beautyinsubmission

Catty Shack Ranch was amazing. They aren’t open on a daily basis, opening instead only for events. I went with my son on March 14, 2009, and we had a blast. The staff was friendly and courteous. The cats were amazing. Beautiful and content. The place is a work in progress, but even so, we left with a sense of awe. We will be going back for a night feeding before we move away in a few months.

I headed out to Big Talbot Island to spend a breezy October Saturday there with my almost-five-year-old son. The two of us enjoyed the view from the Bluffs picnic area before finding the access trail. Once we got onto the beach we spent about 3 hours walking it and enjoying the view. My son was especially enthralled with all the trees on the beach, and amazed that he could touch the fronds at the top of a fallen palm. Along our walk, the only unpleasant encounter was with a poor, decomposing sea turtle. Unpleasant, but still interesting, and prompted a lot of thought and discussion with my son about what happens to your body after you die.

We had a blast, and will be going back to Big Talbot to visit with my husband when he is home.

For those unfamiliar to the area – you can turn into Little Talbot Island State Park (which is marked better) and stop at the ranger station at the entrance to ask for a brochure. The brochure has a map and information that covers the state parks from Fort George Island to Amelia Island. Also, if you need anything, south of the state parks, there’s the Mayport River Ferry. Next to it is a restaurant and across the street is a gas station that sells drinks/snacks/hot dogs/ice/etc.

If you’ve been thinking of visiting, I suggest you make the trip! Especially if you’re a photographer. The island is gorgeous, and I don’t know about the summer, but in early October, there aren’t many people on Big Talbot’s beaches.

My husband and I spent our honeymoon at Callaway Gardens five years ago. We went back a few times while we lived in Atlanta. Always beautiful.

We went to Main Beach on the island today. Beautiful place over all, but very crowded, even though it’s only April. If you’re just looking for a nice beach, and would prefer something a little quieter, you’d do better to go down to Little Talbot Island and pay a few dollars to get into the state park.