My first trip out west was in 2001. I had been awarded a Graduate Fellowship in Organic chemistry as part of a national competition, and as part of this award was given the oppertunity to travel to and attend a confrence of the Organic Chemistry Division of the American Chemical Society. This meeting was held in Bozeman, Montana and, at the time, I was kind of disappointed since I wanted a free trip to a cool city environment. However, when I went to the confrence, I learned how misguided that previous opinion was and that trip I think seeded within me the desire to live in "Wild West". My trip to Bozeman started with a flight into Salt Lake City, and from there I drove straight up to Bozeman which was an exhausting but incredible journey. You start in the emptiness of northern Utah and Eastern Idaho and move into the lush mountians of Montana over the course of 500 miles. I was blown away. And then, in June, it snowed in Bozeman and the locals weren't even phased by this! On the way back I spent a day in Yellowstone National Park and I think thats when I was completely captured by the West. While I knew that I could never live in a place where it snowed in June, I found a great alternative in New Mexico, and moved out there after I finished grad school. Here are some of my pictures from places in the Southwest and Mountian west parts of the coutry.

Well, I really wish that I could tell you all of the stories of the things I have done in Vegas, but that might jepordize my future run for President. Plus, its not all that clear anyway. Also, I dont think all of the statue of limitations have expired, so I better utalize my fifth amanedment rights here. Finally, as you already know, there is the cardinal rule: What goes on in Vegas, stays in Vegas...

Albuquerque- or Burque as sometimes refered to by locals. Better known as the Caipitol of the Land of Entrapment (not to be confused with Santa Fe, the capitol of the Land of Enchantment). I guess to be honest its not in the same league as those cities above, but a very cool place that I love just as much. And, the largest hot air balloon festiaval in the world!

The first National Park in the US, Yellowstone is also one of the wildest. It is a place where hotsprings dot the land (and within which live organisms which eventualy lead to the discovery of the third branch in the tree of life), hundreds of gysers, and all kinds of amazing animals. When I was driving through the part, a herd of Yaks (or something big with horns) was crossing the road and to reall big anaimals stood on either side of the herd facing down the cars that were in the front of the line that formed as cross street progress was made. Some fools actualy got out to get a better picture, but luckily did not stirr the ire of the yacks. Anyway, I only spent a day in Yellowstone and that day was like an apatizer wheting my apatite for more.

Quaint, eclectic, happening Santa Fe, New Mexico. Not only is the capitol of the state, but it also has one of the highest concentration of art galleries in the world outside of Manhattan. Just take a walk down Canyon St. to see what I mean and if you can, drop byb around Christmas. Also, when in Santa Fe, be sure to drop by the Ore House, which is a reastraunt/bar overlooking the town plaza. From their list of over 50 margaritas, choose one or two and then sit back and enjoy the day!

What can I say. At first I never planned on going here as I thought to myself- "It's just a big ditch, right?" Well, my brother came out to visit and we drove over there for the weekend. After loosing a tire outside of Gallup, NM and wasting have a day getting it fixed, we finally got there and WOW! I even got some awesome pictures of lighting, but at times it was a little close...

Cool little town about an hour away from the Grand Canyon. I recomend you stay here if you're visinting the Canyon, and have a drink at the "Vee" while youre there. Also, Flagstaff is convienlty located about halfway between Albuquerque and Vegas, so makes for an ideal spot to gass up on your way to Sin City.

Cool little park with some crazy rock formations

Taos-Angle Fire-Las Vegas-Cimeron-Ojo Caliente-Tierra Amarilla so many beautiful palces soo little time.

Huge cave system in southern New Mexico.

Beautiful gypsium desert in Southern New Mexico- but watch out for the missle test range!

No trip to New Mexico is complete without a visit to the place where the alien conspiracy was first started.
This Page was Created on 14 August 2006 and last updated 14 August 2006