Travel

Hunting For Aliens

Before I dive into this, I just want to clarify we are not really hunting Aliens in the traditional hunting with weapons way. With the state of the world right now, I want to make it clear that I, for one, welcome our Alien Overlords.

July 2nd marks World UFO Day. Do you know why this day was chosen over all other days? July 2, 1947 was when a rancher in New Mexico discovered mysterious debris from an alleged spacecraft strewn across his Roswell ranch. The US military initially sent a press release announcing they had found a flying saucer, but they soon retracted that statement. They've spent the last 3/4 of a Century denying it. Only recently has there been even the hint of recognition that there may be "something" happening in the skies above us.

I'm not going to take a hardline stand one way or another on my feelings on aliens, but let me just say this: The truth is out there and it's crazy to think we're the only living beings that ever were or are in existence in the cosmos. Do I think there are little green men lurking out there? No - but I don't believe we're totally alone in the universe. I, for one, enjoy pursuing those things that are seemingly inexplicable and aliens happen to fall into that category. Let me share a bit with you on a couple alien hotspots I've marked off my bucket list.

First, Roswell, where it all started. Located in SE New Mexico, this is a town that has truly embraced the idea of aliens. It's impossible to go anywhere in the heart of town without seeing a reference to aliens and UFOs - even the Dunkin Donuts sign is held up by a massive alien! And there are plenty of opportunities to learn about aliens throughout town, including the International UFO Museum. They host several UFO & alien events throughout the year that are sure to entertain.

Secondly, the Extraterrestrial Highway through Southern Nevada. Traveling North out of Las Vegas, just watch for the signs advertising "Alien Jerky." Stop for some jerky, turn onto Route 375 but be sure to stop for a photo at the "Extraterrestrial Highway" sign.

One thing you'd think is that there are NO stops out on this lonely road, but you'd be wrong. On your right you'll see a MASSIVE alien marking the entrance to the "Alien Research Center". I was looking forward to this stop, but guess what? That sign is pretty misleading - it is a fun little souvenir stop though. Further along the road, and easy to miss, is the infamous "Black Mailbox" in the middle of nowhere. It has no home attached to it and has become a place for visitors to leave messages and gifts for other alien lovers and sometimes for aliens themselves.

Next on this 98 mile road is the one place you do not want to go - Area 51. I'm sure we're all familiar with the stories about Area 51 and the attempts to storm it a few years back, but people it is an active military base. Tall wire fences, guys with gun - it's a military area and they don't let tourists explore it. It's located just outside the town of Rachel and, in fact, when we stopped in Rachel it was really hard to not laugh at one particularly loud woman that was in the Little A'Le'Inn (about the only place to stop in town - a small restaurant, bar & souvenir stop). She was nearly hysterical recounting driving the dirt road into Area 51 and the "men with guns" descending on her car that were "trying to hide the aliens". It's a military base - why anyone would expect anything other than that I can't imagine, but she certainly didn't expect that. So word to the wise, if you try to enter Area 51, you aren't going to be successful. Just don't try it.

I take the whole alien thing a little tongue-in-cheek, but I realize there are some die-hard believers out there. We are all entitled to our own beliefs and opinions and I definitely think these things are worth exploring. There are a lot of mysteries in the sky that we haven't even started to scratch the surface of learning about so who knows what we'll find? My favorite Astronomer, Jack Horkheimer, used to say "Keep looking up". Definitely keep looking up - maybe someone is looking down on you at the same time. Never know.

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