Life on Paws and Wheels

Simba and I visited and explored Goldsborough Bridge Battlefield in Dudley, North Carolina , a fascinating Civil War historic site where Union and Confederate soldiers fought a significant battle on December 17, 1862 . Located near Goldsboro in Wayne County, this preserved 32-acre battlefield features walking trails, historical markers, a monument, and surviving earthworks that tell the story of a dramatic confrontation over one of the Confederacy's most important railroad supply routes. Today, the battlefield is a peaceful landscape of open fields, wooded areas, and historic walking paths. However, more than 160 years ago, this quiet stretch of North Carolina countryside was filled with soldiers, artillery fire, and the chaos of battle as Union forces attempted to destroy a strategically important railroad bridge crossing the Neuse River. The battle was part of Foster's Raid , also known as the Goldsboro Expedition, a Union military operation designed to disrupt Confederate tr...

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...