When our oldest grandsons were nearly 4
we took them on a mystery trip.
“You are going someplace special, but we can’t tell you where,” we said.
They were completely befuddled.
Cartoon bubbles above their heads might have read,
“What’s a mystery trip? Is it safe to go with Nana and Grandpa? Will we make it back alive?”
They laughed recently when I showed them this photo, now ten years later.
They are both fourteen, feeling their oats. They asked to explore Cumberland Island by themselves. It’s super long and wild – we said “No!”
* * *
A Brief History of Mystery
I told the story of Patrick and Curtis, when I first started blogging. Follow this link to read about the mystery trip experiment.
Grand-daughter Jenna and grandson Ian got in on the action when we took them to the A-Mazing Corn Maze two years ago. Once we took the Beaman boys to Ripley’s Believe It or Not in St. Augustine.
None of the children fear mystery anymore and jumped at the chance to explore Cumberland island, our known destination.
The Mystery of Cumberland Island
Cumberland Island is an 18-mile long barrier island off the southern coast of Georgia, reachable only by a ferryboat from St. Marys, GA. Still in its pristine condition, a canopy of trees and palmetto bushes shelter the island, which features hiking trails, feral horses and sandy seashores.
The Explorers: Grandchildren Patrick, Curtis, Jenna, Ian, son Joel and Grandparents Cliff and Marian
Attractions: 45-minute ferry ride, hiking, visiting the ice museum, Dungeness Mansion ruins, watching wild horses
Ebb and Flow of Energy
Starting off, three generations felt energized. But half-way through the kiddos needed a rest.
Then they caught their second wind . . .
At the final tally, the old folks hiked 4 ½ miles, the younger generation over 6 miles, taking another jaunt with our son Joel along the sandy shoreline of the Atlantic.
Of course, they came back ravenous and parched, guzzling juice and gobbling down subs and snacks.
Cameras, Cellphones, and Binoculars, Oh My!
Three of the four brought cellphones. Even now they recognize that photos are a way to freeze a moment in time, store a memory.
Mishaps and Missing Items
One brother pushed the other into the water. The four returned without Grandpa and Nana’s binoculars. We are still looking for a cellphone charger, gone missing from one of the vehicles. So it goes!
A Takeaway: Separation Anxiety
In the next year or so, the two oldest will be eying learners’ permits and soon, driving cars. Eeeek!
It is obvious to us that Patrick and Curtis are beginning to break away from our tight-knit cluster of family. They announce their wish for independence visually as they stand apart from the family unit. I don’t believe they are aware of their stance. But this breaking away is normal, as it should be. Likely future mystery trips may take a different form, maybe with fewer people.
Certainly, we will suffer separation anxiety, not the grandkids as they bound full force into the future.
Carpe diem, parents & grandparents!
I will pour my Spirit on your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. ~ Isaiah 44:3 NIV
You did good nana and grandpa! What an exciting adventure for the kids. I love all of the photos! I’ve visited many islands over the years, each one has left me with great memories.
Good morning to the early riser and first commenter! Islands appeal I think partly because they are isolated and require a bridge or boat to access. Thanks for joining us on a vicarious journey, Jill.
Good morning, Marian! it looks like such a fun trip–a beautiful setting and time to be with grandchildren and son. I understand now why you were a bit tired after your weekend. 🙂 I’ve never been to this area at all. It looks like a wonderful place to wander.
Technically, Ocean City, NJ, where we have often been–both with and without children–is a barrier island. It is hardly pristine, though I still like the beach and boardwalk.
Our family took trips to Ocean City when I was young – my Dad in a cover-all wool bathing suit and mother in a black, satiny suit with a skirt. We loved the beach and bought salt-water taffy on the boardwalk.
Thomas Carnegie, brother to Andrew, built the Queen Anne-style mansion you see in ruins, reputed to have been destroyed by arson. Later, the National Park Service secured the entire island. Thanks to the advocacy of concerned Georgians, it will never be developed. Thanks, Merril.
The idea of taking grandchildren on mystery trips is one I hope to copy from your endless creative idea file. Our two oldest are 6 and 5 now and about the right age to go on an adventure without known destination.
We are doing the opposite island planning right now. Announcing the destination of our 50th wedding anniversary trip two years in advance: Nova Scotia and Prince Edward Island. Owen and Julia will get copies of Anne of Green Gables for bedtime reading (and Owen might be able to read some of them on his own). We hope to make the connection between imagination and landscape very real.
