Savannah, GA - Part 1

Upon arriving in Savannah the 2 Chicas headed straight for the Visitor’s Center.  It is a great place to pick up local dirt on happenings around town.  Parking is free for the first hour, so don’t be intimidated by the parking fee.  Upstairs there are guides waiting to give advice, maps, and point you to the best trolley tour based on your interests. 2 Chicas are adventurous, so off we went to explore the city of good and evil.

2 Chicas Take On the Deen Machine

The Lady and Sons Restaurant – boy were 2 Chicas excited about visiting Paula’s place. The Deen Machine is big here in Savannah.  There are Paula Deen Tours and Paula Deen specials at local hotels. So 2 Chicas had to see what all the fuss is about.

First, we had to circle the block several times to find a parking space.  Much of the street parking is for 30 minutes only. Probably because everyone is trying to get to Paula’s place. So we had to bite the bullet and pull into the $10.00 all day parking lot.

BEWARE….Savannah’s parking enforcement is like the IRS, they are gonna get u!  We saw a lovely Jaguar being towed after being in a space past the allotted time frame.  Anyhoo, park smart!

Upon approaching the restaurant, the 2 Chicas both looked through the window like expectant children on Christmas morning.

Chica 1 said – oohhh look at the chicken, greens, macaroni and cheese, and sweet potatoes. 

Chica 2 exclaimed – lima beans and creamed corn!  The 2 Chicas picked a great time of day, about 3:00 p.m. We were seated immediately, which is a rare occurrence.

The restaurant is decorated in a country decor.  The tables are made out of old doors.  The doilies on the table are about the fanciest thing in the joint.

The waiter was polite, not to talkative, which is to be expected in a buffet style restaurant. He did forget to bring our bread.

We quickly dispatched the waiter to get our water. The 2 Chicas trotted off like two Clydesdales to get our plates and savor the awaiting delicacies. The fried chicken was good, but the macaroni and cheese and green beans were bad. After a reminder to the waiter, our bread was brought to the table.


The green beans tasted like a canned item and the macaroni and cheese was relatively cold.  We waited for a fresh batch of mac n cheese, and it was equally uninteresting.  The creamed corn was spectacular!  Creamy and slightly sweet it will remind you of home sweet home; it is a true comfort food.

The baked chicken was just average. The smaller pieces were tasty but the breast was dry. The sweet potatoes were great, sweet and delectable.

The greens were so salty they were inedible.  There was also a nondescript chicken and tomato sauce dish on the menu that was average. And the best we can say about the lima beans is that they were ok.

Chica 1 chuckled that by chasing the cult of personality that is Paula Deen, we were convinced to pay $15.99 for a lunch buffet that at home would cost $7.99. And at the very least, it is really good and would have more food selections. 

The desserts were a hit – Chica 2 said the peach cobbler was excellent and Chica 1 had the chocolate chip gooey cake which was delicioso.  The desserts actually made love to our taste buds!

After dinner, you can browse through Paula’s country store and even take a picture with a cardboard Paula and/or Paula and her sons.  There is a little area that serves coffee and desserts in the corner of the store.

So 2 Chicas say, pass up the overpriced, average tasting soul food and get some local grub!  If you are a Paula Deen fan, get some coffee and have a dessert.  They are scrumptious!

You are better off checking out the historic square across the street from the restaurant.  There's a lot of great history!

2 Chicas enjoyed strolling through the squares, people watching and reading the placards about the history in the area.

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Treasure Island Kite Festival, Treasure Island, FL

2 Chicas and What’s Right with Kites

Too many times the 2 Chicas hear stories of what has gone wrong in this world.  Far too often, it is truly a matter of perspective, but trying to get people to look at the situation reasonably, is like trying to get a vulture off of a freshly killed possum.

But every day, 2 Chicas are lucky enough to encounter everything that is right in this world.

Average people doing outstanding things to help others for no other reason then just because they can.  The Treasure Island Kite Festival provided the perfect backdrop for a feel good story about giving. 

