Falling Waters and Florida Caverns

2 Chicas Didn’t Miss Our Water Until the Waterfall Ran Dry

The trip to Falling Waters State Park was a nice little drive up I-10. 

The up and down drive reminds one of a kiddie roller coaster  not too dramatic, but just enough to remind you that you’re no longer in west central Florida. 

Entering the park, the 2 Chicas were tingling with excitement; we were about to see Florida’s tallest waterfall.  The air was crisp and the sky was clear; it was the perfect day for exploration.

The park is primarily home to a gigantic sinkhole or should we say a series of sinkholes.  There is a cement sidewalk that takes hikers down to a boardwalk which surrounds the different sinkholes. 


Chica 1 asked in a deep serious voice: “Are you down down down for this adventure?”  Keep walking Chica 1; keep walking.

The ferns and coolness in the park contained a serenity that was only broken by the occasional cry of its resident birds. A scrub jay was seen flitting about announcing the royal arrival of the 2 Chicas.

Once the 2 Chicas ascended the stairs to the overlook area it became very apparent something was missing – like H2O. 

The waterfall was gone! Yes, gone…. A lack of rain had made the waterfall nonexistent. How is this possible? 

Chica 2 proposed that someone had robbed the park of its water and we should go in pursuit of the thieves. 

Calm down Chica 2. She insisted that there should be pretty clear clues in the huge trail of water. Ahem, maybe it’s time for this little explorer to get in a cat nap.

The 2 Chicas looked at each other quizzically, shrugged, and began singing in unison – “You can’t always get what you want.”

Since we believe we always get what we need, we admired the different sinkhole areas, took pictures of the wild flowers, enjoyed the birds, and went racing off to the Florida Caverns.

2 Chicas Cavort In the Caverns

The drive to the caverns takes you through Marianna which has a strip that is a part of the Old Florida Heritage Highway.  It is a little congested though so be careful not to get distracted while driving.

Florida has caves- can you believe it. Chica 1 spent most of her life believing that Florida was one step away from being totally underwater.

As an adult, she learned of the true diversity found in the state. 

The ground is made up of sandy areas, a rich loam, clay, limestone, shell deposits, and other minerals depending on where you are in the state.

These north Florida caves have an interesting history that is prehistoric, but we’ll get to that latter.

The cave tour is well worth the current $8.00 fee.  In 45 minutes you will go up and down, sideways, bent in half, and ducking through a gallery of stalactites, stalagmites, draperies, soda straws, wedding cakes, pools, continents, catacombs, and Christmas trees. 

The ranger provides full facts and shows off things like a prehistoric shark tooth embedded in the rock.  Chica 1 could have sworn the shape of that tooth looked closely familiar. Ms. Ranger are you sure you didn't turn your back on Chica 2?

There is also a lot of information shared on how the formations grow, the composition of the rocks, and the men who worked tirelessly to excavate the area.

Chica 1 was not too fond of some of the really tight areas in the cave.  There seemed to be some hyperventilating or at the very least some huffing and head bumping on the ceiling. 

Chica 2 chuckled and assured Chica 1 she was far too short to worry about bumping her head on anything but the floor! Tee hee he

There are a couple of fossils visible in the ceiling of the cave, and the ranger reported that a few full sized fossils were excavated in the park, including a mastodon.

The ranger towards the end of the tour turns off all of the lights and allows visitors to experience the cavern exactly as it is. 

It is difficult to describe total darkness.  It’s not the type of darkness in your home or outside. It's eerily nondescript. Chica 2 said maybe this is what death looks like. You can always count on Chica 2 for a good dose of profound insanity!

The hike back to the visitor center is far more strenuous than the cave tour so be prepared! After sharing some much needed oxygen, both Chicas vowed to get in caveman shape. One day we may have to out run a dinosaur! 

Spend some time walking around the caves on the trails and go upstairs in the visitor center to the learning room for more factoids. If you feel adventurous, rent a canoe and explore the Chipola River. 

2 Chicas give this “real Florida” experience four thumbs up and a finger snap. Only 2 Chicas could be so dramatic!


Edward Ball Wakulla Springs State Park – 2 Chicas and another Black Lagoon

The long winding road to the Wakulla Springs Lodge does not give any indication of the fabulous experience to come.

