Utah Part 2

2 Chicas Skim the North Rim of the Grand Canyon

As 2 Chicas approached the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, it was getting noticeably colder. There were large snow packs on the ground. Chica 1 said it felt like we were never going to get there; were we lost? There were no other cars riding behind us.

The North Rim of the Grand Canyon is more isolated and less developed than the South Rim. The route is pretty remote and unless you are going at a peak time like summer, there is a good chance you won’t see much traffic.

Finally a sign! 2 Chicas are close and before you know it, we arrive. From the time 2 Chicas enter the park, Chica 2 is complaining. You see Chica 2 loved the South Rim, but she could at least try to appreciate the differences in both sides of this great canyon.

She doesn’t like how far we have to drive to get to the visitor’s center and the lodge. She doesn’t like the large pockets of snow on the ground. She doesn’t see any wildlife. Well Chica 2, get over it!

The lodge on the property is beautiful and provides a variety of accommodations for families and for individuals.  Not far from the lodge is Bright Angel Point which offers a short trail down into the canyon.

The views are beyond description, but again, Chica 2 is comparing this vantage point to those at the South Rim. The trail feels narrow and a little unstable. 2 Chicas go so far down, admire the views, take pictures and turn around and head back up.

Chica 2 said she felt a little unsafe, but nothing remotely close to dangerous occurred going down or coming back up. 2 Chicas believe in being careful. Never lean over a ridge to get a better look and never go off the trail. With that simple advice, you will go a long way in preventing a serious accident or incident.

Imperial Point is the highest position at both the North Rim and the South Rim. On a clear day you can see the Painted Desert in Arizona and the Vermillion Cliffs in Utah. 2 Chicas visited on a relatively hazy day, so we got a good view of the North Rim. It was still beautiful and remember, far less crowded than the South Rim.

2 Chicas stopped for a sandwich at the Deli in the Pines. It is a nice little place to pick up a sandwich or a salad. But Chica 1 decided to have the Cheese pizza and Chica 2 had the chili to warm her cold bones. The food is a little pricy.

We sat outside and watched the few people in the village area move about. Few is relative as Chica 2 points out how much larger the Marketplace is at the South Rim.

She talks about the long line for a sandwich and to pay for souvenirs, versus the no line no waiting at the North Rim. Enjoy the sights under these huge trees Chica 2 and leave the North Rim alone!

Chica 2 was disappointed that she didn’t get to see a California condor, which were reintroduced into the park. Every bird that flew overhead she thought was a condor. No Chica 2 that is a sparrow, a much smaller bird. The little sparrow came to the overlook and seemed to be in love with Chica 2.

As we bid farewell to the North Rim, Chica 2 finally said something positive, “it was a really nice day; that sparrow was really cute.” That was the very best Chica 2 could do.

Barely outside of the park and Chica 1 asks “What is that over there Chica 2”? It has huge ears, but it looks like a deer. A mule deer!

These weird looking deer are picky eaters because they have to derive enzymes to digest their foods from the plant matter they consume. Chica 2 ponders if that is what makes their ears grow to such a peculiar length.  You never know.

We spent the night in Kanab, UT a one light town with that small town appeal. We ate at the restaurant recommended by the hotel, Houston’s Trail’s End Restaurant. The food was fantastic. Both Chica 1 and Chica 2 had steak that was juicy and tender. The meal came with a large dinner salad, steamed veggies and a baked potato. YUMMY!

Chica 1 first noticed that the waitress never looked at us when taking our order. It was the same with others in the restaurant. No one would look in our eyes. They would always divert their eyes away. Chica 1 was a little taken aback and began quoting scriptures quietly under her breath. Everyone was very polite, just always looking down. 

Oh well, never own someone else’s strangeness. 2 Chicas enjoyed the meal and walked the main strip of the city afterwards, looking into the little shops. It was a pleasant evening, but after such a long day, 2 Chicas were ready to get some much needed rest!

2 Chicas at Bryce Canyon – Hodoo You Think You’re Fooling?

Even before you enter Bryce Canyon National Park the hodoos come out to play and greet you.

Hoodoos are olden pillars of rock that the ancients say were really people turned into stone. The figures seem to watch over the road as you enter the park,

Chica 2 said she was feeling a little afraid they were going to get her. If she says that one more time, Chica 1 will surely do the job and spare the hodoos.

