“Onward and Upward” Has Elevated Meaning As We Head Farther West

Driving from sea level to our destination at over 7,000 feet is intimidating, but if you’ve done this trip several times, it’s familiar and yet, the elevation transition is still a challenge. Breathing at sea level has a different oxygen level than the oxygen level over 7,000 feet, where you frequently feel like gasping for air, especially when hiking to even higher elevations. However, if you acclimate at the elevation where you are for a decent amount of time, it’s not as challenging. Of course, the “decent amount of time” may vary for each of us. My husband is much more adept at acclimating than I am, so this information may be subjective.

The trip across country enables us to learn about cultural and demographic differences, which are challenging as a traveler, no matter which country you’re traveling in. Each state has strengths and idiosyncrasies which are exciting to discover and to understand as a U.S. citizen. Each time we make the drive out west, we purposely take different routes to learn more about our amazing country.

We visited the New Mexico Capulin Volcano National Monument, part of the 8,000 square miles that showcase and protect the northeastern New Mexico volcanic geology. We learned that this volcano erupted over 60,000 years ago and formed an almost perfect crater. From the top, you can see other volcanos in the area and surrounding states. Can’t do that in Florida.

Soon, we headed into Wyoming and found two amazing murals in downtown Laramie - I’ve included the photo with this article. If we do this trip again, I’m betting with the attention the murals are getting, more will pop up in the smaller towns and inner cities to liven up the blank spaces and showcase the artistic talent that is everywhere.

One of the highlights of this trip was taking our twin nephews on their first horseback riding experience. Seeing horses on TV or in movies is one thing, but being close up to this gigantic, four-legged animal and believing it will not balk, rear, or run away with you on its back is a lesson in faith - not to mention the unfamiliar terrain or where this ride was taking you. We could read their minds as the guides matched us up with our horses. The first thing they asked was whether we had any riding experience and the two, about to be seniors, turned a paler shade of themselves. Thankfully, the two women guides were experienced and very competent in assigning each of us in the group to our designated steeds. It was great riding that high off the ground and seeing the world from another perspective - you’re definitely closer to the branches of trees. It took a while, but watching the teens finally relax was a plus during the ride which lasted about two hours in the cool mountain air surrounded by breathtaking scenery.

We were constantly on the lookout for wildlife as the twins’ Mississippi home location has none of the Wyoming animals. Antelope, deer, Big-Horn sheep, fox, bear, are often observed, but not on this trip. Well, we did photograph a moose and if you think a horse is big, well, this Bull Moose makes a normal horse seem like a pony!

There’s lots to learn in this vast country of ours and based on recent events, we’d all be wise to keep learning and not accept what a person says without checking the facts.

Are we all the same? Heck no, but we can, with sensitivity and tolerance, learn about each other and listen to other perspectives. The millions of Americans across our county will not agree on every issue, but with honest communication, we can reach more understanding and empathy with each other. And that’s why travel, experiencing new things helps.