Chica 2 was so excited to see the spear throwing fish that she ran out of the car and left it running. 

So remember to park the car, TURN IT OFF, and walk over to the old sign, through the boathouse type building to the springs. You have to keep it kind of simple for good old Chica 2.

If you do this exactly as described, you will immediately see the swimming hole, beach-like area and the old tour boats. Tee hee he...

Find out the time for the next tour and hop on board for a 45 minute ride in paradise.

Chica 2 scared just about everyone on the boat letting out a loud, crackly Tarzan call.  Luckily, the animals did not desert their sanctuary!

The springs are a part of the Florida aquifer and from the dock area, you can look straight down to the bottom.  Clear as can be!

Chica 1 was amazed at how the fish and flora intermingled to produce a whimsical musical dance. 

Chica 2 said it looked like they were doing the electric slide, no better than that, the wobble.  Sorry, Chica 2, I don't really see that at all.

The ebb and flow of the springs is beautiful. The boat tour is very informative and the birds, alligators, and manatee seem to perform on demand. The peace on the river is incredible. Thank God it has been preserved for all to share in the wonder and majesty of nature!

The anhinga and ibis pose throughout the park for photo opportunities.  Chica 2 also struck a pose very much like this bird, just not a stea
dy on the feet.

The lazy alligators are sunning up and down the river, and the egrets soar on demand. 

When the noisy motor of the boat is stopped, the sounds of the spring really come alive. 

After your tour, go to the observation tower and remind yourself of the great ecosystem you just explored.  Afterward, go to the lodge and try their famous Ginger yip. 

Tour around the lodge, review the history of Edward Ball, marvel at Old Joe – the murdered alligator, and then bid farewell to a perfectly preserved peace. 

Of course you could very well make a reservation and stay in the beautiful lodge. Just remember, no internet!

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Fort De Soto

2 Chicas Fortify the Camp

At the far end of St. Petersburg, FL is Fort De Soto Park, often ranked as one of the best beaches in the United States by Dr. Beach! 2 Chicas don’t know Dr. Beach, but we have been coming to Ft. De Soto for quite some time and agree with his assessment.

Pristine water, beautiful views of the bay and the gulf as well as incredible panorama of the Skyway Bridge make this the place to come decompress. The fact that it isn’t real crowded is an added benefit.

Fort  De Soto is also a prime area to fish, sun, bike, kayak, swim, birdwatch, hike, explore an old fort, and camp.  This chain of five interconnected islands has parks, beach areas, two fishing piers, and a ferry to Egmont Key. 2 Chicas decided to stay close to the action and set up camp for a few days worth of adventures! There are no hotels or other accommodations here, but St. Petersburg Beach and Pass a Grille Beach are quite close nearby if camping is not for you.

Chica 2 has become quite the camp designer and set up expert. She had the tent pitched in just a few minutes and this is no small abode.

She waterproofed it a few days before and also checked the seams to secure our temporary home from traditional late summer storms. It’s so nice to find Chica 2’s true strength. Tee hee he

Sure enough, early in the morning, a storm rolled through and we didn’t have as much as a single drop of water inside our tent.

She placed the tent so we had a perfect water view. It was a million dollar scenic overlook from a hundred dollar domicile!

Then a few critters from the wild came lumbering up the path to our campsite. A group of raccoons who were all too comfortable around humans rolled out the welcome wagon.  It was obvious they were looking for any invitation to join. Chica 2 said they were so cute, until one sat down and started to scratch.

Please don’t feed the wildlife! They become dependent on human handouts, which only invites danger. After a few loud “gits” (get), they quickly scurried off to another campsite, but they weren’t done with 2 Chicas.

Setting up camp made everyone hungry. Chica 1 always cooks a traditional cowboy steak for dinner on the first night. Paired with potatoes and broccoli, these happy campers are satisfied.

2 Chicas Reach the East Beach

Time to explore! Outside of the camp, 2 Chicas took the kids down to explore the East Beach, a much quieter and secluded area. There was one fisherman wading out to try his luck at catching dinner.

2 Chicas captured a tricolored heron looking for dinner as a snowy egret seemed to watch the fisherman in hopes that he would generously share his catch.

