If you look closely at certain majestic oak trees found on Georgia’s St. Simons Island, you
might see one seemingly looking back at you! Peering out from between huge tree branches,
or from the stub of a long-vanished branch, the carved images known as the Tree Spirits are
actually memorials. During the heyday of sailing vessels, St. Simons oak was used in the
construction of countless ships; the Tree Spirits — created by sculptor Keith Jennings —
are intended to immortalize the countless sailors who lost their lives at sea while aboard
those sailing ships.
The trail of the Tree Spirits winds through town — along Demere Road,
on Mallory Street (next to Murphy’s Tavern), at Redfern Village and along Frederica Road —
but watch your clearance: The branches of these giant, ancient oaks are weighted down with
Spanish moss, and some of the lower limbs could easily damage a coach roof.
For more
information, call (888) 945-7992, or go to stsimonsislandexperience.com.
