The Oregon Trailmix Part 2

Go Underground

Well, after an almost 3-hour drive, I finally believe I might be really close to the Oregon Caves National Monument. I twist and turn and wind down narrow country roads. I pass little farms and isolated homes as well as a few interesting roadside stands. After winding up and up and up through tight switchbacks and around narrow curves, I finally see the sign for the Oregon Caves National Monument. 

The parking lot provides a deceptive entry into the caves. I begin the long walk up the driveway to the Visitor's Center and walk past the quaint onsite lodge, The Chateau. It sat below the road, but the upper floors were high above the steep incline. It is a National Historic Landmark and can also be toured. 

I am winded and flush by the time I get to the first park ranger. After securing tickets for the cave tour, I watch a video about the history of the monument and the surrounding area. 

The time finally arrives for the next cave tour and the ranger gives the normal warnings about steep climbs, wet, slippery rocks, and no touching of the formations. 

The cave is unique because it is solid marble. There is a stream that runs through the cavern and it
actually empties into the Pacific Ocean. 

The history of the cave is really fascinating, so listen closely; you might actually learn sumtin'.

Whoo hoo! After slipping three or four times on the wet marble, I was relieved the tour had reached the first exit. I explained early on that I had to opt-out to get back on the road before dark. The next destination was Crescent City, California - home to whales and giant redwoods.

See Trees

The drive into Crescent City is lovely. The trees seem to reach up and tickle the clouds. I roll down the windows and take in a deep breath of air. The world smells a wonderful odiferous green! Crisp air, powerful rocks, and humongous trees greet me at every turn. The rocky terrain belies the majesty of these gigantic redwoods. How is it possible that a tree could stir such emotion?

I stop to ask the kind folks at the Visitor's Center in Crescent City about the best route to see redwoods and whales and am told to go to a special spot where a pod of whales hangs out right off the coast.

I immediately speed off to that location like a bat out of heaven! When I arrive, whales are feeding. I silently watch in awe. Chica 2 actually had a tear well up in her eye, but it quickly evaporated.

The Redwood National and State Parks have old-growth redwood forests. Standing next to a tree so tall you cannot see the top is very humbling. It is disturbing to think about the number of redwoods that have been cut down. Sometimes humankind can be so inhumane.

If a tree lives a few hundred years and grows to 200 feet, it deserves to live out its life and contribute to our ecosystem. There is a lovely 10-mile drive through these wonderful old-growth redwoods. The more adventurous can hike the miles of trails throughout the park. 

Ride 1

I decided it was the perfect day a drive down the Oregon coast. Why didn't I realize this would take an entire day? I amble past a variety of parks and forests, and the sand dunes at the Oregon Dunes National Recreation Area. Some of these sand dunes can be 500 ft. above sea level.

There are so many different park signs along the way, it is difficult to know where to stop. Perhaps I should visit the Rogue River National Forest or the Siuslaw National Forest, of which the sand dunes are a part. 

After two hours of beautiful vistas and views, I pull into the Face Rock Scenic Viewpoint. There is a legend that the rock has a woman's face etched into it and you can hear her voice screaming to be released from her captivity in the stone. I stand there straining to hear the woman's voice in the wind as told by the legend. I also had a difficult time seeing her face in the rock.  I really question the wisdom of passing so many wonderful parks to stop here. Oh, well, be happy with the choices you make. I inhale the moment, exhale, and get back in the car.

My next destination is the Sea Lion Caves located near Florence. The Sea Lion Caves have been continuously open for 80 years. After paying and making my way onto the overlook, as promised, there were a gajillion sea lions! The Steller sea lions are a rowdy group!

Many of the animals were just laid out on the rocks, much like the people you see on any beach.

There was a raft of sea lions playing and swimming just off the large rock. To the North of their playing field sat a lighthouse. Sitting on the cliff, the lighthouse looked like a sentry watching over this particular colony of sea lions.

I took the elevator down to the sea lion caves. The elevator finally stops and I step out into a large open room. I walk toward the plate glass window in a semi-trance.

