Aruba - Day 4 - ATV/UTV There is a Difference

We woke up a little sore on our bums from the horseback riding but, me being me, there is no rest for the weary.  Today we had what we thought was an ATV tour planned but realized we were actually doing a UTV tour.  The difference being the ATV is what you think of, open seating, 4 wheel motorcycle with one rider behind the other (holding on for dear life).  A UTV is actually a mini jeep with a wide base and a steel frame and roof.  We rode it like a regular jeep, side by side with seatbelts.  No helmets required either which was good and bad.  Good because it is so hot but bad because you have never seen dust like the dust that is on these trails.

We were picked up again at the hotel. This time in a windowless school bus.  Immediately upon entering the bus we made friends with some Alabama fans and Tennessee fans...SEC is all over the place down here.  In spite of them trying to convince us that we 'ain't seen tailgating until we tailgate at an SEC game', and that the football players running down Clemson's hill isn't the best entrance in football, we liked them a lot.  Haven't met one person who is the least bit unfriendly or grumpy.  For the record, the UT guys agreed with us about the Clemson entrance - they went to college in South Carolina so they KNOW how awesome it is.  They were obviously afraid to go against the 'Bama fans since UT hadn't beat 'Bama in years, they figure they better just shut up on this one and support the Big Dog in the conference.  We know what they were thinking though.

Once we arrived at the tour's office, they allowed us time to visit their 'zoo'.  They gave us carrots and kibble to feed the various animals and hilarity ensued (if you have been following along with our blog you can only imagine the scene that unfolded).   There were nice deer, some mules and donkeys.  I even fed them from my mouth because I like to live on the edge like that.

YOLO 

The true terror came at the Emu/Ostrich.   First a little background.  Rylee had us all watch this video last year at the Grand Canyon.  It is both the funniest and scariest thing I have ever watched (okay maybe not the scariest but you get my point.  For the record, The Exorcist was the scariest thing I ever watched.  My older cousin Diane was babysitting us when it was on TV and that loser let me watch it, I think I was 8, I didn't sleep for 2 years.  And then my brothers made it all worse by making me believe Uncle Henry lived in my closet and under my bed....I am getting off topic).  Anyway, watch this video and then tell me you would be willing to feed one of these vicious monsters.
 One Eyed Emu Attack....

So now you have some context.  My fear doesn't stop me from trying to force Lainey to feed the Emus though.  She wasn't having it.  (sorry it is sideways...I am not good at the technical aspects of the blogging bit)

Peacock Equivalent of Flexing at the Gym

There were a lot of other animals, all seemed happy and well fed.  There was even grass which is unseen anyplace else due to the lack of rain fall (<15" per year).  I was so busy bullying Lainey into feeding the Emus that I didn't get to see many other animals.  I did catch this beautiful peacock.  He was trying to impress the ladies outside the bathroom.  It was pretty cool to see him strutting around, I told Lainey I hope someday she makes a boy spread his pretty feathers for her like that....I think her eyes got stuck in the back of her head for a minute from the overly excessive eye roll she gave me. I think the human ladies were much more impressed with him than the peacock ladies.  

We were finally ready to go get on the UTV's and head out.  Thankfully, they give out dust masks/bandannas to protect your eyes and mouth.  Lainey pretended she was on Survivor the entire trip..."Do I look like I am on Survivor?"  "YES, Lainey for the 50th time, you look like you are on Survivor..." (insert mom eye roll here)

Survivor Here She Comes 

The terrain was just like the horseback riding but we were going super fast for the conditions.  Lainey was driving because she drives like this on a regular basis so I figured she had the experience.  Plus, I wear contacts and I was very afraid the dust would cause me to not be able to see once it got into my eyes.  I was right and the first stop, I took my contacts out in favor of my glasses.  Every stop, the glasses were covered in dust and had to be cleaned off.  If I hadn't had my glasses, I would have had to keep my eyes closed as we drove, not a good idea! 

The first stop was Santa Ana Chapel.   I missed a lot of the history due to dealing with my contact difficulties but I did hear him say the chapel was only used for a few years.  He said a drought came and they blamed it on worshiping at the chapel and went back to worshiping pagan gods of fire, water and rain.  At that time they only got 7" of rain a year and it was their only source of fresh water.  The chapel was quaint.  

If you have read any of my previous travel blogs you will know that I light a candle whenever possible for my parents, my daughters and for my partner, Steph.  I was thrilled to see the candles lit up at the front of the chapel.  I lit one and said some prayers, so grateful for this wonderful, privileged life I lead.  I also asked for God's watchful eye over all of us, especially my Dad with Father's Day this Sunday and the tough winter he made it through health wise.   I prayed for strength for my mom in continuing the caretaking of my dad.  I also prayed for strength for me, because when I get home, I have a long summer ahead, crusading for something I believe is necessary and right, but is going to be so much emotional hard work.  I asked God to bless Stephie as she embarks on her new career of Retirement and, of course, to continue to guide my daughters as they reach more milestones in their lives.  It was a nice time for me to just 'be' and to remember who is important to me and why. 

