Barrier Island Edges: The Bay at St. George Island

Not a beach person?  How about the bay?
It seems Dr. Julian G. Bruce St. George Island State Park has it all.

Old pine, myrtle, oak, and cypress stumps

Being a barrier island, the landscape is constantly changing complements of mother nature.  The shoreline, dunes, and bays are altered with each storm and rough tide resulting in a shifting island.  So, there is always something new to see and experience.

Approaching the bay through the flat woods

Follow the East Slough Nature Trail from the camp ground through the flat woods and scrub to...

Smilax with berries along the trail
Yes, you can eat much of this plant

... to the east end of the bay for a swim.

Swimming in the bay.

The water here is clear so it is easy to see the bottom.  Bringing a snorkel and mask would afford hours of endless entertainment. On the other hand, simply wading the shallow waters of the bay gives you the opportunity to observe fish, crabs, and live shells.

Moon snail
navigating the bay floor!

Here you can truly experience the altering shape of the island where the tides eat away at the shoreline and storms wash over the dunes.  Erosion through the years has carved the landscape, here you see where pines and oaks once grew they now stand in the salt water.

Mighty oaks and pines fall victim to shifting sands

Amazing roots that once were covered with sand
How far inland was this tree when it started from seed?

As you skirt the island it is easy to remember it is shape shifting.  The forest and shrubs come to the edge of the water and where you may view numerous wild flowers amid the scrub. 

Christmas Berry

Seashore Mallow

Should you waded the bay and walk the shore line towards the west end of the island you eventually encounter the primitive campsites at Gap Point often used by boaters, canoeists, and kayakers.

Island Scrub
just inland from the bay

From here you can walk the Gap Point trail back to the campground or cross to the beach and complete a loop traversing flat woods, bay, scrub, forests, and beach.  

Beach Morning Glory