As you read this, Ken and I are waking up six hours from home in a campground in Alabama. We are on our way to Saint Simons Island on a research trip for the novel I’m working on.
I mentioned the upcoming trip in THIS post back in January.
Time has flown since then, and we are headed to Saint Simons Island (and Jekyll Island) in Georgia where my new novel, Who Stirs Up the Sea, is set. We’re taking several days to get there though, and last night, we had a beautiful campsite in Joe Wheeler State Park in Alabama overlooking Wheeler Lake.
The weather was perfect for opening up the camper, pulling down the screens, enjoying the views, getting started on our next book club novel, (and taking a lazy Sunday afternoon nap!)
One of the things I’ll be researching is what flowers grow on Saint Simons, and which ones are blooming this time of year. Does anyone know what these pretty wildflowers are? A garden app I have says maybe Crimson Clover?
Research isn’t usually one of my favorite parts of the writing life, but when it involves walks on the beach, researching flowers, trying area restaurants and coffee shops, and time spent with my best friend (and ace camper), I’m in!
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Have a great time! Can’t wait to see your photos on Instagram!
Thanks, Joy!
Grok seems to confirm the flowers. The answer: “The flowers in the image are likely Crimson Clover (Trifolium incarnatum). They have distinctive bright red to magenta flower heads and are commonly found in Alabama, especially in spring months like April. Crimson Clover is often used as a cover crop and can be seen in fields, meadows, and along roadsides. The trifoliate leaves and the shape of the flower heads match the characteristics of this species.”
Thanks, Robin! I haven’t done much with Grok, but seems like I need to check it out more!
Have a fabulous, productive and relaxing time away!!! Can’t wait to hear about the adventures and hunting you’ll be having and doing!!! Wonder what treasures you’ll find at some Southern sales and shops😂💕. Good thing KW likes the searches almost as much as you do!! Xo Mel
He is definitely a good sport! And since this is a shorter trip, I left plenty of room in the camper to bring home some treasures! 🙂 Maybe some giveaway items for readers! Thanks, Mel!
Safe and successful travels!!! Xo
Trips are my FAVORITE way to research!! Enjoy!
I’ve loved following along on your trips, Becky!
I loved “Who Touches the Mountains.” I laughed, cried, and celebrated this novel. I suspect I’ll feel the same about “Who Stirs Up the Sea,” especially knowing the author makes special trips to her settings to smell the flowers.
Awww, thank you so much, Lois! That means the world to me. And so far, I think I like Who Stirs Up the Sea even better! Hope you do too!
Beautiful pictures! Enjoy your research trip! Wishing you safe travels.
Thanks so much, Betty!
Have fun! I love St. Simon’s Island so much!
We do too! I’m excited! And nearby Jekyll Island has our favorite bike trail EVER!
Beautiful, Deb! Praying for a fabulous trip and lots of yummy food, great walks on the beach, and ideas for the story to abound!
Thanks, Tammy. Your Tennessee was beautiful as we drove through yesterday! Thanks so much for your prayers, friend!
It’s a great time of the year to visit that area!
We were there almost exactly 4 years ago and the weather was PERFECT (well, except for the day it POURED rain! 😉 )
Welcome to Georgia! Even in the rain, the Georgia and South Carolina coasts are special places to be. If you ever have the time, take a trip to Cumberland Island. You start in St. Mary’s and take a ferry to the island. Visitors are restricted but it’s not too difficult to get a reservation. The ruins and that coastline are spectacular, but beware of ticks if you hike into the wilderness area. However, the rest of the experience makes up for that ickiness. After my first visit I wanted to set a story there and may do so yet. The setting could be a major character in the story.
Enjoy your trip!
Thank you, Karen! Cumberland Island sounds like a place I want to add to my bucket list!
Looks like a lovely way to research!!!
enjoy it all…especially the cafes.
Thanks, Gail! That’s the plan. It’s not England, but it definitely has its own charm!
hi