We were off again for more dusty, death defying off roading (another good reason for my talk with God at the chapel).  We visited the same sites as yesterday with the horses but we got to get off and get in the water.  At the natural bridge, I got a cute picture of Lainey but then proceeded to get nailed by a wave, totally soaking me for the rest of the day (did I mention how dusty the ride is???  not a good combo with water. ugh.)  Lainey also got nailed and lost her flip flop (which she chased down) and her sunglasses (which she didn't).  The UT guys laughed their SEC asses off and the dad from a family of Boston couldn't breathe he was laughing so hard at us.  It's fine...I have a feeling lots of stories were told about us from the others on our tours.  :)

Cute Pic Under Natural Bridge
Pre Tsunami

A stop at the gold mine was next and since we had already seen it we went to the coastline instead and waited and waited and waited for the wave to hit juuusstt right so the spray would make for a cool picture.  Those of you with teenage girls know what I am talking about.  This resulted in ten minutes of bad pictures, a location change, lots of arguing and I am not even sure if we ever got a good picture.  Honestly, though, it was just stunning being that close to the power of the ocean.  I can't even begin to describe it. 

This was the best I got with the spray after 1000's of pictures 

(Note...if you are doing a tour like this, it is best to wear hiking sandals instead of flip flops. Aruba is all volcanic rock and it is sharp. I was thankful for the proper footwear and that I didn't wear my tennis shoes).

We were off to our last stop, Natural Pool.  This is very remote and the rental car companies will specifically say not to take the cars/jeeps here.  I was super excited to get to see it.  Lainey did a really great job driving and navigating. She was the only female driver in our entire group and kept up better than most.  The tour guide was awesome, super funny, informative and a take no prisoners attitude.  

Natural Pool is just what it says, it is a pool that has formed between rock formations in the ocean and is safe for wading and swimming.  Locals kept it a secret for many years but due to the growing popularity of Aruba, they just take the tours there now.  It took some doing to get down to it but was well worth it. 

Natural Pool is Way Down There

View From the Top of the Cliffs at Natural Pool 

Obligatory Selfie at Natural Pool 

Lainey swam in the pool, I chose not to.  At one point, I didn't see Lainey.  I got distracted from the people cliff jumping.  A huge wave came over the top of one of the barrier rocks and pushed about ten people under water and gasping for air.  Lainey was in that group. LOL.  She happened to be using her Go Pro at the time and caught it on video.  It's pretty cool and truly shows the power of the ocean and that was AFTER it hit 13 foot rock barrier and just came over it and through some cracks. She was no worse for the wear and I told her she can use the footage when she tries out for Survivor - she has the bandanna after all.  

Natural Pool was our last stop and we had about a 30 minute easy drive back to the tour's home base.  Once there, we boarded the bus, commiserated with everyone about the dust and dirt and sat quietly for the remainder of the ride to the hotel.  We were tired.  

Lainey headed for the pool, me for a shower and a nap.  After a restful afternoon we ventured out for a later than normal dinner.  It was delicious (as usual) and the waitress was so cute.  She was from Columbia and when we told her why we were on vacation she truly got misty eyed.  She told Lainey to be thankful for the time with her mother because she never sees her mom anymore. She said when she last saw her she stayed by her side every second, slept with her and did everything with her because she misses her so much.  I was sitting there, emotional, and I think it even got to Lainey.  We are so very lucky.  It reminded me of my mom and when she came to the US at age 17 and how much she must have missed her mom.  I think, no matter what, we always want to be with our moms.  At this point, Lainey's eyes are for sure permanently affixed in the back of her head...:)

After dinner we went to listen to some music.  I properly drank too much and embarrassed Lainey as any good mother should.  Secretly, she had a fun time too.   

I have already had 4 glasses of wine in this one.

The Waitress Made This for Lainey

These pictures are from the piano bar.  The waitress would be appalled that Lainey wouldn't hug me.  I wish she followed my blog because she could comment and say, "Lainey hug your mother!".

So, by the looks of it (and length of this blog), we should be heading home.  We weren't done yet though as we thought it would be a great idea to try out the casino.  I literally hate gambling but Drunk Gretchen is about the nicest, funniest (I think so), easily coerced person you will ever come into contact with.  So off we went...thankfully, it was super smokey so we didn't stay long.  Just long enough to lose money.  Lesson learned for young Lainey.  

Finally, it was time to go home.  Here's a little video to sum up the night.  Tomorrow is a beach day. Thank God...we were busy!