Tuesday, July 20, 2010

view from the front seat

As we made our way from the west coast to the east coast, I tried to snap off pictures along the way. One of the most incredible things to me is that every time we would cross over from one state to the next, you could immediately tell that the landscape was slightly different.

If you scroll through these pictures quickly, you can experience the same phenomenon.

California.

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Arizona.

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New Mexico.

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Texas.

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Oklahoma.

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Arkansas.

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Tennessee.

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North Carolina.

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South Carolina.

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North Carolina. (again).

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Virginia.

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While getting here took a long time, I'm so glad that we drove. I've driven across the country five times now, and in my opinion, there's no better way to see this beautiful land. Nor is there a better way to appreciate just how much our forefathers have accomplished. Consider, it was less than 200 years ago that people were risking (and losing) life and limb in an effort to make it from one side to the other. It might take years for them to make it all the way across the continent ... if they ever made it at all. And yet, we covered that entire distance in less than a week while watching movies, enjoying an air conditioned car, and learning how to text message.

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We live in an amazing country ... in an amazing time.

12 comments:

  1. Wow! So many favorites. On the west, I picked New Mexico and Arkansas - two states I'd love to explore more! The Carolinas... just beautiful! And Virginia is lovely too! Beautiful pics!

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  2. Wow, those are really amazing pictures, it does give you a sense of how things change as you go. I've only done the drive once but I've done the train across which had the same kind of impact.
    Steph

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  3. Did it rain the whole time you were driving through NC? Not very hospitable of us. Great pictures.

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  4. Oh how I agree about our amazing country. But...can you come back to North Carolina we need more rain:)
    I have to say looking at your pictures makes me want to see New Mexico. In 2000 we went to the same steakhouse in Texas, our daughter has the same hat your children have on. Can you believe she still has it, me either, she is a senior in college and it still hangs in her room...will. not. let. it. go...memories:).
    So glad you made it safely now for the househunting and job transition.
    Leaving Friday morning for an excursion from NC to MI through Canada, New York and PA., those are the states we plan on staying but can't wait to see what is ahead and the things we will see. Agree, road trips are the best!
    What is in me Wednesday...In the last three months (as of Monday) I have lost 32 pounds:):):)!!!This is the longest I have ever stuck with anything. It could have been more but cracked ribs a month ago put the exercises on hold for a while but I am back at it now. Feeling better than I have in years. By the way after much convincing on my part we are taking a tent and camping on this trip:) see I must feel good or have lost my mind one.
    Thanks for the inspiration on getting healthy:)
    Kathy

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  5. Welcome to the east coast! I stopped reading your blog about 9 months ago (when my twins were born) and just popped on yesterday to see you've moved to our neck of the woods. We're in Annapolis, MD so not too far. Good luck with your house hunt and the traffic in northern VA! Hope you find something close to your work!

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  6. We are on a road trip right now, passing through a few of those states also. had to laugh because our photos from North Carolina look identical...rain, rain, rain!

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  7. When we were in Europe last summer, one of our cab drivers told us how surprised his daughters were that very few Americans had passports. So he reminded her that the United States has everything - every type of weather, every type of culture -so few of us feel the need to leave to find something to do. I thought that was a neat perspective.

    I'm curious what you think of the humidity in Virginia....?

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  8. This is great!! Definitely incorporating pictures into geography lesson! I forgot to tell you when I saw you that we have been following your journey by mapping out your approximate drive!! ;-) Marg.

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  9. I can't believe you drove across the country with 4 kids! You are AMAZING! i would kill myself! Kidding- I think!

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  10. What great pictures! I recently read The Grapes of Wrath and was so impressed by their journey across the country!

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  11. Great pictures and the kids were so good. How are things going?
    MOM

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  12. Exquisite. Being a spoiled San Francisco native I forget just how beautiful the rest of our country is.

    I used to commute from SF to NY, then SF to FL.
    I tend to think of midwest, south, etc. as filler states. As in as soon as we get over these filler states I will be at work (bah humbug away from my loved one) or home.

    I still wouldn't choose any place over Northern Ca but I have come to appreciate the incredible beauty that we are so lucky to have within our own country.

    One of my "favorite" memories is driving from Montgomery, AL to Savannah with a sick husband and tornado warnings on the radio! Luckily I was driving away from them. Give me an earthquake any day! I know what I'm supposed to do : )

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