Gigi’s Inaugural Float Down The Chattahoochee – 2011!
Since 1991, and every summer for twenty years, we have gathered with assorted family and friends in Helen, Georgia for a fun day of tubing down the Chattahoochee River.
Here’s how it goes…
The night before, the big cooler comes up from the basement and the tubing sticks and river shoes come down from the attic.
Early in the morning, we prepare a yummy picnic lunch and then we pack up the car and depart Atlanta at 10 a.m. With soy lattes on board (these were standard even before the days of Starbucks!), we enjoy a leisurely drive north to the charming and kitschy Alpine Village called Helen.
By noon, we are all gathering in the picnic area of the Cool River Tubing Co. (formerly Alpine Tubing).
The tablecloth goes down and the food begins piling up on the table. Everyone brings a sandwich of their choice and lots of sides for sharing.
After clean-up time, we change into our bathing suits and make our way over to the river’s edge where we put our tubes in to the cold, flowing Chattahoochee – heavenly on a hot Georgia day!
Gigi in her cute tubing attire!
And then, for two hours, bliss. There is something so right about floating down the river with your honey and, literally, going with the flow. A little white water now and then for excitement, a few moments stuck on a rock, but for the most part floating along without a care in the world.
Sometimes it’s nice to park for a few minutes on one of the islands for a few Kodak moments…
And then back in the river for more floating fun…
After de-tubing, a quick rinse in the showers and then some family portraits…
The Happy Little Family
Next, comes the fun bus ride through Downtown Helen and back to Cool River Tubing Co. After a quick change into dry clothing, we always head into town for some Alpine sightseeing…
Bubbles for Gigi!
After all that tubing and sightseeing, we always wrap up the day with a convivial meal at one of the restaurants perched over the river. This year, The International Cafe at the Helendorf Inn.
While we wait for our food, Philippe and Gigi shop for real estate.
Right after our meal, a huge storm blew through Helen and we had the best seats in the house to enjoy the blustery winds without getting soaked by the driving rain.
The temperature dropped considerably and Amanda had the best idea! Hot Chocolate in June!!
Yummy!
After the storm passed over, we headed back to Atlanta. Gigi slept like a baby all the way home!
Tubing in Helen – 2011
Rollin’ on the river,
Starr
Tubing Fun From Past Years
2003
2003
2000
2000
2000
2000
1999
1999
1998
1998
1996
1993
1993
1993
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1993
1993
1993
1992
1992
