow-Up Pad/ AirMattress, or Hammock*
 Sleeping Bag, or Sheets & Blankets, appropriate for weather
 Compact Pillow*

 CLOTHING & ACCESSORIES:  Adjust seasonally, and according to weather forecast.
 2 Pair of Hiking or Running Shorts + 1 Pair light Long Pants
 2 T-Shirts or Synthetic Undershirts + 1 Long-Sleeve Shirt
 2 Pair Each:  Socks & Underwear    Bandanna*
 Light Jacket, Sweater, Sweatshirt* (per weather)
 Swimsuit* (primarily for Apr.-Oct.)
 RainCoat or Poncho
 Cap or Hat     Sunglasses
 2 or 3 Pair comfortable Shoes (e.g., Hiking Shoes, Sandals, "Crocs")

TOILETRY ITEMS:  (Cabretta Campsite has potable water, hot showers & flush toilets.)
 High-"DEET" Bug Repellant (esp. April-Oct.)     SunScreen & Lip Balm
 Biodegradable Soap/ Shampoo     Towel & WashCloth
 Toothbrush & Paste
 Headlamp or Flashlight + Extra Batteries

FOR COOKING & MEALS:
 Misc. Breakfast Items to Share  + Items for "Potluck" Group Dinners, etc. + Lunch Items for your Daypack.
 Washable Hard Plate, Insulated Cup (ideally "spill-proof" with lid), and steel or "lexan" washable Dining Utensils
 Large Cooler with plenty of ice, perishable foods, and your favorite beverages. (Suggestion:  Pre-freeze plastic jugs & bottles of water and use in lieu of crushed ice in your cooler:  Makes no mess, lasts a long time, and gives you bonus ice water!)

* If you have, bring the following, otherwise your fellow campers will likely have enough for everyone:
 Large Covered Pot,  Frying Pan,  Griddle* (all preferably Non-Stick for easy cleanup),  Spatula*, Spoons*
 Portable Stove*    Fuel & Lighter*    Lantern*
**IMPORTANT:  Ferry allows only Propane-type Fuel Canisters (ideally stowed in a covered box or enclosed duffel bag).  Please NO Pourable-Liquid-fuel Stoves/Lanterns!

TRIP LEADERS WILL PROVIDE THE FOLLOWING FOR THE GROUP:
 FRI NIGHT DINNER INGREDIENTS, plus Pots, Pans
 Two 2-Burner Propane Stoves & Extra Propane
 Limited quantity of Paper Towels, Napkins, Plates & Gp Supplies,
 Coffee, Sweeteners & Creamers for Group + large Percolator,
 Matches & "Strikers," Aluminum Foil, Garbage Bags, a few ZipLoc Bags, Plastic Dishwashing Tubs, Dish Detergent & Scouring Pads, Salt, Pepper, Misc. Spices, Margarine, Sharp Knives,
 Binoculars & Star Charts for Stargazing,

FOR CAMPFIRES,  COMFORT & LEISURE, ETC:
 1 or 2 Packaged "FireLogs"*     Kindling & Newspapers*   Saw, Hatchet, etc.*
 Compact Fold-up Chair*  (Best to stow inside duffel since ferry may not allow.)
 About 50 Feet of Light Nylon Cord* (for clothesline, etc.)
 "Action Packer"-type Covered Plastic Box* or extra dry cooler (for keeping perishable food items, etc. protected from critters & rain).
 Cards & Games*             Reading Materials*
 Any lightweight Musical Instrument* that you play   Frisbee*, Ball, etc.
 Small Radio, IPOD, or CD Player* (We usually volunteer to bring)  plus CDs 

FOR HIKING, PHOTOGRAPHY, STARGAZING, BIRDWATCHING, ETC.:
 DayPack  (e.g: with Compass, Maps, InkPen, Knife, Matches, Mini-Flashlight, Tissues, SunScreen, LipBalm, Bug Repellant, Mini-1st-Aid Kit, Plastic Survival Blanket—also handy for picnicking on beach, etc.)
 Suggested Lunch Items for Pack:  Box-Beverage, Gorp, Apple, Cheese, Sandwich, Chips, etc.
 Camera,  Extra Film,  Spare Camera Battery,  Tripod*     Binoculars*
 Light-weight inflatable Beach Float* (Apr - Oct)    Nature Guides* to Birds, Trees, Stars, etc.

Recommended Items to Bring:
Use our Event Checklists to make sure you have everything you need.
(Note that most items discussed under "Required Items to bring" are in fact optional, as indicated by asterisks, etc.)

How to Get There:
Event Directions:
FROM ATLANTA to SAPELO ISLAND MAINLAND FERRY DOCK & VISITOR CENTER (Meridian, GA 31304, about 295 miles total):

