Zig Zagging Through the Marshes

Jekyll Island has almost 20 miles of bike trails zigzagging along the beach, through the historic district, alongside the golf courses and through the forest.  We rode almost all twenty of these miles–in one day.  We were in awe of the beautiful marshes.

Look closely to see the bridge to St. Simons

The Georgia coast is the most western coast on the Atlantic seaboard. It is at the center of the Georgia Bight a funnel shape coastline extending from North Carolina to Florida. At high tide water from Florida to North Carolina pushes up on itself creating 6 to 8 foot tidal changes along the Georgia coast compared to 3 foot tidal changes at the northern and southern tips of the bight.  These tides allow the development of marshes.  It is estimated that Georgia has 378,000 acres of salt marshes.  These marshes help foster the growth of economically important fish and shellfish by providing shelter for young crabs, shrimp and oysters.  The marshes also filter pollutants and serve as a buffer from storms offshore.

There is significant construction happening around the island.  The grocery store above in the modular building is planning to move into its new location in January.  Some of the older hotels are undergoing massive renovations.  

Joy