There are even more sea lions down here in the cave. The water washes in and crashes against the rock. observe the sea lions' behaviors. There are aggressive ones and playful ones. There appeared to be romantic situations and jealous girls leaving in a tiff. Eventually, I needed to eat so I depart this magical place, the largest sea cave in the world. 

Feeling Cheesy

As I continue along US Highway 101, stop briefly to observe the swirling waters at the Devil's Punch

Bowl State Park. Continuing on, I drive over the Yaquina Bay Bridge and arrive at Depoe Bay, home of the Whale Watching Center. Unfortunately, it was closed, but I did get to admire the displays. There were also no whales to be seen, but the whale count posted in the window indicated two had been spotted earlier in the day.  Back on the road, I wind my way to Tillamook to spend the night and prepare for a cheese factory tour in the morning.

Up bright and early, I hop over to the Tillamook Cheese Factory, the largest cheese factory in the world! 

There's a lot of history in this place, but most importantly, there's a whole lot of cheese up in huur!  The ship out front represents the first ship in Oregon built by Tillamook residents to take their dairy products to market. Look for the VW Bus parked right in the entryway to the factory.

Inside, the cheese is the real star. This cheese has been winning awards for excellence since the 1904 World's Fair. Displays are showing the different equipment used to make cheese and of course, there is the state-of-the-art machinery used now.

Downstairs to there are free samples! I took a self-guided tour of the facilities. On the way out, make sure to stop and purchase cheese to take home. It really is exceptionally tasty, and don't forget they make ice cream too!

Feeling Beachy

The drive to Cannon Beach to see the famous Haystack Rock is so scenic. Unlike the beaches we have on the west coast of Florida, Oregon beaches are on the tumultuous Pacific Ocean. They are much closer to Canada, so the water is ccccooolllldddd!

As I head out toward the rock, I note how cold and windy the day is. Each step on the yellow sand places seems to taunt the wind. My Florida blood was too thin to continue so I admired this goliath of a rock from a distance. This is the third largest coastal monolith in the world and is home to birds and other marine life. Time to head back to Portland.

The Final March

I'm craving noodles, so I head over to Frank's Noodle House. The place serves handmade noodles as the base for some serious eating. I am ready to eat and get on the road. I have the desire to check out a unique hardware store that specializes in architectural salvage for craftsman-style bungalows. So after a filling meal, I head over to Hippo Hardware. The employees are extremely knowledgeable and helpful. I am lost in bungalow heaven! How can I buy all this great hardware and get it back home? This is some pretty cool stuff; I buy a few items for my old bungalow and head out for the final march to Voodoo Donuts.

Yes, Voodoo
Donuts! These guys have created quite a unique niche for doughnuts. The tongue-in-cheek names and weird-looking doughnuts are tasty as well! Be careful, I was accosted by one of the strange, aggressive patrons who thought that day was the perfect day to bully a female. You just never know... I grab a box of doughnuts and say goodbye to the west coast once again.

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The Oregon Trailmix

2 Chicas are Coming Up Smelling Like Roses

Look, there's Mount Hood! Chica 2 exclaims, "what do you mean we're flying over the hood?" No, no, no! The iconic Mount Hood with a smoky haze kissing the very top peak, stood proud and welcoming as we lowered toward the runway of Portland International Airport. Chica 1 was ecstatic!

This trip has been a long time coming. Portland is home to the International Rose Test Garden; which is why Portland is also known as the City of Roses! New roses, old roses, heirloom roses, roses in development, you name it, they grow it. I want to hurry, get the rental car, rush over to the garden, and then, ironically, slow down enough to smell a few. But before we leave the airport, we stop at the Portland Visitor's Bureau, which is conveniently located near baggage claim. We get a few recommendations, maps, and off we go.

Chica 2 was quite the trooper. Of all the places in the city of Portland, she certainly never saw herself in a massive rose garden. So strictly for entertainment purposes, she fancied herself a forlorn princess wandering through her royal garden hoping for a prince to come along with a perfect rose. The perfume of which is only special to her little turned up nose. Come on Chica 2, let's keep it moving; there's no prince today my little dearie. Just bees ready to bite your little nose and create unbelievable pain and swelling! Sometimes I can be quite too practical for my own good.

