I spent a month driving and camping through some of the national and state parks of our western states, where things geological put on their finest display, and members of the order Rodentia are fearless and pushy.

Are you going to eat that?

We do have some sensational scenery here. Despite my confirmed solo traveling ways, I found myself wishing that I had someone along to share in the wonder. Especially overseas friends, to unashamedly show off the country a bit.

A little mystery in the Death Valley sand dunes.

Hanging on at Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah.

The quaking aspens are changing color.

Valley of Fire State Park, Nevada.