Everything Seems Possible After Kayaking, Zip Lining, and Hiking 1,208 Steps at Amicalola Waterfalls

(ATLANTA, GEORGIA) - It's official. I love the state of Georgia. As humid as the weather gets, as many mosquitos that love to bite, Georgia is still a fabulous state to visit. There's so much to do and many fine restaurants that remind you there's more to life than death.

Taking a break from the funeral industry is a good thing. It keeps life in balance.

Everyone deserves to take an adventure once in a while, so no matter your age, don't count yourself out even if someone else does.

We went kayaking along the beautiful Chattahoochee River with the help of The Dam Store in Buford. Their educational video on how to kayak the right way, especially through the rapids, was a huge advantage. At times, going down the quiet river in a kayak seemed like being a part of the film "Deliverance." But, when nothing bad happened, it seemed that the real beauty of nature had revealed itself. There was a little stretch of rapids, but none of us flipped. While it was strenuous and the water level was cold, the kayaking trip brought pure joy on our family outing.

A few of the locals told us about the Amicalola Falls State Park. Talk about an extraordinary experience. I've been to Niagara Falls, but this was up close, personal and amazing. Amicalola Waterfalls is the tallest waterfall east of the Mississippi. We were told that Amicalola means "tumbling waters" and that's true. The water was tumbling from top to bottom. The most challenging part of this visit were the steps. There were lots of steps. It seemed endless at times. One segment had 425 steps to the bridge to look up at the waterfall and then another 175 steps down to a pool of water. There are T-shirts you can buy that remind everyone that "I survived the 604 steps at Amicalola Falls." I guess if you include the landings, there were 604 stair steps. Walking down those steps wasn't the problem. It was hiking back up the evenly spaced stair steps. Talk about a workout! And, I met one couple at the bottom and then I met them a second time when I almost finished walking up to the top. They told me they planned the stair step hike several times as their exercise for the day. Crazy! Once was enough to me, but hiking down and up the stair steps was great fun. Then, at the Visitor Center we saw a live owl close up and personal. My sons thought that was great!

When my husband and I were in Hawaii recently, I really wanted to go on a zip line. But, it didn't work out and we were unable to make that adventure a reality. Fortunately, Georgia answered the call. Our final Georgia adventure was Zip Lining and bridge climbing high into the Georgia trees. I'm no longer a young, spring chicken, but by some miracle, I can keep up with the best of them. It does help when you have a team of young, strong men in their 20s to help you throughout the zip lining course. We went to Historic Banning Mills in Whitesburg for the Extreme Screaming Eagle Zip Line Canopy Tour. It was exhilarating from beginning to end. It took us about four and a half hours to complete the entire tour package. It was an Eco adventure like nothing I've ever experienced. Our guides, both named Ethan, were fabulous, understanding and life-saving at times. My braking abilities on the zip line need some work, but I would definitely do this tour again. The adrenaline rush and sense of accomplishment was unexpectedly awesome and rewarding.

Walking over a sky bridge 600 feet long and 180 feet high is rewarding when you've reached the other side. Surviving the Screaming Eagle which is a half mile long zip line is an extraordinary experience. When you feel comfortable enough to look down, the Snake Creek, which is about 300 below, is beautiful and comforting. There were about 20 sky bridge tree walks and 19 zip lines in our package and it was worth every penny. To find yourself alive, intact, and uninjured in the end is worth even more than the cost of admission. Everyone who works there was so nice and I would definitely recommend this tour for adventurous, athletic types who think they'd enjoy it. There are weight restrictions and requirements, so you have to plan accordingly.

How do you top off an incredible adventure like zip lining? You go out for a dining experience at a fancy restaurant. We chose 4th and Swift in Atlanta. We even met the chef/owner Jay Swift and he delivered on every dish we ordered. I was sold on the restaurant the moment I tasted the ice cold Basil Lemonade. It was especially refreshing after our zip lining adventure. Then, when I saw the menu I couldn't believe my eyes. I was born and raised in Amish country in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, and there on the menu was Amish sauteed chicken livers. They were perfection! Every dish my husband and sons ordered was perfection. I ordered the Trout with the herbed potato gnocchi. It was the best gnocchi I've ever tasted! I also had fava beans, which always reminds me of Hannibal Lecter and his famous line about fava beans. But, trust me - the fava beans were to die for. Delicious! We finished off with the Duck N' Donuts and the donuts were probably the most pleasing finish to any meal. Thanks to the chef!

Truly, a huge thanks to Georgia for the adventure of a lifetime... I'll definitely be coming back for another visit soon!

Pictured: Ian Vetter, Alex Vetter, Pam Vetter and Jay Vetter