Colorado - Part 1

2 Chicas Get All Hot and Bothered

As the plane descended into Denver, CO, Chica 1 began singing Rocky Mountain High! With the beautiful Rockies as a backdrop, the song soon shifted to one of the lines in New York State of Mind. Chica 1 has a nice voice, but she never knows all of the words to any song. Because Chica 2 doesn't know any better, she asked if Chica 1 could put that song (the made up one) on her MP3 player (not knowing these are two very different tunes). Surely John Denver and Billy Joel wouldn't care if their songs were morphed into a new 2 Chicas medley!

The Mile High City wasn't ready for the two fabulous girls so quickly, so the Colorado excursion began with a trip down I-25 South. Chica 1 squealed – “look, it’s the Potter’s House Denver!” Right off the road was one of Chica 1’s favorite Sunday night television offerings. Chica 2 suggested Chica 1 may need to spend a few days at the church sprawled out over the alter asking for forgiveness. Don’t we all Chica 2?

The drive down the interstate was relatively bland, but going through Colorado Springs, the twists and turns around the beautiful topography caused 2 Chicas to pause. Further down the road, close to Pueblo, was the exit that would take 2 Chicas to one of the most interesting sights in the country. In the midst of such beautiful mountainous terrain, are these incredible, desert-like sand dunes.  Chica 2 said maybe we could rent a dune buggy and fly up over the knolls all "hillbillyish."

For some reason Chica 1 immediately felt the elevation changes and was called a “bobble head” by Chica 2. Surely this vertigo condition would limit Chica 1’s time out on the dunes; so much for a dune buggy. (Just a note, there are no such rentals on site.)

2 Chicas always stop at the Visitor’s Center first to gather more information about the area and to obtain any advice or advisories from the Park Rangers.

They suggested we drink plenty of water and don’t underestimate the heat of the sand. Armed and ready, 2 Chicas headed over to the big sand box. Looking like two naive explorers from some old black and white movie, we marched side by side ready for some sun and fun.

Chica 2 inhaled deeply and remarked at the gigantic dunes that seemingly were approaching us. Chica 1 was speechless and a little breathless. These sand dunes are massive!

2 Chicas frequently spend time at the beach so walking on sand is not typically a big deal. But this sand is deep and hot. There are no compressed shells to make some areas firm. Each step sinks the foot firmly into the warm sand. Chica 2 said she didn't expect the hot dirt pedicure spa treatment. 

Well less than a mile out, Chica 1 looked over at Chica 2 and asked if she thought anyone would find our bodies. Chica 2 said yes and pointed over to the cute meerkats. Chica 2 babbled and said something about the cute guy in the film crew would certainly rescue her.

She pretended to be a damsel in distress, but alas, it was all just a mirage. Chica 1 weebbled and wobbled back to the car, sweating and hallucinating that some of the cars were large glasses of sangria. She asked for a priest.

Chica 1, you’re not even Catholic, and if you were, the priest probably wouldn't approve of the alcohol! Chica 1 always comes back strong - "it would be representative of the blood of Christ...." Sinners always convince themselves of doing wrong and pretending that it is right! Tee hee he

With the air conditioning turned on, Chica 1 quickly returned to her senses. Chica 2 soon appeared back at the car as well. She had enough of the desert like environment surrounding the sand. Needless to say, 2 Chicas were scared to get out of the vehicle for any more exploration! Chica 1 reached into her backpack and pulled out an I.V.  Tee hee hee

There are other beautiful areas in the park, including the gorgeous Medano Lake which has many hiking opportunities. You can also investigate the Montville Trail which is shady and relatively cool. Zapata Falls isn’t too far away, and is a great option if you get too hot. (Hint, hint)

If you are adventurous, you can tumble down a dune or better yet, spend the night on a dune! Just remember you have to make it to the top before you can come down. Although we were scorching, 2 Chicas are pleased that we had the chance to explore this American wonder.

2 Chicas headed over to the town of Alamosa to recuperate. After soaking in the hotel hot tub, (to break the fear of heat – go figure) Alamosa was a nice little town with plenty of restaurant choices.

2 Chicas hunkered down for the night. The next day would be Chica 1's birthday. As if that wasn't pressure enough, 2 Chicas would set off on a journey that would literally take us across the state.

2 Chicas and Four Corners!

Chica 2 was up bright and early and ready to hit the road. She is an excellent driver, which is a good thing, because her tenacity and skill would be tested! We set out from Alamosa to drive 240 miles to the Four Corners Monument. 

This trip would take us up and down and around some beautiful, mountainous country. We would look off into the distance and see the most beautiful summit, and within 30 minutes, would find ourselves high on that very mountain.

We drove through national wilderness areas, past Wolf Creek Pass and the Continental Divide, and through a national forest. The drive was stunningly beautiful and by the time 2 Chicas arrived in Cortez, CO, the road was starting to wear on us. We had not yet reached our destination but we had been in the car for hours! LAWD!! Chica 1 was getting cranky (which is normal if you ask Chica 2). Chica 2 was getting hungry (which is normal if you ask Chica 1).  Yet 2 Chicas pressed onward.

After leaving the city, 2 Chicas were suddenly in a very beautiful desert-like setting. There were buttes and plateaus, but primarily, dry land all the way to our destination within the Navajo Nation. There is an entry fee and they only take cash, so be prepared. Once inside the “park” 2 Chicas discovered their high expectations were going to be somewhat disappointed.

The Four Corners Monument was a circle on the ground that commemorated the spot a surveyor marked as four states intersecting. The Demonstration Center is a flea market-like semi circle of booths. Native Americans were selling their wares. Chica 2 bought beautiful jewels for her kids. Of course she posed in each triangle and tried to place her foot so that it resided in each state simultaneously. She also unceremoniously pointed at a visitor and whispered he had a “four corners head”.  Strangely, he did have a really square head that had four corners. Just joking! How perfectly outlandish and 2 Chicaish!

 

Chica 1 wanted to try the Navajo Fry Bread, which was a nice treat. After eating the little snack, Chica 1 became possessed by some long ago ancestor. She began sharing a story that she was from the Slapaho Tribe. She even took a swing at Chica 2 to prove her point. Awwh, nothing like good old fashioned fun…. Tee hee he

The area is very remote and isolated. If you come, enjoy your time here. 2 Chicas love anything Native American, so draw nearer, respect the lands and the people. If you have time, visit the true treasures at the Navajo Nation: Monument Valley, Window Rock or Lake Powell. 

Organize a large Twister Contest and see how many of your friends can simultaneously be in four states at one time! Tell em 2 Chicas said make your own rules but be respectful of everyone around you! Have fun.

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