Martin's Island

A few weeks ago I was planning out a kayaking trip, and I was have some difficulty finding a location for my trip. I wanted to do a scouting paddle, but I couldn't decide where I wanted to go. So, I asked Tom if there were any trips that needed to be scouted. He then told me that I should paddle Martin's Island. So I left out early on June 10th.

The tides weren't favorable for the trip, but it was my day off and I decided that I would do it anyway. I paddled for 8 miles completely against the tide before reaching Martins Island. After landing, I ate my lunch and headed off to hike.

Martin's Island is a 105 acre island that is 2.5 miles south east of downtown St. Marys, Georgia and 3.7 miles south west of the entrance to Beach Creek and 3.5 miles west of the Egan's Creek entrance. The Island was used for indigo and rice cultivation in the 1800's. The island was bought by a development company that planned to build a bridge and develop the island into a private community. However, the state of Florida bought the island from the company so that the island maybe preserved in its wilderness state.



Currently on the island is a house that the state of Florida proposed could be used for nature talks and such. There is also a small building that has a sign stating "Check In", but the door is broken from the hinges and there are soda cans strewn about inside.

The most attractive feature of the island is that it is true wilderness. It is only accessible by kayak for the most part. At low tide there are expansive mudflats and oyster beds that prevent most boats from coming any closer than several dozen yards, at least on the east side. If you choose to attempt a landing in a boat from any other side, there is plenty of trekking through the marsh ahead of you, and you must also find a way to anchor your boat.



There is a short walking trail that loops around the eastern side of the island. This eastern side is made up of 1/3 mile long peninsula that curves upward . The trail is just over 1 mile and is relatively easy, though over-grown in many places. The majority of the island is still unexplored due to the dense brush that covers the western side.



There is much wildlife to be found on the island. I spotted a doe with her two fawns, an eagle and his nest, a pair of ospreys perched up in a tree, a wood stork, a peregrine falcon, and an armadillo. I heard a wild boar, but was not able to get close enough to see him. I was able to follow the three deer around the island for about 20 minutes before my cell phone rang and frightened them away.

All in all, a great day of paddling and exploring, and the discovery of a trip that I will soon do again.