One of the largest contributors of kites at the festival was Barry and Karen Ogletre and their Whatakite.com business.

These philanthropists travel the country using their infatuation with kites to raise money for worthy charities.

Often, they visit small towns with limited resources to lift the spirits of those in these tiny places working together to help their neediest citizens.

2 Chicas salute these incredible people!  Thank you for doing God’s work.

The Kite Festival is pretty darn spectacular!  How is it possible that a simple interest can be transformed into a sport.

The participants can make their kites dance, walk, wiggle, as well as soar!  What fantastic family fun!  From the smallest child to one of the oldest adults, this is great day at the beach.

From a flying Batman and Joker to the United States Flag, there are some great characters with even greater stories.

Take Randy the Kiteman, a retired Boston principle who took to flying kites as a stress reliever!  Now he visits kite shows and flies an incredible huge dog and a manta ray gone wild kite! 

Is it for money, fame or fortune?  No, just to share a love with others.

To see the children’s faces as they point to the sky and identify different kites and then run to fly their own is priceless.  2 Chicas salute you Randy as well.

Chica 2, always the bobble head, quickly disappeared pointing and trying to take the reigns of one of the enormous kites.  Nooooo, Chica 2!

This is a really good event for children.  There are vendors selling kites and the children can learn how to fly them right there. 

Nothing like good clean family fun to make the adrenaline flow!  Take the kids next year and go fly a kite! 2 Chicas will let the pictures do the talking!

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Rainbow Springs State Park– Dunnellon, FL

2 Chicas Somewhere Over the Rainbow

West of Ocala is Rainbow Springs, another Florida hidden treasure! Chica 1 purchased a state pass and has thoroughly enjoyed getting her money’s worth visiting state parks! Chica 2 on the other hand, has enjoyed calling off the names of parks that just so happen not to be in the state park system.  Chica 2 – please Universal, Busch Gardens, and Sea World are in a league of their own! Tee hee he

After finding and entering Rainbow Springs, Chica 2 wailed – “Ohhhh, look at that big hole! Do you think we're going to get sucked into that sinkhole?”


As it turned out, it was the remnants of a phosphate pit.  It is always interesting to see the residuals of man’s best intentions. 

Sometimes we just get it plain wrong!  Of course, phosphate was one of the key ingredients found in your favorite dishwashing liquids and laundry detergents.

Now because of the damage phosphate does to our waterways, it has been eliminated in products.  

Red tide, bacteria growth and algae blooms have at times sucked the oxygen out of local waterways. Chica 2 screams - "Enough! Get off your soapbox!"  Good sense of humor Chica 2! Tee hee he

All this talk of lakes, ponds, and streams made Chica 1 need a potty break before the adventure could continue.

Sometimes Chica 2 believes that although she is always accused of being a child, Chica 1 is the one who mistakenly received an infant sized bladder. 

Back to the park, once you pass the Ranger station, you pretty quickly get to see the springs and they are beautiful. Be sure to have on your comfortable walking shoes because you will encounter steep inclines and descents.

There are beautiful vantage points and overlooks to take pictures prior to your descent down the trails.

As Chica 1 looked over the beautiful spring, she could not help but think how many different areas the Creator made for us to enjoy.

A beautiful egret went hunting for dinner right before our eyes. Before we could snap a picture, he flew away to a quieter spot to enjoy his meal!
The 2 Chicas strolled down the paths and enjoyed looking at the waterfall.  What a picturesque little area.
Keep going and you will find a boardwalk that goes back to the bog area that surrounds the spring.

Throughout the park there are picnic areas with bbq grills. Rainbow Springs offers wonderful opportunities to spend the day and let the kids swim with the turtles in the spring. Looking down into the spring Chica 2 tried to imagine what was making the little bubbles in the sand.  Do you really think it is the Loch Ness monster Chica 2?

Chica 2 was finally quiet enough to catch a picture of a beautiful red cardinal hiding in the low brush. 2 Chicas looked at each other and smiled. It was so nice to have another opportunity to enjoy the perfection of God’s great land!

