Last November I finally achieved one of my Bucket List goals… to visit, and geocache in, all 50 US states. Although I do say so myself, it was quite an achievement. Especially for someone who doesn’t live in the USA, who wasn’t even born in North America, and is only 3½ inches tall!
The Alaska State Capitol Building, Juneau
With some friends outside the Alaska State Capitol
That doesn’t mean I’m finished with the United States. Far from it. There’s still so much to see and do there, so many Bucket List places to experience, not to mention friends to visit.
Yet I decided I needed a new goal to help steer my future trips south of the border. And a few weeks ago, I came up with one… to visit all the US State Capitol Buildings.
The Texas State Capitol, Austin
It doesn’t look too bad from the back, either
In retrospect, I discovered I’d been pretty close to quite a few of them on my previous adventures. For example, I’d driven past the capitals of Washington (Olympia) and North Dakota (Bismarck) on the interstate without even realising it. Also from the interstate, I remember seeing the domes of the Georgia (Atlanta) and Connecticut (Hartford) Capitol Buildings. And I’ve actually briefly visited at least three state capitals, without setting eyes on the Capitol Building: New York (Albany), Rhode Island (Providence) and Arizona (Phoenix).
The Hawaii State Capitol, Honolulu (note the replica Liberty Bell on the left)
Ultimately, I was quite shocked to discover I’d only actually visited four Capitol Buildings: Alaska (Juneau), Texas (Austin), Hawaii (Honolulu) and Florida (Tallahassee). Although, to be fair, In the case of the latter, I had done a tour of both the new and old Capitol Buildings.
The old (foreground) and new Florida Capitols, Tallahassee
Inside the new Florida Capitol Building
Last month, I checked off another two, Delaware (Dover) and Virginia (Richmond), while visiting friends in Richmond itself. And next month I hope to add at least one more, during a trip to Connecticut.
Legislative Hall, the Delaware State Capitol, Dover (with another Liberty Bell replica)
Around the back of Legislative Hall
That’s not a bad start, I suppose. But I know the challenge I’ve set myself will keep me busy for several years to come. And mean quite a few Journeys through the United States. Oh, well. It’s a tough challenge, but someone has to do it!
The Virginia State Capitol, Richmond
How many States / State Capitol Buildings have you visited?
While you’re thinking about it, why not sign up and follow my continuing Journeys here at Jaspa’s Journal, or through my website, Facebook, Twitter and Instagram?
And if that’s not enough for you, there are now three Jaspa’s Journey novels to enjoy as ebooks! Perfect for Kids 8 – 80!
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This seems like a worthwhile goal. Go Jaspa!
Thanks, Dawn!
Have been in 49 states. State capitals a lot fewer. Great achievement!
Which state are you missing, Kongo?
North Dakota
I visited ND one February on a roundabout route to Yellowstone. You have to have to watch the movie Fargo before you go. You betcha!
Seen the movie. I kind of liked it. Nothing like a long o to get your attention. Eh?
This is an awesome challenge. I’ve only visited 3 (California, Oregon, and Washington). 47 more to go (:
It’s a start, Sophia!
Most of all I loved the bear photo. 🙂 I have been only in 4 U.S. states. 🙂
I wonder why you liked the bear 😉
Thanks for visiting.