Penn Yan NY trip will resume next week cause this week, I've ....

 

Day 3 of Penn Yan, NY Trip FLX Service Station & Glenn Curtiss Museum

Good Morning and Welcome back to Bathroom Blues travel blog!

Our 3rd day in Penn Yann, NY was actually not in Penn Yan 😉but Hammondsport where we went to FLX Service Station - which is not a service station anymore but a chic coffee shop/cafe.

We then spent several hours at the Glenn H. Curitss Aviation Museum and learned so much about this man! A genius in his own right, Mr. Curtiss was a bicycle and motor cycle racer and an overall engineering wiz. He did more for the flying / travel industry than I was ever taught in school. One thing that truly surprised me was that he invented one of the earliest travel trailers, known as an "Aerocar."

If you ever get a chance to visit this museum or te Glenn H. Curtiss Mansion and Gardens in Miami Springs, Florida do so.

You won't be disappointed.

I mentioned in my last post how breathtaking the drive is pretty much anywhere in this area of New York. Dotted with old buildings, 1 room school houses, and gorgeous churches you can't help but breath deep, relax and enjoy the ride. Here's  a peek at it's beauty...

I hope you enjoyed today's reminiscing and that you'll check back for more here on Bathroom Blues travel blog!

PamT

Day #2 of Penn Yan, NY Trip: Seneca Farms, Yates County History Center & Oak Hill Mennonite Store

Good Morning and Welcome Back to Bathroom Blues,

Last week's post was delayed to a severe UTI so here we are with more of my trip to Penn Yan, NY.

Our second day consisted of lunch at Seneca Farms, a restaurant that has been in business for more than fifty years! The retro decor is enchanting, the bathroom had me singing a happy tune and the food was absolutely delicious. But don't over eat. You have to leave room for fresh, homemade icecream!

We then visited the Yates County History Center and Oliver House, which was quite an experience.

Jet lag had us calling it a day a bit early, but we enjoyed every moment out and about, especially our visit to Oak Hill Mennonite store where we found fresh fruit, homemade cookies and zuchinni bread, and all sorts of goodies! In fact, I ordered something special to bring home to my honey. I had to pick it up the following week but that was OK too. Nona and I wanted snacks for the airports and plane rides.

The drive to, from and all around Penn Yan & Hammondsport, NY is breathtaking. Rolling green hills and farmland covered with cabbage or corn or sunflowers fills the senes and heart with awe for God's creation.

Although, I'm pretty hooked on various types of technology, seeing a horse-drawn buggy carrying a family to and from town, or in town, made me long for yesteryears when life was simpler. 

Well, that about does it for today, folks.

I hope you enjoyed today's trip down memory lane in New York and that you'll check back each week for another episode of Bathroom Blues.

Until then, happy trails.

PamT

Airplanes, Automobiles and Hotels: Days 1 & 2 of PennYan, New York Trip

Good Morning and Welcome back to Bathroom Blues travel blog,

In case you haven't figured it out yet, I love to travel 😁but traveling isn't always sunshine and roses. I woke up Sunday the 26th and went to check in for my flight and realized I'd scheduled it for the wrong day! My intital thought was panic-ridden, "Oh No! That's supposed to be for tomorrow!!"

Then my mindfulness practice kicked in... "Breathe, Pam. (I had to do this a couple of times, then)... Change the booking."

Leaving from the small, regional airport in my hometown of Lake Charles, is a blessing because it's seldom you'll have a full flight going out or coming in, so I was able to correct that easily. Whew!

Monday morning I headed to the airport, where the bathrooms are always clean and tidy with seat covers and paper towels.

I landed at DFW where I found more restrooms that had me singing a happy tune. My long-time friend, Rene, picked me up and we shared the afternoon together while waiting for my traveling partner and friend, Winona Cross to get in from Wichita Falls, TX.

Nona and I checked into our room at the Embassy Suites where we enjoyed evening snacks and settled in for the night. 

The next morning a shuttle took us to Love Field where we boarded out first plane to Chicago. Both Love Field and Chicago airports had nice, clean bathrooms which always makes traveling so much more comfortable.

Our subsequent flight took us from Chicago to Rochester where we rented a van then traveled the two hours to Penny Carlton's (of Keuka Roots) house for a dinner of homemade spagetti followed by lemon meringue pie!

As I wrote this post, I couldn't help but think... This is BORING. But you know what? The key to happy travel is finding the joy and the blessings (like peace in the chaos, clean bathrooms, and good friends) amidst the mundane.

Until next time, take care, travel safe and look for the good in all your adventures!

PamT

*image provided by Pixabay*

Guest Post by DV Stone!

Good Morning and Welcome back to Bathroom Blues Travel Blog,

I returned from my trip to NY around 11:30pm on the 6th. As soon as I get my thoughts and photos organized and catch up, I'll share the entire adventure with you.

Meanwhile, enjoy this guest post from my friend, fellow author and fellow traveler, DV. Stone...

Have you ever been to the Adirondacks? No? Well, you should add it to your travel bucket list. I only remember my first trip there because of a picture. It’s an old black-and-white of me sitting on a picnic table with my dad in the background with a string of fish from Lake George. I wish I could find it. 

The reason I bring this up is that for a gazillion years I haven’t been there. Then my husband, Pete, and I started incorporating our travels and some short-term missions. 

We go and spend a few days at Camp Cedarbrook, a Christian girls’ camp. We go as a maintenance crew to repair and rebuild after the season. A small group stays at the camp, but we stay in our camper a few miles away. 

Even though it’s a work trip, we find time to laugh and sit around the campfire at night. 

I don’t know about you, but I live in Northwest NJ, and though its fairly rural, light pollution prevents seeing so much of the night sky.

On one of our first trips there, portions of the Milky Way were visible. I’d never seen that before. We saw shooting stars and satellites. Someone was always pointing out different things. 

Experiences like this could make a person feel very small and insignificant. But sharing the experience with others gives you a different kind of community. 

Our little band of campers was like the planets around the Sun. We each have a place and a role that makes the world a better place. Or we try to. 

My husband and I travel in our 5th Wheel as often as possible. Each place we stay, we look for that community that makes us not feel so small but part of a greater world.

Whether we’re in Maine or Florida or anywhere in between, I try to always look up.

About the Author

Tales That Rise from Hope, Adventure, and the Extraordinary Hidden in Everyday Life.

D. V. Stone is an author who believes stories are meant to connect us, lift us, and spark a little wonder along the way. She writes across several genres — romance, fantasy, mystery, and adventure — because she’s never been able to choose just one world to live in. Each book allows her to explore courage, second chances, and the extraordinary hiding in everyday life.

Before becoming a full time storyteller, she spent years in both human and animal medical fields, where she learned the power of empathy, humor, and listening. Those experiences shape every character she creates and every journey she writes. Whether it’s a firefighter with grit, a musician with a secret, or a magical being with a destiny, she is always chasing the heart of the story.