Thanks for introducing me to Cumberland Island. Sounds like a wonderful place.
You and Stuart have already taken year-long “trips” with two of your grandchildren, fully involved in their first year of life. Few grandparents could or would be able to pull that off. You are smart to announce your anniversary island trip well in advance, so everyone can clear their calendars. I like that your grands will discover the real connection between imagination and landscape, sort of like visiting the Bronte homes after reading Jane Eyre or Wuthering Heights.
By the way, last Thursday our PBS station aired Anne of Green Gables and may do a reprise this week. Maybe you can catch it in Pittsburgh.
Ah yes, island life. Nothing quite like it as you experienced when on our little writer’s retreat down in Chincoteague. it can be rather insular actually, though I imagine the islands that are approachable only by ferry are a bit more so than those with a 55 mph causeway! I envy you your proximity to your grandchildren. And how willing your children are to share them. I’m afraid I’m in a bit different situation though my 14 year old granddaughter and I are plotting a visit this summer, just the two of us. Somehow. I did get to take 17 year old Mikah with me to Cuba last year. But, he was 17 and independence was foremost on his mind. A very different trip than I imagined. Grab them while they are young and want to stay with G’ma. That’s my motto.
Janet, I don’t take our proximity for granted. Not so very long ago the two families lived in Chicago.
Taking one child at a time on a trip would make each feel very special. I’m guessing you are referring to Bella (love the name!) You are lucky to have grabbed Mikah just in the nick of time. Toward the end of my post I insinuated that we are hearing the ticking of the time clock not too far off in the distance. I don’t imagine the next trip will be to a foreign country but one never knows. Thanks for sharing you grandkid adventures here!
How wonderful to spend time with your grandchildren. We have had so many memorable times with our s as well. My daughter lives on an island so we´ve been to many islands!!
You have a close-knit family too. I admire how you keep the connections tight because you and the younger generations are willing to invest the time and energy to travel. Thanks for chiming in here, Darlene.
What a wonderful way to make memories! You may never know how very precious this time will become to them as they venture out, but I suspect these adventures made a great impression and they will pass on your legacy! 🙂
That’s the idea . . . making memories. I hadn’t thought about passing on our legacy, but I suppose that’s true too. Thank you, Jenn.
Marian — The photographs you included in this post are wonderful. You’ve given your grandchildren memories—the best gift ever! The parts of your adventure that especially appealed to me were the hiking and “watching wild horses.” I’d have been camera-ready!
Our island adventures include: Whidbey, Nova Scotia, Mackinac, Catalina, and Santorini.
You are a regular globe-trotter, Laurie, and always willing to share where you’ve been and what you’re up to. I remember not so very long ago you teased your readers about guessing your geographical coordinates while you were squirreled away writing your first book. And now you have published TWO!
About “watching wild horses” . . . I made a screen shot of my son’s video. 10-year-old Ian was stepping cautiously toward the horse because he wanted to jump up on the horse and ride him. In the video voice, Joel is cautioning him to stay clear. Then the horse neighs, Ian shudders – danger averted. 🙂
Good for you enjoying trips with family. I can remember one of our trips a few years ago where our children (late 40’s) tired before us and had us go on while they went back to the condo. But being together while we can is what makes for enjoyable get-togethers. Thanks for sharing.
That’s funny, Irwin, your 40-year-old children tiring out before you do – ha! That’s our motto too: “being together while we can.” I’m glad you can relate!
This from friend Fatima Rosales Naya who left this comment on Facebook because she was unable to post here:
What can I say? I lived in the UK for 35 years: that’s a big island, but I also visited Ireland and the Ile of Wight. There is something very special about being in an island, detached from the rest of the world.
I did a lot of baby sitting for my elder sisters and I worked as an au pair for a year, taking the children out for the day. My favourite was my first time ice skating. I left the ice rink full of bruises, but I had never laughed so much and I will never forget the experience. Taking children out is an opportunity to be a child all over again.
I am sure that your grandchildren will never forget the special times spent with you. Enjoy it while it lasts. 👍
I’m sorry you had so much trouble posting here. You too are a world traveler and know the cultural value of new experiences, especially to young impressionable minds. I can just picture you ice skating story probably with ice that was slick as a whistle.
