While most younger individuals have been backpacking by way of Europe, environmental science pupil Kathleen Carmean started a quest to go to each US state. She managed 25 earlier than turning 25, and just lately ticked off quantity 27 with Intrepid. We sat down with Kathleen to ask the large and apparent query: why?
So, why each U.S. state?
I went to Ireland some time in the past and caught the journey bug, and I believed, “Gosh, I want to travel everywhere! But maybe I should start with the United States.” When I used to be youthful, I visited a number of states with my household, and my mother and father have been all the time seeking to do extra. We had this shut buddy who had managed to go to all 50 U.S. states, in order that’s most likely the place I acquired the inspiration from. And the loopy factor is, she and her household did all 50 states collectively.
How many have you ever executed thus far?
I’m 25 years previous and I’ve executed 27 states. The aim is all 50. I don’t actually have a set time, however I wish to go as quickly as attainable. Now that I’m in my 20s, I really feel I can respect the variations between the states rather more. Each one has its personal distinctive tradition and historical past. There’s a lot to see and do.
That’s spectacular!
Thanks! It’s been troublesome squeezing in all of the journey with work and examine. I graduated school at 21, then labored for some time in finance. But in my senior yr of faculty, I realised I used to be within the setting and local weather change, so my aim now’s to study in regards to the earth, about ecology and meals webs, and particularly pure useful resource economics. Right now I’m a graduate pupil, learning environmental science and overseas coverage at John Hopkins.
What are your favorite states thus far?
My favorite state is both Arizona or Washington. Arizona as a result of I’m obsessed with the desert, and the Grand Canyon blew my thoughts. Washington as a result of I liked continuously seeing all of the pine timber. Also, having Mount Rainier looming over you when you drive down the road is totally mind-blowing.
How are you planning to complete your 50 states?
I virtually really feel prefer it’ll be simple to succeed in my aim, as a result of I’ve a number of mates which have moved away to different components of the nation. I’ve connections in every single place: my grandparents and an aunt in Seattle, a cousin in Texas. I used to be travelling with my cousin and he turned to me and mentioned, “Let’s go to Oregon!” And I used to be like, “Okay, let’s do it!” The air there was superb, that clear mountain air. So totally different from the air in Maine or Texas.
How did you find yourself on an Intrepid journey?
I used to be taking this vitality expertise class, and I made a decision to go in your journey – LA to Vegas. So I went out west and truly noticed three several types of vitality tech. I noticed the San Gorgonio wind farm in southern California on the way in which to Joshua Tree National Park. Then in Vegas I noticed hydro energy on the Hoover Dam, and a photo voltaic farm. It was unbelievable.
Any highlights?
It was a life-changing journey for me. Not solely did I tick off my 27th state, however the Grand Canyon was simply the best factor I’ve ever seen in my life. Every second there I used to be in full awe. Before I visited, I wasn’t tremendous into geology. Like, pfft, rocks, who cares? Then I noticed the Grand Canyon and was like, “Oh my god, look at these rocks!” Just ginormous rocks. I really feel, as beings on this Earth, we must always all expertise as a lot as attainable. To be like, “Wow! This is where I live. This is my planet.”
Have you travelled with Intrepid earlier than?
Yep! My first Intrepid journey was to Niagara Falls (I knocked a number of states off the listing on that journey, too!). It was simply me the chief and one different man on that one. On our Vegas journey, it was three women from New York, two guys from Europe, a solo traveller from New Zealand, and a dentist from the States. I actually linked with our chief, Lisa. She turned a great buddy, and once I transfer out west I’m going to attach along with her once more and meet up in Vegas.
So what’s subsequent in your quest?
I just lately noticed that Intrepid is now doing Glacier National Park and Badlands National Park! They’re each on my listing. I additionally wish to do the Parks Circuit in Utah, the place you simply go and go to all of the nationwide parks!
Want to discover the United States? We’ve simply launched a bunch of new and refreshed U.S. journeys for 2022!