Chica 1 looked out at the Skyway Bridge and marveled at the how gorgeous the pointy sails looked in the distance. Like a large sailboat frozen in time. Chica 2 said it looked like pointy Mickey Mouse ears; two very different perspectives wouldn’t you say?

Back to the campsite to tell stories and roast marshmallows over an open fire. No s’mores tonight because Chica 2 forgot the graham crackers.

It wouldn’t take long for us to move to no campfire stories, because Chica 2 is so scary, but the kids purified small palm fronds over the hot firewood then roasted marshmallows.

They felt so special making their own skewers. Tomorrow would be filled with adventures that would fill the day and exhaust the evening!

Chica 2 took the kids to the beach to swim, but Lil’ Chica discovered a new passion, searching for sand dollars. A kind lady on the beach taught her how to wade in chest deep water and shuffle her feet to find these beautiful creatures of the sea. Lil’ Chica spent the better part of two hours blissfully in search of her new best friends.

2 Chicas Cannonball!

A short hike to another portion of the beach brought exploration of part of the fort. Chica 2 threatened to call an ambulance if Chica 1 didn’t stop breathing so desperately after climbing to the top. The hike up really wasn't that bad.

Chica 2 could not imagine early Spanish explorers in full armor marching around this fort. Neither could anyone else Chica 2, as this installation wasn’t constructed until almost 1900. You were only off about five hundred years (Tee hee hee)

The canons were large and stationed all over the fort. Fort De Soto was only active for twelve years from 1898 until 1910.

Chica 2 said she knew a few girls from home who saw more action than this fort! Chica 2, we do have a young audience too! Many of the rooms in the fort are open and mostly empty.

Explore the fort, climb to the top and enjoy the views, and take a picture by the cannons. Don’t forget to yell cannonball!! If anyone complains, tell em 2 Chicas told ya to do it!

2 Chicas and the Case of the Daring Bandits

After hanging out at the fort, we headed back to the campsite. We briefly stopped to see how much it would cost to take the ferry over to Egmont Key. It was reasonable, but the return trip was four hours later. 2 Chicas had too many plans, so maybe next time.

As we came down the driveway to our campsite, we noticed something was awry. A head quickly peeked out of our food cooler, then another head, and yet another!

Chica 2 I thought you put the cooler away. Chica 1 I thought you stored the cooler! Oh no!! Those little bandits got away with fajita wraps, hamburgers, and some butter.

We rounded up as much as we could and placed it in the garbage cans onsite. Those little thieves didn’t go far, waiting in the bushes for us to make another oversight and leave something out. Ughhh, it is a good thing we had bleach spray to clean everything! 2 Chicas made sure the coolers were hereafter stored in the trunk!

2 Chicas Fishing or Floundering?

Soooo, Chica 2 decided she was going to take the kids fishing. Off the team goes to a picturesque canal to cast fishing rods out into the deep and see what we would catch.

Almost immediately, the fish were biting. The group spent hours casting and reeling! At times the fish were small and other times they were even smaller.

The kids learned the importance of preserving resources by returning the little ones to their home to hopefully grow bigger.

Chica 1 caught a sizable flounder, which provided much joy for the entire group. For hours, the entire group enjoyed feeding the fish shrimp and every now and again, getting a fish to bite on the hook.

There is something about the anticipation and hope of fishing that reaches deep into the soul. Often we feel we could never get a child to spend time doing something that may or may not reap an immediate reward. 2 Chicas were thrilled to see so many children out with their parents fishing. Some were catching, some were not, but

2 Chicas caught some serious bug bites. In our excitement to fish, we forgot to spray ourselves with bug deterrent. What a major mistake. Days after leaving Ft. De Soto, the remnants of the fishing excursion lived on in itchy, scratchy skin.

It was finally time to leave our little bit of paradise. Chica 2 broke down camp and before you could say hop skippity wobble, we were back on the road to home.

2 Chicas are so lucky to know that Ft. De Soto will be around for another much needed respite visit. Bring your bike, fishing pole and swimsuit. You’ll be glad you did!

