Holbrooks on the Horizon

https://www.stlzoo.org/visit/my-stl-visit?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI77_29d2P5AIVwhd9Ch1IA

What a fantastic zoo. Picture a park-like setting. If you really look at the zoo map, it resembles a shoe! The best part, entry into the zoo is FREE. There are a few things in the zoo that are not free. If you have a membership with your home zoo you might be eligible for some perks at a visiting zoo. Since Zoom Zoom and I have a zoo membership to the San Antonio Zoo we were able to get a package deal for the price of one. The package included; a 4 D movie, a train ride, a carousal ride, and the Sea Lion Show. We felt like we got our monies’ worth.

Going in the zoo it’s a must to plan your route. Even though we got there early and left at 5:00 when they closed we still didn’t see the whole zoo! We only had one day in our itinerary to see the zoo! We always hit the giraffes first, for obvious reasons! They are my most favorite animal. I love their beautiful eyes, their ears, the little horns that stick out of the top of their heads, their patterned spots, their long blue tinted tongues, and their long necks! Then all other animals after that are gravy!

These photos are of the giraffes. Zoom Zoom took 99% of the photos on this trip. He has an amazing camera. His camera zooms in close so he can get some excellent shots!

A fun place in the zoo is the Stingrays at Caribbean Cove. This experience is not free and not part of the package we purchased when we entered the zoo. The tickets cost $3.95 a person unless you are there the first hour the zoo is open, then it is free!

There are signs up as you are waiting in line letting you know how to “pet” the sting rays and sharks. Palms down and let them come to you. If you happen to be there during feeding time, you can purchase food to give them, too for $1.00 a cup.

The tank is 20″ deep and holds 17,000 gallons of water. The stingrays and sharks have a special resting place if they get tired of all the petting. There are several interpreters and docents around if you have any questions or need help feeding the stingrays.

As you exit the experience they are smart just like a lot of amusement parks. You exit into a gift shop! “Mommy I want…” “Daddy, Pleeeeease!!!!” “AHHHHHHHHH!” insert kicking and screaming child! Yes, this is a grat marking scheme!

Just outside the gift shop is a hand washing station. Thank goodness, I didn’t want stingray whiff on me until I could find a bathroom!

We made a stop at the hippos, Jessica’ favorite animal. I don’t think any exhibit will ever beat Fiona in Cincinnati.

We found the Grizzly Bears and the “Trainer Talk.” There were 3 trainers at this talk. They were feeding the grizzly bear fruit kabobs. Honestly I can’t remember anything the trainers talked about! The bear was too darn cute, behind the thick wire and bars, eating the fruit off of the kabobs.

If you go to the St. Louis Zoo you really need to visit the Penguin House! All you need to do is reach out and you would be able to touch a penguin, although you know not to! Continue through the penguin display and you come upon the Puffins! Oh my goodness, the are so cute up close. While we were in Canada we saw them from the boat tours and they mostly looked like tiny black dots!

We came back later to listen to the Trainer Talk about the Humboldt Penguins. This trainer was extremely passionate about is job!

https://www.cosatx.us/visitors/international-waterlily-collection

http://www.internationalwaterlilycollection.com/

https://www.facebook.com/InternationalWaterlilyCollection/

As we were driving around San Angelo, TX,  we accidentally stumbled upon this magnificent waterlily display.

Ken Landon is responsible for this beautiful display. It is considered one of the premier collections in existence.

The gardens around the ponds have beautiful flowers, too! I love the shape of this Passion Flower.

 

http://www.samfa.org/

https://www.facebook.com/samfalove/

Before entering the museum, we walked around the grounds. They have a memorial statue honoring the victims and first responders of 9-11. They acquired a piece steel from one of the towers and fashioned it into a cross. It is nestled between two shiny black cubes resembling the twin towers. All around the center, where the cross is displayed, are the times of strikes to the towers. The one thing I do know is each time we see something like this reminds us that when we are attacked the U.S.A. stands together.

The San Angelo Museum of Fine Arts is located on the banks of the Concho River. The exterior is recognizable – the roof is shaped like a saddle. Once we entered we learned that the art galleries were located on the 2nd and 3rd floors. Once we arrived on the 2nd floor we signed in at the Gift Shop. All the volunteer needed was our zip code. There is no entry fee. There is a donation box, so Zoom Zoom put money in it. The museum keeps permanent collections and traveling exhibits.

