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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No Deficit in Conneticut

Chica 1 is Cravin' New Haven

Well, it's a beautiful day in Hartford, Connecticut and Chica 1 can't wait to get the rental car and head to New Haven and visit the prestigious Yale University. 

The drive down to New Haven was quite nice. Traffic was light and Chica 1 was reviewing in her head some fun facts about the city. New Haven has a lot of pertinent American history. 

A few examples you may ask - Nathan Hale, the Revolutionary War hero who famously stated just prior to his execution: "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country." was from New Haven. Eli Whitney, a Yale alumni is famously known as the inventor of the cotton gin - which has nothing to do with liquor! This gin is short for engine.

One of the most respected educational institutions in the world, Yale University, was founded in 1701 and has produced a number of famous and infamous graduates. The school is known for a number of U.S. Presidents and actors (both cut from the same cloth). As Chica 1 pulls into New Haven, the long flight and drive has created the need to feed!

Louis Lunch is a renown hamburger joint. The establishment claims to be the place that originated the hamburger. It is also right around the corner from Yale University. 

Walking into Louis Lunch, it is surprisingly small and old. The tables and seating looked original! But it is certainly a popular joint. It is crowded and with only a handful of tightly grouped tables and seats, the chances of eating in don't look too great. 

The menu is simple so it doesn't take long to order. There may be like eight items on the menu, four being drinks. A simple hamburger on white bread with a cup

of potato salad, and boy was it good! The toasted white bread holds the sandwich together and doesn't take away from the great burger flavor. It's more potato salad than one person can eat so save it for that special side dish with dinner. 

You have to try Louis Lunch for yourself. Now it's time to walk off some of that burger.

Strolling around the campus of Yale, Chica 1 was admiring the beautiful architecture. The students were milling about engaged in private conversations. The activity on campus was typical of the college environment. Everyone was headed somewhere; young people going to their next class or to the coffee shop or browsing in a book store. So much movement! 

Standing in front of the statue of Theodore Woosley, one of Yale's long-term presidents, there was a sense of the historical pride that floats over the campus. Enough already, let's see what else is going on in the area. See ya'  all you Yale Bulldogs! Happy Trails...

Chica 1 ventured through the neighborhood, on a crisp fall day, and found the walk captivating. Many of the Chapel Hills area business are draped with banners posters sharing information about New Haven Notables. These notables were either residents or individuals who spent a significant amount of time in New Haven and made a big difference in their field of expertise.

The Chapel Hills business organization uses the banners as a public service to raise awareness within the community. Nice.  Prominent singers, athletes, actors such as Meryl Streep, and an attorney who served as governor and who argued the famous Amistad case on behalf of the Africans have banners in their honor.

Speaking of the Amistad, not far from the campus is the site where the Africans were jailed pending their trial. A statue commemorating Joseph Cinque is a reminder of the ongoing struggle for freedom, in a country founded on that very principle. The statue has three sides, which represent the capture of the Africans, their trial, and their return home. 

Chica 1 reads the inscriptions on each side of the statue. The messages are representative of the issue, yet the beautiful dignified figures on the bronze sculpture contradict the true history of kidnapping, torture, and humiliation. But it does show the human side of all who to fight for the right to be liberated and build a life based on the pursuit of happiness.

Chica 1 was ready to continue spending a little time with the past and moseyed down to the Grove Street Cemetery. This burial ground is a National Historic Landmark and is believed to be the first chartered cemetery in the country. 

Apparently prior to 1796, the dead were buried in an old cemetery behind the current Center Church. An outbreak of yellow fever required a solution that would lead to a more orderly resting place for the dead. 

Later, as the city continued to grow, the cemetery sold lots and by 1814, all the lots had sold. The cemetery expanded, because the one reality we all know is that people live and people die, no matter how rich or poor, black or white, unknown or prominent.

The Grove Street Cemetery became the final resting place of many a Yale president and professor, as well as missionaries and abolitionists, politicians and prominent merchants, philanthropists and scholars, soldiers and unknown strangers, Eli Whitney, Noah Webster, and even the "Father of Thermodynamics". 

Looking at the aged headstones, it is amazing to reflect on these early colonials and think about their lives. There are a lot of acres to roam through, so be respectful and enjoy the old decorative headstones, tapered gravestones, and obelisks. Be sure to get a map from the caretaker's office - it will guide your wanderings!

