The Awe-Inspiring West Rim of the Grand Canyon

Guapo Point in Grand Canyon West, Arizona

When you hear people talk of the Grand Canyon, sometimes people refer to it as the hole in the ground while others talk about the beauty of the landscape.  Each person shares their own opinion about any type of topic or event, just as they share their own opinion on their thoughts of visiting the Grand Canyon.  And, that’s what I’m going to do here – share a little bit about my experience of the West Rim of the Grand Canyon.  But before I do share my detailed experience on my tour of the West Rim of the Grand Canyon, allow me to share some fast facts about the area:

• Even though the air temperatures may soar into the 100s, the water temperature within the Colorado River remains a chilly 45 degrees year round.
• Grand Canyon West lies in the middle of the Tribal Lands of the Hualapai Nation.
• Grand Canyon West is separate from the Grand Canyon National Park, which is maintained by the United States National Park Service.
• The West Rim is the ONLY place in the entire Grand Canyon where you can take a helicopter to the canyon floor.
• The West Rim is one of the only areas that allows visitors to access the bottom of the canyon.
• The Skywalk was built by the Hualapai, and it extends over 70 feet from the Rim hanging out over the canyon floor, which is some 4,000 feet beneath!
• It is only a little over 120 miles from Grand Canyon West to Las Vegas, Nevada, and 242 miles to the South Rim Visitors Center.
• At Guapo Point, you can visit the Native American Village where you can peruse items on sale by members of the Hualapai, Navajo, Hopi, Havasupai and Plains Native American Tribes.
• At Hualapai Ranch, you have the option of staying overnight in a cabin facing the canyon.

Prior to going to Las Vegas for the Star Trek Convention last August 2017, my friend, Allison and I decided that rather than try to spend extra money on seeing Vegas shows, we would opt for a tour of the Grand Canyon instead.  When you’re from the East Coast, it’s not often that you’re going to cross the country, and we both figured if we were that close to the Grand Canyon, we may as well see what all the fuss was about. 

After scouring the various tour companies, we settled for one with Canyon Tours as they provided a pick-up at our hotel, which was very convenient.  The morning of our tour, the shuttle driver picked us up before picking up a few other tourists scattered at various Las Vegas hotel. Soon thereafter, we departed Las Vegas and drove out to Boulder City’s Municipal Airport.  From there, we boarded a 19 seat prop-plane that flew us from Boulder City, Nevada, to the Grand Canyon West Airport.  The flight was quite scenic as you flew over the Hoover Dam, Lake Mead and the Mojave Desert (which quite honestly made me think I was flying over Mars as it was so desolate!)  Allison and I were strapped in to the jump seats at the very rear of the plane with both of us having emergency exit doors on either side of us (I wasn’t quite sure whether to be relieved or slightly nervous at the thought!) As our pilots touched us down on the runway at Grand Canyon West, we kept peering around trying to locate the Grand Canyon as from the airport tarmac, you can’t visibly see anything. 

We were immediately paired off with another couple from Russia and escorted quickly to the helicopter pads, where eventually a helicopter landed for us.  I was fortunate enough to be able to ride in the front seat with the pilot, which totally thrilled the aviation lover within me.  As we inched slowly skyward, the pilot maneuvered us so that we hovered over the Grand Canyon and my jaw hit the ground.  He proceeded to fly us through a series of twists and turns before setting us down some 4,000 feet from the top on the bottom of the canyon floor.  Upon departing the helicopter, we endured an arduous hike down a number of trails and stairs to the edge of the Colorado River where we boarded a pontoon boat that sailed down the cool yet muddy waters of the Colorado River. 

When I glanced around at my surroundings, I quickly figured out ‘what the fuss’ was all about with the scenic aura of the Grand Canyon.  I was in completely awe.  Words cannot even describe the sheer beauty that surrounded me, as you can somewhat see in the photos displayed here (although the photos can’t do it justice!)

Eventually, after nearly dying in the August heat and climbing the stairs back up the hill to the landing pad, we boarded another helicopter which took us back up to the top.  We then were given our bag lunches (which I thought were quite nice) before we boarded a bus and headed towards Eagle Point and the infamous Skywalk.  We enjoyed our lunch while staring out at the beautiful expanse that was displayed before us.  That was a lunch view I could enjoy getting used to!

