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

May 31, 2025September 23, 2025Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

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

My favorite place in Inverness–Old High Church and Cemetery

October 9, 2024December 4, 2024Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

Located along River Ness in the old part of the city, Old High Church in Inverness is my most favorite of all the churches, not just in Scotland but likely world wide.

Why?

It enchanted me from the onset. The old masonry work, the chiseled headstones, the history, the smell of the peat wafting from the river below, the lingering scent of history past and present saturating the air–the lush plant life underfoot–it’s intoxicating. While located on the River Ness, Nessie doesn’t swim up river from Loch Ness, so no worries of Nessie snatching you away from the River.

Then, personal happiness occurred here–meeting here for coffee with old friends years ago, making new friends–drinking coffee and writing in my travel journal, meeting other history enthusiast here–showing others the history on a walking tour and so much more. The far retaining wall has hosted many a conversations of sillyness and seriousness for me, all with fond times.
The history isn’t just personal either, it boasts the history of Scotland’s past–resulting deaths, forced by the English, of Jacobite freedom fighters whom were put down forcibly, filling the soil with blood of the extinguishes-internment of loved ones-and surviving centuries of everyday living and community–Old High Church will has stood tall for centuries and will continue on-

Is Old High Church Cemetery haunted, given it’s history? See for yourself and don’t worry, the hauntingly beautiful place stays rested within it’s realm, never leaving it’s safe place along the river Ness.

Old Pickens Presbyterian Church

January 17, 2021January 28, 2021Anna--The Adventurer 2 Comments

A cematery crawl in Pickens County, near the Oconee Power Plant, quite a stunner!

While the second part of the cemetery has been moved, due to several factors that I didn’t quite understand, the historical site is only open during day late hours, which is why my photos are so well lit this time!

A brief history can be read in one of the pictures, showing how the courthouse used to also be established on the site but is no longer there but the church remains. Unfortunately, the church isn’t open for viewing, which is often one of my more favorite parts of the adventure.

While I often adventure solo, there are times when others go with me as well, which only makes the adventure that more fun, and as Tim Burton says, there’s something positive about such beauty.

Going Places, staying put–Exploring our surroundings

June 8, 2020November 7, 2020Anna--The Adventurer 2 Comments

Covid19. Corona Virus. Pandemic. Those dreaded words hold a lot of impact these days but it doesn’t mean that adventures stop. There are many options for adventures while still adhering to the rules and regulations in your area that won’t break the bank, too.

While regulations and quarantine regulations and public venue capabilities in areas vary from place to place, regional difference and country standards, there are some universal things that can still allow for fun adventures. While we could all like to say ” wake me up when it’s all over” (part of the lyrics from Avicii’s song, “Wake Me up”)

Activities don’t have to be limited, just altered. IF you can’t walk over the wall, we can learn to modify by walking around it!

Adventure ideas, of course, are not limited to the idea of physically having to go somewhere but can be done from the comfort of your kitchen table, your backyard, or any place you choose. While there have been a multitude off lists that have been made to help with this that and the other aspects of the pandemic, something fun can come of it.

Adventures in your yard to lead discovering a fun little resident turtle, bird watching in the park could provide a new tune, and more!!

Get a journal or notebook (the spiral school notebooks are cheap!) and write about the good in your life and the daily joys

Play with your pet or volunteer to pet sit

People watching, just don’t get creepy about it!

Try a new recipe from a culture you want to experience. The library and internet are full of free recipes

This works anywhere, get a postcard of your home town, region or state. a postcard will also some highlights of the town/area you might not otherwise known of previously and thus will discover awesome things while hunting the sites

Work on your yard, find inspiration for it by lookiing up famous estates or gardens that you could incorporate

Black Water Rhythym and Blues, Elizabethtown, N.C.

August 24, 2017November 21, 2019Anna--The Adventurer 1 Comment

A very enjoyable evening out on the town!!

Located at the Farmers Market Plaza in Elizabethtown, N.C. A friend and I thoroughly enjoyed an evening of live music, performed by Black Water Rhythym and Blues. The trombones, saxaphone, trumpet and vocalists were awesome, featuring covered music tracks.

