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Arizona General USA Utah

Wonders of the American Desert

Ive heard many things about experiencing the Grand Canyon and the surrounding areas and how it will change you. Although there are stressful factors in my life, i feel, how can i say? “pure”. I feel great. The air is so different than the east coast. Certainly nothing like a populated city.

First stop was Phoenix. After flying in from Jacksonville and Houston, my friend and I immediately in great need of food. So the first stop was an In n Out Burger joint in Tempe, Az. Ive had this before back in 05′ but I cant recall the deliciousness of the food. After i dropped of my car in Jax, i forgot my warm gear considering the desert gets down to 30 degrees while phoenix stays warm. My friend and i checked out a few shops. We didnt stay too long since we had a short time limit for our whole trip. From there we quickly drove right into Downtown and right out onto I17 north toward Flagstaff stopping at Montezuma Castle and Sedona for the red rocks scenery.

Downtown Phoenix
Montezuma Castle
Sedona

Next Day we took a long drive through Arizona, New Mexico, Colorado and driving through the Monument Valley in Utah .

Winslow Crater
Petrified Nat’l Park, Holbrook, Az
Driving through New Mexico
Laying on all four states at Four Corners Monument (AZ/CO/NM/UT)
Scenic Route 163 through Monument Valley, Utah
The Mittens and Merrick Butte

And for day three we took a day trip to the south rim of the breathtaking Grand Canyon. Stop at all points east of the main entrance. Yes i sat on the edge several times as much as i told myself i wouldnt. It was necessary. 🙂 Taking the drive toward Cameron and back south to Flagstaff we came across a smaller Canyon area along the way where I was able to yell and hear my echo 5 times over. It was the most amazing experience ever just like in the movies.

On the edge of the south rim
On the edge again
Nice Panoramic off of the Iphone
Having fun with Canyon echoes

Every person should visit the Grand Canyon at least once in there life time, including other desert activities. Overall my Arizona trip was beyond a success and i am glad i had someone with me to enjoy the memorable experience.

 

 

Categories
Arizona General USA Voyage Journal

Upcoming Desert Trip

I have been to the Bay Area, LA, and Vegas before, but I’ve never enjoyed the actual desert wonders of America. All my life on the east coast I finally take my own pleasure trip to the west coast again. I love everything about the west as its almost another country. The people, the vibe and the atmosphere. From fast food joints such as Carl’s Jr, Jack in the Box, In n out Burger to the vast flat open atmosphere. Little did i know that reading a small article about the grand canyon would actually turn into a full out trip. I am beyond excited.

Fortunately, I am a member with Wyndham’s Vacation Ownership, allowing me to stay in the middle of everything including a part of Utah. This is the plan so far :)

Downtown Phoenix

Montezuma Castle

Sedona

Flagstaff

Winslow Crater

Petrified Forest

Monument Valley, AZ/UT

Route 66

Grand Canyon West (Guano)

and other fun stuff.

 

If anyone has any suggestions of where to stop feel free to comment :)

Categories
General North America South Carolina Voyage Journal Voyages

South Carolina, Before I Called This State Home

Nice view of North Carolina from home.

I have all the right to call South Carolina home if I want to. But its hard. My heart, body, mind and soul was meant to move quickly. Sure I am young, but I like having something to do and be on the run. I am a thinker when its down time but thinking too much can sure do a toll on me. Mom and Step dad have had a house in the Upstate of S.C. for two years now and as much as I am not a country fella, I do enjoy the getaway deep in the foothills of the Appalachians. Especially now with a motorcycle license, riding down the curvy secluded back road can really make you feel liberated and free of the usual congested lifestyle.

I love the Carolinas, but its not for me. Florida hasn’t been a place of opportunity for me in the past two years now, at least it has proven not to be. So the choice is home with mom in SC or back to my true home in the North Eastern part of New Jersey. I have spend many years fighting to be here and to let it go is hard but its something I am willing to accept.

