St.Mary's / Cumberland Island - Part 1

Our adventure begins at the Riverview Hotel in St. Mary's, Georgia. We chose this particular hotel because of its proximity to the Cumberland Island ferry, its history and its supposed hauntings. We're both suckers for a good ghost story!

So, we were in the process of registering at the front desk when a kid on a Big Wheel passes through the lobby behind us. Paula and I look at one another, basically to confirm we really just saw what we thought we saw. Then the kid passes through again. I don't believe the owners realize that their son Big Wheelin' through a reputedly haunted hotel may be an unsettling image for some guests; but we definitely had the feeling of being trapped within a scene from The Shining. Redrum. Redrum. Redrum!


We are given the keys to our room, the Roy Crane - named after an American comic strip cartoonist that once stayed at the hotel. As we tote our bags up the stairs, Paula snaps this photo of me. Before I continue, it's necessary to explain that Paula wants to believe in everything, whereas I will only believe after I've exhausted all other possible explanations. She insists she's captured an orb in this photo. I insist she's captured proof that the hotel employs a crack housekeeping staff.


This is our room and we loved it! Not only was it charming and comfortable, but we also had an amazing view of the St. Mary's River.


Once we'd unpacked, we decided to go explore the city. Before leaving, however, Paula took a moment to pull out a sheet of paper and a pen, place them on the nightstand and then say, "Mr. Crane, if there's anything you'd like to share with us...", and then we left. When we reached the lobby, I claimed I'd forgotten my extra camera batteries and returned to the room. I quickly doodled a decapitated stick person (bearing a strong resemblance to Paula) and the words GET OUT on the paper she'd left for Mr. Crane's ghost. I then rejoined Paula in the lobby.

We spent the next several hours exploring all the quaint shops and historical places in the small town. We discovered one shop that sold homemade fudge and 'bout near ate ourselves into a sugar coma. Everyone we encountered was so friendly! We didn't pass one person who didn't take a moment to smile or greet us in some manner. Since St. Mary's is such a small town, a lot of the locals make use of golf carts for getting around. This nice fellow and his furry buddy actually stopped and offered us a ride. He explained that he was the designated driver since his buddy in back already had a bit too much to drink. We suggested some hair of the dog for later.


We ran into another gentleman down by the water's edge who was very popular with all the pigeons. He hands us each a big chunk of bread and invites us to join him. Ten seconds later he announces, "I'm divorced." And we're off! Places to go, other people to see!


Three blocks down from the Pigeon Pick Up Artist, we discovered Oak Grove Cemetery. There was a very large angel that stood over two different graves marked with "My Husband" and nothing more. I found it very intriguing so I took this photo:


Later I learned that the wife of these two men had a reputation with locals as being a Black Widow. After her second husband's death, she had the statue erected and left the city, never to return. According to local legend, the angel changes positions and glows on the dark night of a new moon. And if photographed, a ring of faces will be seen surrounding her. Well, damn the luck! No ring of faces for me... just a lens flare. Still makes for a cool pic though.

Speaking of cool pics, I took this photo as we were walking back to our hotel. Have I mentioned how much I loved St. Mary's?


Back in our room, while Paula is attempting to further communicate with the doodling spirit, I attempt to take a shower. But there's no hot water, only cold. I inquire at the front desk and am told, "just turn it on and let it run for about 15 minutes... it'll turn hot." Fifteen minutes! My environmentally conscious heart weeps. Fearing it will explode if I inquire about their recycling program, I return to our room, take a cold shower and retire for the night.

(to be continued)