Athens

Saturday we took a trip to the city of Athens, home of the Bulldogs--or the University of Georgia, founded 1785.  It was a really hot, humid day (the car thermometer said 102 and it usually is a few degrees lower than true temperature).  We discovered Zuri really does not do well in the heat; a fact that we had semi-known, but really came to light on our outdoor trek.  She is like me--I don't mind the cold--you can add layers to keep you warm, but the heat is not for me.  I hate being all sticky and sweaty.  So, the day didn't go exactly according to plan.

 

We started our day off at the botanical garden.  I am continually amazed at how green it is here in Georgia.  Even though it is late July, flowers are still in full bloom--even if they aren't being taken care of by someone.  It is so humid and rains so often that many people don't water their lawns, they have mother nature do it for them, and they have beautiful, green lawns. 

Zuri's favorite part was playing in the fountains.  She just loves water, and it was hard to tear her away when it was time to move on.

One of the great things about all the trips we have taken this summer is that I am really starting to learn how to use my camera.  I can do some pretty neat things with it (even though it is not nearly as sophisticated as J's camera) and I am really enjoying photography now.

The last picture is from a tree outside.  Many of the trees here still have flowers blooming!  I would have liked to get a few more pictures of the magnolia trees with the huge blossoms on them, but magnolia's are one of the trees that do bloom only in the spring.

This next round of pictures is from J's camera.

After the botanical gardens, we went to see the tree that owns itself.  Literally.

The weirdest part of this tree is not the tree itself, but where it is located.  It is in the middle of a residential street so narrow it should be a one-way street with no parking on the side.

The courthouse.  Thought it was really cool looking and took a picture.

This structure is really odd. No markers to indicate what it used to be, but it is situated on the corner edge of a parking lot near an apartment complex. It is rundown and covered on one side with our favorite vine.  Thought it was strange and picture-worthy.

Our last stop was the Taylor-Grady house.  We didn't go inside for a tour because it was closed.  It looked like they were setting up out back for a wedding, but from what we were able to see it was huge and gorgeous. 

PS--don't forget to hit older posts to see more!