The Oregon/Bozemon/Mormon trail continues here just outside of Guernsey, Wyoming. Visitors can explore the Archway Bridge in Kearney, Nebraska. A sample of the Register Cliff is on show in the museum there.
The pilgrims and travelers traversed the wild west. They would mark their name and year of passage into the limestone walls. Sometimes, they even left notes for those who followed them. One note indicated that if the pilgrim reached Independence Rock by July, they could avoid the mountain pass during the frigid winters. By bypassing the mountain passages in the winter, they had higher success rates of surviving the trail and making it to their destination. This was an important factor to consider when traveling by covered wagon, horse, or on foot.
American history is alive and well here in the Wild Western plains of Wyoming and well worth visiting. Thankfully, settlement has occurred. There is a lovely little town nearby. Travelers and explorers can easily obtain a hot, yummy meal for a reasonable price. Twisters restaurant is located right in the heart of Guernsey. It offers a nice variety of great food and wonderful house brew coffee.
Register Cliffs, Guernsey, WyomingPeople and travelers marked their passageA cave within the realm Wasp or INsect hives nesting within the cliffs Register Cliffs, Guernsey, WyomingThe path leading to the Cliffs also boasts a Pony Express Marking Station, more American historyRegister Cliffs, Guernsey, WyomingRegister Cliffs, Guernsey, WyomingRegister Cliffs, Guernsey, WyomingSage Brush along the cliffsAnna Potthoff at Register Cliffs, marking my passage but not leaving a markRegister Cliffs, Guernsey, Wyoming
Traversing the country in an SUV is a long trip. It is even more challenging when traveling alone with a goofy dog. Still, it is cheesecake compared to what the pioneers did to settle this country.Fueling up at easy to find gas station (thank you, GPS!) and packing snacks, finding food is a breeze–but for the settlers that came long before me, it wasn’t easy, safe or simple!
We who are, um, more advanced in years recall playing the game “The Oregon Trail.” It had limited graphics. The features went “ping” when a shot was missed at hunting. The game never highlighted the intense journey. It never truly reflected on the scary, long haul it took on body and soul. This was in the quest to cross the nation in search of space, freedom, and expansion.
The history at the Archway Bridge and museum shares the story of the pioneers. It reveals the truth behind their journey, reflecting in the sculptures and museum. There is much more to express, but it’s too much for here. I think you should visit it and see for yourself. I wouldn’t want to spoil a wonderful opportunity. The Buffalo is nice, and the covered wagon is stationary!
The Museum offers some wonderful postcards. It also has a mail depository. You can share the adventures with your friends and family! Another perk, a pressed penny machine (I call them squished pennies as they are elongated in a squished fashion with a cool design imprinted of the location!)
One doesn’t have an opportunity to make “new” old friends very often in their life. I am one of those blessed people. Stacy, my sweet, sweet dear friend, has stuck by my side as a dear, best friend for nearly 4 decades. That’s right, nearly 40 years we have been the dearest of friends.
We met in kindergarten all those years ago and we have literally grown up together and more.
On the road trip, we met up and had a wonderful lunch together in Nebraska. It was not far from where she lives at a nice place called “The Lodge.” I asked her to choose the place as she was and is very familiar with the region. Both of us have lived in a variety of places, towns, cities, and states over the years. However, we never lost connection.
Stacy gave me a tour of her town. She was trying strongly to persuade me to move to that area. She highlighted all the wonderful features, areas of great employment, and so much more. She was giving it her best shot to get me to settle there and be nearby! I am so very blessed. We all need amazing friends and friendships in our lives. I am so fortunate that Stacy is mine!
Stacy treated me to a lovely shopping experience at Buff City Soap. She has a member card there, emphasizing how awesome the shop and products are. Yes, I went home with quite a few goodies.
While we dined out, we talked extensively. Her children gladly babysat Pixie at their place. I don’t know who had more fun, the kids or the dog. Calvin, her husband, gave a hilarious status report when we returned and then promptly took a selfie with my phone.
Stacy chose the restuarant, Fabulous!Me thoroughly enjoying hte conversation and foodWe have been friends for almost 4 decades. We met in kindergardenHanging out at Buff City Soap and getting smelly good stuffStacy’s husband is a goober and took a selfie with my phone. I love this man. Stacy’s Children are absolutely delightful. They were telling me stories and about all kinds of cool tid bits and information
My road trip across the USA continues–and what a truly spectacular country to be living in! The beauty and splendor of this amazing land never disappoints.
I pulled over to take a pit stop at the McDonalds (and get an iced coffee, of course!). Pixie let me know that she also needed a pit stop. As we dismounted our ride, we saw a beautiful little chapel across the way. Of course, we had to make a visit to this wonderful hidden gem!
The small church chapel is easily accessible. It has parking out front, which is ideal. It is also pet friendly, a must in my world.Inside the chapel is a small altar and a few benches, comfortable and accommodating. The interior smells delicious of incense and time, a lovely combination to the olfactory.
It’s worth pulling off to just experience this rare gem of American life and thoroughly enjoy it all!
Just outside of Nashville, IllinoisHidden Gems of AmericaChapel for prayer along the wayAcross the way from the McDonalds
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Anyone who has ever moved knows that meals get interesting as the big move day grows near. This is especially true if you are moving a greater distance versus just across town. Transferring groceries and frozen goods is a breeze when moving locally.