When she’s not writing, you’ll find her camping, traveling, sipping coffee around a crackling fire, or chatting with readers on her blog — a cozy corner where authors and book lovers gather each week. Her home base is Northern New Jersey, but inspiration follows her everywhere, especially on her camping and day trips to the places where nature and tradition meet.

She invites you to explore her stories, discover a new favorite book, and join her on the next adventure. 

https://www.dvstoneauthor.com/

Guest Post: How Modern Air Filtration Keeps Busy Highway Rest Stops Feeling Clean and Breathable

Good Morning and Welcome back to Bathroom Blues Travel Blog,

We're having a ball here in upstate NY and I have SO Much to share this trip with you! But you'll have to wait until next week. 😆 

Meanwhile, enjoy this interesting information from Sara with NZTourism...

If you have ever pulled off a busy interstate, stretched your legs at a highway rest stop, and taken a deep breath without wincing, there is a quiet system working hard behind the scenes to make that possible. Rest stops are among the most heavily trafficked public facilities in the country. Hundreds, sometimes thousands, of travelers pass through every single day, bringing with them vehicle exhaust, road dust, bacteria, moisture, and a wide variety of airborne particles. Yet despite this constant flow of people and pollutants, many modern rest stops feel surprisingly fresh and comfortable.

That cleanliness is not accidental. It is the result of deliberate, well-maintained air filtration infrastructure designed specifically for high-traffic, high-stress environments. Understanding how these systems work, why they matter, and what keeps them running effectively gives travelers and facility managers alike a new appreciation for the science happening quietly above their heads.

Why Rest Stop Air Quality Is a Unique Challenge

Most people think about air quality in the context of offices, hospitals, or schools. Rest stops rarely come to mind, yet they face some of the most demanding air quality challenges of any public building.

Consider the environment. Highway rest stops are located directly adjacent to roads carrying thousands of diesel and gasoline-powered vehicles every hour. Those vehicles produce nitrogen oxides, particulate matter, and carbon monoxide, all of which can drift into building interiors when doors open and close constantly throughout the day. Unlike an office building where the entrance is far from traffic, a rest stop is essentially embedded in the road environment itself.

Inside, conditions are equally demanding. Restroom facilities generate humidity, ammonia compounds, and biological contaminants at a constant rate. Vending areas and food service zones add cooking odors, grease particles, and carbon dioxide from crowded gatherings of people. During peak travel seasons, a single rest stop might process more foot traffic in one afternoon than a typical retail store sees in a week.

On top of all this, rest stops are often staffed with minimal personnel, meaning the infrastructure itself must do most of the heavy lifting when it comes to maintaining air quality. There is no team of employees circulating with air fresheners. The mechanical systems either work or they do not, and travelers feel the difference immediately.

The Core Technologies Behind Effective Filtration

Modern rest stop air filtration systems rely on several layers of technology working together rather than any single piece of equipment. Each layer targets a different category of contaminant, and together they create the kind of air quality that makes a rest stop feel more like a clean public building than a roadside outpost.

The foundation of any effective system is mechanical filtration, typically using filters rated on the MERV scale, which stands for Minimum Efficiency Reporting Value. Lower-rated filters catch large particles like dust and lint, while higher-rated filters in the MERV 11 to 13 range capture finer particles including pollen, mold spores, and some bacteria. High-traffic rest stops often use mid-to-high MERV filters as their primary line of defense, cycling large volumes of air through filtration media many times per hour.

Beyond mechanical filtration, ultraviolet germicidal irradiation, commonly called UVGI, has become an increasingly standard feature in commercial and public HVAC systems. UV-C light installed within ductwork or air handling units disrupts the DNA of airborne microorganisms, including bacteria, viruses, and mold spores, rendering them unable to reproduce. In a restroom environment where biological contaminants are a constant presence, UVGI adds a meaningful layer of protection that mechanical filters alone cannot provide.

Activated carbon filtration addresses a different problem: odors and gaseous pollutants. Carbon filters use adsorption, a process where molecules bond to the surface of the carbon material, to trap volatile organic compounds, ammonia, and other odor-causing gases. For rest stop restrooms and food service areas, activated carbon stages in the filtration system make a noticeable difference in how the space smells, even during peak use periods.

Finally, demand-controlled ventilation systems use sensors to monitor carbon dioxide levels, humidity, and occupancy in real time, automatically adjusting airflow rates based on how many people are present. Rather than running ventilation at a fixed rate regardless of conditions, these smart systems ramp up when the building is packed with travelers and dial back during quiet overnight hours, balancing air quality with energy efficiency.

Maintenance: The Factor That Makes or Breaks Performance

Even the most sophisticated filtration technology delivers poor results without consistent, disciplined maintenance. This is where many public facilities fall short, and where well-managed rest stops distinguish themselves from those that leave travelers holding their breath.

Filter replacement intervals are the most fundamental maintenance task. Filters that have reached their capacity become sources of contamination rather than solutions to it. Overloaded filters can harbor mold and bacteria, restrict airflow to the point where the HVAC system works harder and costs more to operate, and fail to capture new particles at their rated efficiency. Most commercial facilities follow manufacturer-recommended replacement schedules, but high-traffic environments like rest stops often need more frequent changes due to the sheer volume of air being processed.

Duct maintenance is equally important and often overlooked. Over time, ductwork accumulates dust, debris, and in humid climates, moisture that can support mold growth. When ducts are contaminated, the air passing through them picks up pollutants even after it has been filtered. This is why professional inspections and periodic cleaning of duct systems are a standard part of responsible facility management in high-use public buildings. Facilities in regions throughout the country, from coastal humidity zones to mountain states and the communities of the interior West where services like air duct cleaning Spanish Fork are a common part of commercial building maintenance, recognize that ductwork integrity is inseparable from overall air quality performance.

Drain pans and coils in air handling units also require regular attention. Cooling coils create condensation, and that moisture must drain properly to avoid pooling, which creates ideal conditions for mold and bacterial growth. Facilities that stay on top of coil cleaning and drain pan maintenance keep their filtration systems performing as designed rather than inadvertently introducing biological contamination into the air stream.

Regular air quality testing rounds out a complete maintenance program. Testing gives facility managers objective data on whether their systems are performing effectively, identifies problem areas before they become significant, and provides documentation of compliance with health and safety standards.

What Travelers Notice, and What They Do Not

There is an interesting paradox in excellent air filtration: when it works well, travelers do not notice it at all. A rest stop with a properly functioning filtration and ventilation system feels neutral, clean, and unremarkable. Travelers use the facilities, stretch, grab a snack, and get back on the road without giving the air a second thought.

What travelers do notice is when the system is failing. A rest stop with inadequate ventilation, clogged filters, or mold in the ductwork makes itself known immediately. The restroom smells sharp and chemical, the building feels stuffy, and many travelers take care of business as quickly as possible and leave with the windows down.