Our tour did include access to the Skywalk, and I must admit that I was somewhat disappointed with the Skywalk in general.  Due to weight concerns, you aren’t allowed to take any personal items (including cameras or cellphones) out on the Skywalk.  All of your items have to be locked up in a locker.  So, it is just you and your physical body walking out on the Skywalk.  When we first went out, it was so sunny, that you couldn’t even see down through the glass walkway.  Some individuals were even laying down on the walkway trying to see through to the bottom of the canyon.  While it did provide a nice view, it was kind of disappointing not to be able to take photos of your own nor really see what was right below your feet.  (I am sure at other times, if it isn’t so sunny for example, you can likely see straight down – which would terrify someone who has a fear of heights!)

After another picturesque stop in Hualapai Nation at Guano Point, we returned to the airport terminal at Grand Canyon West for our return back to Boulder City and on to Las Vegas.  I can’t speak for my comrade, Allison, but I was absolutely blown away by the beauty of the Grand Canyon.  One of our guides told us that every day was a different scene.  He said the colors were never quite the same because of the sun, the clouds and a combination of any other factor.  Part of me, even a little over seven months later, is still in awe at having visited such a breath-taking place. 

So, if you are ever out in Las Vegas, I would highly recommend taking a day from your schedule and go visit the Grand Canyon.  From Las Vegas, you can drive to the Hoover Dam in 30 to 45 minutes, whereas the drive to the Grand Canyon is around two and a half hours.  But, I would highly recommend the Canyon Tours option, as well.  The cost is a little pricey, but for those that I have recommended it to (who have also taken the tour), they have all agreed it was money well spent, and I must concur.  I’ll admit that I whined and squawked and complained when I saw how much it was going to cost, but looking back on it now, I have NOTHING to complain about as it was absolutely phenomenal!!!

Rather than taking the five-in-one tour (that we did), I would possibly recommend taking the four-in-one, which basically excludes the admission to the Skywalk.  You still get to go to Eagle Point and the other locations, but you save a little money by not purchasing the ticket to the Skywalk and you aren’t likely quite as rushed. 

Canyon Tours describes their Grand Canyon West Rim Tours as follows -- Venture deep into Hualapai Indian country and discover the Grand Canyon’s West Rim! Arrive at the West Rim by bus, airplane, or helicopter and explore the Hualapai Village or experience the sensational views of Guano Point and Eagle Point. Complete your West Rim adventure with a helicopter floor landing, a relaxing cruise down the Colorado River, or a heart-pumping stroll on the Grand Canyon Skywalk. Or if you’re a true adventurer, try one of our one-day whitewater rafting adventures! The West Rim features iconic viewpoints and unique attractions, including the Grand Canyon Skywalk. With tours departing daily from fabulous Las Vegas and complimentary hotel-to-hotel pickup and drop-off to most major hotels on the Las Vegas Strip, you can sit back and relax on your Grand Canyon West Rim adventure.  (https://www.canyontours.com/)

If adventure is calling you or even maybe history or just a love of nature and scenic beauty, you most definitely need to visit the Grand Canyon.  I personally don’t believe that you will be disappointed in the least. It is an action packed, fun-filled adventure!   HOWEVER, if you do go in August, first of all, may God be with you because it is HOT, but second of all, make sure you take plenty of water!!  It is one place that I would most definitely love to visit again, just maybe not in the dead of summer!

From the canyon floor
Colorado River in the close background along with
the surrounding canyon walls.

Helicopter awaiting lift-off from the floor of the West Rim

Took this photo while aboard the pontoon boat in the middle of the Colorado River.

Simply amazing beauty of all that surrounds in the Grand Canyon.

My chariot awaits! 

Eagle Point, Grand Canyon West, Arizona
You can see the Skywalk on the left as it extends out over the canyon.

Pictures cannot do this area justice.  The range of colors is simply incredible!

Another view from Guapo Point

On the return flight back to Boulder City, I didn't have any visual from my side of the plane of the Hoover Dam.  So, I simply held my camera up and took a quick snap out Allison's emergency exit door.  Thinking I didn't get anything, I didn't even review the pictures.  When I returned home and was going through my photos, I found this!  I audibly gasped at how crystal clear and perfect this picture took!  For having not been able to see a thing, I think it turned out pretty well!