One of the trails takes you back to the butterfly garden and an abandoned zoo.  This park was originally a tourist attraction and even had a rodeo.  A few of the relics remain in the park.  The nature trail weaves you through different areas of the park.  

Chica 2 closed out the trip by running around like a kid trying to take a photo of the butterflies. Find your own little place somewhere over in Rainbow Springs.

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Lake Seminole - Seminole, FL

2 Chicas Like Lake Seminole

2 Chicas can’t help but love the water because there is sooo much of it here in Florida. 

So Lake Seminole in Pinellas County provides another opportunity to mingle with the wildlife and chill in the perfectly sunny outdoors.

Lake Seminole is easily accessed from the county park with the same name. 

Chica 1 is busy looking for the perfect spot to set up camp for the day.  

Chica 2 is striking a pose very similar to the anhinga perched on a post in the water.  

There are about 13 shelters to choose from so get there early if you need to be under cover. There’s picnicking, jet skiing, boating, and kayaking. 

There is a pier for lots of freshwater fishing. For the land lovers, there is plenty of space to rollerblade, jog, or skate.

The park is a wildlife sanctuary and has picture perfect opportunities get that “money” shot.  Chica 2 thought this referred to a specialty beverage akin to jello shots (but probably found in a strip club).  Uhhmm

So whatever you’re into, you can find a respite on the lake. If you want more sand and sun, you’re not far from the beach! 2 Chicas say - Let's get to exploring….

Ocala - Juniper Springs and Silver Springs, FL

2 Chicas Feeling a Little Springy

The 2 Chicas began by heading east on State Road 40 toward the Ocala National Forest. After going back and forth about where we should go, we decided to stop at Juniper Springs. What a great find!  This cute little spring was alive with activity. 

When they say the spring is 72 degrees, they ain’t lying!  It was pretty cold on a 92 degree day, but once you get in, the water is fine. (You know we’re lying right???)  

But you can’t live your life filled with fear!  Enjoy! Live! Explore! Freeze a little!

This little jewel is also the home of the original fish spa pedicure.  So if you have hammertoes, bunions, and crusty feet, dip in the springs, because the fish will nibble you clean!  Lawd have mercy! 

Chica 2 started calling out the names of people she was going to tell about this free pedicure.  

But she thought about it and felt it wasn't fair to put all that pressure on this handful of fish!  Just might make them sick.  Tee hee he 

On to our next adventure - Silver Springs! Now this was another fun trip.  Check online to find two for one coupons for admittance.  Chica 1 remembered the glass bottom boats from her childhood, and really that had not changed.  

Chica 2 said she didn't think boats had motors when Chica 1 was a child.  Just paddles and little hand carved canoes.  Very funny Chica 2.

The guide gets the tour going and after a few moments up the river, you are transformed into a slower, quieter time in Florida.  What fun. 

Nowadays, everything is automated, but the only other motor at Silver Springs runs the Merry Go Round.  

You have to capture your imagination by interacting with Kodiak bears, a giraffe, a hilarious ride through the “back country” to view llamas and emus and wild Rhesus monkeys. 

There is also an alligator exhibit that is truly funky, including a couple of white alligators. 

Don’t forget to check out the bird show and the panther shows. 2 Chicas enjoyed just talking and laughing about the different exhibits.  

Take some time to stroll the park and just talk with your children and loved ones.We really enjoyed the pace of the place. 

You’ll be surprised how much fun you can have without over the top rides and entertainment.

Grab a scoop of ice cream or stroll alongside the old fashioned store front area.  Spend sometime in the museum where Tarzan movies are running and in  the old time carnival  - the Love O Meter chair is particularly intriguing to the children.

End your visit by viewing the reptile and cool albino alligator exhibit.  There are a number of interesting cast of critters!

Check out this hidden wonder and don't forget to tell them that 2 Chicas said Hi Ho Silver!!

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Ocala, FL - Overview

2 Chicas Horsing Around

Ocala is a horse lover’s wonderland, but there is so much more. There are so many fancy farms in the area that you might think you’re in horse Hollywood!  

