GAINESVILLE, FL

2 Chicas and the Gainesville Whole Hole 

Gainesville is home to the University of Florida and is definitely a college town, but there are a number of interesting free sights to visit.  

The Devil’s Millhopper is a huge hole in the ground. 

This sinkhole is home to a rain forest and the 2 Chicas were enthralled at the enormity of this hidden marvel. 

Chica 2, ever the adventurer, ran head first to the stairs and began a quick descent to the bottom of the sinkhole. 

She could be heard saying “look at the waterfall fall fall fall” as her voice echoed during her trek through this geological fissure.

This natural landmark was formed millions of years ago and is over a mile in length.  Chica 2 swears she counted 300 steps on her way down the slippery precipice. 

Chica 1 slowly walked down the stairs and stopped midway to ponder the climb back up. Chica 2 was on her way up when she realized she didn’t have any oxygen 

left in her lungs.

As she gasped for air, she panted “what was I thinking?”

So be mindful that the journey down is much less strenuous than the ascent up. 

Be sure to walk the trail and look at the Devil’s Millhopper from a variety of vantage points.

2 Chicas say hey hey hey, that’s a mighty long way – up and down.

2  Chicas and a Giant Sloth

The Museum of Natural History is located on the campus of the University of Florida and it is a wonderful no cost experience, depending on how your work it. 

Of course, donations are accepted, and if you intend to visit the butterfly rainforests, there is a nominal fee. 

This museum is chocked full of fun.  The exhibits take you through Florida as the natives experienced it. 

Chica 2 fancied herself wrestling with a giant sloth, but we all know that would be far too much work for a lazy shiftless sloth. 

Chica 2 cavorted through the exhibits with the expressive glee of a youthful explorer. 

Chica 2 wanted to go investigate other areas in Gainesville once she determined that many of the fossils were found within the general area.

She had to be reminded that there were no live dinosaurs to discover – what a vivid imagination that Chica 2 has for all to enjoy. 

But she does have the right idea, that the displays of Florida fossils, including sharks, a saber-toothed cat, and a 500,000 year old jaguar are like live action figures. 

Chica 2 coyly shared that cars were only invented in the 20^th century, so how could that Jaguar be that old?  Tee hee hee...

Chica 1 enjoyed the research angle and she particularly was fascinated with the Calusa fishing village as well as a display of Indian art. 

There was far more to enjoy here than was to be expected. 

The butterfly collection is amazing as there are six million butterflies and moths on display.

The children really enjoy interacting with the butterflies in the rainforest garden.  So get to flapping your way to this fun, educational activity.

Be sure to enjoy the different Florida habitat exhibits and look up in the cave – you just might see a bat!  2 Chicas say “batter up” Tee hee he….