As a photographer relatively new to Albany, I'm always on the lookout for new and cool places to take photographs. Just last week, fellow photographers Greta and Amber and I were all at Elements, perusing photography on the internet when we came across a particular set of photos.
"Where's that"? I asked.
"Oh, that's Radium Springs" they tell me.
Radium Springs.
RADIUM SPRINGS?!?
Oh, of course.
What the heck??
Why hasn't anyone told me about this?
So I do a little research on the internet to find out exactly what Radium Springs is. And all I can say is WOW. And all of you people in albany are not my friends anymore.
To those of you who AREN'T from Albany, lemme tell you a bit about it.
Radium Springs, on the outskirts of Albany, historically is the largest spring in the Flint River Basin. Known as one of the "Seven Natural Wonders of Georgia", its aesthetic beauty,
crystal clear water, and mythical healing properties have long attracted people to the spring. Discharge from Radium Springs can exceed 70,000,000 gallons per day, with a temperature of 68degrees year round. There is also an extensive underwater cavern system, that apparently used to be a hot spot for divers to explore. I've read a few accounts that a diver was actually trapped and died in the caverns when the springs were at their peak of popularity.
In 1925 a casino/spa/resort was built overlooking the springs, and the site became a popular hot spot for vacationers on their way to Florida, who would stop at the springs for a swim. The casino was severely damaged in The Great Flood of '94 and again in '98 and was permanently demolished in 2003.
Apparently, there is a plan to reopen the springs to the public and build a botanical garden there, but considering the fact that the people in charge in Albany, Georgia are APPARENTLY QUITE STUPID for having this jewel right under their noses all these years and never utilizing it, who knows if that will actually ever happen.
So....after reading all this, I decided that I MUST go to check it out. Casey, who said, "oh yeah - I know about that" --->insert the Evil Eye here<-------- agreed to drive me out there to take a look. Owen came along too. Upon pulling up to the drive, there's a beautiful white gate and fence in the front of the property, that is, of course, locked. There has also been metal fencing installed around the outside of the white fence and down to the creek to keep people out, along with a few NO TRESPASSING signs. Ha!
We parked at the public wildlife viewing area next to the property and walked down to the shoreline and began picking our way to the Springs Property next door - about 200 yards, I'd guess.
Now, as a general rule, I am not a fearful person. And rarely do I fear for my own safety. But since Owen was with us, I was hyper alert and kept a close eye out for snakes - particularly water moccasins. I've never actually SEEN one down here, but they are prevalent so I was a little concerned. Owen had, to my later relief, decided to wear rain boots that day (don't ask me why) so I was thankful for that, as we picked out way through the trees and sand along the banks of the river branch.
For all you northerners, it's not like the banks of the Grand River...it's more like something from Deliverance, more swamp-like - more creepy. It was silent...and the creek/river bed leading into the springs area was only about 2-4 feet deep. Clear and blue and beautiful....but creepy at the same time, especially after the following conversation:
Me to Casey: I'm a little concerned about snakes....
Casey: I'm a little more concerned about amphibians of the larger variety - reptilian, if you know what I mean.
Me: WHAT?!
So then I was worried about alligators, because it was a GREAT spot for alligators to live. Sandy, folia
ge covered banks (perfect for a lurking alligator to snap up a few idiots walking along the bank), warm, shallow water. Ahem. Before my mother has a heart attack reading this post...we quickly moved along and to the site of the Spring with no other cause for concern. And mom, just so you know, I didn't see a single snake. Or Alligator.
Anyway, so we climb up the bank to the grassy overlook and....
OH.
MY.
It was AMAZING. It's in ruins now, but the pillars, stone work, arches, bridge...they're incredible. I had goosebumps. The history....was palpable.
It really is an incredible place. Have you ever seen a movie, where a ruin or run-down place is shown, and then before your eyes, it transforms into it's original state?? I stood on that overlook, with the crystal clear Spring below me and I swear to you, that place transformed before my eyes. The casino/resort reappeared behind me, swimmers came to life in the springs, the green grasses were covered with people - lovers holding hands, eating a picnic lunch, friends vacationing. There was laughter, music, children playing, the splashing of swimmers in the water. The early 30's came alive - there were men in polyester pants, and women with large hats and polka dotted swim suits. There was a carefree spirit in the air - the stock market was turning upward, the Depression was over. People danced to big band - Duke Ellington and Louis Armstrong were cranked out of record players and radios. Across the country, Rockefeller Center was being built, Roosevelt was in office, Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers tapped across movie screens, women were granted equal rights and minimum wage.
And then Owen wanted to walk across the creaky old bridge to catch a lizard and I was snapped back to reality.
Maybe I'm weird, but places like Radium Springs have an effect on me. Seriously, the place holds so much history, is so hauntingly beautiful.....it's incredible. And I'm mad at you Albanians for not telling me about it sooner. So consider this a verbal blogo-spanking.
And if you're not from Albany, come visit - and we'll trespass into Radium Springs together. Only this time we'll jump the fence instead of walk the banks to get there.
For more pics of Radium Springs,
Go HERE.
And stay tuned for another Verbal Spanking tomorrow......because I've got yet ANOTHER ONE. But I'm sick of typing so I'll do it later.
Here's a tip when taking photos at a zoo or aquarium:
This was one of my favorite exhibits, they had this really peaceful instrumental music playing that gave the room an eerie, yet hauntingly beautiful aura.
One of my favorite pics of the day....
I have other pics, but they're nothing impressive. GA Aquarium also has a whale shark, which was gorgeous, and beluga whales, and a lot of other cool stuff. Check it out if you're ever in ATL with time to kill...just make sure you get in at the first time slot of the day!
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