Chica 1 has never been to Ocala when there was not some type of horse show going on and it is common place to see trucks with equine trailers in tow. 

Some of the farms are open to the public, but if you generally have poor manners and don’t like to follow rules, avoid these homes at all cost.  No one wants piggish people invading their private spaces.  Tee hee he

In addition to horses, there is the Don “Big Daddy” Garlits Museum of Drag Racing, that takes a historical look at this uniquely American sport. It is a short distance speed fiend’s delight! 

Big Daddy Don Garlits was one of the first to popularize drag racing and this museum is the only of its kind in the world. 

Chica 2 said Big Daddy is pushing some serious horse power in the right town! Cute Chica 2, but kind of corny.

Kids who enjoy model cars, NASCAR, antique cars, and weird looking cars will thoroughly enjoy this museum.  It is a good place to have a few WOW moments with the family.

With all that in mind - Ocala! What in the world can 2 Chicas do in the national forest in Ocala?  The Ocala National Forest was designated a national treasure by President Theodore Roosevelt.  It is massive in size and in opportunities to be alone. 

Now all this was mighty nice, but the 2 Chicas also came to Ocala to experience one of the oldest attractions in Florida, Silver Springs. 

Well, based on our recent visit, we sat in a number of natural springs and hiked through scrub country. Let's get to telling you about our little trip!  

Hoover Dam, NV

2 Chicas Say do America's Great Wall

2 Chicas know that you know that you have to go to the dam. The Hoover Dam is 30 miles south of Las Vegas and this thing is dang gone big!

Words don’t do it justice, TV doesn’t portray the enormity, and the history of the dam is something everyone should know. 

Chica 2 said she wanted to go rappelling down the side of the dam, but thought better of it.  I think she was unsure which jail she would go to and she knew Chica 1 wasn't going to look for her in two different states!

You also have to walk across the dam from Nevada into Arizona and giggle to yourself as you gain an hour because there is a time zone change at that spot.  

This thing was constructed when quality and beauty mattered.  This is one striking place; marvel at the breathtaking artistry of the dam and say a little prayer for the lives lost building this behemoth. 

Parking can really be a challenge even though there is a parking garage, so plan to visit early.  Walk along the main strip and be careful as traffic jams are common and distracted drivers are dangerous tin pushers. 

More than once, Chica 2 had to be rescued back to the sidewalk.  She wandered into traffic.  Chica 1 had to give the drivers credit, they did yield for children (or at least the child). 

2 Chicas don’t typically take tours as we usually do our own thang, but the behind the scene tour sounds intriguing. So for the tour fanatics go for it! The Bureau of Reclamation has been offering tours since 1937.  They may actually know what they are talking about. Tee hee he

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Great Basin National Park, NV

2 Chicas - Mountain Mommas

So Chica 1, still lacking spiritual inspiration, desired to partake of the Bristlecone Pine trees found at the Great Basin National Park in north eastern Nevada.  

Chica 2 began the drive from Las Vegas complaining of a craving for snacks, so after listening to the whining for an hour and a half, the car veered off the road at a convenience store for a bathroom and snack break. 

While headed to the restrooms, Chica 2 became mesmerized by the ladies shackled together in a line, and shared that she "peed very quietly" so as not to gain the attention of the convicts.  

Chica 2 was worried that one of the ladies would take her hostage, steal her cookies, and escape like something in a poor quality, low budget, made for TV movie. 

So Chica 2 bid her bathroom buddies farewell, and with Doritos in her mouth, candy bar in her pocket, and orange Sunkist in hand, returned to the open range roads of Nevada satisfied for at least another two hours.

This is a very scenic drive with lots of opportunities to stop in ghost towns as well as a number of smaller state parks. Chica 1 was patient with all of Chica 2’s tomfoolery just to get to Great Basin. And it was worth the drive.  

You wind through the most beautiful drive looking down to the valley outside the park. 

The 2 Chicas pulled into the Visitors Center and overheard the Ranger telling a family that if they wanted to see the Bristlecone pine trees, they would have to go out of the park and rent snow shoes to hike out to the area.  

