Rafael & Deborah Martinez-Alvarez III had an amazing journey to all 50 states and 10 Canadian provinces. In addition they have an amazing record of their travels. They have a beautiful photo album of all the "welcome sign" pictures. As many of you know, getting great pictures of welcome signs, especially with you in it, isn't easy and isn't always safe! Read more about they overcame obstacles and danger!
Obstacles - Searching for Signs
Rafael and Deborah were frustrated in 1994 when they couldn't find an Illinois welcome sign despite entering the state different ways. Several years later they visited again and found a sign to add to their "collection". Since then they have back to Illinois and saw that many more beautiful welcome signs have been put up, but the Alavarez-Martinez's still think the little sign they found in the middle of nowhere entering Illinois is still the most beautiful.
In West Virginia a state trooper asked the couple "what the heck were they doing?" standing in the middle of the road. When they explained what they were trying to accomplish, the trooper said he did not want West Virginia to be left out, so he stopped traffic so they could take their pictures.
There were no welcome signs at the airport in Alaska. After three days of touring they finally found one. Lesson: if you see a sign, take a picture, don't count on being able to find another one somewhere else!
Danger
They took a risk getting to Newfoundland, but they got their picture! When they arrived to get on a ferry from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland they noticed the ferry could accommodate hundreds of people but there were only 10 to 15 passengers. They were informed that it was a "dynamite run" and the law says that when they are carrying explosives they can only take a few passengers due to the inherent risk. Rafael and Deborah said they prayed all the way on the 7 hour ride. They did safely arrive, then stayed in a nice local hotel, and took their picture by the "Welcome to Newfoundland" sign in the morning. They were sure to take a crowded ferry back!
Congratulations to Rafael and Deborah on their travels and photo album. Thanks for inspiring others to stop and take the picture. Everyone be safe! The picture won't be worth it if you aren't alive to see it! Safe and happy travels!
Photos and stories courtesy of members Rafael and Deborah Alvarez-Martinez III of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
Obstacles - Searching for Signs
Rafael and Deborah were frustrated in 1994 when they couldn't find an Illinois welcome sign despite entering the state different ways. Several years later they visited again and found a sign to add to their "collection". Since then they have back to Illinois and saw that many more beautiful welcome signs have been put up, but the Alavarez-Martinez's still think the little sign they found in the middle of nowhere entering Illinois is still the most beautiful.
In West Virginia a state trooper asked the couple "what the heck were they doing?" standing in the middle of the road. When they explained what they were trying to accomplish, the trooper said he did not want West Virginia to be left out, so he stopped traffic so they could take their pictures.
There were no welcome signs at the airport in Alaska. After three days of touring they finally found one. Lesson: if you see a sign, take a picture, don't count on being able to find another one somewhere else!
Danger
They took a risk getting to Newfoundland, but they got their picture! When they arrived to get on a ferry from Nova Scotia to Newfoundland they noticed the ferry could accommodate hundreds of people but there were only 10 to 15 passengers. They were informed that it was a "dynamite run" and the law says that when they are carrying explosives they can only take a few passengers due to the inherent risk. Rafael and Deborah said they prayed all the way on the 7 hour ride. They did safely arrive, then stayed in a nice local hotel, and took their picture by the "Welcome to Newfoundland" sign in the morning. They were sure to take a crowded ferry back!
Congratulations to Rafael and Deborah on their travels and photo album. Thanks for inspiring others to stop and take the picture. Everyone be safe! The picture won't be worth it if you aren't alive to see it! Safe and happy travels!
Photos and stories courtesy of members Rafael and Deborah Alvarez-Martinez III of Ft. Lauderdale, Florida.