Paradise awaits at Coco Cay

One of the beaches at Coco Cay - relaxation!

White sandy beaches, warm temperatures, hammocks and beach lounge chairs scattered haphazardly here and there, palm trees swaying in the ocean breeze – are you tempted yet? 

(Let me apologize in advance for the quality of the photos that are displayed here -- they are well over 13 years old, on ancient technology in comparison to today's standards.  The clarity does not due justice to what Coco Cay actually looks like.)

In 2005, I took my first Caribbean cruise and one of our ports of call was Coco Cay, which is a Royal Caribbean leased island in the Bahamas. When I first stepped foot on the island, I could only describe Coco Cay as simply being the closest thing that I had ever seen to paradise.  The descriptions above were some of the first sights that I saw once our tender arrived on the small private island, which was surrounded by the most amazingly bluish-green waters that I had ever seen in my entire life.  It was beautiful, and even magical to say the least. 

Here are some interesting facts about the island courtesy of Google, Wikipedia and some other vitally important and useful search engines (ha!):

• Coco Cay is also known as Little Stirrup Cay, and is a part of the Berry Islands of the Bahamas, which consists of a collection of cays and small islands that are located approximately 55 miles north of Nassau (which will be featured in another blog down the road!).
• Coco Cay is quite petite in its size, as it is less than one mile wide (east to west) and less than 200 yards across (north to south).
• As of the 2010 census, the population of Coco Cay was a whopping 38.
• The eastern end of the island is the central location for all the recreational activities with a beaching area that fronts a coral basin where manatees, rays and fish can often be seen.
• The northern end of the island boasts a rocky basin where the cruise ship tenders dock and operate in and out of ferrying island goers to and from the cruise ships, which are anchored at sea.
• Nature trails run the entire length and width of the island.
• Neighboring Great Stirrup Cay is Norwegian Cruise Line’s private island.

Amazingly colorful waters!
It is somewhat crazy to glance back to see your ship
anchored at sea while you're enjoying time on the shore!

When we visited Coco Cay in May of 2005, the temperatures were practically perfect as the sun baked down upon us.  Once we departed the tender on the island, which was amazing to me to look back and see your cruise ship anchored away from the island in the midst of the crystal clear waters, we chose our beach chairs appropriately located under some palm trees. To me, it just seemed fitting to be on a private island and perch my beach chair under a palm tree. 

Clear waters allow you to see the wildlife at its finest.

Shortly thereafter, we decided to give snorkeling a try, which was going to be a daunting task for me as I am not keen of water to begin with.  After going through the mandatory safety class and donning my massive Ronald McDonald sized flippers and gear, we embarked into the crystal clear waters in search of whatever wildlife we may encounter.  My friend, Heather, decided to be adventurous and go out to the mock sunken ship where they had feedings that caused multitudes of fish to swarm around you.  I erred on the side of caution and floated around in the waters watching a few fish swim here and there.  While I did enjoy snorkeling, it also somewhat traumatized me because I had inadvertently over-inflated my life jacket, so when I attempted to lay down and float around, breathing through the mouth-piece was taxing and I thought I was drowning at first, ha! 

Needless to say, I was much more at ease laying back in my chair and gazing at those parasailing high in the sky and others splashing about in the waters.  Relaxation at its finest in my beach chair under those glorious palms!

We also enjoyed a picnic lunch of sorts with hamburgers and all the fixings under one of the tiki shelters scattered about the island courtesy of the cruise line.  The food was quite yummy, so much so that the chickens, who inhabited the island (maybe all 38 of them, ha!) kept pecking around your feet in hopes of catching a crumb or two that may miss your mouth!  It was quite neat to see your atypical cruise ship wait staff let their hair down and serve you on the beaches rather than in the formal dining rooms.

After lunch and a little more relaxation and strolling around, we stopped at a few of the little shops before we caught the tender back to the ship.  I quite enjoyed my stay on Coco Cay, but do wish we could have stayed a little longer and soaked up the rays or maybe tried out the Wave Runner or even given parasailing a try.

