In America today we are constantly bombarded with advertisements promising happiness and contentment through purchasing certain products. If we turn on the news we are inundated by umpteen scare stories that may leave a viewer mentally drained, fearful and anxious. We are reminded daily of the current issues that inevitably divide us and we are now gearing up for yet another election which will support us debating and arguing until we go to the polls. And we are often reminded of how stout a democracy we live in, but how we need to protect and defend our liberties, rights and freedom – putting more pressure onto an already mentally overburdened populace.
Anyone who watches television, reads the paper, drives a car and listens to the radio cannot escape these messages which have become almost an integral fragment of our daily existence.
Yes it is indispensable to support abreast of current issues and to be reminded that we do in fact live in a free society. The advertising of products will never cease, so the best we can do if it does annoy us, is to try and tune them out. And debating issues and political campaigning comes with living in a democracy and we will inevitably hear about candidates and hot political topics in the media – whether we like it or not.
There are indeed flaws in the system we live in and many people are left behind or totally eliminated from serious pursuit of the American Dream – whatever its definition. On the flip side it’s possible to really catapult ahead with a combination of talent, luck, good contacts hard work and perseverance in this country.
But whatever your politics, religion or income level, all Americans should be united on one front – this country sure is pretty!
And we are all equal in the fact that we have access to the same national and location parks, monuments, lakes and mountains that abound in our own backyards. Furthermore it costs very little to see some of the most spectacular places possibly in the world, and we don’t need an ad agency, politician or campaign manager to sell them to us either. We can perceive and appreciate their beauty and worth for ourselves.
So this is not an article deliberating the pros and cons of American life, nor is it a debate on ideology, patriotism or politics. This is a celebration of the land itself – that which is called America – this attractive and diverse county in which we are privileged to reside in.
Why are we not constantly reminded of how beautiful America is? And why is there no campaign out there to allow every American citizen to take time out to actually see their own magnificent country? I propose such an action!
I have spent most of my adult life living in America. I grew up in Wales, Tall Britain and read American Studies at an English University. Throughout my youth I was fascinated by America – not its popular culture, (although that did seem enticing), nor its ideology, but by its literature, rich history, the countryside, its sense of freedom and mobility and something rather ambiguous which I can’t quite put my finger on, but comes close to adventure.
There are many aspects of America which have been disappointing to me – but I have never been disappointed with the sights that are here to sight and with the lovely people (and animated characters!) one comes across when traveling and indeed, in every day life.
I am married to an American and we have made it our mission to visit all 50 states before we leave this earth. My husband is on number 43 and I’m lagging a little behind at 37 – but that’s not bad for a foreigner!
I’ve seen America from airplanes, riding on Greyhound buses and of course from driving in a car. I have yet to see the states from a train, hot air balloon or helicopter!!
In what other country can you drive coast to coast and witness such a startling diversity of wildlife, scenery, climates, natural wonders and traditions?
On what other continent is it so easy to proceed such long distances and is relatively safe to do so? Where else could you hop in your car and say to hell with it, lets go to Virginia, Montana, Vermont or wherever?
Take California for instance – one morning we’re knee deep in snow in King’s Canyon National Park and objective a few hours later we’re driving through hundreds of acres of orange groves in the warm afternoon sunshine and by twilight we’re at the beach, looking out at the Pacific Ocean!
Everyone should have the chance to see the wonders of Yellowstone National Park. What a engaging place this is. Besides the well known attractions like Old Faithful – which is incredible, every minute of your visit promises some amazing experience. It could be a herd of buffalo with their babies on the side of the road, a playful coyote in a field nearby, a moose taking a drink at a stream, or, if you’re lucky, a black bear or even a grizzly by the roadside. During one visit my mother, husband and I saw one grizzly, three gloomy bears, coyotes, moose, lots of buffalo, a magnificent buck elk with a huge rack (ahem!) and his female groupies, and a bald eagle nonchalantly sitting in its nest. This was in addition to visiting Old Faithful, the magnificent waterfalls and yellow rocks which give Yellowstone its name, smaller geysers, other-worldly looking hot sulphur springs, lakes and streams. Then you have the Tetons a short drive away and even the rest of Wyoming (although desolate and featureless in parts) is beautiful in its own way – especially the incredible huge rock formations dotted in the middle of wide initiate spaces. You also see these driving through Utah, New Mexico, Colorado and Arizona.
Since we lived in Denver for seven years we made the most of our location to see as much of the west as we could. We were surprised to learn that many people who lived there had never visited some obvious places like the Mesa Verde or the Grand Canyon. But I guess it’s like me having never seen Stonehenge but always meaning to!
Wherever you live in America you are driving distance away from something – be it mountains, the plains, the ocean, a National park or status park that offers some attraction. Take some time off and go scrutinize somewhere that you’ve always meant to go visit. It can be done in a long weekend. We managed to drive from Denver to Glacier National Park in Montana and back in the space of sixty hours (including one night’s camping). We pushed it a bit but the important fact is that we went there and saw the place. On our return journey we even saw a bobcat crossing the road. Driving long distances also gives you the opportunity to really get to know your partner or spouse! We had the greatest time just driving and singing along to a David Bowie CD. It’s the simplest pleasures in life right? It also only cost us the gas money and one night’s camping. To most people, even the disadvantaged, it is do-able to see a part of your country. Give up something for a week if that’s what it takes or forego buying the big screen TV. You will never regret seeing some of the sights of America firsthand!