Beyond comfort, air quality in high-traffic public facilities has real implications for public health. Rest stops serve as gathering points for travelers from hundreds of different locations, and airborne pathogen transmission in these spaces can contribute to the spread of respiratory illnesses across broad geographic areas. Filtration systems that effectively capture and neutralize airborne microorganisms reduce this risk in meaningful ways, particularly during periods of elevated respiratory illness activity.

For families traveling with young children, elderly passengers, or individuals with respiratory conditions like asthma, the quality of air in rest stops is not merely a comfort issue. It can be a genuine health consideration that influences how long they spend inside and whether they come away feeling refreshed or unsettled.

Conclusion: The Invisible Infrastructure Worth Investing In

Highway rest stops sit at an intersection of convenience and public health responsibility. They serve everyone regardless of age, health status, or sensitivity to environmental conditions, and they do so in one of the most challenging air quality environments imaginable. The fact that so many modern rest stops manage to feel clean, breathable, and genuinely comfortable is a testament to the effectiveness of layered air filtration technology and the maintenance programs that keep it functioning.

For facility managers and transportation departments responsible for these spaces, the message is clear: investment in high-quality filtration systems and consistent maintenance schedules pays dividends in public health outcomes, traveler satisfaction, and long-term operational costs. Deferred maintenance on HVAC and filtration systems never saves money over the long run; it simply transfers costs to a later date while degrading air quality in the meantime.

For travelers, knowing that these systems exist and understanding what they do can offer a genuine sense of reassurance the next time you step into a rest stop after a long stretch of highway driving. The clean air you breathe there was not an accident.

Home State Post: A Jaunt through Jeff Davis Parish

Good Morning Welcome back to Bathroom Blues Travel Blog,

By the time you read this, I'll be on a plane to upstate New York for a visit to Keuka Lake and my Keuka Roots™ friends. I'll be sharing details from that trip after my return on August 6th.

Today I'd like to share with you something a little closer to home and heart. 

We've all heard the old adage about not knowing what's in your own "back yard." Meaning, most of us consider traveling out of state or to another country a "true vacation." Years ago I had the chance to explore more of my home state for a local magazine. I'll be sharing those articles periodically begining with A Jaunt through Jeff Davis Parish...

We start our journey heading east on I-10 out of Lake Charles. Our first stop in Jeff Davis Parish is the unincorporated community of Lacassine. There are a couple of stories on how the name came about, one being that a tribe of Comanche Indians led by their Chief Lacassine settled the area in the early 19^th Century. The other tale denotes that ‘Lacassine’ stands for hunting ground in Choctaw and yet another version is that the name means “small house” in French and the community was named after a small house built by an Indian Chief. Regardless of which story resonates with you, Lacassine’s main attraction is the Bayou Rum Distillery, home of the #1 Craft Rum in America followed by Lil Cochon’s Cajun Kitchen restaurant which is know for its variety of great Cajun & Creole dishes.

Onward ho! and we arrive in Welsh. Officially incorporated in 1888, Welsh was founded when Henry Welsh and his father, Miles moved into the area from New Orleans to raise cattle. Soon Welsh became an agricultural hub with rice being its main crop. In 1910 the entire six blocks of businesses downtown burned to the ground but didn’t extinguish the spirit of the town’s citizens who immediately rebuilt. Replete with memorabilia, the Welsh Museum showcases the town’s history with a Blacksmith shop, antique farm equipment and so much more! Open Tuesday through Saturday, a quick trip to the Welsh museum followed by lunch or dinner at one if its Cajun restaurants like Parish Seafood Company would make for a festive day out with the family.

Continuing on east on I-10 through Jeff Davis Parish, you’ll discover the Parish Seat, Jennings.  Established in 1880 and named after railroad contractor, Jennings McComb, Jennings is also known as the “Cradle of Louisiana Oil” since the first oil well was dug in 1901. Rich in History, Jennings offers several museums for visitors to enjoy. Much ado has been done about Gator Chateau where you can learn all about these historic creatures. Open Monday – Saturday (9-5) Gator Chateu invites you to visit and have your picture taken while holding baby alligators.

A popular festival held in November is “Battle of the Bows” a fiddling contest open to all ages! Check out the guidelines here and even if you can’t register this late, you can always enjoy the music.  From the Jeff Davis Parish Fair (October) to car shows and music and movie nights, Jennings is full of fun and festivals all year so check out their calendar and plan a day or weekend to visit.

Moving on from Jennings, head south on Hwy. 26 to Lake Arthur and enjoy some great food at Regatta Seafood and Steakhouse. If you’re lucky, you might even get to experience live Cajun music. Not up for steak or seafood? Check out the Gummie Burger at Nott’s Cajun Restaurant (aka: Nott’s Corner). Named for one of the earliest settlers, Arthur LeBlanc, Lake Arthur was initially known as “lake le petit lac Mentau” and incorporated in 1904. One of the most popular places to visit in Lake Arthur is Myers Landing Campground and RV Park. Set amidst towering trees billowing with Spanish Moss, this rustic campground offers nature at its finest. As with any small town, tourism is a plus and Lake Arthur offers events for Memorial Day, July 4^th and other National holidays but is known for its old-fashioned Mardi Gras complete with chicken run and parade!

Had we turned north on Hwy. 165 just east of Iowa, instead of taking the interstate, we’d have moseyed on into the Village of Fenton. Moseying is definitely what you want to do because the Fenton Police guards the speed limit with fierce dedication. Originally settled in 1888 by Silas Fenton, the area became a community in 1882 when Mr. Fenton commissioned First US Postmaster. Mr. Fenton went on to donate 240 acres for the Fenton Town Site and built the first store/post office followed by the school in 1893. Fenton’s rice mill was built in 1896, and the Village of Fenton was incorporated in 1951.  

Were you to keep heading north on Hwy 165 then take a right onto Hwy 190 in Kinder, you’d soon find yourself in Elton, another village in Jeff Davis Parish. Incorporated in 1911, Elton is partial home of the Coushatta Indian Tribe. The Coushatta Reservation, which is mostly housed in Allen Parish, stretches into Jeff Davis Parish as well. Federally recognized as a Native American Tribe in 1973, the tribe began investing in a variety of enterprises to provide revenue for their government, the largest of which is the Coushatta Casino Resort. Find out more about the Coushatta Tribe by visiting their website. Even if you don’t gamble, a trip to the Coushatta Casino Resort is a cultural experience in itself.

One of Elton’s most notable people is NFL Nose Tackle, Al Woods who grew up in Elton and played for LSU before moving on to the professional league.

We’ve traveled the main components of Jeff Davis Parish but it behooves us to mention all of the unincorporated communities who also make up the unique beauty and culture of the heart of bayou country spread throughout our neighboring parish: Barnsdall, Bellevue, Buller, China, Coverdale, Edna, Foremans Hall, Gravel Point, Hathaway, Niblet, Panchoville, Pine Island, Raymond, Roanoke, Silverwood, Thornwell, Topsy, Verret and Woodlawn.

