[Carla B]

There is a real day-trip break from civilization not far from I-95, Cumberland Island National Seashore, a beautiful island off the coast of Georgia. It's not accessible by car; you park your car in St. Mary's, and take the ferry over to the island, around 45 minutes one way. I think there are just two ferry trips per day which helps limit the number of visitors. Or if you are cruising on your own boat you can anchor nearby in the river, as we did. You bring you own lunch with you and take back your own trash. It is a national park and there are maps and guided tours, but you are also free to wander on your own. There is a campground site if you have the gear and wish to spend the night.

Cumberland is a huge barrier island and full of history from when James Oglethorpe purchased property there. There is a relatively flat walking trail across the island overhung with old oaks and Spanish moss. There are armadillos and roaming wild horses, and other wildlife. The horses are descendants of those brought to the island by Thomas Carnegie and wife Lucy, who also built a grand 59-room mansion there, Dungeness, in the 1880's. Thomas Carnegie died before the house was completed but Lucy carried on and built separate houses for their children. But in 1925 they suddenly left the island for good, abandoning all that had been built. The mansion was destroyed by arson in the 1950's but its ruins give an idea of its grandeur.

The walking trail leads to a beautiful and unspoiled seashore on the Atlantic Ocean as far as the eye can see.

In fact, thinking about this, it would be a great idea for a mini-vacation from The Villages.