Much prettier than I always imagined! I always think of miles and miles of flat, dull plains…
Then again, people often think of my home state of NY as being all like NY City, when in fact we have ocean beaches, high mountains, and everything in between. Funny how stereotypes get in peoples’ minds.
I know what you mean, Paul. Years ago there was a question on a quiz show: “What’s the ugliest state in the U.S.?” Utah was named first by most of the audience! In reality, it’s a fantastically beautiful place. But maybe we should be glad so many people stay away because they think it’s all desert and ugly.
Susan
I don’t know how anyone could think Utah was ugly-- even the more desert-y Southern Utah is incredible, with the rock formations! When I lived in Northern Utah, near to you Susan (I was in Provo), I thought the scenery was phenomenal. Some of my best photgraphs came from going up into the mountains by Sundance in autumn.
Beautiful pics, Walden-- I’ve never been to Oklahoma. I’ll have to visit sometime so I can go digging for crystals! Arkansas is also on my list for that!
With the popularity of winter sports there, I suspect that reputation has somewhat changed.
Miles and miles of miles and miles, eh?
Then again, people often think of my home state of NY as being all like NY City, when in fact we have ocean beaches, high mountains, and everything in between.
But when folks think “Upstate New York” they generally conjure more scenic images.
Funny how stereotypes get in peoples’ minds.
Hollywood.
I’ve actually got some of those crystals in my clarinet case. My parents gathered them for me, on a trip through the Great Salt Plains. The place is operated by the government, and they encourage crystal collecting, by handing out information sheets. There is also a Federal wildlife reserve there.
Wow Walden! Your pictures bring back memories. I haven’t been to Oklahoma in twenty five years. Turner Falls, The Glass Mountain and Red Rock Canyon are some of the places my family down there took me to see.
My grandfather was from Kingfisher, unfortunately he died long before I was born but his sister my great aunt was still alive when I visited, with her son and his family living in Norman.
Great pictures Walden, and thanks for the memories!
We’re talking scenery, Kevin, not architecture. The picture of Bryce Canyon was appreciated (the divisive “you guys” was not - making quite an assumption there).
Actually, the more “desert-y” southern Utah is my favorite area - not surprising since it’s where I grew up. There are 5 national parks within a 1-2 hour drive of my hometown (Grand Canyon, Bryce, Zion, Arches, and Canyonlands). A really breathtaking area.
Huh? I was addressing the Mormons. I refered to them collectively as “guys.” They are in the plural. Hence, “you guys.” I know you’re not exclusively male like Mithraics or something.
Gender was not the issue. “You guys” (referring to any group of people) creates an us vs. them division, and in this case makes the assumption that any whistle player from Utah reading your post is Mormon, which is not the case.
Susan
When I lived in Cambridge Mass everybody
was in psychotherapy, including the therapists,
and the underlying assumption was that interesting
people are in psychotherapy and if ever you
got well of whatever was bothering you, you
would have to move to Oklahoma.
This isn’t meant as a refelction on Oklahoma.
thanks for the lovely pictures.
My goodness, Walden, I had no idea Oklahoma is so scenic! Now I feel an almost irresistable urge to go there for a few weeks, shoot up a few hundred rolls of film, and do a bunch of watercolor sketches. I get the impression that the natives are generally friendly, so it should be a fun trip.