The International Rose Test Garden was packed on this Saturday before Memorial Day. Families, young couples, old couples, 2 Chicas and other groups of folks were swarming the garden just like the bees! The immense parking area proved to be no match for the steady stream of cars searching for the elusive parking space. As an added bonus, even the parking areas were blooming with a variety of rose bushes!

Once we lucked into a space, we descended some pretty steep stairs down into the oldest public rose garden in the United States. There were reportedly over 10,000 rose bushes on different growing levels. The view of the city of Portland from the various landings is stunning!

Because of the warm summers and wet winters, Portland is the perfect place to grow roses. Over a decade ago Chica 1 was known to order roses from a company in the Pacific Northwest. My love for the prickly plant has matured as has my understanding of how difficult the rose is to grow in Florida.

But here at the International Rose Garden, I have transformed into a child; moving swiftly from bush to bush, looking at the names and admiring the beauty of the garden. I want them all. Chica 2 rolls her eyes and wanders over to a food cart for a pre-food truck snack.

Chica 2 goes into the gift shop and buys things like rosehip tea, rose socks, etc. It takes some time, but finally, I have had enough of the countless, endless rose garden excursion. How about we visit the Japanese Gardens? Chica 2 quietly walks up the stairs, across the parking lot and begins the ascent up to the top of a pretty steep, winding pathway. At the top Chica 2 proclaims she is famished and Chica 1, winded from the climb, agrees to head back down. Farewell fair rose garden; it was a fragrant afternoon!

2 Chicas Make A Truck Stop

Portland is home to a number of food carts that are grouped in various areas around town. 2 Chicas headed down to SW 10th Ave. and Alder Street to try some of the carts in this little area. Of course Chica 2 began to excitedly discuss what she was going to eat when she got to the food trucks. A homemade giant burger with fresh cut fries; ooh ooh Thai chicken, but not too spicy; maybe just a little taste of soul food. Do you think there's soul food? Well you will see in just a minute my dear. 

After parking, we carefully crossed the street and began food cart shopping. Many were closed. One of the vendors says that Saturday afternoons are a mixed bag. It looked like a good crowd to me, but maybe it wasn't a buying crowd. 

I am always a little adventurous, so I decided to try food from the country of Georgia. I orded the sampler that came with a melted cheese sandwich, eggplant and walnut roll, and bean and onion bread. It was a little bland for my tastebuds. A homeless man was walking around begging so I offered him this plentiful sampler. Not only did he wholeheartedly decline, he asked for a cheeseburger!  

Chica 2 , Whimpy, and the homeless gentleman immediately had a momentary bond. Oh for a cheeseburger today... Fleeting was the sentiment because Chica 2 now wanted to try a little Hawaiian Barbeque.  Well, despite our best intentions to visit multiple food trucks, we were stuffed and ready to move on.

2 Chicas always visits the local REI when visiting a city with one, and while in Portland, it would allow us to get a trail map for Forest Park, the next stop on the itinerary. Mission not accomplished! After wandering around and trying to ask for help, 2 Chicas decided to go it alone, which turned out to be a bad idea. Forest Park is gigantic and trying to navigate it without guidance was a crazy thing to even think about. These Portlanders are some forward thinking folks. In the early 1900s, they designated this area as a park to maintain its forest-like setting. 

2 Chicas drove up to the Pittock Mansion to get a peak at the beautiful views. Supposedly one can see Mt. Rainier, Mt. St. Helens, and Mt. Hood. Just our luck, it was overcast and no such views were seen. The air was crisp and cool; our sinus cavities were thankful. As our eyes turned to the Pittlock Mansion, it brought a different sense of beauty to our eyes.

It looks like a fancy chateau perfectly situated at the top of a hill.

Naturally the mansion comes with quite a scandalous history, but we can't reveal all the secrets. Supposed to be really good bird watching from this location, but we only saw a couple of birds watching us. Could it be that we got that wrong? Luckily they were relatively small birds.