New Orleans, LA

2 Chicas Now in NAWLINS

As 2 Chicas were driving into the City of New Orleans from the airport, anticipation and excitement danced in the air. Chica 2 could barely contain herself squealing: “I can’t wait to ride the trolley!” “I really need to stroll down Bourbon Street.” 

“I always wanted to visit New Orleans” “I can’t believe I am here for my birthday!” Chica 2 believes her inner child grew up here and is finally home. A real voodoo mama? Go figure…

New Orleans is a well publicized city for both good and bad reasons. What makes the city unique is its strong French heritage. It is located in Orleans Parish, a jurisdiction much like counties in other states. Many of the streets in the French Quarter are still referred to by French names and the architecture has a distinctively French flair.

Chica 2 proffers that because the French people actually lived there, the area is called the French Quarter; excellent deduction Chica 2.

 

She then goes on to ask if a lot of French kissing goes on in the French Quarter. Perhaps Chica 2 (patience is required), but please don’t start carrying on about the curious history of French fries.

Well known facts about the area are the cuisine (French Creole and Cajun), fantastic public art, the party like it is 2099 atmosphere on Bourbon Street, the love of jazz, Cajun, blues and zydeco music, jazz funerals, ornate above ground cemeteries, and the practice of voodoo. More modern facts revolve around Hurricane Katrina, Katrina Refugees, and the swamp people who live in the bayous throughout the state. 2 Chicas wanted to experience a little bit of everything New Orleans!

2 Chicas Get Down On Bourbon Street

2 Chicas always has to get a little snicky snack and heard that Deanie’s Restaurant was the place to go. As 2 Chicas sat down to grub on some shrimp, Chica 2 was running down all the things on the menu she wouldn’t eat.

The waiter placed down a bowl of spotatoes and Chica 2 finally shut up. These potatoes were so good! They were spicy and flavorful and pretty close to perfect! Every now and again there was a shrimp and man they were delicious.

Chica 2 had the Shrimp PoBoy and Chica 1 had the Catfish PoBoy. We should have had the BBQ Shrimp, because the two PoBoys were just average. There was so much food, we had plenty to take back with us, but we weren’t so sure we wanted to eat it. Our stomachs were so filled to the brim; we had to walk around a little bit to burn some calories.

Chica 2 wanted to see what all the Bourbon Street brouhaha was about, so off we go! There was all kind of racket up and down the street. Chica 2 said it reminded her of some of the areas in Orlando, but without the architectural interest. Chica 2 are you alright? 

There were human statues and people dressed in gothic and other types of costumes (it was January). 

 

2 Chicas darted in and out of the many souvenir stores, but we did not purchase anything. We threw a couple dollars in the hat of a drum line from a local high school group that was on the street playing. At any point on Bourbon Street you will find musicians and other performers sharing their talents in hope of receiving donations. 

After laughing with some of the other revelers, we stopped to enjoy live music playing in various venues. At the first location, there was a great band, and at the second location, we played around with the guys on their dueling pianos. 

We enjoyed the music, took some blurry pictures, and shared in touristy fun with the other partiers. Before the sun came up we returned to our hotel to get some much needed rest.

2 Chicas Ben Yay – Done Dat

Early the next morning 2 Chicas got up and walked down to Jackson Square. There was what seemed like an impromptu art fair going on in front of the famous St. Louis Cathedral. Of course we had to stop over in Café du Monde for beignets and café au lait.

As Chica 1 sat down and began to inhale the rich strong coffee bouquet, Chica 2 said the coffee tasted like old dirty dishwater. As she spit it out, she swore it was about fifteen hundred years old. Guess she didn’t like the chicory taste, but the pigeons sure did quickly waddle over to inspect her leftovers. Fortunately, she enjoyed the beignets and purchased a hot chocolate to wash away the napkin taste (due to her repeatedly wiping her tongue with napkins to remove the coffee flavor).

2 Chicas enjoyed the break dancers and in true Chica 2 fashion, threatened to get down on the ground and “bust a move.” Again, we narrowly avoided a trip to the emergency room. Tee hee he - The Jackson Square area can provide quite a spectacle of happenings.

(Yes, this is really Chica 2's picture of the St. Louis Cathedral) Check it out and have a little chicory with dat!