Fort and Lighthouse Beckons Chica 1

On the eastern shore of New Haven Harbor is a beautiful park named in honor of local hero Nathan Hale. It is the home of an old fort that was built in the 1700s to protect the colony from the British. It didn't work! The fort was taken and burned. 

In the 20s the fort was made into a National Historic Landmark and continues as a recreational park today. Standing here in the early morning hours, it is a perfect place to relax and reflect on the history of this great country.

There are benches and a nice little deck-like area.

Looking out over the water, one can only imagine a fleet of Brits coming toward the fort in some great ship. Heading inland to fight for the right to rule over the early colonists. Chica 1's heart starts beating fast. How particularly powerful is the lighthouse in the distance still standing as a faint light for the sea weary! The light is pretty dim though!

Off to find the lighthouse - and lo and behold - it was tucked neatly away at the Lighthouse Point Park! There was quite a bustle in and around the park. It seems the lighthouse hosts a holidays light show and displays were being installed all over the place. With so many beautiful fall leaves, it made the extravaganza feel a little premature, but there is nothing like proper planning to make sure a grand plan is properly executed. Man, that was a mouthful!

Wandering through the park paths, the crisp smell of fall was still in the air. The lighthouse is not spectacular, but it is well used. There is a wonderful carousel, splash pad, and boat ramps. Chica 1 will have to visit again in September during the annual Migration Festival. It is a prime location to watch birds, butterflies and hawks head south for the winter. Swing through this beautiful park and enjoy the focal point lighthouse and so much more.

Down the street at Fort Wooster Park, which has the distinction of being the site of a colonial battler as well as the site of the Quinnipiac Tribe. A historic marker denotes the spot. 

Also on site are beautiful granite carvings depicting an Indian family watching as a ship from England arrives. Straighten up the wigwam kiddies, we're going to have company!! (Yes, I know this tribe didn't use wigwams - give me break!"

Chica 1 and the Razor Sharp Castle

Headed down the highway, Chica 1 is headed to East Haddam, CT to see a castle. Yes, that is correct. Some actor in the early 1900s built himself a castle high above the Connecticut River. It sits atop one of the chain of local hills known as the Seven Sisters.  

Before heading over to the house, Chica 1 has to board a ferry. The Chester-Hadlyme ferry has provided this service for over 200 years, so Chica 1 thinks perhaps an elderly gentleman with a long stick is going to come cruising up on a raft that he will propel over to the other side. 

But no, that is the River Styx! This ferryboat is a small motorized craft that can hold maybe 3-4 cars.

After a painstakingly slow journey across the river, Chica 1 drives through the beautiful countryside of the East Haddam-Hadlyme area. Lovely homes and the yellows and oranges of fall beckon at each turn in the road. 

It is spectacular! Many of the homes have been renovated to capture the traditional style of the area. Some of the outer buildings stilled looked to be original, aging gracefully over bitterly cold winters and hot summers.

 Arriving at Gillette Castle State Park is a pleasant surprise. The park has a large gift shop in addition to a considerable number of picnic tables, green lawn space,  hiking trails to encourage outside activities. William Gillette was a well known actor during his time. 

Working on Broadway, he became known for the character he played so frequently, "Sherlock Holmes". He built this unconventional castle as a retirement home, but from the looks of things, he was very busy getting into mischief. 

There are hidden stairways and mirrors. At one point, this guy even had a personal narrow-gauge railroad running around the property. 

With visitors such as President Calvin Coolidge and Albert Einstein, one can understand the excitement of having such toys for entertainment purposes. 

There are a number of displays in the Visitor's Center of William Gillette pictures and personal memorabilia, including trains engines that once operated on the property.

There are hidden stairways and mirrors. Beautiful wood work, Tiffany lamps, and stonework. At one point, this guy even had a personal narrow-gauge railroad running around the property. 

The views from the home are spectacular. The house is built on such a high summit, views of the Connecticut River are provided from many angles on the property. 

I am always amazed that God is ever present in all things. Sitting here I can feel that perfect peace. He is with us always, and I am thankful.

Sit on the bench and reflect for a moment. Find that place inside you that longs for more. There are a number of vantage points to enjoy. Don't waste the perfect views. But now it is time to seek out a new adventure! Onward towards Hartford!!

Chica 1 Visits Uncle Tom's Cabin's Stowe

 

Well, it's the last day in Connecticut and Chica 1 decided to go all literary on the trip. A visit to the Nook Farm neighborhood and the Harriett Beacher Stowe Center (HBSC), which is a stone's throw from the Mark Twain House. 