The Royal Caribbean website offers this mouth-watering description -- “Surrounded by the gentle, translucent waters of the Bahamas lies our private island destination Coco Cay.  With its white-sand beaches and spectacular setting, Coco Cay is a tropical wonder of adventure.  The private paradise features new and updated aquatic facilities, freshly groomed nature trails and more lounge chairs, hammocks and cabanas – where you can just relax with a cool drink or cocktail.” 

If that doesn’t sound enticing, then I don’t know what does!  So, on your next cruise, particularly if you are sailing with Royal Caribbean, I would make sure that Coco Cay is a featured port of call on your itinerary.  What better escape than to get away from the real world and be on an isolated island far away from reality and full of relaxation and even a little adventure.  Grab your gear and go snorkeling, kayaking, parasailing or even scuba diving if you’re feeling adventurous.  Or just grab a chair and people-watch, and if you’re brave, like I was, bring home a bottle of fresh white sand as a souvenir.  (Yes, somehow that did get through the TSA scanners in the airport!)

Sitting on board our tender ship in the dock at Coco Cay with
our cruise ship in the background.

Royal Caribbean's map of Coco Cay

Where in the World is Meredith?

I am forever getting asked – where in the world are you at now or do you ever stay home? I am constantly on the go and am always taking treks to various places, so naturally people always inquire as to my whereabouts.  It’s rare that I ever stay home, and even when I am in my hometown, I’m usually out at a sporting event or on the move as I obviously don’t like to sit still for too long of a period.  Many of you have made a lot of comments to me inquiring about my travels and stated how you often enjoy viewing the photos I take while on various trips, and I appreciate all those lovely comments!  But some of you have also inquired and suggested that I possibly elaborate a little more about some of my excursions to provide more information on places I’ve visited, things I did, places I stayed, etc., almost as a guide for themselves or others who are also pondering travelling to those destinations.

That made me begin pondering the reality of posting a travel type blog.  I am by no means a world-traveler, as I’ve never even crossed the Atlantic, or Pacific for that matter, nor am I, by any means, an expert writer, as it’s just something I merely enjoy doing!  But I have been fortunate to travel to a variety of places within the United States of America, Canada and the Bahamas.  Some places I have only visited once, whereas others I have become a repeat visitor. But, each location has impacted me in some way – positive, negative and made some sort of lasting impression.  With all that in mind, it made me realize that maybe I could share some of my insights for the public to read and potentially use for their benefit.

Needless to say, I have come to the realization that I do love to travel.  I love to get out and explore.  If I go to a new place, or even somewhere I’ve been to before, I rarely like to sit still.  I want to take it all in and be sure that I can experience as much of it as I can for fear of missing out on something.  Get out and about, and explore!!  Don’t let the opportunity of missing a new adventure pass you by!  Those are two mottos that I’ve kind of adapted for my own self as I travel here, there and a little bit of everywhere.

So, as the notion strikes me, as it may not be a weekly post, I will indulge those of you, who may actually read my blog, with a variety of travel posts.  I will try to cover a variety of cities, airports and places that I have visited.  In each post, I will try to share a brief overview of the trip in general and highlight some of things that I did and places I stayed (in case you are curious as you may want to utilize those same accommodations), places I’ve eaten and as much information as I can remember (ha!) to share.  If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to ask, while I may not have all the answers, I definitely don’t mind giving it a shot.

My hope is that some of this information may be useful to you as you plan an adventure of your own.  Even if you don’t go to a location that may be featured here, maybe some of the tips and suggestions you can incorporate in your own explorations.  But nonetheless, the important thing is to get out and see what you haven’t seen.  Open up yourself to a new realm and you’ll be amazed at the things you learn and see.  Expect the unexpected because you never know who you may meet along your path!  

As they say on Delta Airlines, “Welcome Aboard.” So, ‘welcome aboard’ Meredith’s posts of adventures.  Buckle in tight, please don’t walk about too much as unexpected turbulence cannot be ruled out, but most importantly, enjoy the ride!

Zoey

What’s that concept about man’s best and most loyal friend is typically your furry friend?  Well, that’s always held true for me during my lifetime, as I’ve been blessed with a number of furry friends – Pepper, Aggie, Marlowe, Bernie and Lizzie just to name a few.  But aside from Marlowe, who was my childhood best friend and protector, Zoey Katherine has been my adulthood best friend and partner in crime. 