New Orleans 2

2 Chicas and Crypt of the Walking Dead

Chica 2 was dying to get to the cemeteries and look at the ornate crypts she has heard so much about. Chica 1 was not so anxious to visit graves, but it was Chica 2’s birthday trip. Now 2 Chicas must warn that the cemeteries can be very dangerous, so never travel alone or during evening hours and always be aware of your surroundings. Thieves and robbers have been known to hide behind the large tombs so be careful. 

2 Chicas arrived at Lafayette Cemetery, found in the heart of the Garden District. The graveyard was founded in 1833 and grew considerably due to the yellow fever epidemic. A number of tours are offered if you choose not to wander through the tombs making up stories like 2 Chicas!

 Not long after our arrival, Chica 2 swore a ghostly gravedigger was following us. Remember Chica 2, no weapon formed against us can prosper! Naturally, Chica 1 didn’t see anything.

Many of the crypts were cracked and damaged from age. Chica 2, with her scary self, said she peeked into one of the damaged vaults and saw red eyes glowing back at her. Chica 1 wondered where Chica 2 ran off to without a word. 

Chica 2’s eyes were as large as an owl! Chica 2 don’t be so chicken! If you did see glowing eyes, it was probably a cat (or the reflection of your own eyes). Tee hee he.

As we were preparing to depart, Chica 2 said she wanted to locate the final resting place of her long lost Great Great Uncle Bebe Jean-Micele Montell “Prince Fatman” LaPew. She said he died while headed to his job in a restaurant on St. Charles Avenue. He was carrying a large bag with a hog’s head and entrails.

The bag began to break and he bent down to stop the hog head from falling in the street. Because he was rather rotund, he lost his balance. Tragically, he was hit and killed by a trolley. She believes the remnants of the hog were buried with him. 

The family story says there are times that he wanders the cemetery looking for the rest of his pig. This tale is so tragic Chica 2 and equally ridiculous. Uh oh, what's that shadowy figure?

2 Chicas really enjoyed watching the throngs of visitors follow tour guides through the cemetery, taking pictures and “oohing” at the stories told by their escort. A few chuckled as Chica 2 passed them telling her fictional account. Others wanted to see the crypt made famous by Anne Rice in “Interview with a Vampire”.

Lafayette Cemetery is a unique New Orleans treat. The great thing is once you finish here, you are in the middle of the Garden District so be sure to check out the spectacular homes and grab a bite to eat. Commander’s Palace Restaurant faces the entrance to the cemetery, so you may be able to do some star gazing as well.

2 Chicas was strictly focused on getting to Willie Mae’s Scotch House for lunch. There was a line out the front door so we were weally weally excited. While waiting our turn in line, we looked around at the lingering damage from Hurricane Katrina. 

In the Seventh Ward, some homes were still being rebuilt, while others were boarded up or had been torn down. A school across the street was still abandoned. The buzzing of a saw can be heard from across the street, but the sad stories of 
families being ripped off by unscrupulous contractors still ring true. Chica 2 wondered where were the children? Neighborhoods like this usually are abuzz with the laughter and playful screams of youngsters. Today, the only sounds were from customers waiting to be seated and small construction tools humming in the distance.

All that reflecting made 2 Chicas even more desperate for food! We finally were seated and the chicken did not disappoint. Tender and seasoned to the bone, the chicken was worth the trip. The sides were just average. After leaving the restaurant, we again needed to walk off a few calories so off we went to City Park. There were plenty of fitness freaks out running, biking, and walking. We enjoyed the shadiness of the park and got in a brisk walk.

2 Chicas - Where Does Your Garden Grow?

After Chica 2 high tailed it back to the Garden District. Riding through the area is quite some wear and tear on the suspension system. The roads are rough but the houses are spectacular! The antebellum mansions once proudly displayed ornate gardens, but over time those plots of land were developed for more homes. Chica 2 shouts that she saw a baby born on those steps once. Reincarnation Chica 2? No,  more like the Curious Life of Benjamin Buttons. See if you too can locate that mansion over in the Garden District.

Chica 1 always gets nostalgic talking about architecture. Chica 2 says Chica 1 is really the strange one of the group. Anyhoo, Chica 1rambled on about the Victorian era double galleried style of house found in the Garden District. Next Georgian, Greek Revival, Georgian Revival, blah blah blah. But Chica 2 did enjoy the details found in the ornate fences around the homes.