Hope you enjoyed our little jaunt through Jeff Davis Parish. Perhaps someday, if you’re so inclined, you’ll indulge in a little road trip, stop at the mom and pop restaurants and stores and learn all you can about this beautiful area of our state. I promise you won’t be disappointed.

Until next time, take care, God bless and safe travels!

PamT

*Previously published in Lagniappe Magazine © 2018; Revised 2026

Guest Post: My Bosworth Experience by Diana Rubino

Good Morning and Welcome back to Bathroom Blues Travel Blog, 

It is always a pleasure to share my travel stories with you but as I mentioned in April, and as you've seen, I opened this space for friends to share theirs as well. So, it is with great pleasure, I introduce you to an author friend of mine, Diana Rubino, as she tells her about her Bosworth experience. Take it away, Diana!

Thanks, Pam. I enjoyed a ‘Ricardian Pilgrims’ article in our Ricardian Register several years ago, and decided to share my Bosworth experience in a letter to the Register, which I will copy here. I felt better knowing I’m not the only one who cried there.

My first visit to Bosworth was with the Ricardian group on the anniversary of the battle, 1992. The mass at Sutton Cheney church where we laid a wreath and sang the ‘Loyalty’ hymn was very moving. The tea under the tent with my fellow Ricardians was delightful and comforting, but for a few days afterwards, the memory of my pilgrimage to the field lingered.

I’d just started writing a novel with Richard as a central character, and read Kendall’s stark description of his last moments, but I hadn’t yet written about his death. So, strange as this sounds, he was still alive to me up till then, with visits to York, Middleham, Warwick Castle, all his favorite places. But standing on the spot where he’d fallen smacked me with finality—this really was once a living, breathing man who’d lost his kingdom and his life to an undeserving foreigner.

As I slogged through the mud on that chilly rainy day, the gloom of my surroundings contributed to my increasing sadness. Walking the same ground where he’d charged with his army and taken his last breath gave me a strong link to him, because I felt a charge of energy in the air and coming out of the earth. I just knew that some spirits were still lurking, one of whom might’ve been Richard, but I doubt he’d linger there.

I’m convinced that Bosworth isn’t an empty field—it’s still very much alive, and I’m very glad to hear that others felt the same way!

My second pilgrimage to the field in 1999 was at dusk, and I was disappointed that Sutton Cheney church was locked. Unfortunately, I had no way of finding out who held the key.

As an aside, I thought the bumper sticker I saw at the parking lot in Stow-on-the-Wold, “So Few Richards, So Many Dicks,” was clever. Only a Ricardian could recognize that as an obscure reference to Taffy Harry. I’d like to see some for sale in York Minster’s gift shop!

How, Cool, Diana! Please tell visitors more about yourself and how they can connect with you...

Ok. 😃

I'm a self-confessed history nut, my favorite eras being Medieval and Renaissance England, and all American history. I've written several novels set in England and the U.S., three time travel romances, a vampire romance, and an urban fantasy, FAKIN’ IT which received a Top Pick award from Romantic Times. 

I'm a longtime member of the Richard III Society and the Aaron Burr Association. I now write biographical novels about strong women, with no fictional characters. In my spare time, I bicycle, golf, play my piano and devour books of any genre. You can connect with me through my Website and Blog, or on Facebook, Instagram and X (@DianaLRubino).

Wonderful, Diana. We wish you the best of luck and God's blessings with your books and travels and hope you'll join us again!

I hope you enjoyed Diana's story as much as I did, Friends. If you'd like to find out more about Diana and her work, check out the many times she visited my book blog.

Until next time, take care and travel happy!

PamT

2026 Vacation: Truckstops, Rest Areas, & Restaurants!

Good Morning and Welcome Back to Bathroom Blues Travel Blog,

In earlier posts I mentioned that we made a quick trip to South Carolina for my Honey's Granddaughter's High School Graduation. Six days of driving with 4 days of familial fun and bonding in between. Since we pretty much traveled the same route we always do, I thought I'd share a bit of that trip with you today.

When heading east on I-10 our first stop is always Tiger Truck Stop in Gros Tete, LA. First opened in 1987, this iconic place once had a live tiger for tourists to view. Disregarding all the controversy you may find, "Tony" was well cared for and lived to the ripe old age of 17. He is now on display in the facility which was renovated and enlarged in 2021. The restrooms in this truck stop are always clean and fully stocked (as many times as I've been there anyway LOL!) and one of the best things about it is they carry pints of my favorite brand of chocolate milk, BORDEN'S. This makes grabbing a snack so much nicer.

Our next pitt stop was in Mississippi. Despite it's pretty border, this one had me singing the blues. IMHO it is definitely in need of updating. That disappointment was followed by a beautiful rest area in Ponce de Leon, FL. This gorgeous facility is tucked in an alcove carved into a wooded area just off the interstate. Orignally opened in the '60's, discovering this was quite a surprise as my mother and I stayed at the hotel right next to the entrance numerous times and didn't even know that was there! 

Our first night on the road, we stayed at the Wilderness RV park in Robertsdale, AL. I've shared this campground with you before, so I won't go into detail here. Our second night was at Lake City campground, FL which had nice big showers and great water pressure and that always has me singing a happy tune. 

Since we're talking about truck stops and rest areas, I'll fill you in on those we visited on the way home...

The Shell station in Pembroke, GA was nice and clean. Mobil @ Madison/Perry exit, FL, wasn't fabulous but the friendly service made up for it. The Gadsen rest area in FL (mm 161) was really nice, tucked away in a wooded area with their cat mascot. Last but not least, the Santa Rosa rest area (mm 30) was pretty cool as well. In all my travels I must say Florida has some of the nicest rest areas you'll visit. 

While in SC, we stayed at Santee State Park. Again, I've told you all about this place too while
recapping our 2024 vacation, so I won't go into detail except to say that the road into/out of the area in which we stayed left a LOT to be desired! 

One of our excursions while in Santee, was into Charleston to Shem Creek where we ate at the Tavern Table restaurant-with it's amazing decor and super nice bathroom-and strolled along the boardwalk. As you know, I LOVE wildlife so this was a real treat. Check out the video and you'll understand what I'm talking about...

We headed home from SC on May 26th and stayed at Lake City campground again. Our second night on the road we spent in Theodora, AL at I-10 Kampground and had dinner at Time to Eat restaurant. 

The video below shows what's so special about this restaurant but one thing that really felt like home was going into the Rouses grocery store right next to the eatery and finding a Lagniappe newspaper which we both have here in SWLA.

And as you well know, while it is SO good to go on vacation, whether a new place or a favorite one, it is ALWAYS good to get home.

I hope you enjoyed traveling along with me as I reminiced on our trip to SC this summer, that you found this post fun and beneficial, and that you'll check back weekly for another edition of Bathroom Blues!

Until next time, take care and travel safe.

PamT

Guest Post: How to Stay Hydrated and Healthy During Summer Vacations

Good Morning Friends and Welcome Back to Bathroom Blues Travel Blog. 