The first gallery we entered held the museum’s permanent collection. They have acquired some unique pieces from a gentleman that bequeathed his collection to the museum.  They also are collecting pieces to be used for study. The goal is to help the community to gain an appreciation and understanding of aesthetic and artistic achievements in the visual arts. I get this last statement. When entering any museum, art moves you. Sometimes the piece you are looking at causes a happy feeling, excitement, wondering, loathing or instant love at first sight. It’s ok not to like someone’s piece of art. It’s ok to love a piece of art – this is the purpose of seeing these pieces. I often wonder about the blind. I wish there was a way for them to see what we are able to see.

These pieces are from the permanent collection. I love folk art. 

I liked this gallery the most- True Texas. They have art pieces in this gallery from local artists – giving them a place to show their work. I liked how there is a photo of the artist working at their craft. Each artist also has a write up about them letting us know a little about them and how they learned/started creating their kind of art.

Jason Thigpen   Classic Apron

Jason is a leather worker and needed an apron that would hold up to the intense work he does. He created this apron and posted a photo on his Instagram. He had a few followers and one of them asked if they could share it on their social media. Jason gave him permission and the next thing that happened is he started getting orders for his apron. He started his business with this apron. His real passion is leather work. They have some of his samples of his work  on display.

Ana Ruiz   Humble Heritage

Ana uses alpaca wool to create her beautiful woven rugs.

 

Joshua and Farrah Meadows    Qabal

Joshua and Farrah create “creatures” from deer bones and other mixed media.

Michelle Cuevas   Dinner Place Setting    Epifania 1939-2016    Ernesto 1926-2015

Michelle began her crafting when she was a child working in the workshop with her grandfather. She uses low-fire clay, low-fire underglazes and beads to create her art. The first example is her dinnerware. She also creates frames to honor deceased loved ones. They resemble clocks without the movements. Ernesto is the grandfather that taught her to be an artist.

Wilson Capron   Bit

Wilson uses sterling silver to fashion the bit. He also creates the conchos using very detailed designs.

The next gallery we went to was all works from the Angelo State University Art Department teachers. Once a year the gallery displays their works. Here is just a sample of what we saw.

These two pieces were in the hallway. I LOVE the hop-scotch!

 

 

 

 

https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/9268

Muffler Man: Mr. Bendo

First stop…Muffler Man: Mr. Bendo.  Mr. Bendo belongs to Marvin Fillup. He stood of front of Marvin Fillup’s business- Fillup Automotive. When Marvin’s business moved out of town, Mr. Bendo moved with the business. Mr. Bendo is 22’ feet tall and was purchased from California in the 1960’s. When Mr. Fillup divorced, he “won” Mr. Bendo in the divorce proceedings. As you can see in the photo, Mr. Bendo is off the highway on the other side of the railroad tracks and in front of a telephone poll.

https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/7742

Mermaid Statue in the Concho River-Pearl of the Concho

No, you are not drinking. Yes, there is a mermaid in the river holding/offering a pearl. I wonder if Jeremy Wade has ever caught this “River Monster.” The artist, Garland Weeks, rendered the sculpture after the original piece created by artist Jayne Beck. Freshwater mussels have been found in the waters, since the time of the conquistadors, producing lustrous pearls. The statue was dedicated to the city of San Angelo in 1994 by the friends of Jayne Beck after her passing. 

https://tpwd.texas.gov/state-parks/san-angelo

Rusty buffalo found at the San Angelo State Park!

https://www.angelo.edu/

Zoom Zoom and I stopped at our old college alma mater – Angelo State University. Zoom Zoom started here in the fall of 1980 while I attended The University of Texas at San Antonio. We married in the summer of 1981 and I transferred to Angelo State University. Zoom Zoom majored in Computer Science and I majored in Education (K-8) with a minor in English. We graduated in the summer of 1984. Gooooo RAMS!

https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/35188

Monahans Sandhill State Park   Monahans, TX

Monahans Sandhills State Park was our first stop today. Zoom Zoom and I have been to White Sands in New Mexico so we wanted to see how these two compare. First off, let me say, the State Park worker at the gate was extremely friendly and helpful! She went out of her way to show Zoom Zoom where we could drive and easily turn around since we were  pulling Jethro. It takes just a couple of minutes to drive through the park to get to the best part. Once we arrived at the BIG sand dunes they were just like the ones in New Mexico. The only difference is there is overnight camping here! Bring your own saucer to slide down the dunes.