In late 2003, some of my relatives found Zoey and her brother abandoned as puppies and they took them to nurture for a few months until they decided they couldn’t keep them, along with their other critters.  Initially, after Marlowe died in 2002, we pondered not getting another dog, but when my Mom called me to tell me that my relatives had some puppies they were giving away, I was surprised and immediately went down to check them out.  Zoey was a tiny little thing, solid black with a small patch of white below her neck and her ears perfectly flopped over like a Lab, but her face was much too pointed for her to be a full Lab.  Her little brother was tan, brown and black and had a lot of the characteristics of a German Shepherd.  How I would choose between the two, I had no idea.  So, I decided that when I put my hand in the crate, whichever one sniffed me first would be the one I chose – and that ended up being the girl. 

She was initially called Blackie, but I wanted her to have a real name.  Dad wanted me to name her Katie, but I was hung up on The West Wing at the time and named her Zoey, after one of President and Mrs. Bartlett’s daughters.  But to compromise, I allowed her middle name be Katherine for Dad, ha!  As she grew older, her ears did a transformation and completely stood straight up like a Shepherd.  The vet said that she was obviously a Lab/Shepherd mix, but additionally something else because she wasn’t quite as big as a true Lab/Shepherd mix.  But contrary to Marlowe, who would kill snakes and anything else, Zoey was very skittish because of whatever she may have endured prior to my relatives finding her.

The thing that most amazed me about Zoey was just how smart she was, in particular when it came to finding my purple Firebird, which is the only car she will actually ride in.  The first time I noticed this was when we were leaving the vet one day and I told her let’s go find the car.  I was standing still and she started pulling me in the direction of the Firebird.  The next thing I knew, she had gone to the driver’s side door (which is always the door she preferred to get in) and she stood on her hind legs and put her paw near the door-handle, almost as if she were saying ‘look, Mom, I found the car first!’

My sweet Zoey, yes she is sweet although I know to some of you she’s showed her teeth and barked severely at you, turned 14 in September of 2017.  That’s quite an old age for a dog of her size, and she’s the longest living dog that I have ever had.  Sadly though, I can tell she’s starting to wind down.  She’s lost a lot of weight and just seems to sleep more, but even when I let her out, she still has her get-up-and-go speed. And of course, she still loves to ride in the Firebird even though I have to help her in and out now.   I know that when she passes this will hit me harder than when Marlowe died.  He passed away while I was gone to Boston, but I had an idea he would.  I was still younger, and while it was sad, since I’m older and Zoey has been more like a child of mine, it’ll hit me harder than his passing, at least I think it will. 

Nonetheless, pets are our furry friends and ultimately our family members, too.  They can always bring us such comfort when we need it the most.  I know I’ve often ranted with them about issues that I’ve faced, and while they don’t verbally respond, it does seem that sometimes they listen, well until that squirrel catches their eye and they go running off after it!  Cherish you time with your furry friends and make sure to spoil them as much as possible!

Zoey was absolutely addicted to Candy Corn!!!

We spoil her so much that she gets her own swimming pool in the summertime!

Yow

If you’re familiar with collegiate women’s basketball, I’m sure you’ve heard of Pat Summitt, Geno Auriemma, Muffet McGraw, Kim Mulkey and numerous other coaches. But, I can almost guarantee that you’ve also likely heard the name Kay Yow. Whether it’s because of her being the legendary, Hall of Fame Head Coach at North Carolina State University (Go Wolfpack!) or from the ongoing Play4Kay initiative games held each year to raise awareness for all types of cancer, her name ranks right up there with the other top coaches. Her legacy has been imprinted upon countless souls around the world – not just her impact as a coach, but also as a friend, mentor, influencer and advocate.

Growing up in Raleigh, North Carolina, being the daughter of a graduate from North Carolina State University, I was surrounded by all things Wolfpack Red.  I remember vividly watching NCSU women’s basketball games on television, as well as Coach Yow and Nora Lynn Finch’s television show and subsequently listening to their radio show.  As a youngster, there was nothing more that I wanted than to play basketball for Coach Yow.  Sadly, a shoulder surgery in elementary school that caused extensive damage prevented me from playing any sports (you can see one of my prior blog posts where I went in to much more detail about that incident).  But even with my basketball career aspirations being sidelined, I still looked up to Coach Yow and Nora Lynn as a strong influencers in my life.

