CCA Ossabaw Excursion: September 14

CCA Skidaway is hosting a cruise to Ossabaw Island on Saturday, September 14. This much anticipated event will feature a day exploring the third largest barrier island on the Georgia coast.

You will experience an ecologically diverse island teeming with wildlife, egrets, tricolored herons, coots, eagles, and wood storks, to mention just a few. This also includes donkeys, alligators, snakes, and the infamous hogs.  You will see the three, pre-Civil War tabby cabins that were constructed by enslaved African-Americans. Unfortunately the Torrey-West house is under major renovations for the next several years and will not be on the tour.

You will learn how Sandy Torrey West, former owner of Ossabaw negotiated with the state of Georgia to protect this island by becoming the state’s first Heritage Preserve and run by the Ossabaw Island Foundation.

This is an all-day trip. You will be boarding Captain Mike Neal’s Island Explorer, a 42 foot pontoon at Delegal Creek Marina. Plan to be at the marina no later than 8:30 a.m., the boat will leave promptly at 9.

A day on Ossabaw is a walking day of 3 to 3.5 miles --  there is no transportation on the island. Please wear comfortable walking shoes. Also bring bug spray, sun protection, hat, a walking stick (optional), a rain coat (depending on the weather), and carrots and/or apples in case the donkeys are around.

All participants must sign a waiver. This  waiver will be provided to you via an email, which will be sent to you several days after you register. Please look for this email sent from CCA Skidaway, if you do not receive it, please contact Paulette Hamilton (sushi1103@mac.com or 610-509-0279). The Ossabaw Island Foundation is very strict about the waiver, there will be no exceptions. Box lunches and water will be provided by CCA Skidaway.

The excursion is for members only at a cost of $125 per person. This price includes transportation, tour of Ossabaw, box lunch, and gratuities for boat crew and tour guide. If you are not a CCA member and would like to join us on this incredible day tour, it is easy to become a member by visiting our website (https://ccaskidaway.org/membership/).

This excursion is limited to the 36 participants. After the maximum is reached a wait list will be created. The last day for a full refund is September 10, there will be no refunds for cancellations after that date.

CCA is a non-profit organization with chapters on the Atlantic, Pacific, and Gulf Coasts. For more information about CCA of Skidaway, call Rick Tallon, (417-294-2002). For more information about CCA’s Georgia District, contact Tom Rood (912-598-9753.)  For information about this event, call Paulette Hamilton (610-509-0279). Area residents and visitors are invited to attend the CCA of Skidaway meetings and seminars held on the second Monday of the month at St. Peter’s Church.