2017 Fort Pulaski and Tybee Island Field Trip
Following the War of 1812, construction of Fort Pulaski to protect the port of Savannah was completed in 1833. In 1862 during the Civil War the Union Army successfully tested a rifled-cannon against the fort which rendered brick fortifications obsolete. Twenty members enjoyed photo opportunities including the fort’s external and internal architecture, a moat, artillery and wildlife. After a 2 hour stay at the fort, we went to Tybee Island where we had lunch at The Crab Shack at 40 Estill Hammock Rd.(912-786-9857). After lunch we toured the Tybee Island Light House and Museum and the Fish Art Gallery. It was a fun day as you will see from our photos!
2017 Harbor Island Field Trip
We visited this gated community as guests of John Albert. John guided us to view the birds of the fall migration on the beach. According to John,the best time to see the birds is one hour either side of high tide which is at 11:30. We did search and hike on the beach. The weather was beautiful and you will see images of the Piping Plovers! A great lunch at Foolish Frog in St. Helena was enjoyed by everyone.
September 2017 Georgia Southern University Raptor Center Field Trip
We visited the trail where eight stations house live birds of prey, such as Eagles, Owls, and Hawks. These birds are extremely photograph-able as you will see in the slide show. We attended a lecture on reptiles with live specimens, and a flight show featuring Owls and Hawks. The birds were flying 5-10 feet over our heads in the amphitheater. Great shots and lots of fun! This was one of our largest group outings! See you at the next one. Enjoy the slide show.
September 2017 Angel Oak, Tea Plantation and Firefly Distillery Field Trip
Our first stop was the 1400-year-old Angel Oak on John’s Island. This Oak is 66 feet tall, 28 feet in circumference, has a limb-spread of 187’ with numerous branches drooping to the ground. Wide angle lenses are important and panoramic shots are worth trying. Our next stop was The Charleston Tea Plantation which was established in 1985. Here they grow tea trees and process the leaves for tea. The trees should be in bloom which attracts butterflies. We took a 45-minute trolley tour through the plantation and visited the orchards, the processing plant and the sales facility. We ate a box lunch in their picnic area. The drinks were, of course, iced tea. Our last stop was the Firefly Distillery to see their legal moonshine being crafted. Tastings of their vodkas were enjoyed by several! An added bonus was the Deep Water Vineyard, located right next door. Wine tasting was sampled, too. A very fun trip!
May 2017 Field Trip to Savannah, GA
Noted photographer Joshua Dunn, a Washington DC based artist, had a one week exhibit at the Welmont Gallery 1930 Montgomery St. in Savannah. Dunn creates visually striking, multiple row, high dynamic range panoramas, highlighting the grandeur of architectural forms and their importance to society we were invited to view the exhibit.
While in Savannah, we visited the historic district to take photographs and have lunch at 12:30 at the Gryphan, which is a beautifully restored historic pharmacy at 337 Bull St. I’m sorry to have missed out on this trip, but I certainly enjoyed seeing images from the day. Thank you John and Gerry for coordinating this activity. While not a regularly planned field trip, it’s nice they will also take advantage of a unique opportunity and get a group together!
2017 Donnelly WMA and Bear Island May Field Trip
Check out the images from the trip to Donnelly Wildlife Management Area and Bear Island. Twenty two club members enjoyed exploring the area. Some gathered for a picnic lunch. Both areas offer a variety of photographic opportunities, as you will see in the slide show. Enjoy!
April 2017 Francis Beidler Audubon Forest April Field Trip
Audubon Society’s Francis Beidler 17,000 acre forest is part of the Four Holes section of the Black Swamp and home to the largest stand of 1000 year old Cypress in the world. The site’s slow moving Blackwater is highly reflective for great photos. April is the best time to see birds, animals, and reptiles getting prepared for spring along the mile and 3/4 boardwalk. Nineteen members took advantage of this trip. Unfortunately, our current dry weather hindered the opportunity for photographs. Still a fun time and lunch worth the wait.
2017 Nemours Wildlife Foundation Field Trip
Nineteen members took a guided wagon ride to shoot pictures at Nemours Wildlife Foundation Near Yemassee, SC. Unfortunately due to the heavy rain storm the night before, a few areas were not reachable, but we always find interesting things to photograph. We saw an eagles nest that was active but the babies wouldn’t peek over the side for us. The parents, though, had an “eagle” eye on us. We each brought our own picnic lunch. Check out the slide show. Thanks to all who sent images.
April 2017 Eyes on Main Street Wilson Outdoor Photo Festival
Six members went to Wilson, NC, Friday, April 8th through Sunday, April 10th to participant in the opening ceremony and activities. Wilson is a wonderful opportunity for photography, and the people were great. Visit www.eyesonmainstreetwilson.com for information about the event. The lectures and Saturday party were all free and unbelievably good. Make a plan to go next year!! Enjoy the images.
March 2017 Old Sheldon Ruins and Tomotley Field Trip
Seventeen members went to the Old Sheldon Ruins and Tomotley Field Trip. Despite a few no-seeums, some great shots were captured and the Dogwoods were still blooming. Lunch was at a fun spot called Fletcher’s Finds, and was very enjoyable. The owner, Paula, sent the group down the road in search of a couple of more photo ops.
February 2017 Wormsloe Historic Site Field Trip
Twenty members went of our February 3rd trip to Wormsloe Historic Site at the State Park in Savannah. It was the opening day of the Colonial Faire and Muster. We joined the school children and saw a lot of fun being had and great photo opportunities. We had a great lunch at Driftaway Cage. Enjoy these submitted images.
January 2017 Sun City Rail Road Club
There were 8 of our club members who participated in this field trip. It was a fun day! I had no idea model trains were that interesting. The Sun City Rail Road Club were the most gracious hosts and kindly welcomed us and provided a coffee cake and coffee snack! We barely had room left for our lunch at the Okatie Ale House. The club have trains that run inside and outside. This layout is being torn down and a whole new project will be under way in a couple of weeks. It may take as long as four years to complete so our timing was spot on.