For many of us, dates are significant in our lives.  We can easily remember exactly where we were when September 11^th, 2001, happened and so many other poignant events that stand out to us can be remembered instantly.  I’ll never forget where I was on January 24, 2009, when it was announced that Coach Kay Yow had succumbed from her fourth round of cancer.  I was sitting at a Smithfield Chicken & BBQ restaurant eating lunch with my good friend Tiffany.  ESPN Sports Center was playing in the restaurant and a breaking news story came on announcing the passing of Coach Yow.  Almost immediately, I felt like a portion of my childhood had ended, but I knew her legacy would continue to spread and reach so many souls, just as she had done over the years at NC State.  Yet in that same moment, I knew that I would take it upon myself to not only encourage people to donate and support the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, but I also felt the need to devote a good portion of my free time to attending numerous women’s basketball games to continue to help grow the sport.  I felt it was the least I could do to keep Coach Yow’s flame burning.

Sadly, I never got the opportunity to meet Coach Yow in person, which was one thing I always wanted to do, and possibly something I still regret to this day.  Yet, even though I never met her I felt I knew her, and deep down, I know for 100% certainty that I will get to meet her one day in Heaven – that may be a more joyous meeting than an earthly meeting had ever been.  Coach Yow possessed a strong faith in Christ, and she was not afraid to share her passion and love for Him, which is such a powerful testimony to her character and I know it impacted me almost more than her leadership influence.

During the month of February, I challenge you to try to find a local Play4Kay event, whether it’s at a university close by your hometown or even a local high school team. Try to make it out and support the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. You can visit www.kayyow.com to learn more information on the fund, as well as her life.  We all are impacted by cancer in some way, shape or form, so we can all work together to support a great cause to help aim to find a cure, and continue to keep Coach Yow’s legacy going. 

I’ll close this blog with some of my most favorite quotes and sayings by Coach Yow.  I hope each of you will find these challenging and meaningful in your own lives, as I know they have been for mine.

“Adversity doesn’t build character, it reveals it.”

“I will, not I’ll try.”

“You can’t change the direction of the wind, but you can adjust your sails.”

“When life kicks you, let it kick you forward.”

“Don’t wallow in self-pity or you’ll drown.  Swish your feet and get out.”

“It’s what’s inside that counts.”

And Coach Yow’s life verse is one that we can all live by.

Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.

X-Files

If you’ve ever heard the phrases “The Truth is Out There” and “Trust No One,” then you likely are going to immediately know what this blog is about – one of my all-time favorite TV shows, The X-Files!

If you’ve ever been scrolling through your TV channels, you’ve likely at some point ran across The X-Files or else, you’d recognize it immediately by the infamous whistle and somewhat creepy theme music, which to me has almost become second-nature to me.  It has become one of the most iconic theme songs, at least to me, of all time, and a show that is both thought provoking, challenging and stimulating.

Years ago, when The X-Files first debuted, my Mom was the fan, and I thought it was absurd to watch a show about little green men or human-like mummies who inhabited the sewage systems in New Jersey (although, that could possibly be plausible in New Jersey – sorry to all my friends from New Jersey!) 

But nonetheless, I just couldn’t wrap my mind about why she was so intrigued by the show.  As time would have it, I eventually forced myself in to watching it, and was immediately hooked.  Yet as time continued to progress, my mother gradually quit watching the show, but not me as I couldn’t get enough of it – baby’s with tails, creepy looking humans, genius children with super-powers, super soldiers and of course the governmental conspiracies!  

Contrary to what many people believe, the show isn’t always about big eyed aliens or little green men that inhabited the country or Area 51 and Roswell, New Mexico.  The X-Files is centers around a branch of the FBI whose purpose it is to research and explain unusual and paranormal activity.  Yes, at times, that may include UFO sightings or little green critters roaming the planet or even alien abductions, but there have also been some quite challenging, thought provoking and controversial episodes over the multitude of years and subsequent two movies in which the show aired.  

