The grandest of canyons

It's easy to take the natural beauty of where you live for granted. I suppose there is a certain 'the grass is always greener' aspect to how you process the vistas of your homeland. Here in the United States, there is quite a bit of variation between the east and west coast. From the perspective of a US citizen, I wonder if it's easier to overlook the raw,  geologic, organic, and cultural wonders of North America.

A friend and I recently drove from the east coast to Phoenix, Arizona. The trip from door-to-door should be in the 2300 miles ballpark. We did it in approximately 3000 miles because we are overachievers. The drive was ambitious but well worth it. Along the way, we saw the world's biggest truck stop, Mount Rushmore, Badlands National Park, Arizona's Meteor Crater, and finally the Grand Canyon. 

I can't recommend driving across the country enough. The dramatic changes of scenery are as subtle as when you notice you're ten years older in the mirror. Less morbid, but equally as shocking. Alas, the United States is beautiful.