Atlanta GA/Easley SC
Trapper and I returned yesterday from a fabulous trip to the south. We stayed over New Year’s in Atlanta with Jenny and Dave and visited the world-class Georgia Aquarium, which houses the largest aquatic display in the world: a 6,300,000 gallon fish tank that is home to 4 whale sharks and 40 species of fish, totaling 40,000 residents.
the 63-foot window to the Ocean Voyager exhibit
Then on the following day (New Year’s Day) we explored the Atlanta Zoo, which houses giant pandas from China, African elephants, a black rhinoceros, giraffes, lions, gorillas, orangutans… and even farm goats.
a red panda, distant cousin to the giant panda
The last stop in Atlanta was to the Fernbank Museum of Natural History. We spent hours there touring huge dioramas and preserved stuff. The best part was the lunch, thanks to the live pianist and the better-than-average sandwiches. The butterflies from Brazil and Panama were my favorite exhibit. They reminded me of when I hatched my own monarch back at Stone Road.
Brazilian beauty
We left Atlanta on Saturday and drove to Easley, South Carolina. We met up with Trapper’s grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins for several days of family time. We made lots of food, played lots of games, and I got to tour everyone’s beautiful homes. Tuesday we drove around the Clemson campus; his Aunt Bobbi Jo’s Alma Mater. It was so nice seeing everyone again and relaxing away from work.
When I can get Picasa to cooperate (or when I download a replacement) I will post all the pictures. Hope everyone is having a great start to 2009!
jsbach said,
January 8, 2009 at 2:47 PM
It looks and sounds like you had a very nice holiday! Maybe you could show me how to do that – take time off, visit people you choose, and just enjoy the view! Unfortunately, I have been sick continuously since Dec. 26. Work too much, then crash, seems to be this family’s way of doing things… I’m glad you have more sense.