- Key West, FL to Vero Beach, FL - 297 miles
- Vero Beach, FL to Delray Beach, FL (round trip) - 196 miles
- Vero Beach, FL to Charleston, SC - 451 miles
- Charleston, SC to Charlotte, NC - 210 miles
- Charlotte, NC to Princeton, WV - 175 miles
- Princeton, WV to Washington, D.C. - 320 miles
- Washington, DC to Asheville/Hendersonville, NC - 471 miles
- Asheville, NC to Nashville, TN - 294 miles
- Nashville, TN to Memphis, TN - 212 miles
- Memphis, TN to Jackson, MS - 209 miles
- Jackson, MI to New Orleans, LA - 186 miles
- New Orleans, LA to Houston, TX - 348 miles
- Houston, TX to Austin, TX - 162 miles
- Austin, TX to Carlsbad Caverns, NM - 480 miles
- Carlsbad Caverns, NM to Roswell, NM - 96 miles
- Roswell, NM to Albuquerque, NM - 198 miles
- Albuquerque, NM to Flagstaff, AZ - 324 miles
- Flagstaff, AZ to Grand Canyon (round trip) - 158 miles
- Flagstaff, AZ to Park City, UT - 517 miles
Saturday, March 28, 2015
Recap
This morning, I was thinking about how far I've come in this walkabout. I started almost two months ago in Key West, Florida, and I'm currently in Park City, Utah. I've covered a lot of ground, seen a lot of old friends and family, and even met some interesting new people. All in all, I'd say that the walkabout has been a success, so far. It's not over yet, but I wanted to know just how far I've come during this time. (All mileages are approximate).
Grand Canyon
In line with my continuing resolution to do one awesome thing every day, I went to the Grand Canyon two days ago. It was not something that I had really planned on doing this trip, but when I found myself in the Southwest, I felt like I had to go see the Canyon. I'm really glad that I did. Most of the pictures can be found on my Facebook page. Here's one of me at the Grand Canyon.
Words can't describe what it's like at the Grand Canyon. If you haven't been, it should really be on your bucket list. It's not easy to get to though. It's way out in the middle of nowhere. I drove for two hours from my hotel in Flagstaff to the South Rim. I would have had to drive 159 miles to reach the North Rim. That should give you some idea of the scale of the Canyon. There was only one road leading to the park. Still, it was well worth the trouble. Looking out into the chasm is breathtaking. It stretches from horizon to horizon. I hiked along the Canyon Rim trail. I walked for miles next to the Canyon Rim, just looking out. I'm lucky that I didn't wander off the trail. After walking for miles, I hiked down into the Canyon. Looking out along the edge is one thing, but venturing down into it is something else. It gives you a whole new perspective on just how huge this canyon is. With more preparation, I think I'd really like to hike down to the Colorado River. However, you need a permit for that. Maybe next time. . .
Yesterday evening, I arrived in Park City, Utah. Southern Utah is pretty amazing. There are lakes, mesas, and canyons galore. The terrain matches exactly what you would expect from movies. Likewise, the roads were almost empty, which gave me the solitude to enjoy the drive.
Words can't describe what it's like at the Grand Canyon. If you haven't been, it should really be on your bucket list. It's not easy to get to though. It's way out in the middle of nowhere. I drove for two hours from my hotel in Flagstaff to the South Rim. I would have had to drive 159 miles to reach the North Rim. That should give you some idea of the scale of the Canyon. There was only one road leading to the park. Still, it was well worth the trouble. Looking out into the chasm is breathtaking. It stretches from horizon to horizon. I hiked along the Canyon Rim trail. I walked for miles next to the Canyon Rim, just looking out. I'm lucky that I didn't wander off the trail. After walking for miles, I hiked down into the Canyon. Looking out along the edge is one thing, but venturing down into it is something else. It gives you a whole new perspective on just how huge this canyon is. With more preparation, I think I'd really like to hike down to the Colorado River. However, you need a permit for that. Maybe next time. . .
