19 May 2021
Heading home from Florida, our first overnight stop was at Crooked River State Park, just across the state line, in St. Mary’s, Georgia. Sunsets over the salt marsh are one of many reasons to visit this park.
Looking back from the water gives an idea of the nice size of site 41.
The $40.95 senior rate for one night includes a $5 daily vehicle fee and a glimpse of blue water through the trees.
I hope you enjoy a few photos from our walk around the park. Driftwood tree stumps bore testament to the power of hurricanes as we explored the shoreline.
Birders are treated to several screened in blinds. Focusing on photography without being devoured by mosquitos is a real treat.
A small heron didn’t seem to mind us observing as it foraged along the shoreline.
Birds aren’t the only wildlife in the park.
Can wildlife read? This gopher tortoise emerged from a burrow not far from the crossing sign.
Boats are almost as interesting to me as wild creatures. An approaching runabout caught my attention as it approached the State Park dock.
After catching and securing the bowline, it was a treat to admire the lines on this classic looking wooden vessel.
Dusk brought one last visitor to our campsite, an unexpected armadillo before we settled down for a quiet night of rest.
Dawn completely transformed the marsh bringing the song lyric “amber waves of grain” to mind.
Walking around the campground before getting underway, we met owners of a new Thor Tellaro. Based on the same Ram ProMaster as our Lexor, it was fun to share travel ideas and see the excitement of a couple just getting started in their camper van adventures.
From Crooked River we continued north on I-95 to Santee, South Carolina. There we enjoyed conversation with a couple who had retired from RV life, but still hosted travelers through Boondocker’s Welcome. If you aren’t familiar with the group, it is worth clicking on the link to learn more. There was no charge for the night unless we wanted to hook-up to electricity for $10. Not only is it convenient for overnight stops, we’ve met some very kind and interesting people through the group.
Unfortunately, this trip didn’t end well. When we arrived home, Beth had trouble opening the door from the garage into the house. Once inside, it was obvious why, when she splashed across the wet kitchen floor. Despite turning off the water main before we left, a faucet supply line had sprung a leak and made a mess of our kitchen. Apparently the main valve didn’t fully close. We’ve since replaced the valve and have had most of the kitchen torn out by a water remediation company. Due to supply and labor shortages it is looking like next year before we’ll have a working kitchen again.