Some thoughts that we had prior to, during and after our excellent adventure... in no particular order.

... it's a long way across North America (duhhhh). Although we knew and planned that it would be nine-ten days before we saw the Pacific, it is a significant commitment to cross the continent... followed by a certain measure of pride in doing it ourselves.

... expect extremes in weather. We saw soaring heat, especially in our southern return, as well as high humidity. Of note... underpasses are a good option when gum ball sized hail is smacking your vehicle.

... the US is incredibly diverse and rich in landscape. We saw miles of plain and river valley, mountain range and canyon, desert and coastline, geyser and dust devil, badlands and delta, and high country through Appalachian forest. Our trip was pure gold as a lesson in geography.

... I experienced, during this trip in particular, more angst than ever on the drive. I think it rose the further we got from home. I'm far from a home body, but was more aware, especially during our time in California, that I played out internally a lurking series of "what ifs". You know, let's be super careful in our actions and attractions, with the car, where we eat, etc... It subsided as we made our way east.

... we, as humans, are audacious. We marvelled at some of the man-made feats we saw through our trip. Whether carving likenesses in a rock face, irrigating a desert, carrying cars across bays and under rivers, or builiding four lane highways through mountains we seem only encumbered by our own imaginations.

... many of the western states have populations that reside in totally uninhabitable (if there is such a word) territory. Cities and plants grow where there is no natural water. As this demand increases, I sense that world pressure for this commodity will some day rival our present reliance on fossil fuels. I understand more and more (and I hope my children do as well) through my travels that I live in a very fine place.

... I've reasoned this before, but I can't say enough about how welcoming and hospitable our visits to the US have been. We north of the border often hold ourselves in much higher regard when comparing demeanour with our southern neighbours. I can quite honestly relate that in our travels we were treated most kindly, in city, town and village, and have no complaint. The norm was that those we engaged went above and beyond in their efforts to accommodate.