Continuing our tradition of rotation through the state’s geologic provinces this fall’s field trip will visit the coast and lower Coastal Plain. During our last visit to Jekyll Island in 1985 the emphasis was on coastal processes and barrier island development. We will visit some of the same localities but emphasize recent changes in the position of inlets. The trip will be divided in two parts. Saturday will be spent walking the beach and marsh at Jekyll Island in order to assess the results of erosion at the northern end of the island compared to spit construction at the southern end. We will demonstrate the stratigraphic implications of these processes by vibracoring. We will also discuss problems related to shoreline engineering. On Sunday we will drive north on the Golden Isles Parkway (US 341) to examine Pleistocene features including: strandlines southeast of Jesup; eolian dunes on the flood plains of the Altamaha (Jesup) and Little Ocmulgee Rivers (McRae); and Carolina Bays near Baxley.

            Most of Saturday will be spent walking and Sunday’s trip will use private vehicles. We encourage members to carpool if possible in order to avoid congestion on Sunday. The trip will leave the motel at 8.00 am each day and end at Little Ocmulgee State Park, near McRae around 2.00 pm on Sunday. We suggest beachwear (shorts and sneakers) both days; also sun and insect protection. Shovels and trenching tools will be more useful than hammers!

            Headquarters for the trip will be at the Buccaneer Beach Resort, Jekyll Island and a block of rooms is reserved. The special group rate is $80.00 (Islandside) and $89.00 (Oceanfront) not including 11% tax. There are also a limited number of efficiency units available. Members should make their own reservations by calling toll free 1-877-842-3224 by the deadline of September 6, 2006.  Please mention your association with GGS when registering.  For members who may wish to camp, sites are available at Jekyll Island Camp Ground (912-635-2236).

            Please join us Friday evening beginning at 8.00 pm on the Bridge Deck to pick up registration materials and socialize over a beer. On Saturday evening we will socialize on the Quarterdeck at 7.00 pm with a talk by Dave Bush on ‘Media, hurricanes, and loss of life: its wind not water’ at 8.00 pm.