If its serenity you’re after then New Mexico, Arizona and Utah are some great places to visit. You can get yourself completely alone in the vast desert plains and actually listen to the silence – which becomes a feeling that permeates your very being. There are places where your anxiety and stress seem to roll off or dissolve and you find yourself in a timeless state. One of these rare places is Wupatki National Monument, northeast of Flagstaff in Arizona, adjacent to the volcanic Sunset Crater. Here you will come by the remnants of several red stone structures (pueblos or houses) of the Anasazi and Sinagua farmers and traders (said to be descendents of the Hopi) built almost 1,000 years ago. With the warm red colors of the structures, the peace, stillness and silence and the Painted Desert and mountain peaks in the distance – you can feel that the God (of your choice) is alive in everything.
Still out West, there’s the Petrified Forest, another fascinating and strange landscape in Arizona, Crater Lake out in Oregon, Yosemite National Park in California, the Meteor Crater in Arizona and the Grand Canyon of course (and don’t forget to check out the Navajo arts and crafts on sale at roadside booths as you drive into the park!) Driving through Utah is an incredibly beautiful experience – as I mentioned earlier the state is simply littered with beautiful rock formations and there are several parks worth seeing and there’s also Salt Lake of course which is a rare and involving contemplate.
In Colorado you have the Rockies which serve as a backdrop to the city of Denver. South of Denver there’s a place called Red Rocks – which is again a formation of rocks – this time of an intense deep red color and a similar attraction further south called The Garden of the Gods. Then you have the Royal Gorge and the Mesa Verde ruins. What excites me about Colorado and other states in the Rockies is the fact that you could come across a real predator during a hike in the woods or mountains. In addition to black bears, which my husband and I have come across during a lope, there are cougars or mountain lions out there. When I used to go hiking alone it filled me with a mixture of primeval terror and excitement when I read the signs to be aware of mountain lions and what to do if you encounter one. A friend’s son back in Wales was very enthralled when he heard that there were ‘real’ wild lions living in the mountains and foothills lawful approach our home in America! I actually followed the hasten of a mountain lion during one hike in a park called Roxborough one snowy afternoon – probably not the wisest of lone pursuits but fun nevertheless, as I’d learned how to distinguish between a feline print and a canine print! What I’d found was definitely a fresh Cougar print, but thankfully I didn’t come across its owner! I did however, approach across a rattle snake one day on one of my hiking trips – I was actually very aroused as I had never seen one before!
By far one of the most wonderful places out west is the Redwood Forest – it can do you possess in fairies, elves or both! There’s a feeling of enchantment when you’re surrounded by these enormous trees, whose bark feels warm to the touch, and the surrounding foliage seems to be of an almost unreal shade of green, adding further to its charm and magic! Seeing the Rockies covered in snow is also a wonderful experience – honest make sure you have chains for your tires!
Down in the southern states its another world entirely – one of stunning coastlines dotted with palmettos and palm trees, an abundance of exotic wildlife – including alligators, various snakes, humming birds, water fowl and striking cardinals. Streets are lined with trees luxuriously draped in Spanish moss, and a hot, humid climate makes you feel like you’re in the tropics. Reach evening time there’s the background music, courtesy of crickets and cicada bugs, reminiscent of a movie scene. And always down south you have the southern charm, hospitality and easy going atmosphere.
Check out the Sea Islands of Georgia and South Carolina, especially Beaufort S.C. Here history and unique culture abounds – you can learn about the Gullah language which is aloof spoken today – a Creole form of English indigenous to this area, with West African roots. You can also assume fresh fish literally straight off the boat and cook it on your outside grill or campfire – now that’s living!
And if its endless beaches and sunshine you like there’s Florida with all its well-known attractions. The Florida Keys are amazing and we had the privilege to see parts of it from an initiate cockpit bi-plane – an opportunity provided courtesy of our credit card! And a residence I’ve always meant to visit is the Everglades – I’ve passed by it several times but never stopped – so it’s on my list!
I’ve also traveled extensively up north in New England, especially in Novel Hampshire – Lake Winnipesauke boasts 72 square miles of water surface and has 253 islands! Mt. Washington is known for the worst weather in the world and when I ventured up there the wind was extremely strong despite it being mid summer. I’ve been to the Adirondacks of Novel York State and to Lake Placid, and have seen Vermont from the windows of a bus. I’ve visited the Amish community in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania to gape a different way of living, and I’ve seen all the sights in Washington D.C. including a tour of the Whitehouse.
We now live approach the Blue Ridge Parkway in the Smoky Mountains of North Carolina – which is dubbed “America’s favorite Drive”. Last week I had the chance to work on a location shoot in the Dupont National Forest, home to many spectacular waterfalls. It was here that they filmed some scenes for the movie ‘The Last of the Mohicans’ and it s a astronomical place to hike, fish, swim, and just relax.
America is a truly beautiful country and we should be proud of her. We should also endeavor to conserve and protect all these special places and the wildlife that inhabits them.
We also need to develop an effort to visit these places so we can fully experience the geographical and environmental diversity that surrounds us and the national treasures that are ours to enjoy. I still have 13 states to visit – including Alaska and Hawaii – I have no idea how long it will take me to fulfill my dream, but it’s the journey that’s well-known!
Have a safe trip base country! I’ll gape you on your travels!
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