1. Take I-75 South ~85 miles to Macon. (If your point of departure is the East or NE side of Atlanta you may wish to connect to I-75 via I-285 and I-675.  Important:  When approaching Macon AVOID the I-475 bypass by bearing left on I-75 at Mile #177.)
2. At I-75 Exit #165 in Macon, bear Left off I-75 onto I-16 East toward Savannah, and continue ~157 miles to the I-95 Interchange just west of Savannah.
3. Merge Right from I-16 onto I-95 South at Exit #157 (I-95 Exit #99 en route back), and take I-95 South ~41 miles.
4. Get off I-95 to your right at Exit #58, "GA-57, Townsend-Eulonia, GA."  For those of us staying at the Knights Inn Thursday night (see option discussed in event itinerary), it is at this exit,  immediately on your right on GA-57.
5. To continue toward the mainland Ferry Dock from this exit (or from the Knights Inn) first cross over the I-95 bridge on GA-57 (eastward) and continue straight ahead on GA-57 for ~1 mile to a 4-way traffic light (at U.S. Hwy 17).  As you continue straight ahead through this intersection, GA-57 becomes GA-99.
6. From the above light at GA-57/99 and US-17 continue via GA-99 ~8.6 more miles to the small community of Meridian, GA and look on your left for the following large rectangular sign on the same corner as a church: "Sapelo Island National Estuarine Research Center."
7. Turn Left just before the above sign onto the paved Sapelo Island Dock Road (a.k.a. "Landing Rd"), turn Right over the small bridge, and follow the road to its dead end at the Visitor Center & Ferry Dock (~0.8 mile total from GA-99).  Congratulations—you made it!

GROUP PROCEDURE at MAINLAND DOCK and ADJOINING "SAPELO VISITOR CENTER":  At about 7:40 AM we suggest that you stop by the Visitor Center where you can enjoy its free museum displays of the island's natural, geologic and human history, check out their T-shirts and other nice souvenirs, and pick up free Island maps, brochures, etc.  We'll load our gear onto the ferry at about 8:00 AM. The AOC trip leader will pay for our group ferry fare at the Visitor Center and simply present that receipt as our "group ticket" after we board.  As discussed in the event itinerary our Ferry departure will be at 8:30 AM sharp Friday morning.

PARKING PROCEDURE NEAR MAINLAND DOCK:  For unloading your heavier gear from our vehicles we may park temporarily at the farthest dead-end of the road (beside the dock and ferry office) but over the weekend we must park either in the marked spaces at the Visitor Center or along the shoulders of the dock road at least 100 yards from the dock.  Parking is FREE!

CLARION HOTEL PARKING LOT on ATLANTA'S SOUTHSIDE is a SUGGESTED MEETING PLACE for "CUSTOM CARPOOLING."
(Trip Co-Leaders will facilitate pairing you up in advance with others for the drive down and back, departing Atlanta at mutually agreeabletimes and places.  "Reply-All" email has worked well for this in the past.)
A convenient and relatively secure south-side location to meet for carpooling and leave vehicles is the rear parking lot of the Clarion Hotel at I-75 Exit #235 near Jonesboro (about 4 miles south of the south-side I-75/ I-285 Interchange).  This high-rise hotel (formerly a Holiday Inn) is in view straight ahead from the exit ramp.  Specifically:
1) Take I-75 South from Atlanta and exit to your Right at Exit #235 ("Old Dixie Rd / Tara Blvd", US-41/US-19 South). Turn Left at the first traffic light onto Upper Riverdale Rd and go just 100 yards to Old Dixie Rd.
3) Turn Right onto Old Dixie Rd, then turn almost immediately left into the Hotel parking lot.  A good place to meet and to safely leave spare cars is the shaded rearmost end of the lot, behind the hotel.
HOTEL DEPARTURE: To depart the hotel lot via I-75 South toward Sapelo, we'll turn Right onto Old Dixie Rd to exit the lot, then take an almost immediate Right onto the I-75 ramp.
HOTEL ADDRESS:  6288 Old Dixie Hwy, Jonesboro, GA 30236.  This address can be used in conjunction with MapQuest.com if you need custom directions from your point of origin. (Google.com/maps is a bit incorrect.)

Notes:
Important information for paid events in which payment is managed through the AOC:

     - Payment must be received by the payment due date and prior to participation in the event.

     - Some paid events require a minimum number of registered participants. If that number is not met, the event will be canceled and refunds will be issued to those who have already paid.

     - Third-party vendors often require damage deposits. Each registrant agrees to be liable for and required to reimburse the Atlanta Outdoor Club for any withheld deposits due to the actions of or damages caused by that registrant.

     - No partial payments. All registrants must pay the posted Member Cost regardless of any agreement you may have with any party involved in the event.

     - Read the event description carefully for additional information, and contact the trip leader(s) with any questions.

* We encourage all members to follow our Etiquette Guidelines while participating in AOC events.

Cost & Payment:
Member Cost:$58.00/Person
Cost Includes:
• Round-trip Ferry between Mainland Dock and Island (group schedule in itinerary above),
• Round-trip charter Bus Transportation between Sapelo I. dock and Campsite,
• Two nights Oceanside Camping at Cabretta Group Campsite (Sleep in screened Adirondack Building in lieu of your tent if you prefer.)
• Hot Showers, Flush Toilets, Running Potable Water + other misc. island amenities
• Fri. evening Dinner at Campsite, 
• Free Sat. "Cultural Day Festival" admission.
Payment Cut Off:Payment must be received by the AOC on Fri, Oct 1 2010.
Make a Payment:Click here for the details. PLEASE PAY AFTER YOU HAVE SIGNED UP BELOW.

Cancellation/Partial Attendance:   Please review the AOC cancellation policy.
*Note:
*NOTE: It is your responsibility to get the payment in on time. Please allow two days for processing a PayPal transaction and one week for a check. No checks will be accepted after the Oct 1 payment deadline.

CANCELLATION POLICY: If you cancel on or before Oct 1, full payment will be refunded less a $5 administrative fee. No refund after Oct 1 unless someone replaces you and pays in full, and then you will receive a full refund less a $5 administrative fee. No partial payment for partial attendance. If the trip leader cancels the event, full payment will be refunded. If you do not cancel your attendance or fail to show up for the event, you are still responsible for full payment.