Chica 1 looked over at Chica 2, always ready to go, in her strongest voice,"not today."

We ascended to the very top of the mountain only to find the trails were really closed due to heavy snow. The 2 Chicas mused that the Rangers actually must know what they are talking about. 

Chica 2, always upbeat, ran through the snow with flip flops, accepted a few well aimed snowballs from Chica 1, and posed barefoot for a quick picture in the snow.  Chica 1 pouted but soon got back into good spirits as Chica 2 spread out a wonderful picnic lunch.  

After sharing a moment on top of our little piece of the world, the 2 Chicas descended to another lookout point.

We sat on the bench and looked over a valley inside the park, and together, the 2 Chicas felt the strongest spiritual presence and such a sense of peace.  There was the echo of water rushing in the distance and the song of joyful birds overhead. 

The smell of the crisp mountain air drawn deep into our lungs and the touch of the breeze blowing across our face. The very best thing was the contentment of two friends enjoying another moment in the majesty of God. 

Isn’t that just how God is? When you have a plan and it falls through, He provides the better experience to remind you that He is in charge and He knows best. 

No matter how brilliant man becomes, the perfection found in nature cannot be replicated on cd, dvd or 3d, and especially not on a $5 bootleg. Only Chica 2, lawd!!


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Area 51 - Rachel, NV

2 Chicas say “Area 51 Where are you?”

So Chica 2 just kept pestering Chica 1 to go off and find her people, as she pointed to the sky and said “Chica 2 go home”.  

She heard the mysterious Area 51 was nearby and felt a special tingling in the air.  So off we went looking for aliens in the little town of Rachel on the Extraterrestrial Highway.   

Now the 2 Chicas chuckled the entire drive at the signs that forewarned of “Open Range”.  

This means there are no fences to hold cows in, and as we discovered on the road to Rachel, cows sometimes just stand in the middle of the road looking at the driver. 

Chica 2 and a long horned cow had a stare off to decide who would move first. Chica 2 had to be restrained from going out and wrestling the cow to the ground, probably to later be charged with theft of a ribeye.  

Chica 1 convinced Chica 2 that there was no where nearby to remove the horn from unthinkable places should the cow gain the upper hand.  And lucky for the 2 Chicas, the cow moved on to more fertile grazing ground.

As Chica 2 now had a good head wind behind her, she breezed right past Rachel, which to our surprise, seemed to be a city made up of a main trailer with a few additional trailers in the area.  

So after a quick U-turn, the 2 Chicas arrived at yet another American oddity, a small tourist attraction dedicated to aliens. Outside the trailer a diminutive whirlwind rolled tumbleweed through the parking lot.  

We felt like we were in the middle of the wild west until we went inside, there were alien shirts, cups, candy, masks, and other trinkets, as well as a restaurant. 

Since you are here, take a minute and look at the pictures of the cars that tangled with cows.  Chica 2 had a new appreciation for how tough those bovine beasts really are. 

So we grabbed a few items, paid, and got the heck out of Rachel before dark.

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Death Valley, CA

2 Chicas and Hell’s Angels

Death Valley is a huge park that requires more time than you may think to see all the sights.  The 2 Chicas did not allocate enough time and consequently did not see everything, but what was seen was well worth the trip. 

Stop by the Ranger Station and get maps and much needed information on current park conditions.  The Ranger just may show you a scorpion or some other interesting find in the area. 

The week 2 Chicas visited, temperatures already reached 110 degrees at 10 a.m., and unfortunately, earlier in the week, a hiker got lost without adequate water and died in the park.

After leaving the Ranger Station, Chica 2 headed to Badwater Basin, the lowest point in North America.  It is a white salt flats area that you can walk out on and marvel at being way below sea level.  

Some areas on the flats have holes where you can see the toxic water beneath.  

After Chica 2 walked out on the flats and took pictures, she shared that if some serious changes aren’t made in her life, she got a brief glimpse into where she’ll spend eternity. Just joking. 