Mrs. Stowe lived the last 23 years of her life in this Victorian Gothic residence. The author of the greatest abolitionist novel ever, "Uncle Tom's Cabin", was also a renown home planner and many of her ideas on how to set up a kitchen are still used in the modern kitchen well over 100 years later.

A visit to the center begins with a trip to the Visitors Center to register for the home tour. There are displays and an interesting short film on Mrs. Stowe's life and great novel. There are artifacts, a tribute to her total life's story, and fascinating info about the international response to Uncle Tom's Cabin. Mrs. Stowe was one powerful little lady, who used her strong religious beliefs to make a strong statement about an issue she felt was America's greatest social injustice. Take lots of pictures in this area, because you can't take pictures inside of her home.

The guide is knowledgable and very open to questions, which Chica 1 has in abundance. The home is perfectly decorated for the time period. Chica 1 is particular fascinated by the old fashioned toilet (go figure?) The tour runs its course and Chica 1 becomes reflective. How could one person make such a difference? Great person and a great life! 

What Chica 1 most admires about the HBSC is that it challenges it's visitors to "change the world". Think about it. What can you do to make a difference where you are? Harriett Beacher Stowe was one of the quoted as saying: "I did not write it. God wrote it. I merely did his dictation." 

What a powerful maxim from a woman during this time period. Get the experience yourself. Also tour Mark Twain's Home and the adjacent properties. Life is short - get out there and see all you can!!

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Seattle and Vacinity - Anacortes, WA

2 Chicas say Anyone for Anacortes?

Anacortes is a waterfront town on Fidalgo Island in northwest Washington. Needless to say, it is a seafarer’s paradise with a number of industries linked to water: shipbuilders, seafood and great water and eco-tourism industries.

2 Chicas were here to go on a whale watching excursion to the San Juan Islands and both were as excited as an anteater on a termite farm!

Anacortes is a cute town with over 14,000 residents. It is considered to be the gateway to the San Juan Islands, a group of isles in Puget Sound that are known for their solitary beauty and wealth of wildlife.

There is a lot of history in this area and Chica 2 was surprised to discover that there were explorers named Joseph Whidbey (Whidbey Island) and Captain George Vancouver (Vancouver, British Columbia) for whom these areas were named.

But Chica 2 is not to be distracted from the adventure at hand, she shrieks: “On the whale watching tour, I’m going to free an orca and name him Chilly! Free Chilly!!” Chica 2, these whales are already free and living in the wild. Lawd!

As 2 Chicas sat having dinner, we watched a collection of sailboats conduct a series of maneuvers in Fidalgo Bay. Chica 1 commented on the relaxing nature of the evening. That the sailboats seemed to be performing a ballet for a private audience.

In typical Chica 2 fashion, she peppered the conversation with a mad musing: "wouldn't it be a perfect ending to the evening if a bald eagle swept down and plucked a giant salmon from the mouth of a grizzly bear!" Only Chica 2 could flavor the moment with such a descriptive, yet insane comment!

2 Chicas and Whale Tale

2 Chicas departed early to take a look around town. Anacortes has stately homes overlooking the bay and neat streets lined with beautifully adorned yards.

Chica 2, with her childlike innocence, drove street by street, pointing at the nicer homes and claiming them as hers.  If only the residents knew what was going on outside their lovely abodes!

So much for watching houses it is time to head out on the water. As we board the boat, Chica 2 begins to exclaim that she not only wants to see whales, but that she wants to ride a whale! Perhaps even swim with the whales. Only in her little mind. These creatures are huge and just the wake made by the tail would easily drown a human. 

The captain begins his narration sharing about the history of the small islands we pass. Chica 2 is impatient wanting to immediately see Moby Dick!

She paces on the boat, rolling her eyes at the stories of early settlers. Slow it down Chica 2, the captain just shared that the ride out is about two hours!  Soon the captain receives a whale report and heads to the site. It is quite a ride, but the water is relatively calm and the weather is perfect.

Chica 1 pops another motion sickness pill and holds on. Approximately 8 boats have come to see the lone whale.

He dips down in the water and resurfaces. All the boats move closer. Chica 1 becomes a bobble head.

The wakes made by all the boats make taking a picture almost impossible. As soon as the camera focuses  on the whale, the boat rocks and the picture is of just water. Or even worse, a blurry figure in the water!

