For years, I'd never been north on Boston or been anywhere close to the South. Not only that, but I hadn't really been to the SW of the US, either. I'd been to Southern California on a Disneyland trip in 1989; so had never seen the true Southwest, and hadn't really been even to the south western section of the US map since Elementary School.
Since beginning this 40 Before 40 quest, I've been reflecting on realistic and attainable goals vs. long term goals. I realize that ultimately I'd like to visit all 50 states, but I don't feel a pressing need to get that done before I'm 40. I don't want to be rushing through states just to cross them off my list!
However, I do want to have a better sense of various regions of the country. So, the 4 Corners went on the list! The SE was the hardest one - should it be Georgia (more East, but not as south) or Florida (the opposite)? I decided either one would count.
In the year and a half since I've started this 40 Before 40 mission, I've actually visited all four corners! And it's making me geek out a little about how beautiful America is. I know we are in turmoil and we have good reasons to be so outrageously disagreeing with each other, but we have a beautiful country with a lot of good people, food, drinks, and some good history in there too.
Northwest
Thanksgiving 2015, I went to the most northwestern part of the contiguous United States on Cape Flattery, Washington.
Southwest
I've been both the San Diego and Arizona. Thus crossing off both the more cartographic SW as well as the more cultural SW.
Southeast
A work trip brought me to Atlanta, Georgia. And my mom & I visited a family friend in South Carolina!
Northeast
Last, but not least - I spent the 4th of July weekend (2016) in Maine.
Okay, a little Boston!
Still so much more to see, but feeling like I've made some serious progress and grown in my appreciation both for where I come from and our nation as a whole.
Purpose of goal: Achieved!
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