San Diego, California

I made it! Pictures for all entries coming soon.

Mexicali, Mexico

Briefly stopped in for lunch in Mexico since I was just 2 miles from the border and learned that Mexicali boasts the largest Chinese population in Latin America. My lunch in Mexican China Town consisted of tacos, pork fried rice, molé enchiladas and egg rolls...very bizarre, but quite delicious! Right after lunch, I crossed back over to the U.S. and drove straight on I-8 towards San Diego, through the sand dunes and lowlands of the desert gazing at Mexico to my left the whole way.

Phoenix, Arizona

Staying with Jo from college I was happy to feel the 95 degree F heat of Arizona. What a change from a few days ago when it was 20 degrees F in Denver. It's been a long drive so far and the night brought a relaxing dinner and some drinks near Arizona State University at a local club.

The Grand Canyon

After the rim drive and a short rim walk I descended into the canyon via the South Kaibab Trail but not before risking my life climbing out to a ledge looking in the face of death from a 500m fall to the rocks below.

Flagstaff & Grand Canyon, Arizona

A long drive brought me here to the Grand Canyon International Hostel in Flagstaff, once rated the #1 hostel in North America. I watched the Patriots unfortunately lose to the Colts and made a few friends with some international and domestic backpackers and turned in early in order to be fresh for the challenging hikes the Grand Canyon presented in the morning.

Zion National Park, Utah

Immediately after a little hiking and photos at Bryce Canyon I made it to Zion just before sundown. And after sleeping in my car (I don't have a tent for camping) I spent the entire day hiking in the park, up it's cliffs and through it's canyons. This place is sheer natural beauty.

Bryce Canyon, Utah

After awaking at the crack of dawn and skipping out on the last night's charge for the hostel (I was upset because someone stole my pillow) I hopped in the car and sped towards Bryce Canyon, 4 hours away. From what I have researched, Bryce Canyon is the most anticipated destination on my cross-country journey. I've heard many testimonials from U.S. visitors that Bryce is the most unique sight the country has to offer.

Needles Canyonlands

A 9-mile solo hike through the desert might sound like bad judgment, especially because I have never been in the desert. But the towering sandstone red-rock formations were enough to keep my mind off the solitude of being in a barren and silent environment.

Island in the Sky, Canyonlands & Arches National Park

Woke up early and headed out with a dude from British Columbia to see what Utah's landscape had to offer.

Moab, Utah

Arrived in Moab, the largest town in Southern Utah with a tiny population of 6,000, around 9pm. Proceeded to the Lazy Lizard Hostel where accommodation ran under $10/night. Just driving into the Red Rock Canyon was enough to excite me for the coming days of exploring Canyonlands and Arches National Parks.

Denver, Colorado

After a grueling 13.5 hour drive through Iowa and Nebraska's Corn and Wheat Field I made it to the Mile High City and was presented with 28 degree F weather. Burrrr.

I basically just checked into the Innkeeper of the Rockies Hostel and went downtown to find some bars/clubs/pubs...it is Halloween. Unfortunately, seeing that I am driving cross country with little cash, downtown's bars were too expensive. So I made it up to Colfax Ave. and checked out a few dive bars with $1 pints (which were free because the chick bartender liked me) and talked to the locals. The decribed Denver as a city of chaos, which I couldn't fathom. Then two minutes later, right before my eyes, I witnessed a drunk guy get smashed in the mouth with a beer bottle and the door or his 1970s Landrover broken off by another dude. The he proceeded to drive away hammered. I turned to the guy speaking of chaos and just nodded my head.