Looking down from the road at one of the water-filled pools in Sabino Canyon. — Photo by Pat Bean
“The whole object of travel is not to set foot on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one’s own country as a foreign land.” – Gilbert K. Chesterton.
Six Miles from Home
Seeing this country from coast to coast and border to border has always been more important to me than stepping on foreign shores. That’s not because I don’t want to visit other countries, but because I’ve always believed America, because of being my native country, should be explored first.
The desert’s many varieties of cactus and their flowers fascinate me. — Photo by Pat Bean
Of course there is also the fact of a limited budget, and the fact I can see more of this country within its bounds then I can any other place.
With the exception of Rhode Island, I have now been in every state, including Hawaii and Alaska – and am now saving up to go to Australia. My itch to see and visit new places, meanwhile, is being satisfied right here in Tucson.
I’ve never lived in the desert before, so just observing its beautiful landscape is a pleasurable experience. I didn’t know a desert had so much color – but then the upper Sonoran Desert here in Tucson is the lush desert. It gets more rain – actually right now we’re in its monsoon season – than other deserts.
It was just after one of our recent rumbling thunderstorms, complete with a lightning show, that I visited Sabino Canyon, which is just six miles up the road from where I live. Its pools were filled with water, and delightful to the eye.
I think this rock spire had a name, but I can’t remember it. Maybe I will learn what it’s called on my next visit to the canyon. — Photo by Pat Bean
I was amazed in my travels that I have met so many people who failed to visit landmarks in their own backyards, ones that people traveled thousands of miles to see. I promised myself to never be one of them.
Travel doesn’t always have to mean an overseas airplane ride. It can simply mean going down the road a bit to see a new sight, like Sabino Canyon. It was a fun outing, which included a shuttle ride, since you can’t drive your vehicle through the canyon, and a short hike.
I plan to do it again, soon.
The Wondering Wanderer’s blog pick of the day.
Bean’s Pat: North Sydney Birds http://tinyurl.com/ncdbchg If one can’t physically travel, one can still visit other places, and even bird watch, from an armchair. I do a lot of this.
Pat Bean's blog 
Beautiful!
Thanks Cindy
I am amazed with the beauty in the desert, a dry arid space. I always enjoy your posts. I have been contemplating a blog but am brain dead in that area. I am doing some research now and it gets so confusing with all the choices. gypsy roasting in Iowa
Just go for it Gypsy Spirit. I keep a computer journal and all my posts start there. I also keep a list of blog topics that pop into my head. Once you start blogging it gets easier.
I am finally able to come to this site and jot some thoughts etc. now I am retired!!!!
Since moving to Toronto, I have enjoyed exploring its different facets. And all within the environs of public transport.
Mother Nature is really generous to us. Thanks for commenting Colline.
Like you, I realized early that travel within the USA would yield a lot more for my buck and my time budget. Our own country is accessible, requires no currency exchange, and only requires the learning of a foreign language in the deep south, New England, and when texting.
My few forays out of the country were richly rewarding and I’d go back to Istanbul and New Zealand in a Jersey Jiffy.
I was well-traveled within the US when I hit the road 3 years ago. I am amazed that I have discovered so many places, geography, cultural diversity, and happenings that are new to me.
AL
I’m still continually being amazed. Before I retired I used to drive between Utah and Texas every year — and each trip I always found new sights to see. While foreign travel sounds fun, it is just as fun and amazing to discover our own backyards, which people from overseas have high on their bucket lists of things to see. Hope life is treating you well Al. I’ll be on the road for a couple of months this fall Gypsy Lee is still doing well.
You are so right, Pat. People go miles away And never even notice their ownback yard.
Thanks for commenting Dogdaz. Say hi for me to your four-legged friends.
Wow. You are well traveled! There are several states to which I have yet to set foot. I’d like to remedy that.