8/27/16 14 to go. That's actually impressive to me. Thanks to my parents and I am sure in large part to my step-dad, Tom, I have been all over the US. I have a love and appreciation for nature and history and a loyalty to my amazing country. Don't get me wrong, I did not always enjoy the long car rides through state after state. In fact, it is possible, I slept through a majority of some of these states while my step-dad, who I called Dad shouted and pointed out wildlife and scenery from the front seat. I just wanted to do something not see something. I'm sure that shapes how I vacation today. We see things, but we also do things.
I am grateful for all of the wonderful experiences I had growing up and the places I have been a part of as an adult. Part of me would like to visit all of these states as an adult and maybe, just maybe after I finish the list, I will go back and see them again.
We have a trip planned to South Dakota to see Mt. Rushmore over Labor Day weekend, so I am already tackling the a state on the list. We plan to also see Crazy Horse and the Badlands. Short trip, but packed full of fun. Well, I think it will be fun. We'll see what the kids say after the six hour drive there.
Alaska and Hawaii may have to be visited by cruise ship. In fact, every state other than South Dakota is going to take some real planning. I was hoping at least Oregon and Washington would not be that far, but they are about a 20 hour drive. North Dakota may end up being the most difficult only because why would we go to North Dakota? What do they have to offer? I'm sure the people of the great state of ND are shuddering right now. Who does this woman think she is anyway? Try to think of one thing of significance in ND. you can't. Admit it. Neither can I. Maybe the largest ball of string is there and we can go see that. Harv and Lois went on a winter snowmobiling vacation up north somewhere, not ND, but maybe we could do that. I've got 5 years to figure out what is there to see and get motivated to see it.
9/3/16 South Dakota is off the list. It was beautiful and barren and rugged. Glad I wasn't there in the winter because I think I could add harsh to the description. It was a short visit to see Mt. Rushmore and the Badlands, but that is all I needed...just a taste. In looking at my list, I don't think there are any other states that are close to Colorado that I could go to without considerable expense.
11/28/16 I didn't log it when it happened, but I have bagged two more states. I didn't get to see much of Oregon yet, but I know that will change. What I saw scared me and made me laugh at the same time. We had an interesting 20 minutes in a gas station on the state line that involved some people who could have walked straight off of the set of Doc Martin. Couldn't tear my eyes away. I have spent several days and nights in Washington and have seen quite a bit of Seattle and some of the surrounding area. I like it and hate it all at the same time. I think if we were a few years down the line, I would look at it as a great adventure. At the moment, I am just wanting to make sure my boy transitions smoothly and has the best school and opportunities for friends and activities that he can. Jeremy is pushing for us to live not to far from downtown, but I'm not sure that will work. Maybe in three years it will work. Maybe not right now. We'll see. Blasted Amazon!
1/31/17 Don't have any plans for this list right now. Too many things up in the air. Too many expenses coming our way.
- Alaska
- Delaware
- Hawaii
- Maine
- Massachusetts
- Michigan
- New Hampshire
- North Dakota
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- Vermont
- Oregon-11/4/16
- South Dakota-9/3/16
- Washington-11/4/16
- Alabama-Visited
- Arizona-Visited
- Arkansas-Visited/Lived
- California-Visited
- Colorado-Visited/Lived
- Florida-Visited
- Georgia-Visited
- Idaho-Visited
- Illinois-Visited
- Indiana-Visited
- Iowa-Visited
- Kansas-Visited
- Kentucky-Visited
- Louisiana-Visited
- Maryland-Visited
- Minnesota-Visited
- Mississippi-Visited
- Missouri-Visited
- Montana-Visited
- Nebraska-Visited
- Nevada-Visited
- New Jersey-Visited
- New Mexico-Visited
- New York-Visited
- North Carolina-Visited
- Ohio-Visited
- Oklahoma-Visited/Lived
- South Carolina-Visited
- Tennessee-Visited
- Texas-Visited/Lived
- Utah-Visited
- Virginia-Visited
- West Virginia-Visited
- Wisconsin-Visited
- Wyoming-Visited
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