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

September 10, 2025September 23, 2025Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

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!

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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

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Station Cove Falls–4 Foot Bridges in- 1 Mile Round Trip-Easy Walk!

May 10, 2025September 16, 2025Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

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.

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Enjoying the delights at Mocha Mountain, Walhalla, South Carolina

May 10, 2025September 11, 2025Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

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, SC

Bringing Back Souvenirs–tricks of the travel

October 21, 2024December 4, 2024Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

Treats, Goodies, little gifts, Souvenirs–whatever you like to call them-trinkets you get for yourself or loved ones–can be a little tough to choose and/or get home-to the person–here are a few tricks I have learned a long the way–

Know your person–while there are a select few whom really love those Snow Globes-choose something they will really enjoy, like or use. I’d a grandmother whom wanted odd-ball location magnets–sometimes the simple little things mean the most to the recipient.
Find the unique item on street bizarre or jumble sales–it will be always a fun memory–I bought a bone china vintage tea cup and saucer on Portabello Row in London for pence on the pound and I used it for years (until an ill fated moment and a visitor broke it!) My friend’s mom loves puzzles–he was always on the hunt for local puzzles while we were recently in Scotland.

3. Postcards and T-Shirts/Hoodies– are your best friend. They are everywhere and relatively inexpensive–if you are sending more than one or two from a foreign country you “might” want to wait to send them from home as the postage can get excessive–me? I am a postcard junkie-just ask my family. I do send out some postcards but for me, I chose postcards for myself to add to my cork board (sometimes I even send myself one so I get the foreign stamp and postmark!) I am an average photographer but postcards nail it every time! Plus, postcards are super easy to pack!

4. Local goodies–things you can’t find at home–for example, my Sweetness loves soup so I brought him a regional T-Shirt, which I wrapped around a larger can of Scotch Broth Soup–I know I can’t make it as well from scratch as the Scottish do but from the can will be a close second. He loved getting to sample the local fare.

5. Keep a travel journal/diary. I like doing it with paper and pen but my friend does his digitally on his phone and attaches photos–I also put postcards and other tidbits in my travel journal.

6. Little things can be a souvenir, too. I picked up a fun scarf one day for less than $3 as I had left my scarf back at the guest house and I was chilled–a simple but pretty scarf not only kept me warm but it was fun to wear abroad and now at home, with smiles of all the places I have worn it.

7. Have any tidbits that help? Please leave the info in the comment section below!

Postcards are easy to find and easy to pack

Where’s Waldo’s? Wall Murals–Playing a Postcard Game in Invergordan, Scotland

October 5, 2024December 4, 2024Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

A person, an experienced adventurer, several years ago shared a “game” with me. Hence, I play this game every chance I am able and even shared it with other. It’s a very basic concept but so fun!

The object is to buy a local postcard-literally a postcard of your current location-and find the objects or places on the postcard–it’s like playing where’s waldo but in your local geography of highlighted features. That is exactly what I did today.

Invergordon is a quaint town/village in the Highlands of Scotland, along the firth. The firth is oddly deep enough to hold/host a major sea liner, which surprises me. Scotland, especially the highlands, are mysterious that way.

I popped into the Post Office to purchase some stamps and found the Murals Postcard so off I went to find all the wall paintings. Success!!

I also found a beautiful church and, of course, I had to stop for a delicous coffee.

Don’t forget to check out my eBay! Every purchase benefits the Wildlife Sanctuary in Colorado as well as supports an an artist/adventurer..

The Walk to Clava Cairns–and Kerbis Cairns–Gravesites of Old–with Standing Stones

October 4, 2024November 12, 2024Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

After visiting the moor and battlefield of Culloden, Kevin and I walked the 2 or so miles to the Cairns, through the countryside in the Highlands of Scotland–it was a mild, sunny day, perfect for walking outside.

We crossed over a small creek and meandered along the road to get there. Kevin was really enjoying the wondrous views. He was snapping many photos along the way–and I don’t blame him–the view is stunning and the early autumn is beyond lush and colorful. I love that he snaps photos–a great souvenir (for both of us.)