Today we have another guest post from Sara M @ NZ Tourism. It's hot, hot, hot out there so this is the perfect post to share.

Enjoy...

Summer vacations are the perfect time to escape the daily grind, explore new destinations, and create lasting memories with family and friends. Whether you are planning a tropical beach getaway, a thrilling backpacking trip through rugged mountains, or a relaxing city tour, summer offers endless opportunities for adventure. However, the rising temperatures and increased physical activity that come with summer travel can take a significant toll on your body. Maintaining optimal health and hydration during these warm months is crucial, yet it is often overlooked amidst the excitement of travel planning.

When you step out of your regular routine, your daily habits change dramatically. You might spend hours walking under the blazing sun, trying exotic foods, or rushing from one tourist attraction to the next. These changes make you highly susceptible to dehydration, heat exhaustion, and fatigue, which can quickly ruin a well-planned vacation. Staying healthy requires a proactive approach that blends smart preparation with mindful daily practices. This comprehensive guide will provide you with practical, actionable strategies to keep your body energized, hydrated, and resilient throughout your summer journeys, ensuring you make the most of every sunny moment.

The Hidden Science of Hydration and Heat

Understanding how your body interacts with summer heat is the first step toward staying healthy. When you are exposed to high temperatures or engage in physical exertion, your body relies on its built-in cooling mechanism, which is sweating. As sweat evaporates from your skin, it cools your body down and helps maintain a safe internal temperature. However, this process means you are constantly losing vital fluids and essential minerals, known as electrolytes, including sodium, potassium, and magnesium. If you do not replace these lost fluids promptly, your body enters a state of dehydration, which impairs your physical performance and cognitive functions.

Dehydration does not just happen when you feel incredibly thirsty. In fact, by the time your brain registers the sensation of thirst, your body is already mildly dehydrated. Early warning signs include dry mouth, mild headaches, dark-colored urine, and sudden feelings of fatigue or dizziness. For travelers, mild dehydration can manifest as brain fog, making it difficult to navigate unfamiliar cities or map out transportation routes. When dehydration worsens, it can lead to heat exhaustion or even heatstroke, which are serious medical conditions that require immediate attention. By understanding the science behind fluid loss, you can appreciate why consistent fluid intake is a non-negotiable part of summer travel.

Practical Strategies for On the Go Fluid Intake

Staying hydrated while traveling requires deliberate effort, especially when you are constantly on the move. The most effective strategy is to invest in a high-quality, reusable, insulated water bottle before you leave home. An insulated bottle keeps your water crisp and cold for hours, making it much more appealing to drink when you are walking through hot city streets or sitting on a sunny beach. Make it a habit to fill your bottle at your hotel before heading out, and look for safe refilling stations at airports, museums, or restaurants throughout the day.

To ensure you are drinking enough, set a target to consume water at regular intervals rather than chugging large amounts all at once. Sip continuously throughout your excursions, aiming for at least eight to ten ounces every hour when you are active outdoors. If you find plain water boring after a while, you can infuse it with natural slices of lemon, lime, cucumber, or mint leaves to enhance the flavor without adding unhealthy sugars. Additionally, downloading a hydration tracking app on your phone or setting simple hourly reminders can help you maintain your fluid intake goals when you are distracted by sightseeing.

Nutritional Choices That Boost Summer Hydration

Many travelers do not realize that hydration is not achieved solely through the liquids you drink. The foods you choose to eat play a massive role in maintaining your body's fluid balance, especially when enjoying New Zealand tours. Nature provides an abundance of water-rich fruits and vegetables during the summer season, which double as excellent travel snacks. Watermelon, strawberries, grapefruit, and oranges are packed with water and natural sugars that provide quick energy. On the vegetable side, cucumbers, zucchini, celery, and bell peppers offer exceptional hydration alongside essential vitamins and minerals that support your immune system.

When you are exploring local markets or dining out, try to incorporate these hydrating ingredients into your meals. Choosing a crisp summer salad or a chilled vegetable soup can provide a refreshing break from heavy, greasy foods that are difficult to digest in the heat. Heavy, high-fat meals require more metabolic energy to break down, which can elevate your internal body temperature and leave you feeling sluggish. Furthermore, incorporating small amounts of healthy, salty snacks like pretzels or salted nuts can help replace the sodium lost through sweat, allowing your cells to retain water more efficiently.

Smart Choices and Avoiding Dehydration Traps

While it is tempting to indulge in local beverages while on vacation, certain drinks can actively work against your hydration goals. Alcohol, caffeinated beverages like espresso or iced lattes, and sugary sodas are notorious for their dehydrating effects. Alcohol and caffeine act as natural diuretics, meaning they stimulate your kidneys to produce more urine, causing you to lose fluids faster than you consume them. Enjoying a local cocktail by the pool or a morning iced coffee is a wonderful part of travel, but these choices must be managed with care.

To counteract the diuretic effects of these beverages, practice the one-for-one rule. For every alcoholic drink or caffeinated beverage you consume, drink a full glass of pure water immediately afterward. This simple habit helps neutralize the fluid loss and keeps your hydration levels stable. Additionally, be cautious with energy drinks that are loaded with synthetic sugars and high levels of caffeine, as they can cause rapid heart rate fluctuations and sudden energy crashes in hot weather. Stick to pure water, herbal iced teas, or coconut water, which is an excellent natural source of electrolytes.

Protecting Your Body from Heat and Sun Exposure

Hydration goes hand in hand with external body protection, as sunburn and heat exposure can accelerate fluid loss. When your skin is sunburned, it loses its ability to regulate body temperature efficiently, and fluid is drawn to the surface of the skin away from the rest of your body. To prevent this, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher at least thirty minutes before stepping outside. Remember to reapply your sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you are swimming or sweating heavily during outdoor activities.

In addition to sunscreen, your clothing choices play a critical role in keeping you cool and healthy. Opt for lightweight, loose-fitting garments made from breathable fabrics such as cotton, linen, or moisture-wicking athletic materials. Light colors reflect the sun rays, whereas dark colors absorb heat and increase your body temperature. Wearing a wide-brimmed hat safeguards your face, neck, and ears from direct sunlight, while UV-blocking sunglasses protect your eyes from strain and damage. Whenever possible, plan your intensive outdoor sightseeing during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late evening, and take frequent breaks in shaded or air-conditioned areas.

Conclusion and Your Next Steps for Summer Travel

Prioritizing your health and hydration is the ultimate secret to a successful, vibrant summer vacation. By understanding how your body handles heat, packing the right gear, making smart dietary choices, and protecting your skin, you can prevent fatigue and illnesses from interrupting your adventures. Staying hydrated enhances your energy levels, keeps your mood positive, and ensures you have the stamina to explore every corner of your travel destination. Health management does not have to be a chore, it can easily become a seamless, rewarding part of your travel routine.

