My Jekyll Memories by Karrie Sheehan
Our experience of Jekyll Island began just moments ago in time considering the vast culture and age with which the island has existed. The only tangibility we can still savor are the old Polaroid’s and various scattered souvenirs which held a bookmarked place in our memories. Truly no words can eloquently convey the enchantment Jekyll holds over all who visit her, but hopefully our experience in words and pictures will illustrate the island’s dire need to be preserved and respected as a state park and historic archive.
My brother and I never realized that over time, we would greatly anticipate the smell of paper mills in July, as this was our cue to cease with the age old question of childhood travel: “are we there yet?” Once on the main road in we would look forward to the sound of our wheels traveling over the grill of the old drawbridge – the low moan our signal we had finally arrived. The slow drive in was so relaxing, with cicadas chanting our welcome, along with a thickness of air that was like a secure warm blanket around our skin. The palm trees would stand so tall, but there were always those few that would kneel down to greet the oncoming scattering of bikes and pedestrians along the sand-covered boardwalks.
Our souls were “home,” but it was not because of our hotel’s amenities, but rather the comforting ambience of Jekyll herself. The wonderful “skin” of Jekyll Island was a constant lesson for us in youth. Whether we were trying our hands at construction for that perfectly sturdy sandcastle, learning to stay afloat on her tranquil seas, or simply looking for patterns in her ever-changing landscape; my brother and I were constantly entertained and curious. In fact, driftwood beach still eludes and enchants me to this day.
We have traveled to Jekyll Island during many phases of our lives and will continue to do so, always assuming the same level of reverence and respect. I never forget to look to the old historic cottages by the Jekyll Island Club Hotel as a constant reminder of why people traveled to Jekyll – as an escape from the mundane. I think much the same, and hope that others will feel these words enough to realize that Jekyll Island’s beauty should be preserved as an escape from those things that keep us depressed, greedy, and uninspired. See more of the Sheehan’s Jekyll pictures here or in this month’s issue of Beachscape!