Chica 2 longingly wished she could know which house really was owned by Brad Pitt. She thought maybe he would come outside and tell her the thing with Angelina was a huge mistake. It was Chica 2 he wanted all along. Nice fantasy Chica 2. You’d probably have better luck with Master P. 

Chica 2 was hungry after all these antics and had a taste for BBQ. Over on St. Charles Street, we saw Voodoo BBQ and decided to see what they had to offer. 

2 Chicas were pleasantly surprised at the delicious food. Chica 2 said the ribs were so good they made her tummy tickle. Chica 1 thoroughly enjoyed the wings. You have to try one of the voodoo sauces and every side we tried was really quite good.

Back down to Bourbon Street for a night of fun. Chica 2 slow down on those Hurricanes! Just joking, Chica 2 doesn’t drink.  Some guy jumped in front of Chica 2 with just a G-string on wiggling and jiggling. Chica 1 ordered another drink, sat back and enjoyed the show! Here’s one for the birthday girl!

2 Chicas Last Mourning

Chica 1 was ready to grub and Mother’s Restaurant was just around the corner. Mother’s is known for baked ham, gumbo, and other Creole specialties. Breakfast was very filling and we were ready to seize our last day in the Big Easy.

Right outside of the French Quarter Chica 2 wanted to check out some food museum. It was located in a mall, so more time was spent browsing and the museum was soon forgotten. 

Next she wanted to check out the French Market, which was an outdoor bazaar. Chica 2 was sad it was  the last day of her birthday trip, so she wanted to do a million different things. 

After strolling through a mall and then an outdoor marketplace, Chica 2 was feeling lunchy. But we did spend a few moments sitting near the Mississippi River watching a barge go by (Hummed to the tune of Sitting on the Dock of the Bay).

So off we went to Praline Connection for a bit of soul food prior to heading home. Chica 1 finally convinced Chica 2 to try the alligator sausage. Chica 2 snapped it down like a distant cousin crocodile. The dishes were wonderful and we both left feeling stuffed. 2 Chicas definitely recommend the Praline Connection.

As Chica 2 pulled onto the bridge that travels over Lake Pontchartrain, she marveled at the expansive water area. She bragged that she was driving across the longest continuous bridge over water in the world. Very true Chica 2, but have you decided what you were going to do once you reach the other side (Mandeville, LA)? 

Chic 2 said “I can show you better than I can tell you.” She whipped a quick U-turn and returned back across the bridge. She made up in her mind as she was driving that she wanted to find the place where one of the canal breaches.

Driving around the canal area, Chica 2 was getting discouraged because she couldn’t locate any of the breaks. The canals aren’t hard to find, but they wind through so many areas of the city, all the way out to Metarie, LA.  Just as she was about to quit and head toward the airport, Chica 1 said keep going straight. The road was getting extremely uneven. Houses in the area were mildewed around the foundation. Chica 1 saw obvious signs of water damage.

Once 2 Chicas pulled onto the back street, we saw a marker dedicated to the site of the canal break. The homes in the area were gone; washed away by the powerful surge of water. 

What a sad testament to the pure strength of the nature. Chica 2 dejectedly looked down to the ground and mused children probably once played here. It was quite possible that someone’s hopes and dreams washed away from this very location.

But wherever there is life, there is the possibility of rebuilding. The future holds so much promise, and that potential upside must never be forgotten. The strength that faith produces has rebuilt kingdoms. But for now we mourn the past and hold on to a morsel of hope for a better tomorrow. 2 Chicas will be back to see the ongoing transformation. So long NAWLINS!

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Utah Part 3

2 Chicas creating a Scene on the Byway

The Grand Staircase-Escalante is one picturesque piece of land, so much so, the road going through the area was designated a Scenic Byway.

At every twist and turn of Highway 89, there are slickrock benches, plateaus and canyons. This All-American Road, one of 27 nationally selected highways, winds through some isolated yet stunning public lands.

