Fort Laramie was the first settlement in Wyoming. Wheatland. However, Wheatland has definitely left its mark. It has established itself as quite the place to visit and enjoy!
Wheatland is located in Southeast Wyoming. It is just an hour’s drive north of Cheyenne on I-25. Wheatland is a place to stop, stay, and enjoy!
The murals and statues are located along 8th and 9th streets in downtown. The views and imagery are spectacular. It is very conducive to walking the dog or spending time with friends. Pixie and I have thoroughly enjoyed our time. We checked out many of the lovely little shops along the way, too!
A lot of culture and history in a small town but it’s a true Gem that shouldn’t be missed.
Vetaran Memorial StatueWild Wonderful WyomingFlour Mills Wheatland The Irrigator and his Dog, an honor to those whom settled and established the area and continue to support and make the area thriveWild BisonWife WantedMap outside Landmark Bar, a true piece of historyLocal HistoryPioneer Days in the Breeze way picnic area and hang out, located next to the Windy Peaks Steak HouseLocal Farmers and Ranchers historyWheatland Highlights and historyWheatlands CentiennialStatue of Liberty Outside the CourthouseBloedorn Lumber MuralMarking my passage in Wheatland at the LandmarkMural art on the sidewalk outside the Library for Pixie and Children to have interactive funThe Castle depicted in a muralChapel of EasterbrookHistory of WheatlandWagon Ride and deliveryWorking the fields of WyomingDepicton of the North Platte River, Platte CountyDamn! That’s some fine art
Stones of all sorts were used to make this delight gem, tucked away in Platte County, Wyoming (not too far from Guernsey!)
Built during the depression era, this shelter was created as a project to shelter and add fun to the community.
A friend’s mom actually recommended that I adventure here and check it out. She wasn’t wrong. It’s a spectacular gem hidden in the enclaves of Wild, Windy Wyoming.
Built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (the regional version of the infamous TVA) during the depression. Now, it’s a perfect place to take a packed lunch or picnic. Bring beverages as there aren’t any vending machines or potable water sources but latrines are available (including handicap accessible.) It is also dog friendly, as long as you keep Fido on a leash.
It’s picturesque views are absolutely stunning and would make a great location to host a family event, photography shoots (i.e.senior pictures, wedding photos and more).
The wall Mural painting of the Castle is located on 8th Street in Wheatland, Wyoming. I “discovered” it while walking my dog later on in the day. It was a fortuitous finding.
The Castle, Platte County, WyomingEntering the CastleA working fireplace is located inside the castle, along with tables for a true experience of the rustic lifeA “kitchen” area, compelte with working area and benches and storage shelves for your ease of use A passage way to the stunnigng views From atop the tower, a spectuclar view of Guernsey Lake State ParkAnna Potthoff Enjoying the Castle Guernsey Lake and State parkGuernsey Lake and State park A mural wall painting of the Castle Found on 8th Street, Wheatland, Wyoming
The pioneers are making their mark again along the Oregon Trail here. It is just outside of Jackolope City, Wyoming. The trail is along the I-25, so it’s easily accessible now!
Looming gently over LaPrele Creek, Ayres Natural Bridge provides beautiful splendor amongst the red rocks of Converse County.
According to the tourist site,is only one of three natural bridges “LaPrele Creek flows beneath the rock formation. It creates one of only three rock archways in the nation that span water.” I feel so fortunate and blessed that I got to see one of them!
While driving up to the location, it’s clearly posted that any animal, leashed or not, is not welcome onsite. Tickets with fines will be issued for those bringing in an animal with them. So please, remember to leave Fido and kitty at home.
The drive is an easy method, with wide open colorful views and spectacular scenery. While most of the path to get there is unpaved, it’s still manageable-just take your time!
The area also hosted a small flock of wild turkey.That is the bird, not the alcoholic beverage, just for clarity.
Bring a picnic basket or other goodies. It is an ideal way to spend a lovely afternoon here at Ayres natural bridge and park. Do you want to enjoy it longer? Camping is also available here. I am not sure if I would want to brave the Wyoming chill in the winter for camping. I would consider it if I were in a recreational camper toy. Nonetheless, I am a princess who likes the amenities, and I might not even brave it then.
Watch this little youtube video I made of the area. I hope you thoroughly enjoy it!
