As much as I love to travel abroad, there are still so many of nature's great wonders here in the US that I want to visit. What better way to see our beautiful nation than a leisurely cross-country road trip? While I may not have enough free time to do that in the near future, I have been day-dreaming about renting a car and exploring the Southwest...in particular the stunning landscapes of New Mexico. Ever since I read Barbara Kingsolver's "The Bean Trees" I have been fascinated with the surreal, otherworldly beauty of New Mexico's white sands, rock formations, ancient Pueblos, and endless desert. How amazing would it be to drive down the historic Route 66 Highway, see Shiprock Mountain from a hot air balloon, and sleep under the infinite stars? Just another experience to add to my ever-growing bucket list...
Gorgeous pictures! Ive been once and it was beautiful... but sooo hot!
ReplyDeleteLove this! You're so right about seeing things here in the US. Actually, one of my goals for the next few years is to be a more touristy here at home so this is timely inspiration.
ReplyDeleteWhen I was in elementary school, I had a book called "Moon Dancer," and I couldn't tell you what it was about, but the cover has stayed firmly in my mind all these years and was the first thing my brain recalled upon seeing these photos (http://amzn.to/1eaTT4c) because of the orange-y mountains and beautiful desert sky. Just stunning. Nature is spectacular, isn't it? xo
ReplyDeleteThe picture of Bryce Canyon (photo #8) is actually in Utah. You did say you want to explore the whole Southwest but Bryce is a good 10 hours from New Mexico just so people aren't confused about it
ReplyDeletethanks so much for letting me know kirsten! i thought the image was of the badlands...oops :) but yes, i would love to explore utah as well :)
ReplyDeleteIt is definitely a dream of mine to spend a month or two driving around the US, and the southwest would definitely be the first location. I love the aesthetic and the colorful surroundings. I do agree with you, there is so much to see in the US. Our 50 states is like 50 different countries. I hope to have more time to explore it as well. We are planning to start a family soon, so I expect to have a lot more local travels.
ReplyDeletehttp://liveitinerantly.com/
These photos are amazing, I would love to see all of these places!
ReplyDeleteThis is heaven, surely!
ReplyDeleteEdita
www.pret-a-reporter.co.uk
No Kristen I can verify that is Shiprock New Mexico. All New Mexico here!!!
ReplyDeleteMolly, I am a professional guide here in New Mexico. I can assure you an enchanting time here. Checkout, like and share my facebook page at www.facebook/positivelynewmexico.
ReplyDeletei could have written what you wrote word for word, down to the bean trees! i have such vivid memories of reading that book, i think it was my intro to her. i have been wanting to get down to NM since then too - so that makes it a really long time!
ReplyDeleteI don't blame you for putting such a pretty picture in! My husband and I are planning a trip to bryce canyon this summer :)
ReplyDeleteKirsten Hinds
kbramall@blogspot.com
wow, how amazing! The scenery, the structures... these photos are just incredible. That would definitely be a trip to remember!
ReplyDeleteMy mom and I are planning a mother-daughter trip to Santa Fe and Taos next Spring! So excited. I think we're going to do a Breaking Bad tour (huge fans) and attend a Southwest cooking class. I think I'm going to need to add the hot air balloon ride, thanks for the suggestion! :) xo
ReplyDeleteOh and I'm going to check out Bean Trees - it will be a perfect plane read to get us all excited for the desert!
ReplyDeletethis post is perfect timing, as I'll be going to New Mexico for the first time in June! Can't wait to explore!
ReplyDeleteThe Style Scribe
i know! i think there are so many amazing places to road trip all across the west coast, you are so lucky to live there :)
ReplyDeleteoh wow that will be amazing shannon! ryan is a huge breaking bad fan too so that tour sounds right up his alley, and the cooking class mine. i have actually never taken a hot air balloon ride but i can only imagine how amazing it would be over the desert!
ReplyDeleteabsolutely! i really, really loved the book...definitely think it is one of barbara kingsolver's best :) hope you're having a great weekend so far dear!
ReplyDeletehow awesome merritt! can't wait to follow along with your adventures and see what you think :)
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