2022’s Journey will entail 25 Campsites – 4,315 Miles (in Rosie the RV) and countless other SUV miles to get us to our adventures. We will see such vacation hotspots as St Augustine, Savannah, Charleston, Lake Placid, Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine [primarily Acadia National Park, and Baxter State Park], then head south to West Virginia and Virginia before landing back in Central Florida for the winter months.
Admittedly, I’m a bit behind in posting. I could blame it on the lack of internet or unreliable cell service (maybe because I haven’t take the steps or expense to update to 5G, I’m not sure), but mostly I have no excuse. So here goes……
Our second stop was a short hop of 1.5 hours / 75’ish miles to the northernmost city on Florida’s Atlantic coast, on the lovely Amelia Island in the City of Fernandina Beach, we parked it for 13 nights at Fort Clinch State Park.
History meets nature at Fort Clinch State Park. Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover or a bit of both, you will enjoy exploring the unique natural and historic resources of this pristine park.
The things that make the 1,400 acre Fort Clinch stand out to us are:
- The Quiet and Nature. Although the park is located in a touristy and busy area, once you enter the friendly gates and travel the 2’ish miles back into the campsites, picnic area, beach access, Fort entrance, or take any of the walking or biking trails, you feel far removed from the hustle and bustle.
- Beach Access. There are many areas to access the beach and enjoy the Atlantic coast with very few crowds. Our campground was only feet away from the beach.
- Walking and Biking Trails. There are miles and miles that will keep you occupied during your stay. The 6 mile multi use loop trail does make a great mountain bike ride.
- RV and Camping Spots. There are two campground to choose from: Beach or River Loop. These are very high demand spots so it’s tricky to get a reservation. Be prepared to plan well in advance or take something on the fly when someone has cancelled.
- We opted for the Beach side and absolutely LOVED our 13 night stay. We just can’t say enough about this wonderful jewel.
- The Fort. In excellent shape you can follow the self-guided tour to realize the importance of this Fort (that actually never saw a battle) during the Civil War. The rooms, stairways and tunnels make for a fun time of exploring and transporting yourself back in time.
- We were lucky enough to be there on a “retreat” weekend when reenactors where having sessions in full period gear and learning the ways of the time period.
- Submarine Homecoming. With the close proximity of the Park to nearby Kingsbay Naval Base we were told to look out for the Subs coming in or out. Toward the tail end of our stay, we got lucky and saw one! Pictures are towards the end of the post.
- Nature. The park is known for its gopher tortoises, painted buntings and other species of wildlife. We had the pleasure of viewing countless deer, comical gopher tortoises, bunnies, alligator, pygmy rattlesnake (very quickly on the road), armadillo, broad head skink, raccoon and countless birds.
Below are some of our favorite photos of Fort Clinch:
Attractions
Fernandina Beach Historic District
A taste of Southern Hospitality. Established in 1811, the quaint 50-area district is lined with quaint shops and historic homes; many of which now operate as B&Bs, Inns or sidewalk cafes.
Lofton Creek Kayaking
Lofton Creek is a calm, blackwater channel that meanders through the forested wetlands of Yulee, Florida about a 30 minute car ride from our campsite.
On this day we saw some wildlife and a few other paddlers but mostly it was peaceful and quiet.
Big Talbot Island’s Boneyard Beach
This called for an early morning Sunrise opportunity so that is what we did.
At the beach area for sunrise and then a bike ride on the East Coast Greenway complete with a picnic lunch on the beach. We finished this adventure off with ice cream and some shopping in the quaint town of Fernandina Beach.
Cumberland Island National Seashore
We were scheduled to do this adventure in 2020 while staying at Crooked River State Park in Georgia but the COVID lockdown for National Parks prevented us from this unique experience.
We originally were thinking we would kayak over from Fort Clinch. After talking to a very friendly and knowledgeable outfitter we were told it’s completely doable but be sure to check the tide schedules and paddle out with the out going tide and then back with the incoming tide. This would allow you approximately 2 hours to explore the island. Unable to bring our bikes and with time limitations, we opted to take the ferry over and bring our new Giant Trance E bikes to get us around efficiently. HOWEVER, next time we will seriously plan to kayak over and camp on the island to explore by foot for several days.
So, without your own boat it takes a bit of planning. First you need to book the Ferry ride over to the Island and then you need to remember to book your return ticket. The cost is $17 per leg or $34 per person round trip. Then you either need to have a National Park Pass or be prepared to pay the $10 National Park Fee for entry. Bikes are no longer offered as rentals. The cost to transport your bike over is $10 per bike round trip.
Now, just about 1-hour away from Fort Clinch, we were finally able to enjoy this adventure. Our day started on the chilly side, especially for a 45 minute Ferry ride over to the island but we were prepared. We headed for the Dungeness Ruins first, then biked the beach, then headed for Plum Orchard and ended our day around 3:45 at the Visitor’s Center awaiting the Ferry’s return trip.
Sunrise and Sunsets at Fort Clinch
These are some of our favorite early morning and sunset photography picks.
Sunrise at Fort Clinch State Park, just a few from our Campsite.
Sunset from the Egan Creek Lighthouse Overlook at Fort Clinch State Park
Eagan Creek Lighthouse Overlook
The Setting Sun from Eagan Creek Lighthouse Overlook
Unique Experience: Submarine Homecoming
We were blessed to see a US Navy Submarine homecoming travel through the channel on its way home to Kingsbay. This is truly an awesome sight!
Dining
Salt Life. Although not a “true” locally spot because a it’s a chain, it was highly recommended so we enjoyed two different evening meals on the rooftop bar overlooking the Atlantic. Both nights we enjoyed jazz favorites by a local artists. Everything was perfect. Especially with new friends, Laura and Everett.
Timoti’s Seafood Shak. We chose this local jewel because of Google reviews and because it reminded us of our favorite, Stewby’s Seafood Shanty in Fort Walton Beach, FL. It didn’t disappoint. In two different visits we tried a Poke Bowl, Fried Shrimp Basket, Crab Burger and Lobster Roll. All were perfectly yummy!
Dream Big, Travel Far, Live Well ……
What’s Next?
Next post will be: Savannah, GA via Skidaway State Park and Tybee Island via River’s End Campground
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