Sapelo Island Atlantic Coast Camping & Beachcombing Weekend - Fri, Dec 2 2011

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


The Basics:
Event Type:Adventure
Event Location: 40 Miles South of Savannah, GA   Adventure: Sapelo Island Atlantic Coast Camping & Beachcombing Weekend  National Weather Service Forecast
Date(s) & Time:Fri, Dec 2 2011  2:30 pm >> Sun, Dec 4 2011 5:30 pm  (Carpool Departure: 9:00 am   *log in for location*)
Registration Opens: Wed, Nov 2 2011 10:00 pm
Registration Cut Off: Fri, Nov 18 2011 4:00 pm
Event Duration:3 Days and 2 Nights
Difficulty Rating:D2: Easy to Moderate
Pace:Leisurely
Trip Leader(s):
Charlie Cottingham
Bobby Marie
Thomas Melton
Email Trip Leader(s)
You must be logged in to get the Trip Leader contact information.
Member Cost:$70.53/Person (See Detailed Cost Info Below)

Participant Info:
Who's Invited: Members Only, 21 And Older Only
Maximum Group Size:19
Minimum Group Size:15
Number Registered So Far: 19 / 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.
  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.
  The 2-mile-long beach by our campsite is a wonderful place to be in late autumn—we'll have it all to ourselves and can relax on the sand, beachcomb for exotic shells and observe thousands of shore birds. The average early December temperature range is from mid-40s at night to mid-60s during the day.  A benefit of camping on GA's barrier islands at this time of year is the absence of biting insects.

CAMPING AMENITIES:  We'll have exclusive use of the GA DNR's oceanside Cabretta Campsite with more than an acre of level shaded tenting space.  A big bonus of the site is a spacious new roofed dining pavilion—also there are three screen-fronted hardwood-floored Adirondack buildings—sleep in one if you like in lieu of bringing your tent!  The group campsite has a nice new comfort station with hot showers, sinks & flush toilets—also safe drinking water, numerous picnic tables, and a spacious fire ring.  We'll be transported by bus (along with all our gear) 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!
  For this trip we've arranged a special optional Saturday sightseeing tour of the 20-square-mile Island.  Our friend J. R. Grovner is a Sapelo native and lifelong resident of its quaint "Hog Hammock" community; his ancestors were slaves who lived and worked on the Island more than 150 years ago. For a nominal per-person contribution J. R. will drive us all over the island, with walking stops at the beautifully restored 190-year-old Sapelo lighthouse on the island's south end, its adjoining "Nanny Goat Beach, the Marine Research Institute, the grounds of the palatial "Reynolds Mansion," Hog Hammock (and its pub!) - also the remote north end of the Island with its historic French "tabby ruins" and Raccoon Bluff church. Coincidentally, Dec 3rd will be J. R.'s birthday, so be ready to sing to our Island friend, host and driver!
  It's possible also that some of us may arrange to paddle over to legendary "Blackbeard Island" and back— it's just across Blackbeard Creek from the north end of our lovely campsite island, Cabretta.

GROUP MEALS PLAN & SUGGESTED FOOD & GEAR:  (Also refer to notes below under "Required Items to Bring.")  The trip leaders will provide all the ingredients for a big Saturday evening group dinner, included in our trip price.
   The other dinner and both breakfasts will be informally prepared and shared "pot-luck style" at our Cabretta campsite dining pavilion, with each camper who chooses to participate simply contributing an ingredient or small dish, salad, dessert item, etc. of your choice.
  Lunches: During much of each day 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 3:30 PM sharp, Friday Dec 2.  It will be imperative for each of us to be there at the dock no later than 3:00 PM Friday for loading and boarding.
  We expect that the most of our group on this trip will opt for our "general Carpooling plan." (See details below: meeting Friday at 9:00 AM in rear lot of Clarion Hotel). It's also fine to pair up in advance and depart Atlanta at mutually agreeable times and places. For any who prefer to 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).
  At 2:30 PM Friday we'll gather at the Sapelo Visitor Center near the mainland ferry dock, and at 3:00 PM drive our vehicles temporarily to the dock and load our gear onto the ferry (see directions below).  Let's all avoid bringing numerous small separate items and have our personal things well consolidated inside large rugged containers, duffels, etc. (see more below).  Although we never have to walk our camping gear more than 40 or 50 yards it's a good idea to pack wisely and cull out any unnecessary items.
  Our vehicles will have free parking all weekend at the Visitor Center near the mainland dock. The ferry will depart for Sapelo at 3:30 PM sharp, arriving at about 4:00 PM 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 about 48 hours on the Island to enjoy this beautiful campsite and the many other wonderful things Sapelo has to offer.
  Our charter bus pick-up at the campsite will be at 2:00 PM on Sunday for our trip back to the island ferry dock.  We have ferry reservations to depart Sapelo at 4:00 PM Sunday, and expect to arrive back at our vehicles about 4:30 PM.  This makes it likely that we all can be back in Atlanta by about 10:30 PM Sunday, assuming a stop for dinner and gas en route home.