As you pack your bags for your next big trip, make a conscious commitment to put these hydration strategies into action. Start by selecting a dependable reusable water bottle today and researching safe water sources at your upcoming destination. Share these tips with your travel companions so that everyone stays safe, healthy, and energized together. Do you have a favorite hydration hack or a go-to summer travel snack that keeps you feeling refreshed? Tell us about your summer travel plans and your best health tips in the comments below, and do not forget to subscribe to our newsletter for more expert travel advice!

All Great Advice, too, Sara. Thank You for sharing with us.

Hope you enjoyed today's post, friends and that you'll check back weekly for more great travel stories or advice on Bathroom Blues travel blog!

Until next time, take care, God Bless, and happy trails to you...

PamT

Best-Selling Author and Travel Writer, Pam Grout Shares her Story with Us Today!

Good Morning and Welcome Back to Bathroom Blues Travel Blog.

I love Pam Grout's books and have shared many  on my spiritual blog. I've followed her for quite a while and we've exchanged correspondence. I knew from reading her work that Pam wrote several travel blogs, books and articles, so I reached out to her about being our guest and here's what she had to say...

Here's why I wrote my travel books.

First, I LOVE traveling. I've often told the story of how I fell into travel writing. I sent a query to Ladies Home Journal pitching a story on being a freelance writer. I'm not sure what impelled me to think they'd want a story like that, but in a paragraph about recent assignments, I mentioned picking coffee in Nicaragua and renting a villa in Jamaica, both of which were written for non-travel magazines. 

The editor called me to inquire, "Do you ever do travel writing?" Since you never say no to an editor, I said, "yes," even though I wasn't exactly sure what that was.

She asked where I was going next, and even though I had nothing planned, I answered, "Tampa." She assigned me a set number of words, and I promptly called my sorta-boyfriend who WAS going to Tampa with his family to ask if I could join.

Since then, I've written hundreds of travel articles and written travel columns for Huffington Post and The Daily Meal, to name just a few. 

I also happily discovered that travel writers get invited on all sorts of amazing trips and, in that capacity, I've been to 80 countries, writing about everything from cruises in Moscow to mud baths in Philippines to safaris in Brazil. 

It has been magical.

Eventually, travel book publishers called asking me to write books. The first was Kansas Curiosities  featuring wacky things in my home state--everything from the world's largest ball of string to underground cities to a concrete Model T. I went on to write Colorado Curiosities and the Girlfriend Getaway Guide, all of which were assigned to me by Globe-Pequot Press.

An editor there recommended me to National Geographic for which I wrote a three-book series on meaningful vacations. These 2 are still available!

The 100 Best Volunteer Vacations to Enrich Your Life

and

The 100 Best Vacations to Enrich Your Life

Today, travel books aren't as popular as you can get more up-to-date information online. But I LOVED my couple dozen years writing travel. 

Pam Grout is the author of 17 books and a reporter for People magazine, CNN, Huffington Post, Men's Journal and many others. Find out more by visiting her website, travel blog or Facebook page. Get a more complete bio Here. Read my posts about her books Here and Here.

Thank You, Pam for visiting with us today. I just LOVE how you "fell into" travel writing. Kinda like how this blog came about LOL!

Hope you enjoyed today's post, friends and that you'll check back often for more travel books, posts and articles.

Until next time, be safe on your adventures!

PamT

PS: There are 54 travel books in the "Curiosities" collection. Find them all HERE. Also, check out Pam's other book You'll Know When You are in Kansas When... HERE.

Travel Smart

Good Morning and Welcome back to Bathroom Blues Travel Blog!

Way back in April I mentioned that I was expanding this blog to include articles, essays and guest posts. Today, I'm sharing with you an article I wrote back in 2017 for an insurance company I worked for. I think you'll find it informative and I hope you'll enjoy it...

Months on the open road, hiking in the mountains or forests…

Many people dream of taking an extensive vacation, voyage abroad, long road trip or RV trek across the country. No one likes to think they won’t return from their vacation but, more times than we imagine, some don’t. Therefore, it is important to make sure your legal affairs are in order and that someone knows what your final wishes are and how to carry them out.  

Here are a few things to keep in mind and help you prepare before you begin your journey….

#1: Have a will? Make sure your heir(s) have a copy or know where to find it. Don’t have one? Unless you have a huge estate, several ex-s, and/or a whole passel of kids, a simple list of instructions on who/what/when/where should suffice. 

#2: Are your banking, bills and/or personal financial transactions handled online? Your surviving spouse and/or children need to know how to access these accounts and what to do with them. Put everything on a “thumb/jump” drive or an external hard drive and leave it with your nearest relative/child, in a safe deposit box, or with your attorney. Be sure to list Life Insurance/Burial Policies and/or Retirement/Investment Accounts as well as home/auto and other insurance.

#3: Have a DNR or Living Will? Make sure the party you are travelling with has access to these documents. 

#4: Have food or medicine allergies? Be sure to let the party you are travelling with know these things. Keep a list in your wallet and/or wear a medical bracelet or tag.

#5: Back up your computer files to an external hard drive and give it to your next of kin. That way, he or she can close any email/social media accounts/groups you belong to.

#6: List the details of your funeral and/or burial for your spouse, significant other and/or children/heirs. These decisions are difficult for grieving loved ones, so make it easy on them by letting them know whether you want a funeral or cremation and other such particulars.

#7: Along with special instructions on how to finalize your earthly existence, write a letter to your loved ones. Let them know how proud you are of them, make amends or simply voice your love. These words will last much longer than any harsh memories they have (or may have had) of you in the past.

These are a few ideas to help make your summertime fun and should you not return, the shock less intense for those you leave behind. Before you get on the road, board that train or plane, or head out with your RV or in a motorhome, talk to your insurance agent about a final expense or travel policy for just in case.

Traveling with kids and pets? Here are some items you may need...

*Pet records. Having your dog or cat’s shot records with you will make finding hotel rooms or temporary shelter for your furry friends a whole lot easier.

*First aid kit. Include baby, antiseptic and disinfectant wipes.

*Laptops, I-Pads, Electronic reading devices. These are easy to carry, don’t take up much room and will help keep the kids occupied while travelling. Make sure you pack car and home chargers! Books, Coloring books & Crayons and card/board games work well also.

*Granola/Cereal bars, peanut butter, fruit snacks, trail mix, bottled water, etc.

Until next time, take care and travel smart.

PamT

©2017 All Rights Reserved.

Image provided by Pixabay via Freerange

Guest Post: How to Find Clean Public Restrooms in Major Tourist Cities

Good Morning and Welcome Back to Bathroom Blues Travel Blog!

You know, it never ceases to amaze me how God works.

I mentioned back in April that I had opened this blog to guest posts, and reiterated the info several times since. When I first put the call out, not many people responded. Then I get a message through my website from Sara M @ NZtourism... Yep, you heard that right and they wanted to provide articles for us!

I've never been to New Zealand but the heroine in one of the stories in my book, A Hint of Holiday Romance, goes to Wellington Harbour and finds her long-lost father there.

Coincidence?

I don't think so.

Anyway, I hope you enjoy this article as it fits right in with our theme of bathroom cleanliness...