The X-Files revolves around two essential characters of Agent Fox Mulder, the ultimate believer in the paranormal world, and Agent Dana Scully, the medical doctor who is also the initial super-skeptic.  Years ago, I aligned myself with Scully, as I was quite skeptical of paranormal activity of almost any kind.  But after re-watching so many episodes over the years, I started to realize that Mulder had some valid points.  I’m not saying I believe in aliens or have seen any UFOs, nor have I been abducted by aliens (that I know of, ha!), however when it comes to governmental conspiracies (or conspiracies of many kinds, for that matter), you better believe I am well-open to believing anything is possible.  In the world that we live in, there are often paranormal activities or unexplainable events that occur, even on a daily basis.  Have you ever had any strange encounters? 

Amazingly enough, The X-Files has just returned again for its 11^th season.  The series first aired in 1993 and ended its run in 2002.  Yet after so many questions were left unanswered from the prior nine seasons, FOX brought the series back in 2016 and now again in 2018 for two additional seasons.  To say I was excited to learn of its return was a massive understatement – I could hardly contain my excitement, as I felt my younger years were coming back to life, and Mulder and Scully would be back in our homes on a weekly basis for a little while and not in re-runs!  Last night was the premiere of season 11, and while I won’t discuss any spoilers here, let me just say my mouth was wide open at the end of the episode, and I can’t imagine what may happen this season! 

So, even if you don’t want to believe or you’re not sure about the paranormal experiences, I think you’ll find something in The X-Files that you might enjoy.  Who knows, watching the show may cause you to start questioning some things that are going on in today’s society!  So, do you want to join Team Mulder or Team Scully?  The truth is out there, somewhere!

Wonder Woman

Several years ago, as I was standing at the check-out window at one of my doctor’s offices, I overheard the gentleman say “you look just like her.” At first, I ignored him thinking he was talking to a co-worker, but when I realized that he was looking at me, I raised my eyebrows and shook my head in confusion before responding, “Who?” He smiled and shook his head laughing in astonishment and said, “Wonder Woman.” I was baffled because at that time, the only Wonder Woman that I was truly aware of was the comic strip version and I thought to myself that there was no way that I looked like a comic strip character!

Over the course of the subsequent follow-up visits, he continued to make the same remark, and then lo and behold I started to get the same comment from random people scattered here and there. Curiosity killed the cat, and I started doing some research to discover that there was an actual Wonder Woman television show (albeit before my time!) starring Lynda Carter. A friend of mine allowed me to borrow her DVD set of the series, and I watched it with somewhat fascination. Upon my initial watching of the show, I could see where people would see a possible resemblance because of us both having dark hair and light blue eyes, but I was more struck by how awesome Wonder Woman was.

Oh! What I would do to have an invisible airplane or have the capability to simply twirl around and turn into a superhero with incredible wristlet bracelets warding off bullets, her lasso of truth and her tiara that could be used as a boomerang, among her many other amazing talents!

Wonder Woman was a fascinating television show, and I absolutely loved the character for her strength and resilience. It was an overall fairly clean show, and one that the family could easily watch and enjoy. I ended up going out and purchasing the DVD series myself. Lynda Carter was a true beauty (and she still is), and I envy her in many ways. She was perfect in the role as Wonder Woman. And while I don’t mind being reminded of our similarities, there is no way on Earth that I would wear her wardrobe as I do not have that much self-confidence.

Many have asked me if I’ve seen the new Wonder Woman movie, and the answer to that is no. Most everyone that I have heard who has seen it thoroughly enjoyed it. And, while I feel pretty certain that I would enjoy it, as well, my only gripe is that the new Wonder Woman doesn’t have blue eyes!

At least now, when people tell me that I remind them of or look like Wonder Woman, I can always know that they are referring to the lovely Lynda Carter! We all supposedly have a twin somewhere in the universe, which is a scary thought for some people! Who have you been told that you resemble or that you remind someone of? I’ve been told quite a few people, but Lynda Carter seems to be the top contender for repeated occurrence, and I’ll take that as a high compliment!

**Post-writing update: since the initial writing of this blog, I ended up watching the Wonder Woman movie during a cross-country flight. To be honest, it wasn't exactly what I suspected. While it was a decent film, it didn't actually grasp my attention as I assumed it would. I still prefer the original Wonder Woman series over the latest movie, and yes, I'm still upset she doesn't have blue eyes!!**