Sitting at 49 States

Buffalo in Theodore Roosevelt National Park

Traveling is something I have always enjoyed and two years ago today I landed in Dickinson, North Dakota marking my 49th state visited.  In choosing where to visit in North Dakota it was Theodore Roosevelt National Park which peaked my interest. Doing some research prior to my visit, I read about the Enchanted Highway which is also not far away from Dickinson.

When I discuss the approaching mark of having been to all 50 states the one question frequently asked is “How was North Dakota not your 50th state?”.  North Dakota is starting to embrace being the 50th visited and the Fargo-Moorhead CVB has even started the Best for Last Club.

A few years ago, I compiled a short list of states left to visit and determined then which state of those remaining would be the 50th. The lucky state is Louisiana. Yes, Louisiana!

I really don’t know the answer to how I haven’t been Louisiana. There will always be one state which is the 50th state to visit. Based on the diversity of offerings across the country the question “How is that the final state?”, will always be asked.

When will I finally visit Louisiana?  The answer is soon, but will then raise the question “What is the next list to tackle?”.  I am welcoming ideas and would love to hear some of your thoughts on what should be the next adventure.

End of 2016 Recap

Juneau Alaska Winter Sunrise

The end of 2016 is here which I am celebrating in Juneau, Alaska.

In 2016 I added a couple of new locations to the list of places I have visited. The first was in June, and also a new country for me. Treasure Cay (TCB) is located on the island of Abaco in the Bahamas. This trip was to photograph the wedding of a good friend.

During the month of August I headed north from Juneau for a trip to Kodiak, Alaska (ADQ). The main purpose of this excursion was to take a float plane to Frazer Lake where the bears come to the waterfall flowing out of the lake in search of fish.  With the group I was with we spent well over an hour watching the bears play in the water and catch a snack. Additionally while in Alaska in August, I took a boat to Icy Point Strait which is the tourist area next to the fishing village of Hoonah. While their I took a trip on the Ziprider.

For the past couple of years I have been pushing forward with the goal of having visited all fifty states. Right now I am still sitting at 49 States visited with the state of Louisiana remaining. This is on the list of trips to make in 2017 as it has been over a year since I added North Dakota.  I am not sure where else 2017 will take me as I start to shortlist the trips for the upcoming year.

 

Air Travel through 2016

New Airports: Kodiak, Minneapolis and Treasure Cay

Domestic

Flightmemory Map: End of 2016

International

Flightmemory Map: World Map End of 2016