Not as Plain as You Think

So while it has been a few months since the last post, I’m actually taking a slight detour with this one.  Time has been hard to come by lately so this is going to be brief and touch on a subject very dear to my heart...the US Plain States!  If you spoke with a handful of people from various locations in the United States you would end up with just as many opinions as people.  The Great Plains encompass the middle portion of the United States just east of the Rocky Mountains and follows along from the Canadian Prairie to the Texas-Mexico border.  Varying definitions have it including all or parts of nine or ten states: Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Wyoming, Nebraska, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma, New Mexico, and Texas.  The one state sometimes missing from the list is New Mexico.

I find the comments people make about these states quite interesting.  They’re boring, flat, empty, nothing’s there, nobody in their right mind would live there, nothing to do there, only farmers live there, more cattle than people, they live in the past, and the list goes on.  Having grown up in South Dakota in and amongst the rolling prairie, I have a wonderful appreciation for the so-called emptiness.  Personally, I find the vast space provides some of nature’s best views and some of God’s best handiwork.  Nature is where I tend to connect best with God and His love for both us and the world that He created.

How the colors can be such a contrast in the spring with the cool greens and blues of pastures and creeks to the warm reds and gold of the sunrise and sunset.  The winter brings freshness with the cold, crisp air and brightness of the sun’s reflection off the snow.  The summer fills the horizon with the dry, rustling prairie grass in the breeze in shades of taupe, fawn, and gold.  There’s a gentle sense of peace that can be found standing on a quiet gravel road looking out at the horizon.  My time living in large cities made me long for the wide open spaces of my parent’s farm and the view from the top of our hill down over the pasture and creek below.

 If you’ve been through any of these states what was your first impression?  Likely, you were among the majority impatiently waiting for the other side or the time when you could return home.  Did you take the time for a second look?  Or did you pass off the view out your window for the music on your radio and thoughts of your destination?  As a fan of country music and a big fan of Jason Aldean, I’ve enjoyed listening to his most recent radio release, “Fly Over States” off of his 2010 album "My Kinda Party", and watching as it continues to increase in popularity.  This song touches on some of the same views I have with the Plains and even some of the Great Lake states; how they can so often be overlooked by their sparse appearance and yet they are filled with so much quality of life.  I’m including the video of the song at the end and suggest you enjoy the music but also listen to the words and at least consider this part of the United States.

It’s a place consisting of hard-working, down-to-earth, quality people who want to make the best out of life and know that in order to achieve it they will have to earn it.  Nothing comes easy in this life, but with hard work and prayer we can unite our dreams with God’s and see them come to fruition.  There is much to take from these places and the people living within their borders and I hope that the next time you’re through you’ll take time for a second look at its natural beauty and all it represents.

Official Music Video

Official Lyric Video

Networking In a Traveler's World

Networking…that’s probably the last thing some of you want to hear and I can truly understand that.  In the business world we now live in networking is largely the only way to gain that dream job.  You have to know someone to get inside and it can be a difficult way to get what you want when you begin with not knowing anyone…or so it seems.  But in the world of travel, networking is more focused on fun rather than business.  In all honesty, it may not even be the best term used for what I’m talking about-being able to go somewhere new and exciting because you know someone there.  And actually there are two different realms of this idea.  The first one is going to visit someone you know well, a good friend or a family member, and then taking the time to enjoy and explore a place you’ve never been before.  The second would be just the opposite and really the more cold and unfriendly of the two and that’s going somewhere to explore a new place and seeing someone briefly because you’re already there…this is better applied with acquaintances or friends of friends with whom you are more unfamiliar. 