We wandered over to Macleay Park and admired the beautiful neighborhood. The stately homes invited the weary travelers to look but don't touch. We continue on past shops and restaurants. There is a trail at the end of the loop and there were quite a few cars parked there, but it was a little too spooky looking for two out-of-towners. Felt a lot like something from a low-budget horror movie. Maybe we were just tired; we're not normally so skittish. How do we get over our fears? Retail Therapy - tee hee hee!

2 Chicas and My Addidas

As the GPS barked out orders, 2 Chicas sat back and enjoyed the scenic drive to the Addidas Village, home to the Adidas Giant Shoes. Chica 2 parked and went on and on about what she hoped to purchase at the store. Maybe they would have some denim Addidas. That would be so fresh! Or maybe should could find something that isn't available in Florida. Upon entering, we learned that it was an employee only store and that these two sojourners could not shop there!

Can you hear the sad music playing: wa wa wa waaaa? Bummer... We took a couple of pictures of the large shoes and went on our not so merry way. Guess we will have to go to the more traditional plazas to experience any shopping pleasures.

2 Chicas Gorge On Scenery

We were up bright and early the next morning. You see, it was my birthday and boy had I planned a long day! 2 Chicas were set to drive from Portland, up to Mt. Hood, and down to a city near Crater Lake. As we say see ya later to Portland, I couldn't help but feel day two, my birthday, entered with very little fanfare. I often fancy myself far more spirited than I really am. So perhaps in the quiet of this moment, reflection on the importance of highlighting special occasions through

celebrations escapes me.

When I come out of my trance, we are exiting the highway. We turn right, then left, and voile, we arrive at the beautiful little town of Troutdale. With its beautiful outdoorsy sculptures and everyday appeal, it does a great job of serving as the eastern entrance to the Columbia River Gorge. As we slowly drive through the town, the old steel bridges provide a glimpse back in time.

The first pullover on the road was a highway marker highlighting the Lewis and Clark expedition. This was one of a number of scenic overlooks along the Columbia River Highway. Chica 2, after reading some of the history of the area, decided that she was Lewis (of Lewis and Clark). Sadly, she had not read enough of the history to add any authenticity to her role. So after a few awkward shouts of "onward" and a few sideways glances, the reenactment ended.

I, on the other hand, spent my time constantly pointing out Mt. Hood. The first historical marker noted the mountain was named for the Vice Admiral of the British Navy back in 1792. Lewis and Clark on the other hand, named the local river Quicksand. Over time, it became known as the Sandy River. Interesting stuff. Pull over Chica 2, I exclaimd! We've arrived at the Portland Women's Forum State Scenic Overlook.

We find a parking space and leap out the car. We giggle because we both were as glad to stretch our legs as we were to see the outstanding views! Notably, Chica 2 is relieved to get a break from the history lessons. Despite the distractions, the Columbia River is the true star. The river and much of the surrounding area is best described as pristine. Lush green forests bend down to kiss the blue-black waters. As all rivers do, there are twists and turns as well as splinter streams. One can only wonder what lies around the next bend. For us, it is to get back on the road to yet another destination.

Onward fair explorer, let's get to the Vista House at Crown Point.

The Vista House at Crown Point is a beacon on a ridge. I distinctly remember seeing this spot as the plane was descending into the Portland International Airport. According to reading material, Crown Point is one of the most photographed places in the Columbia River Gorge. It is a memorial to Oregon pioneers, and provides yet another beautiful view of the area.

Inside the house is a gallery that displays pictures chronicling the history of the region, beginning with the Native Americans and moving to the building of the roads. It also has a little concession area for snacks, and a much appreciated restroom.

Chica 2 is anxious to get to the waterfalls, and away from more boring history, so off we go to Latourell Falls. Navigating from the Vista House proves to be a mini adventure. As one leaves Crown Point, there are a series of loops winding down 600 feet and much closer to the Columbia River. The car felt as if it was spiraling down the road doing handstands.

