Back to Florida .......: --- Addendum ---

On our trek home, we stopped at a few places that merit a brief mention, and so here is an addendum ---

We took an extra day to visit the Georgia Aquarium, largest in the world with 8.5 million gallons, 120,000 animals, and 500 species. The aquarium was funded mostly from a $250M grant from Bernard Marcus, co-founder of Home Depot. The main hall of the aquarium almost reminded one of Epcot Center with several pavilions surrounding a central area.

In addition to several huge tanks that you could view from above or below the water level, the aquarium also had many smaller tanks exhibiting fish we have all seen, like these Discus ...

and exotic ones, like these Sea Dragons ...

For us, one of the smallest animals made the biggest impression. This 4 second video of some 2 inch long jellyfish shows why.

It was mesmerizing to watch the ribs on this creature flash like christmas lights.

Lion fish, many larger jellyfish, and exotic frogs (some poisonous) were also included in the exhibits.

One of the large tanks had a plexiglass tunnel. Watching the 20+ foot long Whale Sharks glide overhead was a special treat.

The tunnel and this view show just how large some tanks and animals (Whale Shark and giant Ray) were.

This is a view of Atlanta on our walk back to the car park. We thought that it sums up our excellent day at the Georgia Aquarium - a really special place!

Did you ever hear of Zappo's? Its a large shoe seller that does all of its business over the internet and boasts big discounts. Our friend, Sharie, told us about a Zappo's outlet in Shepherdsville, Ky, just south of Louisville. Their unassuming entrance tells it all!

We made Shepherdsville, Kentucky an overnight stop and decided to stay an extra day to avoid the expected snow in the midwest. It worked out perfectly, because we did miss the snow, we were able to avoid Friday traffic around the Chicago - Indiana corridor, and we managed to find seven pairs of shoes to take home. What a deal!$!$!

Another plus for Shepherdsville is that nearby is the Jim Beam Distillery, which, we were to find, offers an interesting tour of its facilities. With several distillery buildings and 27 large aging facilities, Beam produces half the bourbon sold in the United States right here.

Your visit begins in the gift shop / welcome center where the history of this family business is explained.

The tour starts at a micro brewery within the larger facility that explains the ingredients and the fermenting process and shows you the original yeast culture used since 1935.

You also get a view of the fired barrels, which can be used only once, and the inside of the 8 story building where 4 or 8 years aging takes place, depending upon product.