Biography

It took 30 years and 19 trips to the US to complete the 50 states. Last state Hawaii on 08/22/25. Some states have been visited more than once. A few were squeezed into the itinerary with a quick coffee stop over the stateline. Completing became a focus 10 years ago with vacations planned to visit at least 6 states each trip. Support from family and friends, planning detailed itineraries on the Internet (national parks, US icons, FLW houses), Apple Play for easy navigation (crucial to get out of LAX!) and ditching checked luggage made this achievement possible. There were some wonderful experiences, taking a float plane to Seattle, sunset in Maui, seeing bear cubs in Anchorage. Some of the states I visited as a solo traveller and there were some challenges, unable to locate the rental car in Pasadena, having to change airports in Dallas at 2am because the last flight to San Antonio was cancelled and getting a fine in Santa Fe for parking on the wrong side of the street. I did see Diane Keaton whilst I was in the bookstore! So many stories. I loved it all!