The American West

Conceptually and aesthetically, I have a hard time of thinking of places more beautiful and encapsulating than the American West. I really dig outer space, mountain stretches and coastlines, but all-in-all, the American West is the dream. Let's Chat (I will not be including Oklahoma, Nebraska, Kansas, or the Dakotas  - probably because I have never ventured to such lame places).

Texas: Texas has it all. Mountains, hills, plaines, pines, beaches, metropolitan, rural, lakes & rivers. Lots of healthy economy and professional sports. Lots of red meat and history. Cool towns like Marfa, Austin and Lukenbach. J. Frank Dobie, Guy Clark and the Alamo.

New Mexico: Cheaper skiing than CO/Utah. When you drive in to New Mexico from west Texas, your body and eyes experience this feeling of elevation and it's suddenly as if you've been lifted on to earth's next platform. It always seem surreal. Taos, Santa Fe and Roswell. I almost when to Military School in Roswell. That would've really blown.

Arizona: Ah, one of my favorites. Truly 'Out West.' 3:10 to Yuma, crater like cities (Phoenix). Northern Az is also awesome. I visited a school in Flagstaff called Northern Arizona University. Would've been a great option. Skiing to the North, desert to the South.

California: Big state. Has some flaws along with some really exceptional characteristics. Geographically diverse, the land of Steinbeck (East of Eden), San Fran, San Diego, Monterey Aquarium, a plethora of pro sports teams, the film/TV industry. Cons: Smog (mainly LA), overpopulation, traffic.

Colorado: Lots of recreation in CO. Rafting, biking, hiking, skiing, beer drinking. Elevation. Beautiful Spring Season. The Great Divide. A passionate sporting culture and mountain peaks that go higher than 15,000 feet.

Alaska: The real land of the big rock candy mountains. This place murders the competition from the wildlife standpoint. Moose, elk, whale, fish. I love it. But you fools, don't take an Alaska cruise. Cruises just give you the Mom & Pop Shop tour. Unacceptable. Get out there and get your hands dirty.

Utah: Cons: Mormons (sorry). Pros: Salt Lake City, Mountains, Moab, Zion Nat'l Park. Utah Kills!

Nevada: ....

Idaho: Recreational paradise. Smokejumpers for forest fires. Totally underrated state.

Oregon: I have family in Oregon. My cousin lives in Portland. One side of his house faces downtown metropolitan Portland. The other side faces Mount Hood.

Washington State: Orcas Whale Watching (x3). Seattle, Rain, Culture, Coffee, Fish, a ferry to Canada, and big, tall Mountains.

Montana & Wyoming: Chinese Wall (Bob Marshall Wilderness), Wind River, WY.

Adam Carroll - Oklahoma Gypsy Shuffler

Ray Charles & Willie Nelson - Seven Spanish Angels