Imagine a world of John Wayne, snowy mountains and amazing wildlife. Imagine this world as a symbol of America. If one can imagine this, then he or she can imagine the breathtaking and marvelous trip that I took this past summer.
The West is a vast, beautiful, and humbling land that everyone should experience at least once in his or her lifetime. My family and I started our vacation at America’s most awe-inspiring feature, a feature carved out by thousands of years of wind and water. The Grand Canyon captured my senses with amazement. Nature’s beauty made me realize that the power and size of Earth was so superior to me. Photographs will never do justice to America’s canyon.
Our next stop was the busy city of stars. With Beverly Hills in sight, I prepared to see a stereotypical Rodeo Drive, and Walk of Fame. However, I was sadly mistaken. Many people see the few snapshots of Los Angeles and they build this fantasy world of a great city, but the city is not like the television version. Although the theaters were great, I would rather not return to the City of Angels.
On the way to our next destination, we drove up the coast of California, which inspires anyone to the beauty of America. The blue waves crested in the wind as we turned the sharp curves discovery. Seals were sun bathing upon the beach, and the sun’s rays gleamed off the wave beaten rocks.
I soon reached the epiphany of the beauty of our own country. The world is so full of the hustle and bustle of traveling to and fro with swiftness, but while I was gazing into the beauty of the Pacific, I thought of how everyone should come and rest their feet on the smooth rocks of time and tide, and enjoy the timeless beauty that has been here long before us. We then pulled away from the beautiful coast to discover a new city. Our new city surrounds a famous bay.
The Gate of the West is a beautiful city of culture and beauty. San Francisco’s Fisherman’s Wharf was a great place to find food and fun. Pier 39 was home to the rambunctious sea lions. Their playful antics bring smiles to anyone’s face. The Golden Gate Bridge was also a marvelous symbol of America’s ingenuity and strength. I studied the bridges architecture as we passed under its towering glory, and headed for a new state.
As we entered Washington, a historic mountain peaked over the horizon. Her beautiful snow cap reigned over the land. Mt. Saint Helens was the gem of the area, and the remnants of her wrath were humbling to the power of Earth. My eyes gazed upon her beauty as we drove on to more mountain tops. Glacier National Park is home to the most beautiful and snow laden mountains in America. While we there, we saw amazing wildlife such as mountain goats, moose, and elk. In the middle of May, snow started to fall heavily upon the beautiful land, and we drove through the icy roads to view glass-like water and snow capped mountains. We left there with a feeling of love for the landscape of our own country.
As we left the top of the Rocky Mountain range we descended into the very first national park. Yellowstone National Park is home to some of the greatest symbols of America’s west. From Old Faithful to the bison, the park was filled with great creatures and marvels of nature. We drove down the road to find colossal bison waling in the road and giving us looks of complacency. We also waited on a platform for one of the most reliable events in the West. Old Faithful erupted with punctuality and wonder that amazes people from around the world.
As we returned home, I pondered the resolutions that I required from a once in a lifetime trip. I realized the importance of slowing down and enjoying life, and how to not worry because the Earth spins on with her amazing beauty whether we worry or not. I also decided to try to take my children on the same trip, because everyone should experience a life changing trip such as mine. I hope that my summary of my marvelous odyssey will do a small justice to a vacation that shows the beauty of America.
Dear Reader: This page may contain affiliate links which may earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase. Our independent journalism is not influenced by any advertiser or commercial initiative unless it is clearly marked as sponsored content. As travel products change, please be sure to reconfirm all details and stay up to date with current events to ensure a safe and successful trip.
