A Wild and Free River

Posted by AR on August 8th, 2008 filed in The Company of Friends
1 Comment »

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.

A Local Good Time

Posted by AR on August 4th, 2008 filed in The Company of Friends
Comment now »

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!

Best Things Are Simple Things

Posted by AR on July 27th, 2008 filed in The Company of Friends
Comment now »

Have you ever had the “I got to have” syndrome? “I need more of this or that and then I’ll be happy” type of thinking. Without a doubt the best things in life are simply the easiest to gain—good friends, a slow walk along a wooded path, and patches of God’s light to dot the way. Nothing is better than these.

Beautiful Butterfly Afternoon

Posted by AR on July 27th, 2008 filed in The Company of Friends
Comment now »

Windows to England

Posted by AR on July 23rd, 2008 filed in Journaling through England, The Company of Friends
Comment now »

One day while having afternoon tea, we decided that this really was the “good life.” “We could live here,” one of us declared. “Chat with friends in the morning. Work a little and then head off for scones and afternoon tea.” Reality, however, always has a way of catching up, and we began to wonder how we would do simple things like pay all the bills that were sure to stack up as a result of our riotous living! (smile)

We also wondered how we would stave off the weight gain that was sure to come as a result of over indulgence.

So, we packed up our misguided dreams and walked down the lane to a store that had both fruit and flowers. There the offerings appeared good for the soul and much better for the “bodies.”