Cumberland Island, a barrier island off the coast of Georgia is larger than Manhattan Island, but never has more then 300 visitors per day. Cumberland is the southernmost barrier island on the Georgia coast. The island is over 36,000 acres, 17.5 miles long and approximately 1 ½ to 3 ½ miles wide. There is no causeway or bridge to the island so most of the visitors to the island take the Cumberland Ferry from Saint Mary's, Georgia.
Cumberland Ferry
Leaving the mainland on the Cumberland Ferry, you have a view of historic downtown Saint Marys. Upon arriving on the island, you are greeted by park rangers that are both personable and well informed. The first impression my husband and I had of this island were the horses grazing just beyond the dock where we exited the ferry. So Part I on Cumberland Island is dedicated to the feral horses of Cumberland.
The horses are not wild, but descendants of domesticated horses that belonged to the Carnegie family in the 1900's.
There are many foals on the island and we were able to photograph this foal, the first foal of this season.
This foal is very young and is staying very close to its mother on the edge of the dunes in the marshland.
The horses are often seen on the 17 plus miles of pristine undisturbed beaches (even if my husband and I couldn't get a photo).
Look for more posts on the history and beauty of this incredible National Seashore.
Thanks to my wonderful husband Conrad Unnerstall (and Associate Broker at Chapman Realty) for going with me to Cumberland. He is responsible for the photos that turned out well.
Julie E. Chapman, REALTOR®, Broker
Chapman Realty
Brunswick, Georgia 31520
912-280-0088 Office
912-270-6767 Cell
Web: http://www.juliechapman.com
eMail: chapmanrealty@yahoo.com
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©2007-2012 - Julie Chapman, All Rights Reserved
All photos and written content were produced by Julie Chapman Copyright 2007-2011 - All Rights Reserved. This content may not be reproduced or reprinted, except for Active Rain Re-blogging, without express written permission of Julie Chapman, REALTOR®, Chapman Realty, Brunswick Georgia.
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Julie, what incredible views. Thank you so much for sharing this. Love, C.
This looks like an interesting place to visit. Georgia is on my list of places to see.
Julie, I am ready to make my reservations to go. Thanks for the post...
Carolyn,
Thank you for visiting while on your vacation....
Carol,
Most people think of Georgia and they think Atlanta. Coastal Georgia is one of the most beautiful places on earth....I have traveled extensively and lived in California - which is beautiful - but when you factor in the "no rat race" factor and our way and cost of living, Coastal Georgia wins hands up every time.
Michael,
If you go to Cumberland, you can make reservations up to 6 months in advance and should for this trip. I can go anytime by jet ski but the visitor count is controlled by the park service and it is good to have reservations.
Julie,
Even tho I am not one for the salt water, I think that I would like to walk this beach.
Don,
It is the most amazing clean beach with beautiful dunes, white sand, blue wate and no commercial development....it is protected national sea shore.......
I had a good time. and wait until everyone sees part two of the Cumberland Island series!
Julie, this is beautiful. I had heard about the horses but I thought they were the same ones that are on the Outer Banks - descended from the Spanish, I think. There is so much development there now they are endangered in many areas such as Duck and Corolla. But here the horses are still perfectly safe which is great!
Do they have anything like Pony Penning Day (rounding up ponies from Assateague Island and taking them to Chincoteague Island on the Eastern Shore of Virginia to sell to thin the herd)?
Sharon,
These horse are feral (not wild) so I don't believe can be endangered as long as there are horses anywhere. Lucy Carnegie released her domesticated horses (in her will) and through the years they have become feral. This is another great story - you must purchase a book or just go online and read the background. It is so interesting.