I took some pictures of the flowers growing in the park. It always blows my mind at how pants can adapt to such arid places. The yellow flowers are sunflowers and the white ones are called field bindweed.

Abby wanted to drive!

https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/15841

Jack Ben Rabbit – World’s Largest Rabbit (Former)   Odessa, TX

This rabbit was built in 1962. It stands 8’ tall and was a way to pay tribute to the city’s jackrabbit roping competition held every year since 1932 during the Odessa Rodeo. Along came the Humane Society and shut down the roping competition for good in 1978. Prairie Pete Park was Jack’s next residence for several years and then it was moved to the maintenance yard. Fortunately, the town’s people wanted the rabbit to be displayed again and it was moved to its current location. In 1997, some idiots tried to steal the poor thing so the city had to bolt it to the sidewalk.

https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/53259

Rusty Longhorn and Early Oil Mural   Odessa, TX

The “Rusty Longhorn” was sculpted from rusted steel by sculptor Joe Barrington. This longhorn was dedicated in 2010. Because Odessa is also well known for its oil industry there is a spouting derrick mural painted on the wall behind the longhorn.  Longhorns are a cross breeding of Criollo cattle brought over from Spain in 1493 and English longhorn brought by the settlers in the 1830’s. Because of the crossbreeding, the longhorns are bigger and hardier. Most have horns that span 4’-7’. These longhorns roamed the open range until the end of the Civil War. After the Civil War, cattlemen would run cattle drives north. The numbers of longhorns diminished drastically. In the 1880’s, barbed wire fencing came into the picture. The cattle drives north ceased and because of the state park system the longhorn breed was able to be preserved.

https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/13129#:~:text=Made%20of%20limestone%20slabs%20up,%2C%22%20that’s%20not%20exactly%20true.

Permian Basin Stonehenge   Odessa, TX

This replica of the original Stonehenge is 70% the size of the real one in England. It is located on the University of Texas of the Permian Basin and was completed in 2004. It was installed by Connie and Brenda Edwards, owners of TexaStone in Garden City,TX. They say that some of the stones are 19” tall!

https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/55150

Giant Longhorn Skull   Odessa, TX

The skull is quite impressive!  We took pictures with Wally, Jethro and the skull to try an show the size of this masterpiece! Just a quick stop for the picture and back on the road.

https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/1284

Permian Basin Petroleum Museum   Midland, TX

Zoom Zoom has always wanted to stop here at the Permian Basin Petroleum Museum. I thought he was just really interested in the petroleum industry – nope! He wanted to see the Chaparral cars. Before we ever got on the property we were met by a very nice gentleman thinking we were there to sleep in their parking lot through the Harvest Host program. He wanted to show us where to park. We explained were were just there for the museum and Zoom Zoo said he was there for the cars. I can’t tell you how many times he has told me about seeing the Chaparral cars. I don’t know why , but I thought they were some kind of car used in the oil field. I had NO idea they were race cars – I really should have known better!

TEXT+DRIVE=EXTINCT

Once we entered the building the receptionist was pleasant. Zoom Zoom paid and she explained that there was a short film about the petroleum industry and how, then, the museum wraps around. The film was very informative. Do you know where our oil comes from? If you said dead dinosaurs – WRONG! When the dinosaurs died they died on top of the land. Then they either decayed or were eaten by scavengers. It turns out the oil is from a single celled organism called a diatom. Once the land was covered with water. When the water receded, the diatoms died and eventually turned into oil.

The first columns made for the drill bits to fit in were made from wood! After we started pumping oil, the automotive industry exploded!

These next photos show oil rig paintings and how oil can be found anywhere. Most of our oil deposits are found in the ocean. And, Geologists will take core samples all the way down to 10,000’. This helps them know were to dig.

The museum has two galleries. One of the galleries has beautiful examples of rocks in their natural form.