Chica 2 is ecstatic! She runs from side to side on the deck and chases the whale visually. She is in love with the tail taking a slow dip beneath the icy waters.

"It looks like giant butterfly wings slowly washing themselves!" Up and down, but surfacing far away.

But it didn't take Chica 2 long to ask - "Is this the only one?" One solitary whale? All by himself? No brothers, sisters, mother or father, friends or foes?

After about an hour of watching this Goliath feed in the general vicinity of all these boats, the captain said it was time to head back. Just so much interest a single whale could hold.

Chica 2 came inside dejected. Chica 1, trying to be encouraging, said "At least you saw that one, what if we couldn't find any?" On the way back, the captain stopped so the passengers could look at huge harbor seals.

He shared that the seals would be heading back to the Bering Sea in a few weeks. He also said he spotted a black bear on the island but no one else seemed to see it. Hee hee hee.

We arrived back at the docks around 4 p.m. and Chica 2 solemnly waved goodbye to Anacortes. We drove over Deception Pass and headed over to catch a ferry to our next adventure.

If you are ever in the area, Anacortes and the surrounding cities are beautiful and offer endless adventures and opportunities for wildlife viewing. We saw a number of bald eagles on our drive! They were the only things that lifted Chica 2's spirits.

That is until the ferry pulled out of the port. Chica 2 once again returned to her crazy self. She wanted to go upstairs and explore. While the ship captain steered us over to Port Townsend, Chica 2 marveled at the level of comfort this boat provided.

There was an upstairs lounge with a kitchen (that is typically open during the busier times of the year). The bathrooms were very nice and modern.

There was a reading area and various sitting areas with views. There were passengers engaged in various card games (go figure) and children sat with parents doing homework.

It wasn't too long before we were pulling into the port and driving off to dinner.  Chica 2 wanted soul food and by golly, there was a restaurant in Port Townsend. Needless to say, the food was uneventful and we both left disappointed. Next destination - Port Angeles. 2 Chicas need a good rest; tomorrow will be a busy day.

 2 Chicas and the 2013 Olympics

Chica 2 starts with one of her fantasy stories about how she could have been in the Olympics. Chica 1 so cleverly responded that her dream had come true because she had just entered into Olympic National Park!

Chica 2 naturally did not enjoy the interruption. She could be bob sledding or skiing down one of these slopes representing her planet in the Winter Olympics. (Ok, Chica 1 added "planet" - Tee hee hee). Chica 2 continued to happily chat on and on and on about her great winter sport skills. Please! 

A quick stop in the Visitor's Center and we are on the road again to see the Madison Creek waterfall.  This little beauty is easy to get to and produces a nice mist. Chica 2 felt it was the perfect backdrop for a few "selfie" pictures. Finally Chica 2 took a minute for some quiet reflection. Both Chica's listened to the falling water.

The sounds of nature create an incredible impression on the soul! It really is a wonderful walk under a beautiful canopy of trees. in the distance, the sound of water pouring down into a pool. PEACE! The ranger at the Elwah River station is entertaining all by himself. Stop and spend a minute talking with him - you are bound to learn something you didn't know and get a chuckle for free.

2 Chicas and the Bright Waters

The route to Lake Crescent is beautifully scenic. The winding road provides outstanding views of the surrounding area. The water surface of Lake Crescent looks like a mirror. The Olympic Mountains are drowning in

their reflection. Chica 2 comments that it looks like you could reach out and scoop a handful of snow for a good old fashioned snow fight. Chica 2 laughs and reflects that she would drown attempting to play that game.

As we pull into the Marymere Falls Trail, a deer reminds us that we are in the wild. Chica 2 wants to go out and have a moment with the deer, but he moseys across  to some tender munchies. Chica 2 doesn't want to interrupt his meal so she carries on. 2 Chicas continue on past interesting bridges and inch closer to the beach.

2 Chicas and the Best of the Olympics

2 Chicas were excited to be headed to the beach. Not that beaches are something particularly hard to find, as we live in Florida, but, the Pacific Coast is quite a bit different. 

Up here in Washington State, the water is really, really cold and the surf is incredibly powerful. The initial approach to the beach is beautiful! There is a lovely vantage point that overlooks a wetlands area. 

As we moved closer to the beach, the sound of the water beckoned us come. Like two mesmerized waifs, we parked, got out of the car, and wandered towards mounds of driftwood. The rocks crunching under our feet assured we would not go unnoticed.