Yesterday evening, I arrived in Park City, Utah. Southern Utah is pretty amazing. There are lakes, mesas, and canyons galore. The terrain matches exactly what you would expect from movies. Likewise, the roads were almost empty, which gave me the solitude to enjoy the drive.
Wednesday, March 25, 2015
Today's Awesome Thing
In line with my new impetus to do at least one awesome thing every day, I'd like to share today's event with you.
This morning, I went to the Petroglyph National Monument near Albuquerque, New Mexico. I hiked to the top of the mesa, looking at petroglyphs that had been carved millennia ago. Scientists have apparently dated some of the petroglyphs to 1700 - 1000 BC, and they've survived all this time. It's amazing. According to the National Parks employee I spoke with, there are 150 petroglyphs in this canyon. Here's a picture from the top of the mesa.
Also, here are some of the petroglyphs.
Lest you think this was the only awesome thing I did today, I also went to see a meteor crater outside of Flagstaff, Arizona.
So, those were my awesome things for the day. What were yours?
This morning, I went to the Petroglyph National Monument near Albuquerque, New Mexico. I hiked to the top of the mesa, looking at petroglyphs that had been carved millennia ago. Scientists have apparently dated some of the petroglyphs to 1700 - 1000 BC, and they've survived all this time. It's amazing. According to the National Parks employee I spoke with, there are 150 petroglyphs in this canyon. Here's a picture from the top of the mesa.
Also, here are some of the petroglyphs.
Lest you think this was the only awesome thing I did today, I also went to see a meteor crater outside of Flagstaff, Arizona.
So, those were my awesome things for the day. What were yours?
Thoughts from the Road III: Making Every Day Awesome
I was watching old episodes of How I Met Your Mother before falling asleep the other night, and I saw the episode in which Neal Patrick Harris' character (Barney) tries to make every night "Legendary". This episode got me thinking, and I've been mulling it over for the past couple days. If you haven't seen the episode and don't know what I'm talking about ... Spoilers ahead.
During the episode, Barney decides that every single night of his life must be legendary. He wants all of his friends to join him in nightly adventures that they will remember forever. In the episode, this leads to Barney and the main character (Ted) starting a mariachi band, eating every item of food on a bar menu, and even bringing a horse into a bar. Ted and Barney eventually give up after Ted argues that if every night is legendary, no night is legendary. Ted theorizes that quiet, normal nights are needed to show the contrast with a legendary night and convinces Barney to give up on making every night legendary. Ted just wants ordinary nights, on his couch with his TV. The show made it seem like that outcome was good.
I've been thinking about this episode and Barney's short-lived philosophy for the past couple of days, and I find that I completely disagree with the conclusion the show drew. Every day should be legendary. Okay, I don't plan on running out and starting a mariachi band anytime soon, but, I think that if most of your days are ordinary, you lose something. I think you lose a certain zest for life if you don't take the time to nurture and feed it.
Life should be exciting. It should be filled with awesome things, like adventures and fun activities. You should be able to look back on any single day and say to yourself, "I remember that day. It was the day that I ___________. What a great day."
Now, I realize that what is awesome for one person may not be the same for another, but, I think we should all endeavor to do at least one awesome thing every day. Whether it's trying out a new activity (like rock climbing or salsa dancing), reading a good book, or even just taking a walk with a loved one, we should all seize the chance to make each day memorable.
Who's with me?
During the episode, Barney decides that every single night of his life must be legendary. He wants all of his friends to join him in nightly adventures that they will remember forever. In the episode, this leads to Barney and the main character (Ted) starting a mariachi band, eating every item of food on a bar menu, and even bringing a horse into a bar. Ted and Barney eventually give up after Ted argues that if every night is legendary, no night is legendary. Ted theorizes that quiet, normal nights are needed to show the contrast with a legendary night and convinces Barney to give up on making every night legendary. Ted just wants ordinary nights, on his couch with his TV. The show made it seem like that outcome was good.
