Atlanta

Slept really well last night, didn't hear a thing until I woke up at 0523 (rolled over and looked at the clock). Got up and took my shower. Got all my stuff organized and in order for the day: directions to the Aquarium, tickets, camera, spare battery and rain coats (we may get some showers today). This is what I do, get organized.

Took some stuff down to the car and got Riley's cup to fill with milk at the breakfast room. Gave Andy a call and they were up so we went and got Riley to get a head start on breakfast. Made two waffles, one for Riley and one for me. Love having a continental breakfast where you can do this. The breakfast room really filled up and was just plain crowded by the time Andy and Nikki arrived, thank goodness we came down early and had a table. Finished up and we were on our way.

The drive to the Aquarium was pretty uneventful until we got off of 75 and our directions didn't match with the signs but we just followed our directions and got right there. Then we followed the first sign for parking and it was just this little rinky-dink space so we just went around the block to the official Aquarium parking that cost the same and was undercover. Of course from here you have to walk almost around the full block to get to the entrance.

This picture was actually taken when we were all done and getting ready to leave but it gives you a good view of the aquarium.

What a change from the last time we were here. No line, walked right in, it was great. Went the opposite direction this time. Started with the Georgia Area, then Rivers, Cold Water Quest, Oceans and lastly Tropical.

This is one of the touch pools in the Georgia area, it had sting rays in it. It was too far down for Riley to be able to reach anything.

Some of the things we learned today were: Sea Otters have a million hairs per square inch of their body, that square inch has more than our whole head, this is because they have no blubber and the fur has to keep them warm so they are constantly preening and keeping it in good shape. Horseshoe crabs can live for 25 years or more. The three biggest predators of beluga whales after humans are killer whales, polar bears and walruses.

This turtle was pretty fascinated with the people outside the tank.

These are ciclids, found in South American Rivers. Always so interesting because there are always so many and so many different colors.

This was also in the Rivers sections, Riley and Grampa got to go into the tunnel and look out at us through part of the river.

Just liked the way the gator looked.

The most magnificent views were the 2 big tanks, the coral reef and the open ocean. Could have sat and watched both of these for hours. Of course the smaller tanks were pretty fascinating too. The jellyfish, piranhas, clown fish, seahorses and many more.

This is the open ocean tank and a picture of one of the huge groupers.
About three quarters of the way through we stopped for snacks and a drink. Our last stop was the gift shop and then we walked across to The World of Coke. Got a nice surprise because Dan and I got in for free because we are retired military.

Not sure I like the new set up at The World of Coke, seemed very closed in and very crowded and very hard to see and enjoy the displays. The best part was the tasting room, where they had coke products from all over the world to try. Everyone found something they liked, Nikki and Andy are ready to go to China because that is the one they liked. I'm going to stick with diet coke and it was really good here.

Gift shop was next, we also picked up our picture we had taken (forgot to mention we got one at the aquarium also).

Set off for the parking garage, not realizing there are two. One for the Aquarium and one for The World of Coke. Of course we went to the wrong one but finally got ourselves straighten out.

Left Andy and Nikki by the World of Coke and Dan, Riley and I went to get the Expedition. Just as we walked up to the car, one of the cars looking for a parking place decided to wait for ours blocking traffic. Well, we had a lot to do, get Riley in his seat, empty the stroller, stow everything and get into the vehicle. Well someone got impatient and started blowing their horn. It sure didn't speed us up any but it must have made the driver of the first car feel bad because they pulled away to look for another spot. Just so you know there were lots of empty parking spaces and ones that were much better then ours if you just continued on.

Picked up Andy and Nikki and we were on our way. No problems finding 75 south. Traffic going south wasn't bad but going north it was pretty much at a stand still all the way back to the exit before ours. We don't know how far it really went on on because we got off at that exit to have lunch. We went to KFC. Riley was cranky, tired and not feeling his best so he wasn't a happy camper sitting in the high chair.

After lunch we went to WalMart to just walk around and check it out. Got gas and then headed back to the hotel to rest and we sure needed that.

Andy brought Riley up to our room at about 1700 and we went for a walk. Not much around here and no sidewalks so our walk was very short.

Back at the room Riley was a little energizer bunny, he just ran and ran and ran. Every now and then he would climb up on the bed and lay his head on a pillow and make us think he might take a nap but he would pop right back up in about 10 seconds.

Went back down to Andy and Nikki's room to discuss dinner. No decision could be made so we just headed out. Rode around and came across a Sonic, so that became dinner. We sat outside and enjoyed our meal and watched a beautiful sunset. Time to head back to the room.

Had a great day and saw lots of interesting things.