My experiences in the American west have both been enlightening and humbling. I have seen the level plains, the soaring mountains, and the scorching deserts. I have made friendships, strengthened existing ties, and learned about the human condition. Many times I felt as though god crafted this land specifically to show the world hope and faith.
Though I have journeyed to many different cities and seen many different monuments and local attractions, their importance is unique and complicated in the story of the west. However some stand out more than others in my personal enrichment. Zion National Monument offered a realization of the creator. Its towering cliffs and alpine ridges cut across the Utah sky and turned men into mice. It was at Zion, that I began to understand the immense size of the world around me. The Oklahoma City National Memorial showed me that not only large rock formations could bring men down to nothing. At the memorial the shattered remains of the Murrah building left a haunting reminder of human ignorance and hate.
Bandelier National Park gave visitors insight into the life and culture of the ancestral Pueblo people. A people that thrived off the western landscape and utilized eternal rock surfaces to create homes and villages. At Bandelier’s lower site, Tsankawi, I caught my first glimpse of the western landscape. This site, though remote and desolate, showed me that there is more to life than, computers, cars, and other creature comforts. Here the world holds it’s breath and the waters of time soften even the mightiest mountains.
Lastly, Mount Rushmore National Monument gave the American public a glance into one mans dream and his unwavering patriotism. Though the sculpture has become and American icon, its true beauty cannot be conveyed in any postcard, picture, or television special. This monument must be traveled to and it must be witnessed first hand. Too many Americans experience the world through the lens of a television set. Even as many sit back in their automobiles they are still looking at the world through glass. Humans, as a race, must break through the glass prison we have encased ourseveles in and seek out the natural beauties of the world with clear, unobstructed sight.
It is hard to determine every traveler’s reasons for seeking this "Big Rock Candy Mountain." However for me it has been clear since day one. I came to better myself and understand the world around me. I have never felt the earth until I walked the sands of the southwest. I have never taken a breath until I drew air in the northwest coast. I have seen the beauty of America until I traveled its western roads and highways. My eyes will be forever changed after witnessing such glory that is the American West.
Jefferson National Expansion Memorial
Oklahoma City National Memorial & Museum
Bandelier National Monument / Tsankawi
Grand Canyon National Park
Zion National Park
Mount Rushmore National Memorial
Seaside, Oregon
