“On the road again” should be the motto for Wes and Pat Bryan, as they have met their goal of visiting all the counties in the 48 states comprising the continental U.S.  The total of counties is 3,110, with the couple finishing the last one, Sibley County, Minn., in May.
“We didn’t intentionally start out to do this, but did keep up with our counties for several years,” said Wes. “We primarily started visiting family functions and kept up with the counties along the way. It only took us 25 years to complete.”
The couple are members of The Extra Miler’s club, a group that encourages members to visit every county in every state. They provide state maps and keep travelers updated on jurisdiction changes that may occur in each state.
“It’s so much fun and it’s such a great challenge,” said Pat. “The country we get to see, the people we meet and the things we learn about the areas are subjects for a lifetime of memories.”
Their journey began in 1989 when they visited every county and state park in Tennessee. From there it escalated into numerous trips across the country viewing all capitals in both the United States and Canada. It took them 16 trips to Canada to visit all their provinces and territories. They have toured most of the national parks, monuments and historic sites, and completed mission work at many Indian reservations across the country.
The Bryans have seen all of the major rivers and mountain ranges in the U.S. and Canada, and waded the shores of the three oceans that border the states; Arctic, Atlantic and Pacific. The couple is particularly fond of rodeos, and have enjoyed the “Big 3,” Calgary Stampede, Cheyenne Frontier Days, and The Pendleton Roundup. They spent over 10 weeks in Alaska, much of that time in a camper.
Pat remembers one of her most delightful moments being able to observe a mother grizzly bear and her three cubs.
“They were right up to the road, and we got to watch them interact with each other,” said Pat. “It was both beautiful and awesome.”
Wes says he has enjoyed much of their travels, and there are so many memories it’s hard to choose a favorite. He does praise British Columbia and its awe-inspiring beauty.
They both agree their most scary moments came on the 279-mile road to Bella Coola, British Columbia. The road was a challenge, with its 40 miles of gravel road, including 12 miles of one-lane passage. The road has no guardrails across the Coastal Mountain, with up to an 18 percent grade.
Pat is a retired algebra teacher, and Wes raises beef cattle and does farm appraisals. They are both members of the American Legion, and active at First Methodist Church.
By no means is the couple ready to stop traveling, with them setting their sights on a trip to Hawaii.
“We are in no way boasting about our travels, but are grateful to be blessed with the opportunity to see this great and beautiful country,” said Wes. “I always dreamed of being in all the states as a little boy, and my dream just keeps coming true.”