2 Chicas Fall and then Fall Some More

The sides of the mountains were so close, I was tempted to reach out and grab a mossy tree limb, but being the practical one, decided against it. The promise of four waterfalls within five miles was almost too much for Chica 2 to handle. She anxiously pulled into a parking space and leaned her head in the direction of Latourell Falls. We could hear the water from afar and as we rounded the corner,

Latourell Falls was peaking at us through the trees. As we made our way closer to the falls, we smiled at the volunteers working to remove some invasive species of plant growing in the area. It was refreshing seeing a multicultural group of young people working together to protect one of their local treasures. We hiked the narrow trail right up to the falls.

We don't care how many waterfalls we've seen on trips, it is still with wonder that I gaze upon tons of water cascading over the side of a mountain. To feel cool droplets brush against my face and hear the power of the water as hit hits the basin floor to me is one of God's ways of saying "I AM". Chica 2 was beaming and as usual, was already rushing to get to the next waterfall. Please just give me another minute to take it all in! I glance over my should prior to sitting down in the car and breathe in deeply.

Shepperd's Dell is a nice waterfall, but not as dramatic as Bridal Veil. The path to Bridal Veil Falls is steep and not easy to navigate. I needed oxygen after descending just half-way down the trail, but I certainly don't want to take anything away from the waterfall. Just like a flash of lightning in the night sky, we were jetting up the road to the next fall. 

The big girl of the group is Multnomah Falls. It is a double falls and on the property is a lodge built in 1925. It may be crowded because it is so close to I-84, but it is easy to get to, and only takes a few minutes to get to the base. 

There are only three other waterfalls in the nation taller than Multnomah Falls, so 2 Chicas say this is a don't miss it opportunity! There is a bridge that allows close viewing of the lower falls and it also provides a great view of the upper falls. This place is teeming with people because of the lodge and the reputation of this particular waterfall. There are many informational placards and picture perfect angles. We avoid photo bombing any permanent memories, cross the street with care and take a few more pictures of our own. As we bid goodbye to Multnomah, we get the pleasure of driving by the Oneonta Gorge. It is one of the most beautiful areas in the states. We liken it to some wonderful botanical fairyland, but we had to take a pass because hiking to the waterfall would require immersion in Oneonta Creek. It is just too cold for we Floridians to engage in waterplay!

2 Chicas Visit the Hood

About an hour into the drive to the Timberline Lodge, Chica 2 decides she wants to ski down one of the slopes of Mount

Hood. She continues to stare at the mountain from various vantage points and discuss how she will speed down the slopes at the speed of light. I begin to share what Chica 2 finds to be boring facts about Mount Hood - it is 11,239 feet high and is a dormant volcano....

Although many of these facts she finds trite, Chica 2 now wants to delve into the volcano and explore the underworld. What an imagination!

We pull into Buzzard Point, a place I feel is more akin to Chica 2's personality, to take pictures of Mt. Hood from this vantage point. The view is amazing! Chica 2 is really ready to get rolling again. I ask her if she is going to soar above Mt. Hood from a vulture's point of view, but she just rolls her eyes and starts the car. I guess she would have preferred to have been asked if she was going to soar like an eagle. My bad...

The next stop is Jonsrud Viewpoint, which provides a perfect view of the Willamette Valley. I take a number of pictures while being rushed back into the car. Before you know it, we were turning into the Timberline Lodge for a my birthday lunch. We looked at each other in amazement. The skiers were out in full force and the lodge was abuzz with activity.

We were struggling to wrap our heads around skiing the end of May.Two hungry travelers toured the historic Lodge, ate some grub from a lovely buffet, watched a little skiing, and got back on the road. This because Chica 2 decided she was far too full to ski, especially once she saw that the ski lift disappeared into the clouds! What a little scaredy cat!

On the way to Roseburg, we make a quick run through Woodburn Premium Outlets. It was just the thing for two road weary girls. Sadly, as it was Sunday, the outlet closed early, ending our shopping excursion. After a couple more hours on the road, we arrived at our overnight destination. Roseburg is a nice little town with shopping and good quality lodging. We had traveled from Portland up to Mount Hood and down to Southeast Oregon, making multiple stops in one day. Needless to say, we were exhausted!