They have an art gallery too. These works are from and artist named Tom Lovell.

They have a “hands on” section for the little ones. Too cute!

These shoes were found in Presidio, TX. The Pueblo people made them between 900-1000AD.

The museum has a camp for kids from 8-12 that like to build with Legos.

 

On to the entire reason we stopped at the museum. Zoom Zoom wanted to see the Chaparral cars. Chaparral cars are an innovation in thinking from two men, Jim Hall and Hap Sharp. These two men took racing where it had never been. They designed a movable wing and used aerodynamics with ground effects to speed their cars up. With these cars they won world wide fame and recognition.

At least every other month one of the cars from the collection is driven in the circle out front. This keeps the cars in great shape. If you want to be a part of the Chaparral Pit Crew you can join it through the Petroleum Museum Website  Also, if you want to know if they are driving a car in the circle and would like to be there contact Luanne Thornton (lthornton@petroleummuseum.org ) and she will add you to the email list.

https://www.roadandtrack.com/motorsports/a32350/jim-hall-chaparral-2j-history/

There is one “model” that patrons can climb in and take a picture of themselves dreaming. Of course my Zoom Zoom climbed right in. What it shows you is race car drivers are tiny like jockeys.

 

https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/14700

Recycled Roadrunner

Our first stop of the day was at the Recycled Roadrunner found at the rest stop just west of Las Cruces, NM on I- 10. The roadrunner is NM’s state bird. This artwork was created by Olin Calk. It is 20’ tall and 40’ long. It’s eyes are made from old VW headlights. Looking at it from the parking lot, we could identify crutches in its’ wings, and old tennis shoes in its’ tummy.

https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr9Ilm_SWlfPMYAw3tXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzIEdnRpZANDMDQ2OV8xBHNlYwNzcg–/RV=2/RE=1600764479/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.roadsideamerica.com%2ftip%2f32418/RK=2/RS=drsn75AqiIUl79s7FzrsYfUOYxk-

World’s Largest Chile Pepper

The pepper was built in 2010-2011. It is 47’ long. It can be found outside the Big Chile Inn. Since peppers are a favorite of NM they decided use this to attract tourist to their neighborhood, but also to distinguish themselves from all the other motels around them. Walking around, I found a couple of smaller chilies!

https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/22051

Toth – Carved Big Native American Head

This is a very large carved Native American carved by Peter “Wolf” Toth. He has carved at least one carving for each state.

https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr9CWnhTmlfho4AH2lXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzEEdnRpZANDMDQ2OV8xBHNlYwNzcg–/RV=2/RE=1600765793/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.roadsideamerica.com%2ftip%2f27865/RK=2/RS=qvDmhBfT5IQt4YBEWon77ftfdFQ-

https://r.search.yahoo.com/_ylt=Awr9CWnhTmlfho4AIWlXNyoA;_ylu=Y29sbwNncTEEcG9zAzIEdnRpZANDMDQ2OV8xBHNlYwNzcg–/RV=2/RE=1600765793/RO=10/RU=https%3a%2f%2fwww.roadsideamerica.com%2ftip%2f27865%3foffset%3d5/RK=2/RS=kicG2FwdjxN_oBG_I.VEngVhMGo-

House of Sugar La Casa de Asucar

Rufino Loya Rivas created the beautiful piece of art between 1973 and 1998 as a homage to the city of El Paso. He uses many religious figures and ornate decorations based on churches he remembered as a young boy in Mexico. He has written several descriptions in both Spanish and English. It is apparent he still takes great pride in his place. The artwork, fences,sidewalks and even signs all look freshly painted.

https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/18902

Van Horn, Texas: Mexican Restaurant John Madden Tribute

Mexican food is my favorite! When Zoom Zoom said he wanted to go to Chuy’s for linner, I was on board! The original owners have a love relationship with John Madden and every year he would stop at their restaurant. They have a lot of memorabilia about him, they had a mural painted on the wall depicting Jesus praising the restaurant as his tour bus would stop by, and they even created him his own “thrown.”