When Ian was 4 or 5, we took him and his brother to St. Augustine, FL where the outdoor temperature was 70 degrees in January. We didn’t go very far or very fast. The ice was SLUSHY and laughable! Here is a link to the post with pictures of course: https://marianbeaman.com/2015/01/31/ice-is-nice-but-snow-glows/
You’ve had some wonderful and memorable times with your grandchildren. Thanks for sharing them. We have one grandson older than all the others. He was three when the next grandson came along, and two years later all the rest came, and now we have 8, four boys and four girls. When all the babies came along our oldest grandson just looked at me with big eyes and said, “Oma, they just keep coming. When will it stop?” He was an only child for five years, until his sister came along. He is a loner, and at age 17 and a half, he stays away from the others, whereas his sister is the opposite, and just can’t wait to get together with all her cousins and grandparents!
It is so interesting to watch the next generation grow and develop, isn’t it? What a blessing to be a part of all of that life-giving ebb and flow!
You have double the fun, Elfrieda – 8 special little (and big) people extending your family line. I smiled at the comment: “Oma, they just keep coming. When will it stop?” Ha!
Yes, it is fascinating to watch our grandchildren develop. Already their personalities and “bent” are detectable and unique. And, yes, I too count my blessing. Thanks, Elfrieda!
Marian, this is such a beautiful example of what grandparenting is all about. I hope your grandchildren will treasure these memories and share them with their children some day. We’ve done a little island hopping but not with any children in tow. We’ve travelled and visited the San Juan Islands off the coast of WA and of course Vancouver Island to the north in Canada. Also Whidbey Island in WA. That’s about it for our island travel.
Another commenter mentioned Whidbey Island. Maybe we should make that a destination. We explored Vancouver Island in BC this summer on our anniversary trip. I like that part of the world in August when Florida is hot, hot, hot! Always nice to see you here. Thanks, Sherrey.
I am very aware these days that we might have 10 years tops before our oldest grands start edging away toward independence. I do love the four year old stage when they are starting to connect thoughts and ideas and actions and making sense of the world. Your island jaunt reminds me of our getaway to Tangier late this summer, and it seems perfect for a day or overnight trip with interested grands. I’m not anxious for them to get smart phones–may that be at least 9-10 years off! Or what will the gadget be by then. By all means, hang out while you can!
One of our favorite stories is from a beach trip with nephews and my sister (divorced at the time), when inquisitive, wandering Bob got separated or lost from the rest of us. At the beach. Others helped us search. What a scare. Eventually we found him, likely no more than a football field away, but still. A valuable lesson for always. 🙂
The children have limited cellphone use but were allowed to carry them to take photos. Jenna, especially, is a photo-phile. I’m making that a word! Our daughter said she reviewed the whole trip with photos when she got home.
I know about Tangier Island but have never been; maybe we should put this on our bucket list.
We didn’t want a “Bob” story this time. That’s why we flatly declined Patrick and Curtis’ wish to go off on their own. That ranger told us before we boarded the ferry that the only way to get help would be to call 911 and the dispatcher would contact another ranger in the vicinity. Who knows how long that would take. I’m glad the lost was found in your case, a happy ending for sure. Thanks again for sharing, Melodie.
Cumberland Island was one of our favorite stops when we took our sailboat south along the ICW in 2007. We would eventually end up on the other side of the world, but we have amazing memories of the wild horses, old buildings and open stretches of beach. Our two dogs loved it as much as we did. I did not realize that the only other way to visit was by ferry.
I’m impressed, Liesbet! You both lead quite an adventurous life, sailing on the Intercoastal Waterway. I’m so glad the National Park Service has insured that the island remain primitive. I’m sure developers would love to get their hands on it and spoil the natural environment with condos and tacky businesses. I can just visualize your doggies frolicking on the vast beach. Thanks for adding to the conversation here.
Such delightful stories and photos of your ever growing family .
Jersey …when Cam ( our son ) was just one year old . Everyone said we were mad taking a small baby on a plane to foreign lands😳🙄( it was a long time ago he’s 26 now).
We had the best of holidays ever . Amazing weather , comfortable hotel , the best meals we have ever had ( one in particular was , to this day is still talked about ) Cameron was an angel ( he soon made up for it mind) everyone fell in love with him . I adore islands 🌴 magic happens on islands .