2 Chicas Crater Surf

Once again we were up bright and early the next morning, we had breakfast at the hotel and slipped over to the shopping center to walk off the calories. We then packed up and once again got on the road. The drive from Roseburg to Crater Lake is beautiful on the Rogue-Umpqua Scenic Byway. There are all manner of waterfalls, bubbling brooks, scenic overlooks, and small town shops along the way. We roll down our windows so we can hear the water gurgling down the river. One scenic overlook provided stunning views of Mt. Bailey and Mt. Thielsen as well as a welcome bathroom break. It was fun, but I really wanted to get to Crater Lake, the only National Park in Oregon! As we approach the welcome sign, Chica 2 had to be reminded to slow down for the Ranger Station. Her impatience almost embarrassed us; behaving as if the Ranger was taking too long to give us the guidebook.

Fortunately, this dissatisfaction did not last for very long She lit up like a bonfire as she rounded the first curve. The roads had anywhere from 4ft to 6ft snow banks! Although it was the last week in May, it looked like a winter wonderland!

Every curve and bend of the road provided views of beautiful, white blanketed forests. Chica 2 finally saw a pullout area, parked and bound out of the car. I was left to calmly turn off the car, take out the keys, and lock the door before tracking through partially melted snow. As we neared the rim, we immediately were spellbound!

The blue is what gets you. Your eyes are drawn to the most regal rich blue color of the lake water. It feels like something from your dreams. The water looks like it was painted a perfect crystal blue. It is breathtaking.

We found ourselves taking pictures of the water as if the very next snap of the camera would show we had somehow been mislead. But every single vantage point was beyond belief. We finally realized we were not alone. Others who had come to this relatively remote part of Oregon were standing there on the rim doing the very same thing. Moving from left to right and from right to left snapping pictures. Zooming in with their camera lenses. Showing their companion the pictures. Each of us were beaming!

Chica 2 pretended to be on a snowboard soaring above the rim like some superhero surfer. She soaked in the sun and in that very moment, looked invincible. As I moved my eyes away from Chica 2, I focused in on Wizard Island located in the 1,943 feet deep lake. This is the collapsed cinder cone of the ancient volcano.

Chica 2 says she is going to jump in and swim to the bottom, being the first female diver to accomplish such a feat. She then shivers and changes her mind. Although the water is enticing, she decides hypothermia is not. As such, she will allow someone else to descend into the deepest lake in the country! 

Now her fantasy is to hike up to the mouth of the cinder cone and go down into the vent to explore the inner workings of the volcano. Naturally her fear of discovering a huge dinosaur buried beneath the earth stopped her from the latest exploration. She really believed her footsteps would awaken this slumbering beast. Tee Hee He.....

I guess it's best that we return to the car and continue to drive round the lake. The various views were well worth the time and effort. The lake is so enticing, it feels like you can breathe in that deep aqua velvet water. The crispness of the air, the stark whiteness of the snow, and the silky smooth water of the lake caress the senses.

The drive around the rim is about 33 miles so be patient and enjoy the many different sensations all around you! Eventually, we ply ourselves away from the awesome beauty and head to our next exploration. After quick stops at the Steele Visitor's Center, we bid Crater Lake adieu.

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Sweet Naples Dreams

Chica 1 is ready for some action and relaxation so a little weekend trip down south seems like just the right pill. Naples, FL is one of the wealthiest cities in the United States. But for the adventurer in Chica 1, what is best about Naples is that it is also right outside of the Everglades. So if you seek sophistication and adventure, this is the place to visit.

Naples also has the distinction of having the second highest percentage of millionaires per capita in the US. Chica 1 shared that there have been houses to go on sale for as much as $40 million dollars. Unbelievable! 

As the two looked around, it came as no surprise that there were so many exotic cars bar none! At least two Jaguar XKR-S-GTs drove past Chica 1 on the Tamiami Trail. Those cars cost more than $150,000!  

There was no shortage of Ferraris, Lamborghinis, Porsches, and top of the line Mercedes; but not one to be intimidated, Chica 1 was right at home in her rented Hyundai. Tee hee he!