 

 

 

https://www.facebook.com/BowlinsTheThing/photos/?ref=page_internal

https://www.roadsideamerica.com/story/2023

https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g31170-d1740344-Reviews-The_Thing-Benson_Arizona.html

If you are  like me growing up as a kid, traveling down I- 10 you would notice the signs advertising “The Thing” for miles either side of the roadside attraction. I would secretly hope my dad would pull off the road so we could be one of the lucky ones to know what on earth “The Thing” was and sure enough we would pass the exit. Skip forward 25+ years later, when our kids were little, we lived in Las Vegas, NV for 4 years. We would make a pilgrimage back to Texas each summer to visit family. We stopped at the attraction just to see what “The Thing” was. 25+ years ago “The Thing” appeared too be a “mommy and a baby mummy” in a coffin. If you ask Kathryn, she remembers seeing it – I’m not sure about Jessica.

As in the past, the signage began MILES from the attraction both east and west! They have purchased new images that entice the driver to stop!  As you know, Zoom Zoom and I are SUCKERS for this kind of stuff. The quirkier the better! When Zoom Zoom pulled off the highway the signs for truck and RV parking were VERY clear! We parked and headed in to find out the wonderment of seeing “The Thing.” We headed to the back corner of the store to pay. It is $5.00 per person. The young girl at the register asked if we have ever stopped before. I told here about growing up and passing the the signs and then when we had kids – we stopped. I told here I remember “The Thing” was a mummy back then. She told us to have fun and off we went!

The new exhibit challenges the participant to take a journey. We are to challenge history as we know it. They have developed a whole new course of our history dating back to the dinosaurs! The exhibit begins with dinosaurs and then suddenly they are wiped out! While the dinosaurs were still roaming, aliens land on the earth. The aliens’ planet was dying so scout ships were sent out. Because of the aliens’ superior intelligence they are able to enslave the dinosaurs. The dinosaurs DNA is mutated and they have telepathic powers. Now, like any good story there is a battle against good and evil. It turns out that there are two factions of aliens good (Ammattria) and evil (Mylzerath.) The Ammattria are a peaceful group and take sides with the dinosaurs. The war between the factions lasts hundreds of years which cause earthquakes and volcanos to erupt. The Mylzerath knew they were fighting a losing battle and left the planet. They aimed an asteroid at the earth hoping to destroy the planet. 75% of the earth was destroyed! 500,000 years after the asteroid hit the earth, the planet is completely recovered. Mankind is now on scene. How you ask? By ancient Cave Dwellers! The Ammattria help these Cave Dwellers they called humans. Eventually, the evil Mylzerath return! The two factions, once again, fought. During that time humanity continued to grow. The conspiracy is that the Ammattria help the U.S.A. gain its independence from Brittan. Our new nation was strong. The Mylzerath continued to cause upheaval and they start the Civil War. Again, the Ammattria were victorious!  It is said that in the 1880’s, while digging for copper in AZ, that a mysterious creature was unearthed. Because it was so mysterious, these facts were kept from the public.

During the 20th Century, great technological advances were made – who is responsible? The Ammattria? Because the Mylzerath were still power hungry, they decided to turn their forces and joined the Nazi Party. The Mylzerath were so infectious they were able to get to Japan to bomb Pearl Harbor. This throws us back into a World War! Again, the Ammattria helped us win! Somehow the Mylzerath let the Nazi’s know we had the mysterious alien artifact. The Nazi’s devised a plan and stole it. Allies knew the Mylzerath stole it and the 101st Airborne got it back. As history continues to arch forward, the U.S. develops nuclear weapons. Conspiracy theory is  – what if the Ammattria helped us develop the technology? 

The exhibit challenges us to think differently. What if “The Thing” is the missing link between humans and aliens! What if “the Thing” is the ancient artifact dug up in the 188’s? What if the best way to hide something in plain sight? Think about how we get the knowledge to develop new technologies – what if it is from the aliens? There are many many more “What ifs” that could be asked. The biggest “What if?” What if I tell you what “The Thing” is? What if I don’t!

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https://reidparkzoo.org/

Zoom Zoom is channeling his inner “Invisible Man.”