Fortunately, there are a few visitors’ centers to help you plan your outings should you remain in the area. At the very least, the experts can tell you where you are and how far to civilization. Tee hee he

Take your time on the drive and be sure to check out the numerous outdoor explorations. If you have more time, shine your light in the Devil’s Garden or drive down Hells Backbone Road.  Don’t let the names frighten you away.

Believe it or not, Escalante also has a petrified forest. There are so many hiking opportunities you’d be hard pressed not to find one to suite your needs, interests or abilities. It seemed as if each turn in the road shared an equally beautiful and different photo opportunity! It was much too much!

As we twisted through the red rock canyons and drove past formations that look like buildings from an ancient Greek city, 2 Chicas repeatedly said “I never knew this would be so beautiful!”

We knew Utah had incredible parks, but we did not realize how stunningly gorgeous and barren this huge expanse was. Once you rise and go through the Boulder Mountain, you will ride through part of the Dixie National Forest and the difference is amazing!

Beautiful lakes beckon you to take a dip, but 2 Chicas thought not; it was a little too cold. But it did look extremely tempting!

Chica 2 was threatening to pull over and jump in a waterfall thankfully, before you knew what was happening, we were down the mountain and back into a different ecosystem. Lush mountain forests quickly turned into a more desolate form of beauty. The richness in the landscape was a wonderful contrast to the previous turn.

2 Chicas Spend a Night and the Day in the Capitol

The drive eventually leads 2 Chicas down to Capitol Reef National Park where we would spend the night in Torrey, UT. We slipped into town for dinner and got a brief look at just how small this settlement really is.

It would be interesting to live in such a beautiful place, then again, maybe not; to each his own preference. The hotel is actually in the park so we sat out in front of the room and watched the sun set.

Chica 2 said the dark red rock against the sun made it seem as if we were on Mars. Chica 1 just enjoyed the beauty and started a simplistic smarty pants routine. Chica 2, did you know that somewhere out there is a 100 mile fold in the earth’s crust? Chica 2 replies “yes smarty farty, you have mentioned it no fewer than 30 times.” Chica 1 just rolls her eyes.

This crease is above a fault in the earth’s crust and is known as the Waterpocket Fold. Hey, it’s getting cold out here! The next morning we resumed our drive through Capitol Reef Country. Chica 2 was particularly intrigued with the petroglyphs that are on rock within eyesight of the highway and wanted to go add her handiwork to the drawings.

Thankfully she didn’t (and never would), but she did admire the talents of the ancients. Now to be honest, thesevtwo city girls were getting pretty tired. By the end of this drive, 2 Chicas had traveled about 1,200 miles!

Capitol Reef has more cliffs, domes, and just miles of rocks and wilderness. Enjoy the solitude, this area is notorious for being sparsely populated. 2 Chicas took pictures and headed back to Salt Lake City. We were needing a little city fix!

2 Chicas Bid Farewell to the Salty Lake

Our last meal in Salt Lake was at the Blue Plate Diner. This place has the most incredible Corned Beef Hash breakfast, made with real corned beef, fresh potatoes, and cheese.  Chica 1 has not yet had a better hash! If you are ever in Salt Lake, you have to try this item. Chia 2 had a burger with Swiss cheese and she said it was wonderful! She said it was juicy on the inside with a nice crust on the outside.

While killing time early Saturday morning, 2 Chicas headed to the outlet mall in Park City. It was a welcome diversion and interestingly, there are practice slopes right next door to the mall. Since 2003, this area has hosted the World Freestyle Championships, so please don’t underestimate the quality of the slopes in the area. Park City was established in the mid 1800s after silver was found in the mountains. Later gold, zinc, and copper were also discovered. Park City has a lot of history, and over 60 of the buildings in the city are recorded on the National Register of Historic Places.  Visit their main street if you love old buildings, you certainly won’t be disappointed.

Chica 2 mined the outlet mall for some great deals. So much so that she thought she was going to have to buy more luggage to haul all of her yields home. Fortunately, Chica 1 knows how to pack and got everything to fit in the suitcases we already had. Chica 2 waved goodbye to the Salty Lake and promised to come back to this great state. Chica 1 teased Chica 2, saying, she certainly hoped to return since the 2 Chicas didn’t make it over to Moab. Arches National Park is awaiting a visit from the 2 hilarious travelers!

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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!