OPTIONAL THU NIGHT LODGING just 12 MINUTES from MAINLAND FERRY DOCK (Change from Inn previously announced!)    For those of us who prefer departing Atlanta on Thu Dec 1, we've arranged a special group rate at the Eulonia Motel near I-95 Exit #58.  (The Knights Inn previously announced has closed.)  If you'd like to reserve a room call 912-832-2400 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 you can call them to cancel or to guarantee the room with your credit card number up through Nov 30.  Their manager, Peter, has guaranteed us their lowest group rate— $44.75 including tax for a double bed (1 or 2 persons) or $35.60 including tax for a single bed (up to 2 in room also allowed). To reach the Eulonia Inn from I-95 Exit #58 go eastward on GA-57 just 1 mile to the US-17 traffic light, turn right and it's just a few yards down the highway there in the heart of Eulonia. 

"PRE-TRIP PLANNING MEETING" prior to NOVEMBER AOC SOCIAL at "TACO MAC" in the PRADO, TUE NOV 8, 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 CLICK on THESE LINKS:
Excellent Wikipedia article:  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sapelo_Island
Satellite Photo of Sapelo and its adjoining barrier islands:
http://en.bestpicturesof.com/i/Satellite%20View%20of%20Sapelo%20Island/14149257
Allison Adams' Sapelo Photo Album from our Aug 2009 AOC camping trip:
http://megasuperstar.shutterfly.com/262
Lisa Maldonado Santore's Photo Album from AOC Labor Day wkehd 2007 trip:  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 PACKING & PROTECTING GEAR, FOOD & PERSONAL ITEMS:
As discussed above consolidate everything inside Covered Plastic Boxes, Coolers, Duffel Bags, Suitcases, Backpacks, etc. and minimize the number of separate items.  Esp. since our gear may get rained on in transit on the ferry deck, it's a good idea to seal sleeping bags, extra clothing, dry food, etc. inside appropriate-sized large Ziploc Bags, etc. BEFORE packing everything inside larger protective luggage or containers.

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 + 2 Pair light Long Pants
 2 T-Shirts or Synthetic Undershirts + 1 Long-Sleeve Shirt
 Jacket, Sweater and Cap
 2 Pair Each:  Socks & Underwear    Bandanna*
 Jacket, etc.* (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, please bring the following cooking gear -- otherwise your fellow campers may 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:
 SAT NIGHT DINNER INGREDIENTS, couple of covered Pots & Pans,
 2-burner Coleman Stove, Coleman grill, 
 Limited quantity of Paper Towels, Napkins, Plates & Gp Supplies,
 Brewed Coffee + Sweeteners & Creamers for group both mornings, 
 Matches & "Strikers," Aluminum Foil, Garbage Bags, a few ZipLoc Bags, Plastic Dishwashing Tubs, Dish Detergent & Scouring Pads, Salt, Pepper, Misc. Spices, Butter & Oil, a few Sharp Knives

FOR CAMPFIRES,  COMFORT & LEISURE, ETC:
Camp Chair* (in its own duffel bag, etc. - ferry may not allow foldup-style flat chairs that are not in bags.)
Packaged "Firelog"* to augment our firewood.

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,  Spare Camera Batteries & Memory Stick,  Tripod*     Binoculars*
 Light-weight inflatable Beach Float* (Apr - Oct)    Nature Guides* (for birding, plant ID, stargazing, 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 their asterisks *.

How to Get There:
Event Directions:
FROM ATLANTA to SAPELO ISLAND MAINLAND FERRY DOCK & VISITOR CENTER (Meridian, GA 31304, about 295 miles total).  For GPS Navigation or Google Maps you can use Lat/Lon Coordinates 31.4550,-81.3647 as your Destination in conjunction with these detailed directions.

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 in our group staying at the Knights Inn - option discussed in event itinerary - it is at this exit, on your right on GA-57.)
5. To continue toward the mainland Ferry Dock from this exit 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 2:30 PM Friday 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 3:00 PM. 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 3:30 PM sharp.

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!
Carpool to Event Distance (round trip):590Mile(s)
Carpool Departure Time: 9:00 am
Carpool Location:   Log in for location
Carpool Directions:   Log in for directions
Carpool Cost: Estimated cost per vehicle for this event is $236.00 using a reimbursement rate guideline of $0.400 per mile. The total amount should be divided by the number of people in the vehicle, including the driver. This is a guideline, not a rule, for drivers but the cost should not be higher unless there are extenuating circumstances.

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:$70.53/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,
• Saturday evening group Dinner at campsite Dining Pavilion.
Payment Cut Off:Payment must be received by the AOC on Fri, Nov 18 2011.
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 your 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 Nov 18 payment deadline.

CANCELLATION POLICY: If you cancel on or before Nov 18, full payment will be refunded less a $5 administrative fee. No refund after Nov 18 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.