I am so spoiled! Before we left on this month-long trip, Zoom Zoom purchased tickets to this zoo. The Zoo, opened in 1965 with birds, prairie dogs, farm animals, and a few squirrel monkeys. Now the Zoo is 24-acres and has hundreds of animals in exhibits that look natural. Pulling into the parking lot and parking under the solar panel covers, it wasn’t apparent at first glance as to where the entrance to the zoo was. We just sort of followed the small crowd. The zoo is having growing pains! That’s good for them! There are construction fences outside and throughout the property which are camouflaged with zoo signs. There were plenty of volunteers and workers around to help us out! Since Zoom Zoom purchased the tickets online, all he had to do is pull up the emailed tickets with a barcode and the attendant scanned them. We followed a construction fence maze and entered the quaint zoo. I so appreciated the workers reminding the patrons to put their masks on. This was not only to protect us, but some of the animals that are susceptible to illness too. The zoo limited the number of patrons allowed and is only open 8am-2pm. We got there at 8. What a blessing, too! The animals were awake and being fed. We were able to see all of the animals! A few of the exhibits were closed because of COVID-19 or, like a set of birds, they were nesting.

If you know me at all, you know my  favorite animal is the giraffe! They have a pair of reticulated ones here – male and female. I bet we spent at least 30 minutes just watching these two. The male would follow the female all over their enclosure. She wanted her space. By the time we left she was nuzzling him. These gentle creatures have the sweetest looking eyes. Zoom Zoom did a great job at capturing them.   

Male

Female

Parts!     

LOVE!

After the giraffes, we looked at the rhino. Oh my, can they eat! It was munching on what looked like sweet hay. After it got it’s fill it was just like a baby and fell asleep!

 

This pair of Grizzly Bears was super cute. These two are sister and brother from Montana. Their mom taught them some bad habits on where to eat (in town, out of your garbage can, from restaurant dumpsters …) so it was decided that the Zoo would adopt them. Since it was so early in the morning and it was feeding time, we got to see them chow down on some raw meat! Their teeth and their claws were quit impressive! After eating, Ronan went for a swim and Finley played a little and then took a nap! The enclosures at this Zoo are so impressive. It actually looks as if they are living in the wild. 

Look at those claws!

Ronan is having fun.

Finley checks out her ball.

Hmm… should I swim or take a nap?

Nap. Definitely a nap!

After seeing the bears we headed over to the elephants!   Two sets of elephants were separated by a fence. There was one male and 2 female elephants and two babies. The ones closest to us were the two baby elephants and a mom. How fun to be an elephant! Using your nose for eating, bathing, AND drinking – bonus points for Jesus’s ingenuity! Again, Zoom Zoom got some fantastic pictures. I take good ones, but his are so good! One of the photos we both got was when the daddy elephant came over to the fence where the mommy and her babies were. I have NEVER seen elephants kiss, but I promise these two were kissing over the fence. The male was sequestered on the other side of the fence with the other female. You’d think we were in Utah!

We saw this unusual critter – Baird’s Tapir. I didn’t know these guys like water! While we were here at the zoo it spent a lot of time soaking in the water.

We were able to get some great shots of the anteater! These two were super active. I accidently got a few photos of the female’s tongue sticking out! It’s sooooooo long!

Zoom Zoom thinks I have a fancy paint job!

It’s hard to see my skinny tongue here.

Oh, much better!

What is a zoo without its’ birds? Most of these I have NO idea what they are, other than beautiful!

 

The American Spotted Necked Otter is a fast little sucker! Trying to take a picture of him was no easy feat! Between Zoom Zoom and I we were able to get a few good ones!

Like all the other animals – it is nap time!

It’s “Turtle and Tortoise Time!” (RHONY reference)

This guy is called Herbie. He weighs 500 pounds and is at least 50 years old! They don’t really know how old he is because he came with the zoo!

The Meerkat are probably my second favorite animal at this zoo. I love how one will be the lookout while the rest of the group does their Meerkat things. Zoom Zoom noticed that two of them were missing an arm. Turns out that these two are moms of a couple of litters.

I like to think of this guy as the “FUN” Uncle. He is keeping lookout but with his own style. All he needs is beer!

 

This last section of pictures is my section of – Just Because We Took the Picture!

This artist’s art work was all over the Zoo. She made these mosaics and the donor plaques. Beautiful work!

I saw the sign first! Yep, LOOK UP!

They have some beautiful foliage.

