Just at the bottom of the hills we find the most beautiful Rest Stop I have ever seen in the state of Tennessee. 
Welcome to Nickajack Rest Stop on the Tennessee River! 
This is usually our first stop on the way back to Georgia and a great spot to become rejuvenated by fresh air and beauty. 
As you can tell, it was a bit hazy when we stopped but the greeting out front was an awesome treat. 
We were greeted by a beautiful flower garden which I failed to capture on film. I was captivated by the activity within the garden. This Great Spangled Fritillary butterfly as well as....
this Cloudless Sulfur butterfly were busy as the bees we saw. I was snapping pictures away when the Saint said, "Come here and check out this dude." My camera then went to the Saints discovery. 
This carnivorous Dude, being a Praying Mantis was busy munching away on a meaty meal. The Praying Mantis eats flies, moths, crickets, grasshoppers and even its own kind. Yep, the female is known to eat her mate during or after mating. Wow, aren't you men glad to be human and not bugs?
The Praying Mantis gets its name of course by the folding prayer position of the front legs. It has big eyes and can see movement up to 60 feet away!
They are brown or green and can blend in with their surroundings. I am not sure what this dude was eating but it was sure enjoying the meal.
The Saint had to practically drag me away from the Rest Stop as I was having a blast watching all the fun. But we did have two furry babies waiting on our arrival back to GA so we had to cruise on down the road.
We have made this journey many times and have yet to stop to take a peek at Rock City or....
Ruby Falls. Maybe one day we will fit them into our schedule and stop for a bit to admire the beauty from above.
I am always a bit sad to leave that TENNESSEE REST STOP, but I always know that soon I will be back, In the Garden....
