Wednesday April 4

Jekyll Island Bike Path

Today we cruised 18 miles to Jekyll Island arriving at 10:00 am.  Once a playground for families such as the Rockefellers, Morgans, and Vanderbilts it is now a state park with a national historic district and a commitment to preserving its natural elements.  65% of the island must remain undeveloped.
 These business tycoons formed their exclusive Millionaires' Club on this island hideaway.  Between 1888 and 1942 Jekyll Island was open only to Club members' family and guests.  During this "Club Era" a group of influential men met secretly in 1908 to form what would become a modern monetary system for the U.S. that led to the formation of the Federal Reserve System.
 J.P. Morgan anchored his 305 ft. yacht (the largest private yacht in the world at the time) just off of the Jekyll Island Club.  His famous quote about yacht ownership is on a plaque on the grounds.  It states "If you have to consider
the cost, you have no business with a yacht"......  that is why we have a little boat!

Jekyll Island Club Hotel

The national historic district, better known as "The Millionaires Village" has 29 historic structures that have been restored, including the Club House, now the Jekyll Island Club Hotel.
We enjoyed a 20 mile bike ride around the island - much of it under a canopy of live oak and spanish moss - really beautiful.
 A short walk on the beach ended our day.