 

Memorial artwork in memory of Dr. Thomas Miller, DVM

 

Socially distancing in 2020…

The End!

I know, it’s a head scratcher! Why is “This Area Temporarily Closed?” *The restroom was open!

https://www.nps.gov/moca/planyourvisit/exploring-montezuma-well.htm

After seeing the Montezuma Castle we got back in the Jeep and headed over to the Montezuma Well. It is about 8 miles northeast of the castle. Getting to the Well takes a short hike – uphill of course – to the outer edges of it. The material they have printed  says it is a 1/2 mile round-trip. The trial is poured cement and dogs are allowed.  They have plenty of signage showing what you are looking at and barriers to remind you not to step over the edge. The astonishing thing about the well is it dates back at least 10,00 years! The Southern Sinagua used the water to irrigate their crops. The well was created by a limestone sink probably 10,000. It is fed by a freshwater spring. Each day 1.5 million gallons of water flows through it. Standing on the edge of the barrier you can see the dwellings built in the side of the cliff! Other structures can be found on top of the land.  Archeologist believe between 100-150 people lived here.

The water contains arsenic and high amounts of carbon dioxide. No fish can live here. BUT, five species live in this Well and cannot be found anywhere else on the planet! Each night 3 of these species play a sort of “Cat and Mouse” game. The amphipod, which resembles a tiny shrimp and is no bigger than a pinky fingernail, swim near the center of the Well, just out of reach from ducks and other predator during the day. These poor guys don’t catch a break. At night, the leeches come out! They say these are not the bloodsucking kind of leech. These leeches thrive on eating the tiny amphipods. The amphipods swim to the outer edges of the Well only to be threatened by the water scorpion! These amphipods must play another game, “Quite and Still as a Mouse” so the water scorpions don’t eat them. They hang out playing the game until the sun rises. Hanging out on the outer edges, with great seats to the action, are the Montezuma Well spring snail and a special single celled diatom.

Top left – leeches     Top right –  Montezuma Well snail

Middle left – amphipod     Middle right – water scorpion

Bottom left – diatom

Looking at the Well, it looks so peaceful. I would never in a million years guess there was life in there!

https://www.nps.gov/moca/index.htm

https://www.roadsideamerica.com/tip/54814

First thing I wanted t know is how it got its’ name. When the Early American settlers found the structure they thought the Aztecs built it and named it Montezuma Castle. This is a structure built into the side of the canyon, 100 feet above the valley built by the Sinagua farmers. It is 5 stories tall and has 20 rooms. It is badly dilapidated because over the years looters and age have caused it to wear down faster. The castle used to be about 5 stories tall with around 45 rooms. The Sinagua farmers used the the nearby creek for water and the terrace had fertile land for growing their crops. Again, these Native Americans planted corn, beans and squash. These 3 crops were really all they needed to survive. Men would hunt rabbit, deer and other mammals. The women would watch the children, grind the corn, make baskets and pottery and cook. Living on the edge of a cliff was not an easy task for anyone. The Sinagua lived in the area from 1100 and 1300. No one knows why they slowly migrated away. Speculation is there might have been disease, overpopulation, resources were depleted, conflicts within the group or even spiritual beliefs.  It is thought that these Southern Sinagua migrated northward to the pueblo villages.

Grindstones found at the site.

Footwear found at the site.

Ceilings were about 5 feet high. No open concept here!

The beams sticking out are made from the cypress trees found nearby.

This is the tree the beams are made from – what circumference!

Outer buildings for living or food storage.

Cut-away diorama of the Sinagua living in their dwelling.

Frantic mom chasing her child heading to the roof edge.

   

Women making baskets.

Hunter returning with dinner.

 

In this year of COVID-19, the park system has come up with many ways to deal with the social distancing. One of the ways is by using these decals depicting animals to relate to what 6’ is in real life. Also , here at this monument they have a Gender Neutral restroom – the first one we have seen labeled as such! When entering any souvenir store, they only allow a certain number of people in the store. This store allowed 10 people at a time.

6’ – the length of a javelina.

6’ – enjoy your national park.

6’ – the length of 3 ringtails.

6’ – the width of a car.

6’ – the length g a dog leash.

Gender Neutral Restroom