Sunny was itching to go faster than the local streets legally allow, I was itching to explore my new state…road trip! We headed north to visit a few new-to-me spots.
The first stop was Montezuma’s Castle. This 5-story Native American creation, with construction that began during the 12thcentury, was carved into the limestone. While it was inspiring to think about the work that went into this (my “handy-ness” is somewhat limited to putting together shelving units… a couple that might generously be described as “rickety”) there wasn’t a lot to see because climbing into the structure was verboten.
So, it was off to the next location, Montezuma’s Well. Although there’s a connection to the Castle (the Well is considered a “sub-unit” plus it has the word “Montezuma” in its name), geographically these two landmarks are somewhat separated (approximately 11 miles between the sites).
I was glad to be in a Jeep because the turn-off to the Well was unpaved. Right as I turned onto the gravely road, I spotted a hand-painted sign with a simple warning… “Cows!”. Since I didn’t have bovinophobia (real word!), I risked continuing forward. For the next couple miles there were cattle guards and, as the sign foreshadowed, the path was lined with grazing cows, one of which stared me down (but didn’t seem too dangerous). Eventually, the small parking area appeared.
First, a quick stop at the rangers station to learn some important Well background. The sinkhole has such high levels of carbon dioxide that very little can live within, although leeches seems to do ok (note to self, don’t go swimming here). While the natural spring located within the sinkhole might have enticed many people in the early days, there is arsenic in the water (note to self, don’t fill your S’well bottle here). Regardless, the area was beautiful (both for its own views and the mountains in the distance) and void of noise beyond actual nature.
Continuing on the day’s agenda was a visit to the privately-owned Out of Africa wildlife park which sits on more than 100 acres. As the website states, the founders wanted visitors to “get a sense of an authentic Africa”. Sounds great, let’s explore!
Upon arriving, the parking lot didn’t seem full and the ticket booth was devoid of employees. Instead, a sign directed purchasers to enter the gift shop. Having done a little research, I knew the cost of entry was about $42, however, May is my birthday month which meant a $12 ticket – #nicegift. The shop attendant was a friendly woman, also from the Chicago area, who seemed quite excited about our Midwest connection when I showed my Illinois license. After she shared important tips about the park (i.e. try to see the Snake Show at 2:15 p.m. and catch one of the African Safari bus tours), off I went.
As it wasn’t quite time to see snakes, I wandered around the property gazing at the lions, tigers and (as the song goes) bears. Coming across an emu on-site was a little puzzling given Australia is about 6,000+ miles from Africa. He looked confused too but emus aren’t known for their intelligence so maybe that was just his typical expression.
On to the Snake Show, where a small crowd gathered to view Apollo, the beautiful 16’ yellow and white python. We were allowed to give him a pat – very soft to the touch – but asked to avoid going anywhere near his mouth or the tip of the tail. Not wanting to be a snake snack, I took heed.
Next was the African Safari tour but as I waited and waited for the guides, my energy was waning. When I started to leave the property, the lovely shop attendant came running after me – she strongly suggested I not miss the tour. The open air bus took us straight into a large gated area where giraffes approached to eat our proffered acacia leaves. Nearby there were also zebras, water buffalo and even an ostrich (another flightless bird, but this species actually does reside in Africa).
Getting up close and personal with the gorgeous creatures was additional icing on the cake of a very special experience. Plus – another weekend where I didn’t get eaten by a snake!
Have you ever fed a giraffe? What’s your favorite flightless bird? Would a 16′ python make a good home-security pet? Leave a comment below!
*Quote by Lois Crisler
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