THAT’S 50!!!

My trip to the islands over the last two weeks included a major bonus for me in addition to the military history, hiking, great foods, and great friends. The visit to Hawaii means that I have now visited all 50 states. Indeed, I have now hit most of the territories with the exception of American Samoa (which is long over due for a constitutional lecture).

It took over 50 years but I now have the full set. I can honestly say that I enjoyed every state and found something unique in each one. Indeed, I have hiked in virtually every state with the exception of Rhode Island and Delaware. I have found that each has its own natural beauty and culture. I have also now visited Puerto Rico, Guam, the Virgin Islands, and the Northern Marianas. I was long held up by Alaska and Hawaii but had offers for speeches within one year that finished out the list. While I love traveling internationally, there are incredible opportunities in the United States for exploration. If you like hiking as I do, the different ecosystems and environments are incredible. We have an incredible country for the adventuresome – regardless of whether you are looking for different cuisines or different countryside or both.

Finishing with Hawaii was not planned but could not have been better!