I've been thinking about this episode and Barney's short-lived philosophy for the past couple of days, and I find that I completely disagree with the conclusion the show drew. Every day should be legendary. Okay, I don't plan on running out and starting a mariachi band anytime soon, but, I think that if most of your days are ordinary, you lose something. I think you lose a certain zest for life if you don't take the time to nurture and feed it.
Life should be exciting. It should be filled with awesome things, like adventures and fun activities. You should be able to look back on any single day and say to yourself, "I remember that day. It was the day that I ___________. What a great day."
Now, I realize that what is awesome for one person may not be the same for another, but, I think we should all endeavor to do at least one awesome thing every day. Whether it's trying out a new activity (like rock climbing or salsa dancing), reading a good book, or even just taking a walk with a loved one, we should all seize the chance to make each day memorable.
Who's with me?
Tuesday, March 24, 2015
Unexpected Benefits
When I started "planning" this walkabout before I left Key West, one of the things that I did not foresee was that it would allow me to reconnect with quite a few friends and family members that I had lost touch with over the years. Since I started this blog, and posting pictures and comments about the trek on Facebook, I've been contacted by quite a few people that I haven't spoken with in a very long time. Family and friends from elementary, high school, college, Cedar Point, and law school have all sent messages of support, inquiry, and even jealousy.
I just wanted to take this opportunity to tell all of you how happy I am to hear from you. Thanks for getting back in touch, and I promise I will do better this time about letting you know what I'm up to and where I am.
I just wanted to take this opportunity to tell all of you how happy I am to hear from you. Thanks for getting back in touch, and I promise I will do better this time about letting you know what I'm up to and where I am.
Monday, March 23, 2015
This Past Week
I have to apologize for not updating this blog over the past week. A lot has happened since I left Jackson, Mississippi last Wednesday. In that time, I have been to New Orleans, Houston, Austin, Carlsbad and Roswell. I've covered a lot of ground, seen a lot, and met some new people. It's been a great week. To recap:
New Orleans
When I left Jackson, Mississippi last Wednesday, I headed immediately to the Big Easy. If I had to do it over again, I probably would just skip Jackson altogether and stayed two nights in New Orleans.
I got a hotel room in the French Quarter, which turned out to be a really good decision because driving in the French Quarter is confusing. Armed with recommendations from a friend who has frequented New Orleans previously, I explored.
Bourbon Street is as loud and in your face as I remembered. You would think, in the aftermath of St. Patrick's Day, that it might be quiet. You would be wrong. There were lots of people out, even though it was a Wednesday. The street performers were out in force. The last picture is of a band that set up in the middle of the street to perform. They had fiddles, cellos, and guitars. They were really good, although I wasn't able to get a picture from the front of the crowd.
I ended up at a bar named the Erin Rose (Yes, it's an Irish bar), and met some English professors in town for a conference. We had a great discussion about Renaissance literature, and medieval literature. Apparently, I'm now eligible to join the New Orleans Philosopher's Salon these professors want to set up. Who would have thought?
I also made my way to the Mississippi River and the Holocaust Memorial.
As everyone knows, New Orleans has great food and music. I was able to sample both during the short time I was there. I had Crawfish Etouffee (I'm missing the accent marks) on a restaurant balcony overlooking Bourbon Street. I tried to get everything in the picture below.
I only stayed one night, but I would definitely go back. I got up early the next morning to wander the Quarter when it was less busy.
What's your favorite thing to do in New Orleans?
Houston
I don't have a lot to say about Houston other than it's big. I mean, really big. However, it was just a stopover for me on my way to ...
Austin
I went to Austin to visit my old roommate Brandon on Friday. By chance, South by Southwest ("SXSW") was going on at the same time. Thanks to Brandon's generosity, I had a place to stay in Austin while this was going on. Obviously, we ended up going to SXSW and had a great time. We met a great couple, Laura and Jeff, in an Irish bar. We ended up going to the various music venues and clubs with them. It was late before we got home, exhausted.
I stayed for a couple more days, seeing more of SXSW and Austin in general. All in all, a great city, and one I'd definitely like to visit again.