Back to South Carolina, I am not bashing this lovely state but just like Florida is spread out, Upstate is much worse with a very small window to network. During my week of pleasure and work up there I persuaded my family to take a nice two hour drive to the states capital, Columbia. I was hype and excited to explore a new city, with potential for my taste. Unfortunately I was greatly disappointed by its lack of LIFE. Sad to say that without its large college, it’d just be known to be a capital.

Altogether as much as I may sound negative in this post, S.C.  is a gorgeous state with pure beauty. I would take any opportunity any time of year to getaway to the foot hills.

Categories
Arizona General USA Voyage Journal

Upcoming trip to the Southwest

Phoenix, The Grand Canyon,

and the vast stretches of the former home to many ancient American Indians

I am happy to say plans for my next trip are quickly coming together. Coming home from the Carolinas I came across a small story in the planes magazine on a detour to the Grand Canyon. I ripped it out and did my research and eventually came the idea of spending a nice short weekend in Phoenix to see the Grand Canyon. Not all vacations I would take alone depending on the location but i didnt mind it here.

Fortunately, from mentioning my plans, a good friend eventually became not only interested in this trip but also became my travel partner with the same love and passion for seeing what the world has to offer. Now instead of a weekend I will have an extra day to enjoy other things besides downtown Phoenix, Scottsdale, and of course the Grand Canyon. There are many things to do based on research and going Google crazy. Unfortunately we are both still on a tight budget. The selected dates are Feb 23rd to Feb 26th. This is why i turn to this blog to get feedback and insight on whats great to do in the Phoenix area and surrounding areas. Feel free to drop a comment if you have any suggestions. :)

Burning-Sunset-Saguaro-National-Park.-Arizona-940x705

Categories
Florida General North America USA

Dear Key West

So, Where to begin. Well first off this trip has been planned since October of 2010. By then a plan had to come together to celebrate my UCF Graduation in May so a week Cruise was part of the plan then Cancun then finally Key West. Same state as 90% of my friends which i figured would make it easier for people than another country. So as time went by and i finally graduated problems arose with people. Long story short i traveled this trip alone,solo,me, myself and I. Between let downs, mis communication, “ill goes”, personal problems, inability to have off from work/school, etc, I reached a point where i told my self fuck it. I dont need anyone or anybody to have a good time. Some excuses were acceptable some excuses make me question certain friendships. But that never stopped me from hopping on the turnpike to US 1 bound for Key West. Just me myself and my Lancer(and my iphone lol).

All im trying to say is in the time span of 6 days out of 7, Ive had a great and amazing time out here. Especially for being alone. Did it bother me? No. Did i want company at time. Of course I did. But every thing i always wanted to do before i even got here I did by spontaneous plans alone including other things as well. From sightseeing, to bar hopping, to island hopping, to coastal driving, to walks on the beach, to sunset watching, to tipsy nights in the streets, to gazing at the stars, jet skiing and parasailing. I didnt take this trip to satisfy others and there happiness, I came here to get my self together which i have done. To leave the classroom behind me and the work desk in front of me. A transition from school to work place. Preparation for the next step in life to reach my goals for the future.

I also have world wide travel plans post graduation for the rest of my life. Sounds ridiculous but God nor anyone has ever set boundaries and limitations to go beyond my life style. Money is the only boundary and I plan on making it, saving it, and going/seeing places YOU will probably see in pictures. What does this have to do with Key West? Because Key West is the first destination on that list with many more to go.

IN ADDITION- I want to thank one special person for doing all she can to at least come out to Key West for a few hours to go jet skiing with me. I enjoyed that time with you. You know who you are. Thank you.

All in all. I’m officially at peace with my past. My future begins now but my version of complete happiness awaits me in the near future. Its the next steps i take will guarantee how i reach it. Im ready and my time to go home has come. . Key West, its been a pleasure. I will be back again i know this for sure!

With love,
Anthony Perez

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