How to Find Clean Public Restrooms in Major Tourist Cities

Introduction

Exploring a new global metropolis is one of the most exhilarating experiences a traveler can enjoy. You can spend hours wandering through historic cobblestone streets, admiring towering architectural wonders, and immersing yourself in vibrant local markets. However, a lengthy day of sightseeing inevitably brings a common, universal challenge. Every traveler eventually faces the urgent need to find a clean, safe, and accessible public restroom. In an unfamiliar destination, this simple biological necessity can quickly turn into a stressful ordeal. The challenge is magnified by varying cultural norms, hidden fees, and diverse urban layouts. A lack of preparation can easily disrupt an otherwise perfect travel itinerary, forcing you to cut your excursions short. Fortunately, urban centers around the world offer numerous resources for the savvy explorer. Navigating these options requires a blend of digital tools, cultural awareness, and strategic thinking. By mastering a few straightforward techniques, you can ensure that your urban adventures remain comfortable and uninterrupted. This comprehensive guide provides the essential tools, hidden strategies, and practical insights required to locate pristine facilities in any major tourist city. With the right approach, you will never have to worry about finding a quality restroom during your global travels.

Leverage Digital Tools and Crowdsourced Mobile Applications

In the modern digital era, technology serves as your primary asset when searching for nearby facilities. A variety of dedicated mobile applications have been developed specifically to address this universal human need. These platforms rely heavily on crowdsourced data, allowing global citizens to map out, rate, and review restrooms in real time. Popular smartphone applications such as Flush, Toilet Finder, and Where is Public Toilet offer vast global databases containing hundreds of thousands of registered facilities. These applications use your smartphone's real-time geographic location to pinpoint the exact coordinates of nearby restrooms instantly. They also provide crucial contextual details, indicating whether a specific location offers wheelchair accessibility, requires a specific entry key, or charges a small usage fee. Furthermore, standard navigation tools like Google Maps and Apple Maps have vastly improved their databases. Simply typing basic keywords into your search bar can yield surprisingly accurate results. Beyond standard maps, specialized regional applications exist for specific destinations. For example, visitors exploring Australia can utilize the National Public Toilet Map, a government-supported platform tracking over thousands of facilities. By downloading these digital resources before departing on your journey, you gain access to an interactive safety net that functions even when you are offline.

Explore High-End Commercial Hubs and Hospitality Spaces

When mobile applications are unavailable or provide limited local data, targeting specific types of urban businesses is a highly reliable strategy. High-end department stores, modern shopping malls, and multi-level commercial centers are premium destinations for clean facilities. Major retail hubs in retail districts prioritize consumer comfort, maintaining beautifully designed restrooms that receive frequent attention from custodial staff. Similarly, luxury hotels offer an excellent alternative for travelers seeking immaculate spaces, making this approach especially useful for those exploring New Zealand tourism. Large international hotel chains typically feature well-maintained restrooms located near their main lobbies, conference rooms, or lounge areas. To utilize these hospitality spaces discreetly, you should walk confidently past the reception area as if you are a staying guest or visiting the main restaurant. If you feel uncomfortable entering a hotel without reservation details, transit hubs present another viable option. Major central railway stations, modern subway terminals, and airport arrivals sections frequently host large public utilities. While some European transit hubs require a small coin payment to pass through turnstiles, the small fee ensures a higher standard of hygiene. Recognizing these architectural anchor points allows you to scan an unfamiliar skyline and immediately identify multiple locations likely to house pristine facilities.

Master the Rules of Cafes, Restaurants, and Customer Etiquette

Food and beverage establishments form the backbone of urban restroom access, but utilizing them requires an understanding of local commercial etiquette. Casual dining spots, global fast-food chains, and independent coffee shops are ubiquitous in heavy tourist zones. Establishments like Starbucks or McDonald's often maintain accessible facilities, though many urban locations protect their restrooms with digital keypad door locks. The access codes for these electronic locks are typically printed at the very bottom of a valid customer purchase receipt. Instead of attempting to slip past the cash register unnoticed, the most polite and effective approach is to purchase a small, low-cost item. Buying bottled water, a quick espresso, or a light snack transforms you into a paying patron, granting you legitimate access to the facilities without causing friction. In many traditional European cultures, independent cafes expect a polite, direct inquiry before you utilize their space. Simply greeting the counter staff and asking for permission reflects excellent travel manners. If the establishment restricts use to patrons, offering to pay a direct nominal fee to the staff is widely accepted. This transactional approach ensures you receive a high level of cleanliness while supporting the local merchants who maintain the infrastructure.

Understand Regional Customs and Prepare Emergency Kits

Restroom accessibility standards and sanitation customs vary dramatically across geographic borders. In many prominent European destinations, public facilities are routinely managed by professional attendants who collect a small fee, typically ranging from fifty cents to one euro. Travelers must carry a small selection of local coins to ensure they can easily pass these physical payment barriers. Conversely, East Asian tech centers like Tokyo or Seoul provide an abundance of free, exceptionally clean public restrooms inside subway stations and public parks. However, these modern spots may not always supply paper products, as local commuters routinely carry their own pocket tissues. To safeguard against unexpected maintenance gaps, every international traveler should assemble a compact personal hygiene kit. This pocket-sized emergency kit should contain a travel pack of flushable wet wipes, a small bottle of high-quality hand sanitizer, and a few folded sheets of durable toilet paper. Additionally, learning the correct local terminology for restrooms in the native language of your host country is incredibly beneficial. Knowing how to ask for the toilet, the water closet, or the washroom helps you communicate clearly with residents during urgent moments, bypassing confusing language barriers entirely.

Conclusion and Final Travel Strategy

Successfully navigating public utilities in major international cities does not have to be a source of travel anxiety. By combining modern mobile applications, identifying premium commercial properties, practicing proper business etiquette, and preparing a personal hygiene kit, you can easily conquer this common travel hurdle. Maintaining your personal comfort ensures you have the physical stamina and peace of mind to fully enjoy your global vacation. Do not wait until you are caught in an urgent situation in the middle of a crowded historic plaza. Take a proactive approach to your travel comfort today by downloading a reliable restroom finder application and reviewing the cultural customs of your next destination before you step onto the airplane. Safe travels, and may your upcoming urban adventures be entirely stress-free!

* * * *

I hope you enjoyed this article as much as I and I pray the different font makes reading a lot easier on the eyes. 😎 Even though provided by NZTourism, I believe we can all utilize this information to our benefit.

Until next time, take care, God Bless and Travel Happy!

PamT

Final Leg of 2025 Vacation Trip: Oklahoma City

Good Morning and Welcome Back to Bathroom Blues Travel Blog!

I hope you enjoyed our previous post with Nikki and Nissa and I really hope you're looking forward to more guest visits. I have several lined up for you. There will be travel books, articles and stories from fellow sojourners on the road of life.

