Regarding the eastern U.S.A. vs. western U.S.A.:

I really have no doubt that the east has some amazingly beautiful country, the sort of places that make your heart swell like a bullfrog with quiet wonderment. But when it comes to generating powerful, thrilling waves of awe, the western mountains (and deserts) are in a whole 'nother league. And for a flatland Florida lad, Yosemite will be like dying and going to heaven.

Just my $0.02.