Jetting along Tamiami Trail, Chica 1 was enjoying the local sites. This is one busy street! Look - the Naples Zoo is right on the main thoroughfare; maybe later. 

Chica 2 is on this type of trip for the first time, so she is just smiling and being polite and agreeable. At least for right now..., She comes alive and points across to the other side of Tamiami Trail - Is that the famous chocolate store that was featured in a Hollywood Movie? There was an article about them!! One just never knows...

We will definitely have to go check that out. But for now...we're off to the beach or Lowdermilk Park to be specific. Turning on to Gulf Shore Blvd, we could see that this is a pretty fancy smancy area. Advice -  be careful, many of the beach areas are "private". They even have security guards to stop visitors from enroaching on their private beach!  Make sure you park in the correct area or you will be sorry.

Upon arriving at Lowdermilk Park, it was evident that this is not your typical West Coast of Florida park. Even the local ducks seem to know they were in an upscale area!

There is an all white duck chilling on one of the picnic tables. He really looks right at home and made sure Chica 1 knew it was not her home! Too funny! I mean this duckie wasn't going anywhere and DID NOT MOVE! Guess that's Chica 1's cue to keep it moving.


There are beautiful paved, winding paths. The beach has a nice naturalist vibe with plenty of vegetation leading to a beautiful white sand beach. Little tiki huts break the natural flow. We stroll the beach enjoying the soft waves kissing our toes and the sun slowly sliding down the horizon.

Decompression is a wonderful thing! We could feel ourselves drifting into the wonder of nature. Watching the sun rays dance across the moving water, staying together and escorting the waves to the beach. The lapping sounds of the water thanking the sun. No stress; no concept of time. Nothing lasts forever. Soon our stomachs began growling and letting us know it's time to eat eat. 

We ventured over to a little shopping and restaurant area known as The Village on Venetian Bay, a little area not far from the beach. There's so much money being spent that it is a little overwhelming! The shops are crowded, there's no parking available. We circle the parking lot at least three-four times prior to actually finding a space. The restaurants are full! What's a hungry girl to do?

After dinner, 2 Chicas decided to stroll down 5th Avenue South and take in a little of the Naples night life. This place is bustling! Money talks and the rest of us walk! So we walk down the street window shopping and decide to stop in a little deli for some coffee. This allowed us to sit on their patio and observe the throngs of people enjoying the mild evening. 

There is a little bit of live music at a couple of the restaurants. There are also a number of art gallaries and the district has a variety of events throughout the year. Nearby is 3rd Avenue South, another destination for high end shopping.   Enough with the people watching! It's time to relax and get ready for an adventure into the Everglades on tomorrow.

Chica 2 is up bright and early and raring to go. We hit the road and she smoothly steers the car onto the Tamiami Trail and is headed into the entrails of the Everglades.

Chica 1 can hardly contain herself. It has been years since she has been on an airboat ride! In this neck of the woods, there are many businesses offering a variety of air boat ride packages, swamp buggy tours, etc.

2 Chicas like to keep it simple and chose this particular vendor because it was reasonably priced. After arriving at the attraction in Ochopee and paying for the excursion, 2 Chicas were lounging in the outside waiting area.

A curious gator swims over to check us out. Chica 2 already had her first gator sighting so she was stoked about what she would see on the actual ride.

We hop aboard our airboat and the tour operator was quick to remind the front seat passengers that they would take a soaking. The tourists from Germany were excited about the opportunity to be covered in good old swamp water. Do tell!

We went fast and slow; up and down; spinning around. The swamp is full of gators and wading birds. Chica 2 was thrilled that she swayed from side to side with the motion of the boat.

The captain asked trivia questions and periodically stopped to teach the passengers interesting facts about Big Cypress Swamp.  As with most such rides, it seemed to end too soon.

Back on land, we trudged over through the gift shop and out back to the zoo area. There are an interesting mix of reptiles including snakes, dozens of alligators and crocodiles as well as other animals like a zebu.