Today we're going to finish up our 2025 Vacation with our trip to Okalhoma City. Normally we avoid big cities on our travels but my Honey wanted to spend some time at the National Cowboy & Western Museum in OKC. I've been there a couple of times while attending the OWFI Writers Conference, but he and his (now deceased) wife had gone one time only to be cut short due to the time they got there in relation to the time the museum closes.

Anyway, if you've never been to this beautiful facility, put it on your bucket list!

We left South Dakota and the Badlands heading toward OKC making a stop at the rest area located on I-81, exit 219. This one was nice but had no seat covers or paper towels. I'm getting more comfortable with the fact that not many have those amenities any more so the cleanliness of this one had me humming a happy tune. 

Continuing our journey, we stopped for the night at Dakota Sunsets Campground in Salem, SD. This beautiful, shady country campground had full hookups and a nice, big dog park. 

Here's a - little Late Show trivia for you... While traveling the next day, we passed through Norfolk NB home of Johnny Carson where 81S turns to Johnny Carson Blvd. 😊

Our next destination was Brome Ridge RV Park in Concordia, KS. Not exactly primitave (full hookups with 30/50/110 amp electricity) this is country camping for sure! No amenities, no dumpster but super-friendly owner, roomy, grassy spots and lot's of room to take the dog out walking. Bandit loved trying to chase rabbits while on a leash (and there were plenty of them!). Located 7 miles from town, we decided to forego additional driving and had hotdogs for supper.  

We finally checked in at Road Runner RV park in OKC and settled in in time to have dinner with my dear friend and fellow author, Winona Bennett Cross. This is a huge park where they host people both short and long-term. Not a lot of grass between the sites, but with full hookups, a beautiful community center where they host activities for long-term guests, complete with gorgeous bathrooms, meeting room, sitting areas, kitchen and laundry, AND places to walk you dog, you can't go wrong.

The next day we toured the museum and headed home the day after.

Our last night on the final leg of our trip was spent at Tyler Oaks RV Resort in Tyler, TX another really nice, countryfied campground with roomy sites, fish ponds, dog park - the perfect place to stay whether  just for one night or many.

This wraps up my 2025 vacation memories, folks! I hope you've enjoyed coming along for the ride and that you'll check back for more travel related fun.

Until next time, take care and drive safe!

PamT

Nikki & Nisa's Travel Adventures by Dr. Nicole J. Moncrief

Good Morning and Welcome Back to Bathroom Blues Travel Blog!

Our readership is growing by leaps and bounds and I sincerely appreciate Each and Every One of YOU who visits.

I mentioned in a previous post that I had opened this space up for guest posts and other travel related books, articles, stories, etc. So, before we reach our final Summer 2025 Vacation Destination, I'd like to share with you a cute children's book I discovered that's all about traveling.

Nikki and Nisa’s Travel Adventure (South Africa) is a heartwarming children’s book that introduces young readers ages 5–11 to the excitement of travel, friendship, culture, and imagination. Through vibrant storytelling and engaging illustrations, Nikki and Nisa explore the beauty of South Africa while learning about language, customs, and the joy of discovering the world beyond their own backyard.

More than a travel story, this book encourages children to dream boldly, read confidently, and understand that books can be passports to places they have never been. It is a celebration of curiosity, courage, and connection.

* * * *

When I asked Dr. Moncrief to tell us why she wrote this book, here's what she said...

"Travel has always represented possibility in my life. Growing up without the financial means to explore the world physically, books became my first passport. When I finally applied for my real passport as a young adult, it symbolized more than travel; it represented access, confidence, and expansion. Nikki and Nisa’s Travel Adventure captures that same sense of wonder and introduces children to travel vocabulary, global thinking, and cultural respect in an approachable, exciting way."

She also shared this short, spiritual reflection...

Faith, Friendship, and the Journey

Travel, much like faith, requires trust. When you board an airplane, you trust that God will guide the pilot. When you step into purpose, you trust God.

Nikki and Nisa’s Travel Adventure was birthed from prayer, perseverance, and promise. It is rooted in the scripture, “The Lord will watch over your coming and going both now and forevermore” (Psalm 121:8). Writing this book was not simply about travel; it was about obedience to a dream God planted in my heart decades ago.

It stands as a reminder that delayed dreams are not denied dreams, and that friendship and faith can carry us across continents both physically and spiritually.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR 

Dr. Nicole J. Moncrief is a children’s book author, literacy advocate, and global traveler who believes that reading opens doors to the world. She has been passionate about writing since declaring in her third-grade classroom that she would one day travel the world and become an author. Today, she inspires children to dream big, embrace culture, and explore new horizons through storytelling.

Her work focuses on travel literacy, imagination, leadership, and faith-centered encouragement for young readers.

Find out more about Nikki & Nissa and get your copy of the book by visiting their Website and connecting with them on Facebook. Sign up to receive their newsletter and get free coloring pages!

* * * *

I hope you enjoyed this, our first guest post and that you'll check out Nikki and Nissa's travel adventure for the children in your life.

Until next time, take care and travel safe!

PamT

2025 Summer Vacation: Badlands National Park

Good Morning and Welcome Back to Bathroom Blues Travel Blog!

So far in our 2025 vacation journey we've been to TX, NM, AZ, UT, ID and Yellowstone which resides in 3 states including WY & MT as well as ID! Today we're heading to SD and Badlands National Park but first we stay overnight at 7th Ranch RV Camp in Garryowen, Montana. This gorgeous campground is surrounded by mountain pastures and boasts of beautiful sunsets and sunrises. The bathroom is equipped with large, spacious stalls, is nicely decorated and clean, clean, clean with papertowels to dry your hands - which as you know always makes me happy. 😆

We only stayed one night, so there was no time to visit area attractions, but if you have time, there is plenty to see and do.

The next day on the way to our destination in Wall, SD, along the I-90 corridor, we were greeted with beautiful, rolling green hills dotted with pronghorn sheep and antelope. But before that, we stopped for gas at an Exxon about 60 miles before Gillette, WY. There we found friendly service and clean restrooms as well.

We arrived at Sleepy Hollow Campground, a nice place to stay for a day or so. Their shower stalls were huge and the place was clean and had a dog park on site - which is always nice if you're bringing your pet along with you!

With only 1 full day to visit Badlands National Park, we set out early the next morning and saw buffalo, prarie dogs (whole 'towns' of them!) and pronghorn sheep. But what is so amazing about Bandlands is the terrain!

You're driving along and seeing green grass then everything changes and you find this...

Sharp, jagged peaks in large ravines. Can you imagine trying to traverse this on horseback or wagons?!

No wonder they call it 'badlands'.

Here are a couple of videos to give you a better view...

After 2 afternoons/nights and a full day in Wall (yes, we visited the 76,000 sq. ft. western-themed mall but if you know me, or learned from my post on Heathrow Airport, you know I'm not a big shopper LOL!) we headed south with only 1 more tourist destination in mind before home.

I'll share that one and the stops we made along the way in my next post, so stay tuned!

Until next time, travel happy.

PamT