A favorite of mine was the cover of Ed Sheerens “Thinking out Loud”, very soulful rendition and heart warming. Those in attendance brought their own lawn chairs, making seating comfy and the venue dog s friendly, which is always a good idea.

The group will be performing other music in the park venues, including another in Elizabethtown, which makes me super excited!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_NIIaYP_DuU

A Cheesy Snack/Side Dish

July 13, 2017November 21, 2019Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

Cheesy Brussel Sprouts, an easy snack/side dish

1 bag of frozen Brussel sprouts (plain)

4 slices (or 4 oz) of real cheddar cheese

Lightly steam the brussel sprouts with a little water, until thawed out and semi cooked. Let cool if cutting by hand. Slice/chop the brussel sprouts by hand or with a food processor, returning to the pan with 2 tablespoons of butter, lightly saute until fully cooked and tender.

Mix in the cheese, putting the pan on low heat until the cheese is melted. Serves 4-6 people a side dish/snack

Steak and Ale Pie in London

June 7, 2017November 21, 2019Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

Victoria Station, the hub of transporation

I walked so much, I blew out my socks, needed to buy some more

Reykjavik, Iceland

June 7, 2017November 21, 2019Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

A layover has never been more exciting. My flight on Icelandair proved to be very successful, flying from London to Denver, via Reykjavik, Iceland.

I arrived just little before midnight, went through customs (getting another stamp in my passport, woohoo!!) I was able to sleep a little on a terminal bench in a quiet area, which was super after so much adventuring and travel..

Upon waking up, I grabbed some coffee and a breakfast sandwich, and booked a round trip local bus ticket to the town of Reykjavik, where more unexpected adventures awaited, and the beauty was an unexpected surprise. The bus drove by the old lava fields (now covered in sparse shrub and grasses) and dropped off passengers not far from city center square.

The pictures tell the rest of the story, and I even sampled fermented shark (not shown). A rare delicacy I have never tasted or had available anywhere else!!!

Joe and the Juice Coffee

Leif Erikson

Monument

Atlantic Inlet to the coastline

Iceland sweater for sale at $400

Mural in the airport

Loki Cafe entree, amazing

Tulips

Loki Cafe

Thor Tea

Lief Erikson monument

Church hours in Nordic and English

Hallgrimskirkja Church, Iceand

The Loki cafe is an amazing place to dine and has some incredible views but be warned, Iceland is very expensive to enjoy, even on a basic level…be prepared to drop some cash on even basics. For example, a cup of regular coffee (roughly $2 to $3 in the USA) is easily $8 to $10 in Iceland, even outside of the airports. Why is everything so costly?? From what I understand, most things have to be important to Iceland and with a population of roughly 350,000 (for the whole country), costs are higher due to the enviroment and import costs, etc. It is worth seeing but plan accordingly…and apparently the higher winds and chill are constant, so dress warmly!!!

Struy Guest House, Cozy place to stay in Inverness

June 6, 2017September 10, 2018Anna--The Adventurer

The Struy Guest House has honestly been the very best

accommodation that I have stayed in while traveling and adventuring. The property manager, Kasper, has been super friendly and accommodating, the premises clean and neat, everything is tidy, and it is very affordable.

I love that it is located about a Mile from downtown Inverness, easily within walking distance (with a lovely walk to and from) but also located about 2 blocks from a bus stop. The quiet neighborhood provides an extra air of serenity. A simple breakfast is provided with a small extra charge but it is a great way to kick off the day.

I really liked it, too, because it wasn’t the run of the mill, generic place to crash, very pretty cottage style house, which added to the ambiance of visiting Scotland. Shared rooms and suites both have amenities such as coffee/tea pots and more, which is super helpful, comfortable bedding and always kept clean.

I thoroughly enjoyed staying here as I met some really great people and felt very comfortable, relaxed, and at ease, which is a huge thing I often don’t find at hotels/motels, etc. (Keep in mind, I have never tried an AirBnB)

Struy House 109 Ballifeary Road, Inverness, Scotland iv35p3

struyguesthouse@gmail.com

https://www.airbnb.com/rooms/15229912

13 months in Baden Wurtemburg

May 31, 2017September 10, 2018Anna--The Adventurer

Whew!! 13 months here have really flown by and now it is time for the next chapter!! A review in photos of all the fun I have experienced living abroad here in Germany.