2007-20 Botanical Gardens, Atlanta, Georgia
Hello All,
This has been a busy week. First we went to the Knoxville Zoo where we saw an albino alligator. That was a new first for us. We did learn some trivia also. Do you know how the white rhino got its name? It seems they got their name because people didn’t listen very well. English speaking visitors who first saw white rhinos asked Dutch speaking colonists what they called them. They called them “widje” - a Dutch word meaning wide - referring to the rhino’s wide flat mouth. The English speakers thought they said “white” so white rhinos they became.
There was a fascinating show on TV this past week. It was about researchers using the various poisons from snakes, frogs, fish, spiders, etc., for new medicines and pain relievers. One that is showing great promise is the venom from a particular spider that attacks and kills cancer cells without damaging healthy cells. They have used it on inoperable brain tumors with good results. The show also featured brightly colored poisonous frogs from the jungles of South America. Looking at these frogs really stirred a burning desire in us to photograph them. But let’s face it, a couple of old geezers like us trekking off into a South American jungle is just not in the cards. Then they said these magical words: “The Atlanta Botanical Garden has a collection of live tropical poisonous frogs.” So where do you think our next trip was to? ATLANTA--you are so smart.
Since Atlanta is about a three-hour drive we decided to make it an overnight trip. We arrived in the early afternoon and our first stop was the 3200-acre Stone Mountain Park just east of the city. The main attraction of the park is one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders, Stone Mountain. Rising 825 feet into the sky, this ancient landmark is the largest exposed piece of granite on earth. Prominently featured on the mountain’s north face is the Memorial Carving, depicting three central figures in Confederate history: President Jefferson Davis, General Robert E. Lee, and Lt. General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. Work on the carving (more massive than Mount Rushmore) began in 1917 and took 55 years to complete.
We found the park to be a great family destination with activities for all ages. There is a Skyride (cable car) you can take to the top of the mountain. It was shut down when we were there due to a thunderstorm in the area. Since we both dislike cable cars we didn’t shed any tears over that one! We walked around the park exploring the sites for a couple of hours. Then we hopped into the truck and drove the many park roads. Crepe myrtles were in bloom throughout. We took lots of photos at a neat covered bridge and a 100-year old grist mill we found.
Departing the park we noticed that the Skyride was operating again. Since we may have been missing a good photo op we decided to “bite the bullet” and ride it to the top of the mountain!! After grabbing the cameras and purchasing tickets we got in line to board. Shortly thereafter they shut it down again because of another thunderstorm. We decided this was a message--we got a refund on our tickets and left for the motel.
Bright and early the next morning we were at our primary destination--the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. This 30-acre jewel is right in the heart of downtown Atlanta and includes the world’s foremost permanent orchid collection. We found the sights and fragrances to be intoxicating. Also on display throughout the garden was the David Roger’s exhibition “Big Bugs.” The bugs were beautifully crafted from natural materials and reclaimed woods such as red cedar, black walnut, and willow. The sculptures are truly massive. There was an 18-foot long, 1200-pound praying mantis; three 25-foot long, 725-pound ants; a super sized spider in her web, and many many more--they were fascinating.
Our main objective at the garden was their collection of tropical frogs. The moist skin on their backs is highly toxic and it is thought the bright colors are nature’s way of warning predators of the danger. Hunters in the jungle would rub the darts for their blow guns on the frogs back to make them lethal. We found them extremely difficult to photograph since they are kept behind glass for obvious reasons--don’t want anybody trying to pet one!! One of our favorites was blue with black spots--hence the photo of the week.
This has been a busy week. First we went to the Knoxville Zoo where we saw an albino alligator. That was a new first for us. We did learn some trivia also. Do you know how the white rhino got its name? It seems they got their name because people didn’t listen very well. English speaking visitors who first saw white rhinos asked Dutch speaking colonists what they called them. They called them “widje” - a Dutch word meaning wide - referring to the rhino’s wide flat mouth. The English speakers thought they said “white” so white rhinos they became.
There was a fascinating show on TV this past week. It was about researchers using the various poisons from snakes, frogs, fish, spiders, etc., for new medicines and pain relievers. One that is showing great promise is the venom from a particular spider that attacks and kills cancer cells without damaging healthy cells. They have used it on inoperable brain tumors with good results. The show also featured brightly colored poisonous frogs from the jungles of South America. Looking at these frogs really stirred a burning desire in us to photograph them. But let’s face it, a couple of old geezers like us trekking off into a South American jungle is just not in the cards. Then they said these magical words: “The Atlanta Botanical Garden has a collection of live tropical poisonous frogs.” So where do you think our next trip was to? ATLANTA--you are so smart.
Since Atlanta is about a three-hour drive we decided to make it an overnight trip. We arrived in the early afternoon and our first stop was the 3200-acre Stone Mountain Park just east of the city. The main attraction of the park is one of the world’s most magnificent natural wonders, Stone Mountain. Rising 825 feet into the sky, this ancient landmark is the largest exposed piece of granite on earth. Prominently featured on the mountain’s north face is the Memorial Carving, depicting three central figures in Confederate history: President Jefferson Davis, General Robert E. Lee, and Lt. General Thomas “Stonewall” Jackson. Work on the carving (more massive than Mount Rushmore) began in 1917 and took 55 years to complete.
We found the park to be a great family destination with activities for all ages. There is a Skyride (cable car) you can take to the top of the mountain. It was shut down when we were there due to a thunderstorm in the area. Since we both dislike cable cars we didn’t shed any tears over that one! We walked around the park exploring the sites for a couple of hours. Then we hopped into the truck and drove the many park roads. Crepe myrtles were in bloom throughout. We took lots of photos at a neat covered bridge and a 100-year old grist mill we found.
Departing the park we noticed that the Skyride was operating again. Since we may have been missing a good photo op we decided to “bite the bullet” and ride it to the top of the mountain!! After grabbing the cameras and purchasing tickets we got in line to board. Shortly thereafter they shut it down again because of another thunderstorm. We decided this was a message--we got a refund on our tickets and left for the motel.
Bright and early the next morning we were at our primary destination--the Atlanta Botanical Gardens. This 30-acre jewel is right in the heart of downtown Atlanta and includes the world’s foremost permanent orchid collection. We found the sights and fragrances to be intoxicating. Also on display throughout the garden was the David Roger’s exhibition “Big Bugs.” The bugs were beautifully crafted from natural materials and reclaimed woods such as red cedar, black walnut, and willow. The sculptures are truly massive. There was an 18-foot long, 1200-pound praying mantis; three 25-foot long, 725-pound ants; a super sized spider in her web, and many many more--they were fascinating.
Our main objective at the garden was their collection of tropical frogs. The moist skin on their backs is highly toxic and it is thought the bright colors are nature’s way of warning predators of the danger. Hunters in the jungle would rub the darts for their blow guns on the frogs back to make them lethal. We found them extremely difficult to photograph since they are kept behind glass for obvious reasons--don’t want anybody trying to pet one!! One of our favorites was blue with black spots--hence the photo of the week.
Until next time,
Dave and Barb
The Traveling Browns
Dave and Barb
The Traveling Browns