I'm still alive!

Welcome to the West!
Soarpheat (great name!), You will love the west. I hope you are not experiencing altitude sickness because you are going to be going much higher. If you would like some hints to great places to visit as you travel the Western parks, I am willing to suggest. For example: In Colorado, assuming you are heading for Rocky Mt. National Park, you will want to see the Mesa Verde National Park, travel the Million Dollar Hwy from Durango to Ouray (you'll find a saloon in Silverton); visit the Black Canyon of the Gunnison near Montrose, go west to Grand Junction and the Colorado Nat. Monument or go east to Pike's Peak at Colorado Springs. By the way you missed some great things in New Mexico, or maybe you will catch them on your way home: Carlsbad Caverns is a must see, Alamagordo's White Sands NM--wow, dont' forget your sun glasses here; Bandelier NM near Santa Fe; El Moro NM west of Albuquerque. There is so much more to see in all the western states. Enjoy!

Roots
Chris, it sounds like you are almost in awe. You will be seeing more country that will get under your skin, and make you want to stay. Kentucky is great, but other places are better. Where ever you land never forget your roots. Your roots are what led you to where you are, and are going. Enjoy the trip and write more than you want. Take lots of pictures. When you settle you have the makings of a great book. OFS

Wow
So happy for you.

Wish I Was There!
It's kinda funny...sounds a lot like the reverse of our trip when we moved from Alaska to Kentucky. Of course it's been 11 years since I've been out west and I thank you for posting the pictures! My memory is getting a bit fuzzy and I'm beginning to forget how breathtaking the western US is. So have fun, be careful, take more pictures, enjoy the sunrises, and don't forget to send me your address so I can send you mail!!!!!

Aztecs Are Over-rated
I've built better stuff than what the Aztecs or the Anasazi could ever have dreamed about building! :)

":)
How are you having the internets? It looks amazingly beautiful. I am jelous!

Amazing Journey!!!
Chris, Your Mom sent us your blog page, and it is amazing!! You probably don't know us, but your Mom has taken care of our daughter over the past many years at Kosair. Our precious daughter, Christena has been on her very own journey, which took her to the arch in St. Louis!! We spent much time looking at that arch while in St. Louis waiting for her double lung transplant and the journey after it. One of her amazing "trips" was the day she was able to RUN up the stairs to the arch!! Check out "Christena's Journey" at www.geocities.com/debgabehart. May your days be filled with all the amazing wonders God has given us to enjoy. Be safe and enjoy. I know your Mom is so very proud of you. Thank you for sharing your journey with so many others.