I am doing the greater distance move and thus trying to use up what groceries I have at the moment. Meals are getting creative, hence edible and ugly.
This recipe, while high in fiber, isn’t pretty but it’s quite yummy.
1 can of red Kidney Beans
1 onion chopped up
2 medium carrots, pealed and diced
2 small tomatoes, diced up
1/2 pound of ground turkey, browned
1 can of refried beans
2 cups of water
1 tablespoon of cajun seasoning
Dump everything into a pot together and simmer for about 15 minutes. Serve with Texas Pete and sour cream or whatever toppings you have left in your condiment stash or cupboard.
This recipe can easily be varied to don whatever you have in your kitchen–hence the Stone Soup theory.
I showed my mother my meal and she said “God Bless you, that looks like canned dog food.” In truth, it does resemble cheap, canned dog food but it’s actually quite yummy.
Edible “dog food” soup stewHigh Fiber Stone Soup meal
My mother’s meal, shared, is as follow, and I quote:
“I made my salad with two different kinds of lettuce,
a little bit of tomato, cottage cheese, cheddar
cheese, egg, avocado, some little sprinkles
that were in a package and some dressing. It’s pretty good.”-My Mother
My mother had hard boiled a batch of eggs the day before. The eggs were nice and chilled before she peeled and put them on the salad. The cheese and vegetables also came out chilled from the produce basket in her fridge.
She chopped up the items and layered them into the bowls, topping with dressing. (I am paraphrasing for her as I couldn’t get it down fast enough to write it verbatim!)
Mother also chose tangerines as dessert, a favorite of hers!
You might be at work, traveling, or on the road. You are doing adulthood tasks. Here is your sign to Stop for Coffee. You deserve it.
This sign literally exists on Coffee Road near Brasstown Falls, South Carolina. What better suggestion when on an adventure than to get your *buzz* on, a bean buzz that is!
Coffee Stop, It’s Definitly a sign
Upon doing some research, post adventure, I realized there is actually a local place (https://www.lifeinlongcreek.com/menu/) that I would love to check out! If anyone goes this way, please let me know how it is!
Several Counties over, I made the trip today to spend time with my Grandfather, Papa. Yes, he has a real first name but we all just call him Papa; he is a blessing for sure.
We spoke earlier in the week. We arranged to meet up for some worship and lunch. It is always a delight to do it all together!
We attended service at Chiquola Baptist Church (https://www.cbchoneapath.com/ and the Pastor gave a nice sermon, covering Romans, Chapter 2.
After the Service, we dined for lunch at Lou and Perry’s Cafe in Honea Path, delicous! The decaf coffee was also hot and fresh, which is great for me!
The feature image photo isn’t the most flattering of myself. Still, I thought it was adorable of Pixie (my wee doggy). It captured the waterfalls well in the background.A kind walker snapped the photo upon asking and one won’t complain or belittle a thoughtful act.
The drive there was about 45 minutes from Clemson. (I am using Clemson University as a marking point for distance reference.) The drive was beautiful. The last 5 or so miles were back country roads. Thankfully, my Google Maps still worked even though I was out of cell-phone range. Yes, I recommend you use a mapping app to get there. It’s “out there” and the last bit is dirt roads. The track is often very narrow, so slow down, take your time and enjoy!
The parking area at the trail head is very spacious and it’s a hidden gem. There were other locals there whom obviously never spilled this great kept secret. There isn’t an entrance fee and it’s family, pet friendly, which makes it even more spectacular! The rules do state, on the information board, that visitors please keep pets leashed.It also asks to leave no trace behind that you were there. What you bring in, please take out with you!
This trail and gorgeous site are pet friendly. Nevertheless, horse back riding, bicycles,scooters and ATV/dirt bikes are not allowed. It’s not wheelchair accessible (in my opinion). Although, I believe, it is easily managed for even people like me whom aren’t the fittest and have joint damage. I would gladly take my 90 year old grandfather here. I would also bring my nieces and nephews, all under age 10. It’s a joy for all.
Pixie thoroughly exasperated herself while she was hiking. She sniffed all the wonders of the trail. She was quite popular with the other walkers and seekers. I don’t know which she enjoyed more. She loved socializing. She bubbled over the water splashing. She also notified me of critters and other crawlies she spotted. She tells me all kinds of things. She communicates without chase or barking. She talks in her own huffs and squeaks, with ear tips wiggling with delight.
There are 3 deck platforms along the trail’s length. They allow viewing of each section of the waterfalls’ multiple parts. Along the paths an abundance of flora, fauna grow prolifically.
The site is definitely worth the effort. Pixie and I walked, I estimate, about 1.2 miles total (round trip) and we both made it easily. I gave her a treat or two along the way (and always provided water for both of us, when needed.)
To quote Siskel and Ebert, 2 thumbs (and 4 paws) way up!
The paths are well maintained and serviced for ease of use The 2nd Set of FallsThe Third set of Falls Pixie giving me smooches Pixie sighted the first waterfall and was super curiousEnjoying the view and laughing at Pixie’s excitementA rock overhang of the path, watch out for creepy crawler critters! The first water falls on the trailSplish Splash the water goes over!
My Travels 