This morning, I left Austin, not entirely sure where I would go. I started driving west, and decided to go all the way to New Mexico to see the Carlsbad Caverns. It's a longer drive than I normally take, but there was nothing in West Texas I felt compelled to see.
Ironically, driving through West Texas on I-10 was a lot of fun. The speed limit is 80! 80! I enjoyed the novelty of being able to legally go that fast. As I went further west, I got to see a more picturesque landscape. The mesas and plateaus look just like they do in movies. It was great. Also, during one fairly long stretch of highway, the windmills for alternative energy stretched from horizon to horizon. It was quite a sight.
Eventually, I had to turn off of I-10, and take a back road to Carlsbad, New Mexico. The landscape was desolate and dusty, with oil derricks along the side of the road, and dust blowing across the highway. However, it was all worth it once I got to the Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Carlsbad Caverns
This park is not easy to get to. I had to take several back roads to get there. I swear, for a while, I thought I might be starring in the beginning of a horror movie. There were no other cars or people around, and the road was winding. It had all the hallmarks of a misadventure.
Thankfully, I made it to the park without mishap. As I said above, the hassle of getting to the park was more than worth it.
Driving up to the caverns is an experience all by itself. Picture, if you will, a stretch of roadway winding through a canyon. There are no other cars, and the walls of the canyon tower over you. You get out to look around, and a struck by the quiet. As you stand there, listening to the wind, you realize that there is not another human being around for miles. You are all alone. Actually, you don't have to just imagine. I took pictures.
I got to the visitor center in the park just in time to take the elevator down to "The Big Room". When they call this the "Big Room", they are not exaggerating it. The cavern is humongous. You should know that elevators stop taking people down at 3:30 p.m., and that, if you can get there before 2:00 p.m., you'll be able to walk down to the caverns from a natural cave. I did not make it by 2:00 p.m.
Words escape me in trying to describe the caverns themselves. Again, I took pictures, but they don't do the caverns justice. The Big Room is huge.
I walked for a couple miles around it. Darkness settles over you, with only small lights to illuminate outcroppings that need to be seen. Otherwise, it's black. Also, although there are other people present, it's very quiet. You can hear the drips of water into small pools. Your footsteps echo loudly off the cavern walls. It's like walking in a foreign world. 750 feet of rock press down above you. It's Gaia's cathedral, and it is beautiful. Seriously, go. This is something you need to see.
Roswell
Eventually, I had to leave the Carlsbad Caverns. I had originally planned on staying in Carlsbad, which is 20-30 miles away, but when I saw how outrageous the prices for rooms were, I changed my mind. Roswell was only 2 hours away, and the prices were much more reasonable. So, I drove more. I'm in Roswell now, and will be going to look around in the morning.
New Orleans
When I left Jackson, Mississippi last Wednesday, I headed immediately to the Big Easy. If I had to do it over again, I probably would just skip Jackson altogether and stayed two nights in New Orleans.
I got a hotel room in the French Quarter, which turned out to be a really good decision because driving in the French Quarter is confusing. Armed with recommendations from a friend who has frequented New Orleans previously, I explored.
Bourbon Street is as loud and in your face as I remembered. You would think, in the aftermath of St. Patrick's Day, that it might be quiet. You would be wrong. There were lots of people out, even though it was a Wednesday. The street performers were out in force. The last picture is of a band that set up in the middle of the street to perform. They had fiddles, cellos, and guitars. They were really good, although I wasn't able to get a picture from the front of the crowd.
I ended up at a bar named the Erin Rose (Yes, it's an Irish bar), and met some English professors in town for a conference. We had a great discussion about Renaissance literature, and medieval literature. Apparently, I'm now eligible to join the New Orleans Philosopher's Salon these professors want to set up. Who would have thought?
I also made my way to the Mississippi River and the Holocaust Memorial.
As everyone knows, New Orleans has great food and music. I was able to sample both during the short time I was there. I had Crawfish Etouffee (I'm missing the accent marks) on a restaurant balcony overlooking Bourbon Street. I tried to get everything in the picture below.