There are a number of abandoned mines in the park so stay away.  You’re not going to find anything in them except the end date for your tombstone.  

Spend your alive time enjoying the twisting and winding roads going through the park.  

Artists Drive has very narrow passages, but enjoy the colorful rocks and barren beauty of the deceitfully alive desert. 

There are rattlesnakes, scorpions and black widow spiders, so caution is the word – not fear!!

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Valley of Fire, NV

2 Chicas say the roof is on FIRE

On day 2, Chica 1 felt her spiritual moment was going to be in the Valley of Fire, the oldest and largest state park in Nevada.  

After driving from Las Vegas out to the park, Chica 1 had to the use the bathroom, and so upon pulling into the park, Chica 2 pulled up to the “pit”.  

Now Chica 2 loves to reference a scene from one of her favorite movies when a kid jumps into a poop pit to see his favorite soccer player. She worries that Chica 1 will fall into one of these park bathrooms.  

So as a caution, if you have not visited a rural park and need to go to the bathroom, they are often shell toilets with a pit beneath that holds the fury of the gates of hell.  

So much for a spiritual moment, that bathroom pit robbed Chica 1 of all her holy dignity.  That was gross!

Back to the Valley of Fire, it is a beautiful park with hot red rock formations and gorgeous desert sand. 

This place really gets its name honestly; it was hot as Friday night fish grease. Chica 2 was petrified of the holes in the ground, thinking that any moment; the serpent was coming to steal her long lost innocence. Whatever…. 

While kidding around, Chica 2 said she always wanted to fall into the sand and do a sand angel. 

So Chica 1 generously grabbed Chica 2’s arm, and flipped her into the sand.  Chica 2 said she landed on her hips on some rocks, but they looked like sand pebbles. Now make that fallen broken down sand angel. Tee hee hee.  

Chica 2, always the good sport, like the phoenix, slowly arose from the ashes and hobbled back to the car, muttering “that’s not quite what I had in mind…nut.”  

Now children, don’t try this at home - LOL.

Driving through the park, the 2 Chicas came across a picnic area which contained historic stone cabins.  

There are similar rock formations as found in Arizona’s beautiful Sedona area, so be on the lookout for Elephant Rock, Piano Rock, and Rainbow Vista.

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Red Rock Canyon, NV

2 Chicas Live in Bedrock

The hot, dry desert air is a shock to the system.  So be sure to have plenty of water and dress appropriately for two climates – hot by day and cool by night. 

Chica 2, after a bout of heat related dizziness, got a large drink of water and pointed the car in the direction of Red Rock Canyon. 

Located only 17 miles from the Vegas Strip, the beautiful red and sandstone rock formations are a pleasure to the eyes.  

While the 2 Chicas did not see any burros or big horn sheep, just hikers going up on the rocks, it was still beautiful to gaze upon the rock formations throughout the park.

The 2 Chicas hiked a little bit and Chica 2 climbed up on a rock to survey all she could see while Chica 1 busily looked for a bobcat, but to no avail.  

The 2 Chicas really were in awe at the thought that this canyon once was underneath the ocean! 

Chica 1 pointed out the strata in the rock while Chica 2, gurgling like a fish and pretending to drown, was becoming annoying. 

But you must admit a peculiar respect for her living in the moment. 

Take a second, park you butt on a bench, and watch the little sparrows and birds play and fly between the flora and fauna in the park.

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Nevada - Introduction

2 Chicas take Las Vegas by Storm

There’s more to Las Vegas than gambling.  You have the bright Vegas lights, extravagant fabulous shows, Elvis impersonators, and over the top, cheeky souvenirs.  

Many consider Nevada to just be a desolate and barren land with a small five mile strip that contains resorts, and more glamour and glitz than found in Hollywood. 

While the 2 Chicas agree that after dark, Las Vegas has one of the must see scenic byways, but there is also some must see stunning scenery outside of town.

Chica 2 always wanted to go to Vegas, but never considered herself a gambler. She could not imagine being holed up in a large smoky lobby with the constant music of ringing slot machines. 