An ancient Siberian Tiger, African lion and a sleepy Florida panthers are an interesting addition, but one would imagine in this day and age that the enclosures would be better. They are old style cages, so should you go, don't be surprised that none of the animals are kept in modern environments reflective of what you see in zoos.

While waiting for the alligator show, Chica 2 fed the gators and fish that were in a canal on the property. The crusty trainer that does the alligator show is a hoot! He really got everyone involved. He called over two alligators living in the wild, a couple, that come visit him everday. It was neat to see the alligators interacting with him and when they had enough, they swam away.

The time he spent in the cage with the big ol' alligator, the star of the show, was a little cliche, but the folks from other places in the world loved it! Chica 2 even participated in the gator holding, and petted a small alligator. Overall, the trip was great fun!

Headed back towards Naples, 2 Chicas stopped at the Fakahatchee Strand State Preserve that has a boardwalk and a Native American souvenir shop. The walk down the boardwalk was a fun time to talk and admire the surroundings.

We discovered that this little area is affectionately known as "the Amazon of North America because it is a swamp forest. The area is home to bald cypress trees, eagles, native species of bromeliads and orchids, and plenty of alligators. We were told there are Florida panthers, black bears, and indigo snakes as well as Everglades minks and diamondback terrapins, but we did not see any such creatures, and for that Chica 1 was greatful! 2 Chicas thought we had walked at least 5 miles and at the end of the boardwalk was a swamp area that contained a number of posing alligators. Now for the long walk back!

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As we step off the boardwalk and head towards the car, a huge alligator that was sloshing in the swamp area decided to get out of the water and do some tanning sun in the middle of the path. Needless to say, 2 Chicas were very, very quiet as we carefully navigated around him. After safely passing, we looked at each other and uttered a "Thank You Jesus". Lucky for us Mr. Alligator was sleepy!

We rush back to our car ready to move farther away from the uncaged wildlife! Stop at this little known area and enjoy the free boardwalk and be sure to visit the souvenir shop to pick up some native crafts.

Back on the Tamiami-Trail and heading North towards Naples, 2 Chicas pull into the Collier-Seminole State Park. It has a couple of interesting displays that make it a good destination to explore.

The Blockhouse is made of a traditional Florida coquina stone construction and good old Florida pine.  It has been well preserved and is a nice sized place for an early settler living all alone in the wilderness. The park has a large grove of stately royal palms, which is rare for Florida, as well as a Seminole Village replica and a memorial for Barron Collins.  In additional, there is the landmark Bay City Walking Dredge that was used to build the first road between Tampa, FL and Miami, FL (hence the Tamiami Trail). Some unusual items are found in this beautiful park. Chica 1 wished she had time to go fishing in the Blackwater River. The park promises both freshwater and saltwater fishing! Not your typical Florida park. Chica 2 is ready to head back to Naples for some
dinner. It has been a busy day!

Looking for a different place to eat, 2 Chicas head over to Tin City. The buildings associated with this shopping and dining destination at one time served as an oyster processing plant. There are restaurants, souvenir shops, family fashions, and other little gift and specialty shops. We had a nice meal outside near the water and sang along with the guitarist.

Chica 2 is determined to get some much needed, highly craved chocolate, so we jet over to this fabulous chocolate store. After aquiring some sweet treats, we go back and take a second stroll down 5th Ave.South. Chica 2 wants to spend a little time over at the second hot area, 3rd Street South. This little area is more like Old Naples.

There are still some of the original houses in this little area, but there is still the feel of money! It was nice to see the city preserved so many of the older homes. It really gives one of the feel of "Old Florida" or as the new ad campaign promotes - The Real Florida! By the end of the night, we are two exhausted "Old Florida Chicas" when we finally settle down for the night.

Up bright and early and ready for a little brunch, we check out of our hotel and with shorts and flip flops try out a country club brunch. The food is fabulous and plentiful. Time for a little retail therapy and onward home to Tampa. We just seemed to run out of time on this little excursion. Next time we'll have to make it to the Naples Pier, Doctor's Pass, Delnor-Wiggins State Park, Clam Pass and the Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. That's at least five good reasons for a return trip!

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