La Prele CreekAyres Natural Bridge LaPrele Creek Runs wild under the bridgeBluffs along the way Ayres Bridge Park-Perfect location to enjoy a picnic and moreRed Rocks at AyresSpectuculars views at Ayres Enjoying the LaPrele Creek and Red Rocks, Glenrock, Wyoming
While the beach is located on private property, it’s open to the public, near Guernsey, Wyoming-
Located along a very full North Platte River, the lovely, secluded location is perfect for enjoying a walk. It’s also a great spot to have a picnic or to take a date with your sweetheart.
There are a few rules and requests made, posted on the sign (read the picture carefully for a good laugh!)
Located not but 2 miles from the Register Cliff historical site, this beach is well worth visiting.
Madison BeachNorth Platte RiverGuernsey, WyomingAnna PotthoffWyoming Wildflowers along the North Platte
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!)
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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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!
A lovely visitor came to see me for the weekend from North Carolina. I couldn’t have asked for a better adventure buddy than my cousin, Amy Reid. We enjoyed a lovely afternoon in the outskirts of Walhalla, South Carolina.
Going to the waterfall at Station Cove was enjoyable. The whole walking trail, from where we parked at the trail head to the waterfall and back, was 1 mile. It was super easy terrain. The natural flora and fauna is outstanding. There are ferns, mushrooms of all sorts, and song birds in multitude. Plus, there are lots of trees and so much more. The walking trail and park is free!
We donned our comfy sneakers and off we went, bottled water in hands–the trail head information sign states that it takes about 30-40 minutes to go round trip from parking area to waterfall and back. Amy and I, though, took our time and spent a total of about 2-2.5 hours as we chilled on the flat table rocks on the edge of the waterfall pool and did what we do best, talked, looked at the waterfall, splashed our feet, and talked a whole lot more!
The trail is super easy for walking. At one point, it splits off into another trail that leads to another site 2.7 miles away.We weren’t brave enough to trek through that today! The trail is easy, as stated, and allows bicycles (non motorized). The trail is also very family and pet friendly. However, I don’t believe it’s accessible or usable for mobility aids like wheelchairs.
Amy is hitting the trailAmy is super stoked to find the waterfall and enjoy the spray off mistHurrican Helen fell trees on the trail–and mushrooms are feasting on the falling timberYes, I am wearing a Bob Ross Hoodie as the drizzle made it a bit cold–Amy was nice enough to lend me her hoodie. Amy can’t get enough of the beauty. I was enjoying the fallsAmy noticing the fallen timber and the lovely music of the water splashing over the rocksFirst Cousins hanging out like champs Amy splashing in the pool at the bottomI made it!
My lovely cousin, Amy, drove down from North Carolina to spend the weekend with me in Upstate, South Carolina. We kicked things off with a wonderful and spectacular lunch at Mocha Mountain in downtown Walhalla, South Carolina. It is just a few blocks up the street from the historical St. Johns Lutheran Church (worth checking out!)
While we waited for our lunch to be served, Amy shopped the boutique within. It hosted a lovely assortment of handmade goods. These ranged from goat milk soaps to yeti items and more. Amy purchased a little souvenir treat for herself while there and I snapped some photos. I found Yeti–a mural of him anyway! Why is that we assume Yeti is a dude and the Loch Ness Monster a cool chick? Wonders never cease but I digress!
I ordered the Mountain Club. I had avocado added. I chose rye bread with homemade potato salad on the side. It was absolutely delicious. If my stomach would have allowed, I would have eaten two of them, it was that good! Amy also chose the club. She enjoyed it on white bread with mayo added. She scarfed it down with a side of chips. She ordered a caramel latte and I had the London Fog, both amazing beverages. You can choose a real, ceramic mug or a to-go mug. This is a great feature because I prefer a real mug. Mocha Mountain is the only place in this region that serves a London Fog. It is one of my absolute most favorite hot beverages. It really added the dazzle in our dining adventures!
After lunch, we felt full. We headed to Station Cove Waterfalls, which is about a 10-minute drive up Highway 11. The adventures continue!
Beautiful Outdoor art, Welcoming us to Walhalla, SCWe played a large game board of tic-tac-toeA wall mural inside Mocha Mountain. We found yeti!Mocha Mountain hosts a small shopping area of an assorted amount of handmade goodiesDrinking a London Fog at Mocha MountainOur specialty lunch–I had the mountain club, add avocado on rye!
My Travels 