Explore historic Patagonia and Sonoita, AZ ranches, the scenic beauty of Coronado National Forest, and an unexpected challenge from a dirt road on my Ultimate American Quest.
I'm now hanging out in Gunsite Wash, near Organ Pipe Cactus National Monument, after checking out a unique roadside shrine and admiring some sweet street art in Ajo, Arizona.
During what seemed like a long stretch of driving, I suddenly came upon an unexpected descent into a canyon that had some very stunning and spectacular views.
Man, I'm telling you, it felt really, really good to be crossing into Arizona in the sunshine. After temperatures dropped to 20 the night before, I was looking forward to some warmth.
I'm so accustomed to being drawn in by the creative architecture of churches and the massive nature of cathedrals that something like this seems to catch my eye in its simplicity.
After the weekend at the Long Pond, I rolled into Pennsylvania to check off another national historic site, with a trolley museum across the parking lot, then headed into the woods.
After checking out the courthouse, I decided to head to the public beach that was not too far away. I knew a storm was rising on Lake Superior, and I wanted to see what it felt like.
I pulled over at a rest stop to stretch my legs and eat an apple (with peanut butter, of course!) and ended up learning more geography about northern Minnesota.
The Tabor, SD town sign, made of stone with twin towers and a central archway, showcases Czech heritage through plaques of traditional attire and a heraldic lion.
On my way to Vermilion, SD, to deal with Internet challenges, I had to cross the Missouri River. I thought the overlook was a quick place for a photo, but it had a nature trail too.
The Columbus Powerhouse is Nebraska's largest hydroelectric plant. Funded by a New Deal grant, it provided jobs during the Depression and supports local industrial development.
It's not every day that you're driving down a rural highway and see a historical marker that is an obelisk. Still, I found one dedicated to the Bohemian settlers of this region.
It's always weird to come across a historical marker for a town that was historically significant at one time but now no longer exists, and no trace of the city remains at all.
After wandering around Dawson, NE, I committed to stopping in the next small town to see if it was faring any better, but unfortunately, Table Rock appears to be in decline too.
