Ayres Natural Bridge at LaPrele Creek, A reprieve along the Oregon Trail-and perfect rest stop for modern travelers and adventures


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!

Welcome to Madison Beach–North Platte River Views!


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.

Marking the Passage–Register Cliffs, Guernsey, Wyoming


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.

The Archway Bridge-The Great Platte River Road–Kearney, Nebraska! How the West was traveresed


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!)

Want to learn more? Click Enduring Spirit of America

A long lunch with a lifelong Friend–friends since forever, Nebraska


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.

A Road Side Chapel, Perfect Pit Stop for Prayer


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!

Want to know more? Click here!

American Latino Bail Bonds–Upstate South Carolina


A new sponsor! This is a first for this American Adventurer and blogger, we now have an official local sponsor!!!! Thank you, Bondsman Jones for your support!!

Available 24 Hours/7 Days a Week 
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109 Sloan Street, Clemson, SC 29631
Office: (864) 780-0389 Mobile: (864) 985-8905
Serving Oconee County, Pickens County, Anderson County,  Greenville County and Upstate South Carolina.

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Bail Bondsman David Jones, Bail bondsman with an affordable rate, available 24/7 in upstate South Carolina, Licensed and bonded for S.C.

Stop for Coffee, Make a Coffee Stop-And here’s your sign


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!

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!

Pixie and the Brasstown Falls, Pawsing in Long Creek, South Carolina


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!

Wake and Bake Breakfast Company–lunch in Pendleton, South Carolina


The name itself is rather funny but it’s appropriate–it’s a great place to dine.

My cousin Amy and I thoroughly enjoyed the atmosphere and the great food while we were there. It was a different restaurant all together the last time I ate at the location a couple of years ago. The change is well worth visiting!

The food is prepared fresh with amazing ingredients and the service is wonderful, which is so important!

Amy loved the decor and design of the business that she even purchased a Wake and Bake coffee mug as a souvenir for herself, a fun way to remember our lovely outing!