The road trip to Phoenix from Chicago was a long one, but also a rewarding one in terms of sights seen. I have always loved road trips, especially through some of the states that were part of this journey. Because of being pressed for time, I didn't have much of an opportunity to do any proper sightseeing, so many of these photos were taken through a front windshield when I was seated on the passenger side of a moving car. This is my longwinded way of apologizing for the quality of some of these photos, which is not consistently ideal. However, I did the best I could, and some came out remarkably good, all things considered. I chose to include some photos because they represent the best of the bunch, while others I chose, even if they weren't of the best quality, because I journeyed through middle America, and some things must be seen to be believed. Yes, heartland America can be an interesting place. I will group the photos of this series chronologically by state. I forgot to take photos of rural Illinois, but I think we will all survive the deprivation. At any rate, here is the first batch.
Missouri
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| On the outskirts of Rolla, Missouri |
I have always found the wooded areas of Missouri to be incredibly beautiful, especially with all the forests of oak trees.
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| Missouri |
A beautiful day on the road!
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| Missouri |
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| Missouri |
There are mountains in Missouri. After all, it is Ozark country!
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| Missouri |
And this is what gives me pause about Missouri: I was reminded right here that I had arrived in Bible Belt Country. There are signs throughout Missouri, and some of the other states I traveled through, that aggressively promote a Christian message. Maybe such sights just make me feel out of place in my surroundings. After all, I don't suppose I would find a synagogue in these parts of the country!
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| Missouri |
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| Missouri |
Again, Missouri is such a beautiful state!
Oklahoma
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| Oklahoma |
I have often viewed Oklahoma as one of the gateways to the West. In the east, similar to Missouri, there is a lot of forested land, but as you work your way west those forests recede, giving way to farms and ranches, preparing you for the Texas pandhandle.
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| Oklahoma |
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| Oklahoma |
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| Oklahoma |
Yes, the start of Big Sky Country! Just beautiful!
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