Spring Break on An Island!

OVERVIEW

No Spring Break plans yet? Going home is (probably) economic but let’s face it, you want to do something wild and outdoorsy. Outdoorsy things like skiing sound great but so dang cold, and you know you want warm. Cancun is warm, but it ain’t cheap junior, and it’s outrageously crowded. So why not do something inexpensive, warm, outdoorsy, and incredible? Cumberland Island National Park is your answer!!

Cumberland Island is on the southern coast of Georgia. This island boasts over 50 miles of hiking trails, as well as many designated backcountry camp sites. The island has several scenic hiking loops that “meander through maritime forests, interior wetlands, historic districts, marsh ecosystems, and beautiful beaches.” Check out the map at: http://www.nps.gov/cuis/upload/IslandMap.pdf.

With over 50 miles to walk around in totally undeveloped backcountry, this trip will center primarily on backpacking, and since we could cover anywhere between 3-15 miles in a day, bring your walking legs. But don’t be fooled, there is plenty to do, from beach soccer to frisbee to slacklining to sleeping on a completely empty beach. It’ll be up to us!

This trip is set up in the purest spirit of adventure, so be prepared to be flexible, but here’s a TENTATIVE itinerary:

Friday, February 27–
We’ll meet at Echols at noon and get everyone set up, and roll out as efficiently as possible. We’ll drive from Cville down to St. Marys, GA, and stay at a hotel/buy groceries (not outdoorsy I know, but stay with me)

Saturday, February 28–
Catch the 9am ferry, and head to the island. It is there we will pick up our passes and the adventure begins! We will stay on the island until…

Tuesday morning, March 3–
We will catch the ferry back to the mainland so we’ll have a chance to explore some of the other parks in the area like Okefenokee Swamp
http://www.fws.gov/okefenokee/
Crooked River State Park
http://gastateparks.org/info/crookriv/
or even Big Talbot Island in Florida
http://www.floridastateparks.org/littletalbotisland/

Wednesday, March 4–
We’ll start our return, and stay at Hunting Island, SC…great sunrises!

Thursday, March 5–
Cville or bust!

THE CLUB PROVIDES:
-up to $100 in gas + up to $10 extra for wear and tear for each driver
-food for Saturday breakfast through Thursday breakfast.
-camping/backcountry passes
-packs, sleeping pads, sleeping bags, tents, water filters etc.
-Jolly times!

YOU PAY FOR/PROVIDE:
-hotel stay ~$15
-snacks/meals for the car
-ferry ride ($17)
-2/3 of Okefenokee canoe rental ($12)
-gas money over $100 ($10/person?)
Total cost to you: ~under $60?!?!

YOU PACK:
Backpack*
Pack rain cover*/heavy duty trash bags for lining (I will pick some of these up)
Sleeping Bag*
Sleeping pad*
Headlamp* and extra batteries

Spoon + fork (or spork)
Tupperware bowl
Water bottles (2 Nalgenes or 2 litres total, I use several nalgenes)

Broken-in hiking boots (you NEED ankle support! It is rough terrain!)
2 pair thick hiking socks (smartwool etc. NO cotton!)
Shorts (lightweight, quick drying)
Long pants (lightweight, NO jeans or cotton!)
Tight capeline underarmour
Waterproof/water resistant pants
T-shirt (synthetic, avoid cotton)
Fleece pullover (thin, as a 2nd layer)
Thick fleece, windstopper or polarloft jacket (to go over 2nd layer)
Rain Gear (breathable if possible, must fit over other layers!)
Underwear
Hat (warm that covers the ears)
Gloves
Bandanas
Camp shoes (crocs, clogs, tennis shoes)
Swim suit

Camera
Sunglasses
Chapstick
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Pack towel (if you have one)
Contact lenses/glasses
Medications

Most importantly, your spirit of adventure!!!!

*you can get these items from the club