Driving down the interstate heading for the Historic Apache Trail

People are unknowingly doing these or variations of them all of the time.  Maybe you go somewhere for a business trip but find time to grab lunch with a friend or family member who lives there as well.  Or you’ve got a free morning so you go to a museum you’ve always wanted to visit.  I’ve managed to travel in many variations of these as well.  One of the more recent was my trip to Mesa, Arizona, for the wedding of two good college friends.  I’d never been to Arizona before (and like a lot of people I have dreamed of traveling to all 50 states since I was much younger) and found this invitation to be the perfect opportunity to explore the area surrounding the Phoenix Metro.  I also have some family and friends down in the area and was hoping I could meet up with them or stay with some of them while I was there.  With the wedding on Saturday and a brunch on Sunday, I headed out from the Sioux Falls Regional Airport early Thursday morning and arrived at the Phoenix Sky Harbor Int’l Airport mid-morning with the time difference.  That gave me almost the entire day to do some exploring.  For this reason I was renting a car and not sharing rides with others coming to the wedding or getting rides from friends and family who lived there.  I wanted a bit more independence to go and do as I chose.

Part of the Trail-Tortilla Flats, definite tourist stop

Before purchasing my tickets and hotel and everything of the sort, I did a little bit of research for what I wanted to do and see.  Knowing I wanted to fit as much in as a could but leaving time for being my spontaneous self, I decided on a scenic drive from the Metro area up to the Theodore Roosevelt Dam on the Historic Apache Trail/State Route 88.  From there I headed southeast toward Globe and then took a scenic, but much more direct route, back to the Metro area on Highway 60.  It was an awesome experience and made me feel slightly more at home as the trail is primarily dirt roads except for the beginning and then once you reach the Dam.  There are many lookouts located along the trail providing ample opportunities for pictures of the desert scene.  I would highly recommend this drive (except maybe for those prone to motion sickness) and I would suggest being cautious of what time of year you go as many sections are susceptible to flash flooding.  I made it up to Globe for supper (dinner for you city folk) and drove around the small town before heading back toward Mesa.  The time change threw me off a bit so instead of doing something else I found my hotel and checked in for the night, content to watch baseball and bull riding on the TV mixed in with some light reading. 

Peeking at the Theodore Roosevelt Dam

I woke up the next morning to a beautiful, but incredibly bright sunrise thus getting me up a little earlier than planned.  Knowing I would be picking up a friend from the airport early afternoon I decided to stick closer to the metro area to explore.  I found myself coming across a small park and botanical garden (Park of the Canals) where I walked around for about an hour and then continued on my way.  Recognizing the time and not wanted to spend much money, I stopped at a store and bought some snacks I could make a meal out of and then returned to the park and garden where I sat under a shelter and read for the next couple of hours before beginning the drive up to the airport to pick up my friend.  We had a great time that afternoon hanging out at the nice outdoor pool at the hotel before heading off to Toby Keith’s I Love This Bar & Grill.  AMAZING food!  If you’ve never eaten there I would highly suggest it.  It was the first time for both of us and we thoroughly enjoyed it…plus the live country music was a big plus for me.  J 

With some time to explore Saturday morning before readying for the wedding, we took off for the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix where we walked every trail that was open.  The scenery was spectacular, especially for someone who is accustomed to prairie, pasture, and fields all on a flat or gently rolling plain.  My fair skin took a bit of a hit from the high Southern sun, but overall I faired pretty well on the sunburn scale of things.  *Something to keep in mind when you travel is to make sure you’re aware of things like this- especially if you’re from the north, going south can make a big difference in the strength of the sun.*  The Desert Botanical Garden was a really nice place (they do have student discounts so take your student ID if you’ve got it) as it portrayed some of the area culture as well through structures, gardens, and ways of living for the natives and early settlers scattered amongst the vegetation.  I would really recommend this if you’ve got a couple of hours to spend but need to stay close the metro as you can get a taste of the desert without leaving the city limits.  On our way back to the hotel we stopped and treated ourselves to true Mexican food at Matta’s…some good stuff there!

Desert Botanical Garden, Phoenix

The wedding was located at the gorgeous Lavender & Old Lace in Mesa.  And Sunday I was able to see a bit more of the area while driving to the brunch in Queen Creek and then up to Scottsdale to spend the afternoon and night with some family before heading back to South Dakota on Monday morning.  All in all, committing to attending the wedding and allowing myself two extra days off of work allowed me to explore the area surrounding the Phoenix Metro and still be able to relax with friends and family.

