Saturday, June 22, 2013

The greatest Father's Day ever

How better can it get? Kelly and Leah came over to join us (Debbie and me) outside Savannah where we were birding and camping...for Father's Day!

I feel lucky.  My young adult children have made the time to spent unique moments with us on Father's Day for the last few years. This time, it took them 5 hours of driving, but they came.
Around the camp fire
Everyone was happy which made things easy.  We were just happy to be together! The food was great, the camping was comfortable.  The activities were simple but fun filled.
Kelly and Leah on Little Tybee Island
We chartered a small boat and went around the waterways of Tybee Island and anchored at Little Tybee Island for a while where everyone did his/her "own thing".  Birding, looking for unique shells, wildflowers, or just strolling on this almost deserted island.  You can access the island only by boat or other form of watercraft.
I thought I have fun finding many bird species, but it seems that the kids had even more fun with our encounter with the dolphins.  We touched these sociable wild dolphins thanks to a patient boat captain.
Kelly on boat
I didn't know Little Tybee Island is more than twice the size of Tybee Island.  I was struck by the contrast between the crowded, overdeveloped Tybee and the natural, undeveloped, and mostly deserted Little Tybee.
Little Tybee Island
I was happy to hear from the Captain of the boat (he seems to be an authority on this) that a bridge cannot be built to connect Little Tybee to the mainland.  Too many reasons against it.  Some places just need to remain natural.
Photo: This weekend was so special to me because I was able to do something I've only dreamed was possible...I TOUCHED A WILD DOLPHIN!!!! AMAZING weekend with the people I love never to be forgotten
Thanks, Leah for these pics.
 No, this was not at Sea World.  These dolphins just befriended us and let us touch them! Actually, they touched us, because we were not supposed to touch the wild dolphins so we simply put our hands out and let them do the touching.
On Skidaway Island
A hiking on Skidaway Island with Kelly and Leah gave us a chance to see the Painted Buntings again and for the children, a moment to appreciate birding.  Sure, there were more than birding...butterflies, wildflowers, deer...nature is lovely in any regard.
Thank you, Debbie, for all you do to make the get-together pleasant in every way.  You're the greatest!
American Oystercatchers
How quickly time passes by! Especially when you're with loved ones and you just want to spend a lot of time together.

Kelly
Till next time.
Can't wait!

I love you, kids, for a great and unforgettable Father's Day!