The site has been enclosed with a spring gate and fence, to aid in preservation and to help deter critters.

As seen by the photos, I attempted to go through the stones and back into time (or jump forward?) I obviously didn’t travel through the stones-despite my best efforts. I also didn’t have anything to offer for the ferryman for payment-a gem? A precious item? Or it is the wrong time of year?

Over the Sea to Sky-Portree on the Outer Hebrides via Eileen Donan Castle

October 3, 2024November 12, 2024Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

Celebrating Kevin’s Birthday was so much fun–while his birthday was technically at the beginning of September, we celebrated it in Scotland with a fully loaded, day long tour (via Timber Bush Tours--highly recommended!) I booked the tour some months in advance as I wanted to guarantee that we had seats on the special tour.

The Epic Tour included these stops (plus more!)

Highland Coo’s (no we couldn’t pet but they are still cute!)

We happened to see the infamous Highland Stags (Monarchs of the Glen Deer)

Old Man of Stor

We stopped in Portree for lunch. Kevin and I chose fish and chips, of course, and I purchased some postcards, naturally. We saw all the pretty rainbow colored houses on the harbor as well.

We stopped on the way back to Loch Carron and other Glenns and lochs. There was a famous one that had a dinosaur found on it! On the way there we saw the outlines of hte famous ruins of Urqhuart Castle and on the way back we saw another famous castle but I forget the name of it.

The Isle of Skye is famous, not just for being the major “hub” of the Outer Hebrides but also for being the primary escape route for Bonnie Prince Charlie, Charles Stuart, the last Kind of Scotland trying to regain the throne of Scotland.

The day was eventful and our driver/tour guide was absolutely amazing. Kevin’s favorite part was touring Eileen Donan Castle (which was built as a family estate in 1919). It was Kevin’s first castle.My favorite part? The lochs and glenns, of course, and getting to see the wildlife.

Travels with Kevin Harris–From Colorado to East High Church, Cromarty!

September 30, 2024October 30, 2024Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

It all started in the little town of Wiggins, Colorado…We started our grande adventure in Cromarty, Black Isle of Scotland!

We started off by getting coffee in downtown Inverness at Cafe Nero–and headed to the Farraline bus station to catch our bus (of course, we got the megarider, 4 zone bus card, from StageCoach!)

We dismounted the bus at Victoria Hall in Cromarty and walked down to the firth to watch the water lap up on the shore lines and made our way down High Street, to visit the Library (I needed to use the ladies room) and librarian gave us a local site seeing map.

We continued our walk and picked up another coffee to go at the local venue and we checked out the Gaelic chapel and the courthouse and Hugh Miller Cottage from the exterior as they were closed.

We walked further along the path and came to the East High Church and entered. It has always been one of my most favorite places on the planet. It’s a preserved and restored Medieval Churches, full of carvings and stone scrolled head stones and more.

There so many headstones carved and scrolled out by the Protestant Reformer Hugh Miller, his handywork and skills are seen in so many forms, not only in the graveyard but around Cromarth and Inverness as well. Stunning! As seen by the photos, Kevin can’t get enough of it either!

One of my favorite houses, I love the gates and the old trees

Wandering around Inverness, Counting the Steeples and More!

September 29, 2024October 30, 2024Anna--The Adventurer Leave a comment

Our first day, officially, here in Inverness, the capital of the Highlands of Scotland! It’s Sunday so things are a bit slower and/or with limited hours so we are enjoying a leisurely day about town, drinking coffee, enjoying fish and chips and lovely cuisine, dining out at Johnny Foxes and navigating by the steeples in town–while checking out the historical cemetery at Old High Church.

The windy streets and cobble stoned corners, half streets that connect winding pathways and more are ever so intriguing. Having been here before myself, I can easily navigate my way around but for Kevin, we got him a folding Old Town map with some fun symbols!

The Castle on top of the Hill, Inverness Castle, was once truly a castle, recently a courthouse and holding jail and now is being converted into a museum, Kevin’s first view of a castle, at least from the outside.

His favorite part so far? Greig Street Bridge that bounces as you walk across the River Ness, that flows down the middle of town, right past Leakey’s bookshop!