On Tuesday, December 23, 2014 4:56:27 PM UTC-8, John H. wrote:

From the air, anything west of the Applachians appears pretty
desolate.

Having ridden and driven across the country a few times, I can
honestly say it's all beautiful - as long as you stay out of the inner
cities.

Except for here. I'm surrounded my little more than corn and bean fields.