Cocoa is pondering what in the world happened. One moment she was walking along a beautiful sunlit pathway that led to shallow rapids at Sweetwater Creek State Park, and the next thing she knew she was on her way home bearing the marks on her upper lip of her short and not so pleasant encounter with a wasp. Thanks to a light dose of Benadryl, she is safe and vowing never to do “that” again. Bite an unsuspecting wasp!

Here is the great thing about having lots of photos taken in England: I can post a new one anytime I want to—on days like today when work is piled up and the memory of what it felt like to be there still lingers in my thoughts. We got off the train at Moreton in the Marsh and this was one of the first buildings we spotted. It’s a very old school building (1851)—much older than my beloved Toccoa Falls College. I can easily imagine children going through this door in the morning and then rushing out in the afternoon to go home to be with family and friends.

Dear Johanna,

The afternoon began with me just sitting on the porch alone. But it ended really good because I got to go for a long walk in the city where I met Mr. Frog by the lake. He told me there was nothing better than reading a good book. Chasing ducks and stuff could not compare to this. Before I knew it, we had walked over to the library, and he had opened a big book and began to read and read and read. He was right. It was the best fun.

Love, Cocoa Joy (click here: cocoasmiles.com/training/2008/08/10/the-frog-and-the-book/

Part of the Chattooga River winds it way through Rabun County in Northeast Georgia. And get this: it is still wild and free. It is a quick drive from Atlanta, and there’s no admission charge! Follow Warwoman Road out of the city of Clayton, Georgia. Once you cross over the bridge that spans the river, park in the lot on your left.

A short walk takes you to a “take out” area for canoes and rafts, while another trail leads to a rocky area where you can picnic and watch white water rafters take their shot at the rapids. The water level is down a little due to the drought, but the scenery remains breath-taking—just right for a weekend escape. Here is what the forestry service posted on their Web site:

“The Chattooga River begins in mountainous North Carolina as small rivulets, nourished by springs and abundant rainfall, high on the slopes of the Appalachian Mountains—the start of a 50-mile journey that ends at Lake Tugaloo between South Carolina and Georgia, dropping almost ½ mile in elevation. The river is one of the few remaining free-flowing streams in the Southeast. The setting is primitive; dense forests and undeveloped shorelines characterize the primitive nature of the area.

“On May 10, 1974, Congress designated the Chattooga a Wild and Scenic River. Few rivers possess the special characteristics to qualify. This protection is reserved for rivers possessing not only outstanding scenery, but also recreation, wildlife, geologic, and cultural values. No motorized vehicles are permitted within a corridor about ¼ mile wide on either side of the river. Visitors must rely on their own skills and strength rather than on motorized equipment. Man-made facilities are minimal, consisting primarily of hiking trails.”

Suggestion: If you can, avoid using the public “facilities.” They are primitive and often unkept.

So many people are staying close to home these days. I’m glad because being satisfied with what we have always tones down feelings of anxiety and restless thoughts. And besides, sometimes it is just fun to do what is natural and enjoy the opportunities that are the closest. The Georgia Aquarium is a perfect get away without having to get away too far.

You can sit forever in the large viewing area. In this photo the two whale sharks (the largest fish species in the world) are being fed. You can check out the live webcam at www.georgiaaquarium.org/exploreTheAquarium/webcam-beluga.aspx

Few things are more relaxing than watching fish swim. By the time you leave the aquarium (provided you are not afraid of water), you are totally at peace and ready for a cup of Starbucks!