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 ghostly monk attending to an abandoned monastery, church in Scotland Inspired by local legends of the ruins, nearby, Inverness Scotland, and the cairns. This monk still maintains his garden, even after death, and he hunts the abandoned monastery church that he wants to have added centuries ago
Item is framed, ready to hang. Original Size is 16 in by 20 in but is a bit larger due to the frame. Ready to hang on the way. Varnished with a UV glaze for protection and long lasting. Original oil on cotton canvas. Solid brush strokes and hand painted, one of a kind original. Stories of folklore legends and ghosts. #ruins #monks #ghosts #spiritis #hauntings #paintme #parati #painting #haunted #hauntingseason
A mid-day adventure! This adventure included my mother, it’s not often that I have an adventure buddy but today was spectacular! While I did snap a couple of really cute photos of my Mom, she asked not to be featured. It is a totally respectable choice!
Pawnee Buttes are located in Weld County, Colorado. It’s located beyond the “sticks”–and Mom commented that seeing anyone wasn’t a good sign. We finally stumbled across other adventure seekers once we arrived. We saw a grumpy lady in a vehicle. Another guy was there with a travel camper and his dogs. This was after we saw oil-rig trucks on the back country roads–all two of them.
The Pawnee Buttes were created by water, wind and time–through erosion not tectonic plates. It is part of the Pawnee National Grassland.
Located just 13 miles South of the Wyoming state line, here’s how you get there!
Directions
Start from Ault (Colorado) and head east on Colorado Highway 14. Continue for about 27 miles. Then turn left on Weld County Road 105. Travel about 4 miles north and continue onto County Road 390. Travel 2 miles, then turn right onto County Road 103. Travel 2 miles north, then take a right onto County Road 104. Travel 4 miles east, and turn left onto County Road 111. Turn right onto County Road 110, followed by a left onto County Road 113. Travel 0.5 miles to the trail head parking area.
Pawnee Buttes, N.E Colorado Pawnee Buttes, N.E Colorado Pawnee Buttes, N.E Colorado Pawnee Buttes, N.E Colorado Pawnee Buttes, N.E Colorado Anna Potthoff, the adventure maker, is at Pawnee Buttes, Colorado. My Mom snapped this photo from her vehicle.
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
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
My Travels 