I only stayed one night, but I would definitely go back. I got up early the next morning to wander the Quarter when it was less busy.
What's your favorite thing to do in New Orleans?
Houston
I don't have a lot to say about Houston other than it's big. I mean, really big. However, it was just a stopover for me on my way to ...
Austin
I went to Austin to visit my old roommate Brandon on Friday. By chance, South by Southwest ("SXSW") was going on at the same time. Thanks to Brandon's generosity, I had a place to stay in Austin while this was going on. Obviously, we ended up going to SXSW and had a great time. We met a great couple, Laura and Jeff, in an Irish bar. We ended up going to the various music venues and clubs with them. It was late before we got home, exhausted.
I stayed for a couple more days, seeing more of SXSW and Austin in general. All in all, a great city, and one I'd definitely like to visit again.
This morning, I left Austin, not entirely sure where I would go. I started driving west, and decided to go all the way to New Mexico to see the Carlsbad Caverns. It's a longer drive than I normally take, but there was nothing in West Texas I felt compelled to see.
Ironically, driving through West Texas on I-10 was a lot of fun. The speed limit is 80! 80! I enjoyed the novelty of being able to legally go that fast. As I went further west, I got to see a more picturesque landscape. The mesas and plateaus look just like they do in movies. It was great. Also, during one fairly long stretch of highway, the windmills for alternative energy stretched from horizon to horizon. It was quite a sight.
Eventually, I had to turn off of I-10, and take a back road to Carlsbad, New Mexico. The landscape was desolate and dusty, with oil derricks along the side of the road, and dust blowing across the highway. However, it was all worth it once I got to the Carlsbad Caverns National Park.
Carlsbad Caverns
This park is not easy to get to. I had to take several back roads to get there. I swear, for a while, I thought I might be starring in the beginning of a horror movie. There were no other cars or people around, and the road was winding. It had all the hallmarks of a misadventure.
Thankfully, I made it to the park without mishap. As I said above, the hassle of getting to the park was more than worth it.
Driving up to the caverns is an experience all by itself. Picture, if you will, a stretch of roadway winding through a canyon. There are no other cars, and the walls of the canyon tower over you. You get out to look around, and a struck by the quiet. As you stand there, listening to the wind, you realize that there is not another human being around for miles. You are all alone. Actually, you don't have to just imagine. I took pictures.
I got to the visitor center in the park just in time to take the elevator down to "The Big Room". When they call this the "Big Room", they are not exaggerating it. The cavern is humongous. You should know that elevators stop taking people down at 3:30 p.m., and that, if you can get there before 2:00 p.m., you'll be able to walk down to the caverns from a natural cave. I did not make it by 2:00 p.m.
Words escape me in trying to describe the caverns themselves. Again, I took pictures, but they don't do the caverns justice. The Big Room is huge.
I walked for a couple miles around it. Darkness settles over you, with only small lights to illuminate outcroppings that need to be seen. Otherwise, it's black. Also, although there are other people present, it's very quiet. You can hear the drips of water into small pools. Your footsteps echo loudly off the cavern walls. It's like walking in a foreign world. 750 feet of rock press down above you. It's Gaia's cathedral, and it is beautiful. Seriously, go. This is something you need to see.
Roswell
Eventually, I had to leave the Carlsbad Caverns. I had originally planned on staying in Carlsbad, which is 20-30 miles away, but when I saw how outrageous the prices for rooms were, I changed my mind. Roswell was only 2 hours away, and the prices were much more reasonable. So, I drove more. I'm in Roswell now, and will be going to look around in the morning.
Wednesday, March 18, 2015
Public Service Announcement
This is a public service announcement before we take you back to your "regularly" scheduled postings. Don't go to Jackson, Mississippi. Don't get off the interstate if you're driving through. Just keep driving. Trust me on this one. There's nothing here. The "downtown" area is deserted. Stay away.
This has been a public service announcement. Thank you.
This has been a public service announcement. Thank you.
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