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Cumberland Island National Seashore
Last Updated 2/6/2009
Photos
Cumberland Island National Seashore is a beautiful barrier island in Georgia boasting a wealth of natural attractions. Whether it's quiet coastal marshes, the Atlantic surf pounding undeveloped dunes, wild feral horses that roam the island, beachcoming for sand dollars or sharks teeth, grand live oak trees, Victorian ruins from bygone days, or glimpses of the occasional manatee, Cumberland Island is sure to please the senses. Get away from your frigid climate, explore a wild barrier island, and lose weight (or more accurately, improve body composition).
Route
Cumberland Island is one of Fatpacking's easiest offerings and is recommended for beginners. Our route will traverse nearly all of backcountry trails of this almost flat island. Although our daily mileages are not overly ambitious, carrying around a backpack all day, especially along the beach can be difficult. However, on days we get into camp early, we'll head to the beach to beachcomb and enjoy the surf rolling in.
Equipment List
Here is a list of equipment we suggest you bring. Please feel free to discuss any items of question with us before the trip.
Weather
Weather is always an important concern when backpacking. January temperatures average in the mid-60s, which is perfect for backpacking, but we might also experience blazing heat or frost at night. The water temperature will probably be too cold for swimming, but overall, expect a warm respite from your winter blues.
Menus
We don't believe in austere eating regimens. Because backpacking is rigorous and demanding (as well as rewarding), you must feed your body in order for it perform. Your body will dictate that you eat nutritious food often, almost continually. Please check out the sample menus for this trip.
These lists are not necessarily comprehensive and may be altered or augmented. Furthermore, if you want to bring personal food, say a big old chocolate cake, go for it. After carrying it 40+ miles, your body will most likely not desire those empty calories, nor want to carry the weight around.
Important Note
Fatpacking is on an ongoing quest to expand its selection of trip destinations. As such, this is the very first time we are offering a trip to this destination. Even though they are seasoned backpackers, the guides for this trip have NOT backpacked these particular trails before.
While intrepid participants may consider pioneering new trails to be exciting, other people find this somewhat disquieting and may prefer a more established, predictable trip. However, while experience hiking a certain section of trail can obviously make things run smoother, do not underestimate the decades of backpacking experience that our guides possess which permeate every other aspect of the trip in order to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
ALERT
Cumberland Island National Seashore does NOT accept campsite reservations in advance. Sites are awarded on a first come, first served basis when we reach the Island. Therefore, we are advised to be prepared to hike as much as 10.5 miles the first day to reach our campsite. This is highly unlikely since our first night of camping is a Sunday night which is traditionally slow, as are all the other weeknights. Our itinerary is predicated on the ability to stay various campsites on particular nights, but you should be aware of the possibility that we may have to make last minute logistic changes.
Itinerary
The Cumberland Island Fatpacking Trip will be from January 24 - 31, 2009. See the proposed itinerary. Most of the trail will be flat, with a few hills and some sandy beach sections tossed in.
Probable Trip Leaders (2 of the following 3)
Steve Silberberg, who lives in Hull, MA has many years of backpacking experience over a variety of terrains and guides most Fatpacking trips. He is a SOLO certified Wilderness First Responder, Leave No Trace Trainer, and Certified Food Handler.
Todd Soprych is from Savannah, GA, is CPR certified and has hiked the entire 2200 mile Appalachian Trail.
Jesse Hardie is from Alpharetta, GA and has guided a past Fatpacking trip in Florida. Jesse plans to thru-hike the entire Appalachian Trail.
Dungeness Ruins
Cost
$975 per person double occupancy. Here, double occupancy means that you will share hotel rooms with another trip participant. You may also wish to share a tent, which will cut down on total weight carried -- an important consideration -- but it will also mean less privacy.
You will also be responsible for transportation to and from Jacksonville. Furthermore, any restaurant meals eaten off the trail will be your responsibility. Finally, you will be responsible for any personal calls you make or receive on our satellite phone or from motel/hotel rooms.
Horses Roam Free Here