Upon arrival in the great gambling capitol of the United States, Chica 2 was raring to get out and explore.  

Walking through the airport, it was clear that this is truly a Mecca for those broke but with hope, the plucky and lucky, and the down and a few clowns.  

Immediately your senses are overwhelmed by the flashing lights, the chinging sound of slot machines, and the clanging noise of coins hitting metal. 

But within a few moments, Chica 2 would realize her dream of doing Vegas her way (as Frank Sinatra sings in the back ground)! 

The 2 Chicas avoided the overcrowded Las Vegas Strip and headed to a little piece of paradise right outside of town!  

The Las Vegas Strip is a scenic drive and the 2 Chicas encourage you to drive it at night, be really careful, and take a picture at the iconic Welcome to Las Vegas sign.  

The strip is action packed all day and the freaks really do come out at night.  The sidewalks are packed and the hotels are everything you ever read or heard about, and for those of you traveling with children, the hotels have become more kid-friendly.  

Everything is over the top so watch for drivers taking pictures out of their windows of the Eiffel tower, medieval castle, pirate ships, the circus roller coaster, the pyramids of Egypt, an erupting volcano, MGM Grand, Bellagio, Caesar’s Palace, New York City skyline, and the list can go on and on. So have fun and leave the driving to someone without a camera in their hand!

2 Chicas had a little time to explore the time side of Vegas at the Las Vegas Outlet Center (down the street from the airport), Prime Outlet and lots of shopping if you need to kill time between adventures. So be on the lookout for great bargains.

We had a wonderful time eating at Big Momma’s Rib Shack and Soul Food Restaurant. 2 Chicas have to say this soul food restaurant was the biggest hit yet.  This restaurant had a menu that would not play with you.  

We loved everything we ate here and unlike other restaurants, they had what was on the menu.  To all our restaurant entrepreneurs out there, there is nothing worse than having a sign saying on the menu – fried corn and when ordered, the response is, “we just ran out”; fried chicken – we just ran out; mustard greens – sorry baby, we just ran out….

Big Mommas had it all and it was on fire.  Ribs, greens, macaroni and cheese, sweet potatoes, pinto beans, fried chicken, baked chicken, chicken and dumplins, cabbage, dirty rice, black eyed peas, and on and on.  This place gets a 2 Chicas thumbs up, snap, and tongue slap."You go Big Momma" in my huskiest voice.

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Sunset Crater

2 Chicas say the Sky is Falling

If you head down Route 66 East from Flagstaff, you will see signage that leads to Sunset Crater Volcano National Monument.  This place is like landing on the moon, but it is actually a volcanic eruption that is mad crazy!

Chica 2 was excited to think she was frolicking in the middle of a great lava flow, until she got a small cut on her foot. She asked the park ranger could she now be an official part of the Sunset Crater display.  

The ranger didn’t get it and neither does Chica 1.  An injury on the property doesn’t make you a part of the history of the area. So please wear appropriate footwear and let the ranger handle more realistic questions.

The site is the cinder cone remains of a forest and farmland maintained by the native people after a devastating volcano eruption.  The dark black hardened lava flow creates a crusty landscape that goes on for miles.

Chica 2 wanted to excavate an area and look for survivors, but as the brochure states, the eruption was over 900 years ago.  So about the only thing that would be found are fossils!

Further along the trail are Indian ruins. Chica 2 said the Indians had to be in shock from the explosion which rose 850 feet into the air, well before professional firework displays. I'm not so sure that's right, but it would apply in this situation Chica 2.  The Indians in the surrounding area would have thought the end of the world had come, because everything within 5 miles was destroyed.

Later explorers named the area because to them the beautiful colors around the rim of the crater reminded them of a sunset.  Chica 2 wants to find a Native American tribe that can tell the story of the volcano, and for once she just may be right. There are ancestral stories about the volcanic explosion.  It's just going to be difficult to find someone to tell us the story Chica 2, but we will keep on trying.

Sunset Crater is a very interesting trip into the volcanic history of the wild west.  Swing by and give it a tour!
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