Outside area at Lavender & Old Lace, Mesa

Don’t be afraid to turn a trip with a purpose into something more-being able to explore and have some fun in a place you’ve not yet had the chance.  Let people know what you’re thinking of doing…most people can offer suggestions or help you brainstorm some ideas if you’re not completely certain.  And don’t be scared to ask friends or family if you can stay with them when you go.  Most people would love the chance to have you stay with them even if you’re going to be doing other things.  And it never hurts the pocketbook any either.  So enjoy yourself and take advantage of any trips you make…stop at places when you’re driving if you’ve got an extra few minutes or spend an extra day in a city you love after your business meetings are completed or the reunion or wedding you were there to attend is over-I can guarantee you won’t regret it.

In the Eyes of a Child

I can remember many trips I went on when I was little and each one has a unique feature that makes it stand out in my memory.  I took both my first and second airplane rides in the same year, when I was in kindergarten.  The flight to New Jersey for my aunt’s wedding will be forever ingrained in my mind for its truly amazing display of turbulence.  While being served our sandwiches and pops as we were passing through a thunderstorm, the turbulence began with a vengeance.  Sandwiches were launched into the aisles looking much like the Mississippi river looks now with the inundation of flying fish.  My dad happened to lose his Coke on his lap looking quite disgusted with the situation as he remained seat belted in the soggy, sticky mess.  I fell in love with flying after that, even saving the decorative plastic trays our sandwiches were served on as a memento.  J  Yes, I believe this enjoyment of turbulence to be abnormal and I’m ok with that. 

My cousin and I outside ofthe Shoshone Indian Ice Caves

The other flight took us West where we enjoyed time with family in Idaho taking in the Shoshone Indian Ice Caves and traipsing to the top of a mountain of lava and ash-amazing when you contemplate what you’re walking on and the circumstances surrounding its current placement.  Craters of the Moon National Monument is quite the sight to behold even to a six-year-old.  A short drive took us south to Promontory, Utah, where we "experienced" the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad in 1869.  Thankfully I had parents who took my simple curiosity for the past and helped me to seek some understanding for where things stand today in the world.  I can thank them for my love of history, politics, and travel.  J

My brother, mom, and myself Promontory, Utah

Other trips we took as a family didn’t take us as far from home.  Instead, my parents took my brother and I through the picturesque Badlands of southwestern South Dakota and Mount Rushmore near Keystone, South Dakota, in the Black Hills.  The marvel of both locations is fascinating to both adults and children alike.  Who can resist peering across the ragged and yet peaceful natural Badlands and the size and architectural craftsmanship of Gutzon Borglum’s four magnificent stone faces?  But kids enjoy more than just the suggested educational and sightseeing trips so my parents had my brother and I imagining we were part of the Three Little Pigs at Storybook Island in Rapid City, South Dakota, and walking through Oz at Storybook Land in Aberdeen, South Dakota.  The creation of these two parks were a fabulous idea as kids can literally walk into the stories they have before only been able to see in their minds and on the pages of a book.  Now they can recreate those tales as their favorite character.

What do you remember from your trips as a kid?  Was it your first time going tubing at the lake?  Did you fall out of a boat while fishing?  Maybe it was meeting your cousins on their turf for the first time.  Think about what made those trips special, how can you do the same thing for your family now?  Didn’t get to make trips like that when you were younger?  That’s all right.  It’s hard not to have memories that everyone else seems to have, don’t get me wrong, but what can you learn from your own experience?  We all can learn from our pasts and use that knowledge to better the future.  Not able to take a vacation with your family due to lack of time, finances, or something else?  It’s ok.  You don’t have to go somewhere out of town to enjoy time with your family and make special memories with them.  Pack a picnic lunch and head to the neighborhood park, have a water fight, play some games, or take silly pictures.  I can guarantee it’s something your children won’t forget.

Water fightwith some cousins

As children we’re more susceptible to the ideas of our peers and the culture that surrounds us.  Making yourself an active part of your child’s life, even through something as simple as a day trip or picnic, will have a strong and lasting impact on them as they grow up.

*Check out my links page to find more information regarding the locations mentioned.

*I realize that these examples are more for the warm seasons.  With winter being my favorite season, you can rest assured that I’ll fill you in some suggestions for that later.