The driftwood looked like the bones of a giant who had washed ashore. Chica 2 imagined he and his family had once lived on one of the remote islands surrounding the beach and had been washed  away by a towering tsunami wave.  Pretty good imagination Chica 2! I actually envisioned the whole thing as you told your tale. Once out on the beach, Chica 2 began to climb the beautiful "bones" or driftwood. She searched the pile looking for a skull, but to no avail. She actually looked disappointed!

Strolling down the beach, the sound of the waves, the brightness of the sunshine and the never ending piles of wood made Chica 2 begin a new story. This time she was on an isolated planet and she discovered signs of life. Ok, all this adventure made the two girls very hungry. After much picture taking and admiring many a perfectly shaped rock, we moseyed back up the road to the local  cafe for a little grub.

The Three Rivers Cafe with its eclectic menu and obsession with the movie Twilight, was quite a pleasant little surprise.The food was quite tasty and the little general store was full of fun surprises. Let's get back on the road Chica 2 before the vampires awaken!

2 Chicas Say What Up Hoh!!!

To think that the Olympic Mountains contain towering peaks and a tropical wonderland in a rainforest is more than poor little Chica 2 can handle. She is barreling towards the Hoh Rainforest and is pleased to see a steady drizzle of rain falling. It's raining, she shrieks; it's weally, weally raining! In a voice similar to a cartoon character. 

Chica 1, ever the practical sort, says, yes, cold rain! The Hoh Rainforest is covered with green! Moss grows on everything. Benches, signs, steps, just imagine everything covered with green soft moss. Each step we take is an annoying squish, squish, squish! 

The hike on the short trail outside of the Visitor's Center is damp. Water from the trees drips down onto our jackets. 

Chica 2, suddenly filled with inspiration decides that she loves the experience. She bursts into "I'm singing in the rain! Just singing in the rain!!" On cue, a large drop falls from a tree into her mouth, abruptly ending the off-key serenade.

We piddle through the mossy underbrush and puddles until Chica 2 says enough already!! But Chica 1 is not just ready to leave the slick environs. She has to see one more tree or at least one more swamp-like area.

It is impressive to think that there are fabulous places like the Hoh Rainforest that exist in our great country. 

Get out there and find your paradise, come rain or shine! God's love is shown in every place we visit - what a wonderful life!

So long, fair well....2 Chicas Say Good-bye!

Our last day in Seattle provided a little sad. There is a strange sense of melancholy that seems to hover over the skies of Seattle. The clouds are always lingering, even on sunny days, in the distance, waiting for a chance to float over head. This may be the bizarre reason that Chica 1 wanted to spend this day seeking out a few oddities, and they all revolved around cemeteries. First, we would visit the gravesite of Bruce Lee, world famous martial arts expert. 

When we arrived at the Lake View Cemetery, the clouds were lurking, only periodically allowing the sun to peek through. As we search for Bruce Lee's grave, Chica 1 recalls sitting in the Palace Theatre in downtown Tampa watching Kung Fu movies and laughing with friends about the terrible lip synching. Back then, one could not wait until the next martial arts movie was going to be released. You had to be there or be left behind. Chica 2, needless to say, had enough of the reminiscing.

As she rolled her eyes, she did share that she would catch those very same moves as she was flipping channels on lazy, rainy Saturday afternoons. She would be sprawled across her bed and only stopped because of the great action fighting.

When we arrive at the gravesite, we first are taken at the beauty and simplicity of the graves. We are then taken with the sadness of thinking and father and his son are buried side by side after both having died young, the son following in his father's footsteps.

The number of mementos left on both graves are indicative of the strong and lasting connection Bruce Lee had with his fans and followers. Both Chicas sit quietly on the reflection bench and think about the impactful yet tragic lives of Bruce and Brandon Lee. God has a reason for all things and it is in this perfect peace that we quietly move on to our second cemetery.

The gravesite of Jimi Hendrix, the extraordinary guitarist, is quite a contrast. It is a monument to the musician. We look at each other in amazement!

How can it be that a 27 year old could leave such a physical presence in a graveyard. We walk around the huge mausoleum and look at the artifacts left behind by followers.

Perhaps two gravesites in one day is too much! We both leave reflecting on the fact that his whole family could be buried on the site together, which is something. Life is too short, we must remember to live each day God has given us to the fullest. What a wonderful blessing it is to be alive!

Thanks for the memories Seattle - On to the next adventure!

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