Life on Paws and Wheels

Simba and I visited Veterans Rock in Dudley, North Carolina , an extraordinary roadside memorial featuring an enormous boulder covered with colorful, hand-painted artwork honoring the brave men and women who have served in the United States Armed Forces. Located beside Dudley Christian Church in Wayne County , this remarkable monument celebrates America's military history, the sacrifices of service members, and the importance of remembering those who have defended our country. What makes Veterans Rock especially fascinating is the story behind its creation. Unlike the enormous military monuments found in Washington, D.C., or other major cities, this memorial began with a simple idea from a local church member. Through the creativity of a pastor, the generosity of community members, and weeks of painstaking artistic work, an ordinary boulder was transformed into a powerful tribute to America's veterans. The memorial was officially dedicated on Veterans Day, November 11, 2011 , a...

Simba and I visited The Gardens of Southeastern North Carolina in Willard, North Carolina , a beautiful botanical destination filled with colorful flowers, ornamental plants, carefully landscaped garden beds, and peaceful natural surroundings! Located in rural Pender County, this remarkable property combines horticulture, education, conservation, and community recreation in a setting that continues to grow and evolve. The Gardens is part of a property encompassing more than 300 acres , developed in collaboration with Johnson Nursery , an established wholesale plant grower that has operated in the area since 1981. What makes this destination especially interesting is the story behind its creation. Unlike botanical gardens established by universities, municipalities, or large foundations, The Gardens began as the personal vision of one man who spent his career cultivating plants and wanted to share their beauty with others. That man is David Ritchie Johnson , founder and president of Joh...

Simba and I visited and hiked the Osgood Canal Greenway and Urban Trail in Burgaw, North Carolina , a scenic walking route that combines peaceful wooded pathways, historic downtown streets, and the welcoming atmosphere of a small Southern town. Located in Pender County, this unique greenway follows portions of the Osgood Canal while connecting neighborhoods, community parks, and some of Burgaw's most interesting historic surroundings. Unlike traditional hiking trails located entirely within forests or wilderness areas, the Osgood Canal Greenway offers a different kind of outdoor adventure. Its original route forms a roughly 2.6-mile loop , while more recent improvements have expanded Burgaw's overall greenway network to approximately four miles . Along the way, visitors encounter tree-lined paths, paved sidewalks, wooded areas, and residential streets that gradually transition into the town's historic downtown district. What makes this trail particularly appealing is how n...

Simba and I visited and hiked through Farrior Park at Boney Mill Pond in Wallace, North Carolina , a beautiful 200-acre nature park featuring scenic walking trails, peaceful ponds, wooded landscapes, and a fascinating connection to the area's history dating back to the 1700s! Located in Duplin County, this hidden gem combines outdoor recreation with more than two centuries of local heritage, making it a wonderful destination for nature lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone looking to escape into the peaceful countryside of southeastern North Carolina. At the heart of the park is Boney Mill Pond , a picturesque body of water associated with a historic gristmill and sawmill that once served the surrounding agricultural community. The mill used water power to process grain and lumber, supporting local farmers and businesses long before modern machinery and transportation transformed the region. Today, the historic landscape has been preserved as a public recreational destination, wi...