Bryce Canyon is a busy park and understandably so. There is one beautiful overlook after another, and for Chica 1, at the very top of the park, the ever elusive Bristlecone Pine Tree. We immediately saw a Utah prairie dog pop out of a little hole, and like all of the other tourists, pulled over to take a closer look. Chica 2 was quickly out of the car calling: “Here lil prairie dog.”

For a fleeting moment, it appeared the little fella was going to come to her, but back into his den he went. Only Chica 2 would know the call of the wild! Tee hee he

Bryce Canyon is a part of the Grand Staircase, a formation that begins at the Grand Canyon and rises as you traverse the southern part of the state. Each level ascends just like a flight of stairs, hence the Grand Staircase.

Chica 2 began singing some song about step by step; let’s climb the stony stairs; since we don’t have a care? Pretty sure she made that one up.

One thing is certain, this area of scenic southern Utah contains so many sculptured rock, sandstone spires, hoodoos, petrified wood, ancient trees, slot canyons, waterfalls, and streams it would take multiple trips to see half of the sights!

As 2 Chicas went through the park, we were both returned to our childhood; our imaginations were creating elaborate short stories at every vantage point.  Awwwhh, look at the boy bands competing, huh what no, it’s the crowd watching a home run at a baseball game!

No, it’s a scene from Spiderman; he is throwing his webbing?  Naw, I’ve got it – it’s the angels singing in the heavenlies!

At last we arrived at Rainbow Point and had lunch overlooking a scenic area. After lunch Chica 1 finally convinced Chica 2 to begin the hike on the Bristlecone Loop Trail to see the three thousand year old trees. Off we go into the woods. The first thing we notice is a sign that says a relatively large black bear has been seen in the area. Chica 2 wanted to immediately go back to the parking lot, but Chica 1 pressed on.

About a half mile down the trail, Chica 1 stops and listens. Chica 2 was fearful; she wanted to know if everything was alright. Chica 1 thought she heard footsteps.

This stopping and listening happened three or four more times, which terrified Chica 2. “ Hoodoo you think you hear; a bear?” “No, not sure what it is, just sounds like footsteps.” 

As 2 Chicas rounded a corner on the trail, there on a ridge sat the beautiful Bristlecone Pine. Chica 2 immediately said the tree looked dead, and at the very least, it looked five thousand years old. Stop insulting the tree Chica 2, it can hear you! The next thing you know, Chica 2 says the tree looks like the Charlie Brown Christmas tree! She then breaks into a sad chorus of "Christmas Time is Here". Lawd!

As we climbed the ridge, the wind suddenly picked up. It began to blow so strongly that we could not keep our caps on our heads. The wind seemed to be physically moving us away from the trees.

So Chica 1 with her most disappointed face sulked back down the ridge away from her bristlecone pine. Almost immediately the wind stopped.

As 2 Chicas rounded away from the ridge, there was a sign posted saying: Danger! Do Not Climb, Unstable Ground. Chica 2 squeals – “Lawd you mean we could have been killed”?  ”I could have fallen off and become a hoodoo!” The ridge did overlook a pretty steep canyon. If Chica 2 had fallen, she would have been more like doodoo.

Seems like the park would have a sign posted facing both directions. God is so good! He brought a mighty wind to tell us to get down, and it worked. Even better, as we continued on the trail, there were more Bristlecone Pine Trees. Magnificent!

These trees were in this exact location when Christ walked the streets of Jerusalem and the trees were still holding on. Unbelievable!

Chica 2 keeps hurling soft insults at the trees. She believes the trees are in a coma; that they are older than dirt; that they look like they have arthritis, they look sick like skeletons on an I.V., and on and on and on. Stop it! Let Chica 1 enjoy the moment. On the way back to the car, 2 Chicas reflected on how inspirational this hike was. Even with Chica 1 picking on those poor old trees. Because of her near death experience, there was quite a bit of praying and thanksgiving going on.Tee hee he

Chica 2 rushes to the car so that she can visit with more of her little hoodoo friends. Chica 2 thinks she’s going to have a hoodoo tea party with her new acquaintances.

Maybe Chica 1 will leave her there….No, maybe not, the trusty travel companion will have to pack up her imaginary tea cups and scones and bid her associates goodbye. 2 Chicas left Bryce Canyon singing a made up version of “hoodoo you think you’re fooling?  Oh hoodoos love me like a rock!” Seems like the hoodoos really fooled 2 Chicas into believing stone could transform into something that creates real good feelings!