Last September, Pat Johnson embarked on a three month journey by van, to explore the USA. She journeyed through 35 states, visited 29 National Parks/Monuments and numerous state parks. In all, 16,000 miles, from Maine to California; south through Texas and Florida; then back up the Easternmost coast.

Many were ’blue highways’: the scenic roads and interesting byways of rural (and not so rural) America, taking her to places she had always wanted to go, and places that she just ‘happened’ upon, many unknown previously.

She started by following the Oregon Trail to Nebraska where one can still see remnants of deep wagon wheel ruts from the 1850’s. Idaho, the only state she had never been, was a bit out of the way but did not disappoint. Visiting as many National Parks along the way was part of the loose plan. Death Valley and Big Bend, two lesser known/visited parks, were new to her and very impressive. Havasu Canyon, which is connected to the Grand Canyon, was probably the most spectacular place visited. The red canyon walls, aqua water and spectacular waterfalls are just stunning. She backpacked in and camped in the floor of the canyon atop Mooney Falls for 3 nights. Other ‘top’ experiences were biking the Trail Ridge road in Rocky Mountain National Park; biking Big Sur; climbing her first 14er in Colorado; and kayaking the caves in Channel Islands National Park.

She made new friends and ‘learned’ how to be on the road for an extended time. There is an art to it. Pat will show pictures and tell stories of her trip adventures.

Pat has been an active MOAC member since 2002, leading trips, serving on the board and is a past President. She is an avid hiker, xc skier, bicyclist, sea kayaker and traveler.