The wee Global Gal visits four states
at Four Corners, USA, Late 1970s
This Photo Friday I decided to visit the archives for a travel photo. Here I am as a youngster visiting the Four Corners – the place where Utah, Colorado, New Mexico and Arizona meet.
The Four Corners states have played an important role in my life. These states mean more to me than the others – even Texas, where I spent many years of my life – and I think that is because these are the states of my youth and my family. I have lived many places yet belonged wholly to none. I will probably always be confused when asked, “Where are you from?”
I was born in Albuquerque, New Mexico in 1976 and lived in Grants for three years. Although I have few memories of the enchanted state (other than the many, many drives we’ve taken through on our way to Utah) it lives large in my imagination.
My parents were both raised in Monticello, Utah, a tiny town in the Southeast Canyonland country close to the Colorado border. I spent many vacations visiting grandparents, cousins, aunts and uncles there.
After New Mexico, my family lived for five years in Castle Rock, Colorado, and in a way I will always consider the city one of my “homes.” My first real memories are of a happy childhood in an idyllic neighborhood and exciting skiing trips all over the Rocky Mountains. My first “scared to death” moments also occurred on drives through those same mountains, during blizzards. I learned to ski at Telluride at only three years and I still marvel at how I could have possibly done that!
My very first travel adventure took place in Arizona. My parents took the family camping at the Grand Canyon, not that I remember much seeing as how I was six weeks old. We took many road trips over the years, and in addition to our moves this probably influenced my love of travel as an adult.
The Four Corners area might be the closest thing I have to roots, which is why I love seeing this picture of myself “planted” in such a lovely place.
For more Photo Friday featuring travel photos visit Delicious Baby.
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{ 8 comments… read them below or add one }
I was JUST thinking about Four Corners yesterday.
Have you been back? I’m guessing that place looks quite different in the interceding years . . .
I’ve always wanted to go to the four corners but haven’t made it there yet. The closest I’ve come is the three corners of Minnesota, Iowa, and South Dakota.
Thanks for sharing.
Hehe, I think I have an equally seventies-looking photo of me doing the same thing somewhere around here. Cute!
Fun! I, too, am blogging about my past today.
That is a fabulous photo!
Fun picture and interesting to learn a bit about how your travel bug developed…
…and would y’all check out the bell bottoms in the photo!
What a lovely memory. Thanks for sharing a little more of your past!
Thanks for commenting everyone!
poet – I have not been back, although we drove past it nearly every summer for years. One of these days, when the US govt. finally decides to give my husband a visa, I’ll take him there.
minnemon – I have to admit ignorance over the three corners. Sounds like a good photo opportunity, too!
Kim – I tried to comment on your blog post about Vienna but I couldn’t because my Internet problems from China!
Angela – I was pleased to see you had an old photo, too.
Dominique – Those bell bottoms are crazy! But what about the pimp daddy leather coat? For a long time I thought that was my Dad, then I realized he is not that short and it is actually my Mom.
Debbie – Thanks, I am trying to work on more reminiscent style posts for my xpat and travel adventures.
it it nice.