In November 2021, the Chairman of AA Plus Vacation personally led the group on a ten-day exploration of the American West, traveling through Oklahoma, Arizona, Texas, New Mexico, and other states, experiencing the unique desert landscapes. We are grateful for the support of all our distinguished guests, and this journey has concluded successfully.
During this journey, our first stop was Palo Duro Canyon, located in Amarillo, Texas, America's second-largest canyon. The towering cliffs and lush tree-covered valleys created breathtaking vistas that lifted our spirits and showcased nature's magnificent splendor. We also dined at the legendary "72oz Steakhouse" where, according to legend, if you finish 72 ounces of steak within an hour, your meal is free! This restaurant is also a must-see stop along Route 66. The Cadillac Ranch near Amarillo is another quirky Route 66 attraction often referenced in popular culture; the Pixar animated film "Cars" was even filmed here. Vintage cars from different eras are buried in this field, and visitors can freely paint and decorate them. Over time, this location has become a vibrant artistic landmark.
We subsequently explored the Petrified Forest National Park in Arizona, with its distinctive painted desert stretching endlessly. We visited the Desert Botanical Garden in Phoenix, Arizona, the world's largest outdoor desert plant garden. The garden features an impressive variety of plants, primarily cacti, and houses nearly every cactus species imaginable, providing a feast for the eyes. We observed the Sonoran Desert, located at the border between the United States and Mexico, witnessing unique plants and animals thriving in this environment, such as the majestic Saguaro cactus. We also toured the Pima Air & Space Museum in Tucson, Arizona, one of the world's largest aviation museums, housing an extensive collection of aircraft, spacecraft, and countless historical artifacts.
We also visited White Sands National Park in New Mexico, offering stunning vistas of endless pure white sand dunes complemented by crimson sunsets. Additionally, we explored the Bosque del Apache National Wildlife Refuge, where numerous bird species, including snow geese and sandhill cranes, migrate during this season to spend the winter. According to reports, populations can reach up to 100,000 birds at peak times. We were fortunate to witness the spectacular sight of countless birds flying together in formation.
Joyful moments pass too quickly, yet the precious memories created along the journey remain eternal. Now that the journey has concluded successfully, we have compiled photographs and brief videos from this trip to help preserve these treasured memories.
We look forward very much to the next journey with you, your family, and friends!