I think my favourite famous five book is about an island …just bought I’d throw that in for good measure 🌴😁
Cherryx
I’m glad you didn’t cave in to other people’s opinions about travel with a wee one. My babies were never angels, traveling or otherwise – ha! You are right: Magic can happen on island. Just ask Robinson Crusoe! I wonder it that’s the island you were thinking of here. You are so funny, Cherry. I always know you will make me smile – ha!
Lovely to read of your adventures Marian with the children in tow! And also reading the other’s comments was a trip. Yes of course the UK is an island; I’d forgotten for the moment. The Seychelles and Mauritius are islands off the east coast of Africa and are places I’ve been with our sons when they were much younger. Although my husband and I travelled to the Seychelles when we celebrated our 50th birthdays many years ago.
Your photographs are lovely, treasures indeed for all!
Tee hee I’m so glad I make you smile . No the book I meant was Enid Blyton’s ‘ Secret Five On Tresure Island ‘ a fave book as a child . Do you know of Enid Blyton ? maybe not .
Cherryx
No, I don’t know of Enid Blyton, but I will check to see if our library carries her book. Maybe I’d feel like a child again, reading about secret adventures. Tee hee! 🙂
You are acquainted with a part of the world I know nothing about. If we ever get to South Africa, I would visit you first of all, and then to one (or two) of the islands you mention. I’m sure you have pleasant memories (and photos) of both travel adventures.
Thank you for brightening up my day (rainy and dismal) with your comment.
What a lovely, energetic day!
It was lovely all day long, but our energy dwindled as the day went on. Thanks, Fiona.
You’re such good grandparents, Marian. I assume grandpa returned, and I hope the charger was found. Thanks for the great photos and sweet story.
It got harder and harder for my mother to entice her grandsons into what she thought would be an interesting adventure, but my mother-in-law, the one who will be 102 in January, always found what they loved. I have proof in various photos, including my sons in bumper cars with their FL grandma and grandpa at one of the many theme parks they visited over the years. She loved the same things they loved–bumper cars, pizza, endless television (with no monitoring parents around), and wild theme-park rides.
Oh, did you hear me chuckle, Elaine? Your comment points to the value of using apostrophes. The phrase should read “Grandpa’s and Nana’s binoculars.” (Grandpa insists he was never lost – ha!) We never found either the binoculars or the phone charger, probably collatoral damage in exchange for great adventures.
I’m guessing Virginia was a free spirit in her younger days and didn’t mind skipping rules if they interfered with high old times. Sorry, but I can’t abide mind-numbing TV or roller coasters.
It’s hard to believe your mother in law will be 102. When I think of her and you at the same time, I pray for grace and forbearance. Golly, yes! Thanks again for sharing here.
“Is it safe to go with Nana and Grandpa? Will we make it back alive?” Hehehe. Cute. If you’re closer to the Philippines, I would have invited you to our Sumilon Island. It is a coral island and a protected marine sanctuary. it’s ideally just the right size of an island (24 hectares) for trekking and kayaking all around the island.
You are the first one to point out the little-boy dialogue in the intro. Thank you, Douglas. I thught it was cute too. I would LOVE to visit the Philippines and especially Sumilon Island. I wonder if you live there. I’m happy to have this connection now. Have a great holiday season.
What a fabulous tradition the mystery trips! I love that idea ad I also love the way you are embracing them growing and pulling away ever so slightly. I have a feeling one day these young people will remember these mystery trips and pass them on to their own grandchildren. What a gift.
And I hope they’ll contract the travel bug too. Our two oldest grandsons come from families who travel. Before his marriage, my son biked all over Europe with his cousin. My son in law travels with his business, recently returning from nearly a week in Zurich.
I love your thumbnail photo. It certainly personalizes the spirit of adventure. Thank you for making a connection here!
We have had that photo for a long time but yes we feel it gets our theme of ‘never too old to explore’ across quite nicely. It’s from a cycling trip in Spain. We are offto cycle in Asia in early January. Hoping I don’t melt. 🙂
Wonderful! You are probably getting fit as a fiddle to build up stamina for the trip. Thanks for enjoying our trip alongside us.
Safe travels as you cycle in Asia. That’s a large continent; I suppose you have your itinerary all laid out. Holiday blessings – and safe travels!
Yes we are going with a guided trip through Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. Should be quite the adventure. Thank you for the good wishes and all the very best to you.
Sue, we’ll have to keep in touch via Facebook and on your blog. Cheers to adventure! 🙂