Category Archives: Travel

Bridges of Terror

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Bridges That Dare You to Cross

Let’s talk bridges—again. When I first dipped into this topic, I had no idea how many life-threatening crossings existed around the world. It’s truly fascinating… and a little terrifying.

Here are a few more that push the limits of courage and engineering:

🌪️ Hussaini Suspension Bridge — Pakistan

A landslide wiped out the original 1968 bridge, and in its place rose a daring suspension of wooden planks and rope—minimalist, precarious, and unforgettable. Picture this: 635 feet of rectangular wooden planks, strung together by just six ropes. To reduce wind vibrations, the planks are spaced apart—meaning you’ll be stepping over gaps as you cross. In 2013, Condé Nast Traveler named it one of the most dangerous bridges in the world. No surprise there.

🪵 Vitim River Bridge — Russia

This one sets the bar for sheer nerve. A single-lane wooden bridge with no railings, perched over a frigid Siberian river. Add in rotting wood and icy conditions, and you’ve got a recipe for second thoughts. It’s not just a crossing—it’s a dare.

🌊 Carrick-a-Rede Rope Bridge — Northern Ireland

Spanning 66 feet and suspended 98 feet above jagged rocks, this rope bridge connects Carrick Island to the mainland. Strong winds and crashing waves make the crossing a heart-pounding experience. Some tourists are so shaken they need to be ferried back by boat. Would you brave it?

🐒 Monkey Bridges — Vietnam

Crafted from bamboo and used daily by locals, these narrow, unsupported bridges are a test of balance and bravery. Tourists often hesitate—but if you’re feeling bold, they offer a truly authentic challenge. Think you’ve got the nerve?

🧗 Tianmen Mountain Glass Skywalk — China

Afraid of heights? Timid? Have a heart condition? Then this one’s not for you. Built along high cliffs, these glass skywalks are painted green to reduce panic—but even that doesn’t stop knees from buckling. The views are breathtaking, if you can keep your eyes open. If you go, I’d love to hear how you fared.

More to Come…

There are countless bridges out there that test the limits of human courage. I won’t get to them all—but I’d love your help. Have you crossed a bridge that belongs on this shortlist of terror? Drop me a note and let’s add it to the adventure.

 

Bridges We Love to Fear

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Bridges That Make Your Heart Skip a Beat

I was casting about for something to write today. The National Day Calendar didn’t offer much inspiration—Candy Day was the biggie, but with Halloween just behind us and Valentine’s Day looming in February, it felt a bit… stale.

Then I stumbled across an article about dangerous bridges. Now that got my adrenaline pumping.

Sedona 2009

Adrenaline Junkie at Heart

I’ve been called an adrenaline junkie more times than I can count. Helicopter rides? Yes, please. Scuba diving? Absolutely. Watching volcanoes erupt? Been there.  And don’t forget White Water Rafting. Before arthritis slowed me down, I logged some serious hiking miles. Cage diving with sharks was on my list too, but the price tag kept that dream at bay. An African safari still sits on my bucket list.

But bridges? Are they really as terrifying as people say?

Let’s take a look.

Scariest Bridge I’ve Ever Crossed

🧗‍♀️ Yukon Suspension Bridge – Yukon, Canada

  • Spans the Tutshi River
  • Approximately 1,200 feet long
  • Sways as you cross (that was the scariest part for me!)
  • You can feel every footstep—yours and everyone else’s
Yukon Suspension Bridge

Yukon Suspension Bridge 2013 – photo credit Deb Neumann

Once I got the hang of it, the fear faded. Like anything new, it’s intimidating at first—but then it becomes exhilarating.

American Bridges That Dare You to Cross

There are countless intimidating bridges around the world, but today I’m sticking to the U.S. We’ll save the international spine-tinglers for another post.

🌴 Seven Mile Bridge – Florida Keys

I’ve always dreamed of driving this one in a convertible, wind in my hair. It’s part of a series of bridges connecting the islands from Knights Key to Little Duck Key. A spectacular drive—unless you get caught in a hurricane.

7 mile bridge, Fla

 

🌲 Deception Pass Bridge – Washington

Connecting Whidbey Island to Fidalgo Island, this bridge towers 180 feet above the water. Before it was built, the only way across was by boat or ferry. If you’ve got a fear of heights, don’t look down.

Deception Pass Bridge, WA

🧗 Royal Gorge Bridge – Colorado (not Arkansas)

Correction time! The Royal Gorge Bridge is actually in Colorado, not Arkansas. It stands 955 feet high and once held the title of the world’s highest bridge—until China built the Liuguanghe Bridge. Bungie jumping off this one? Only in your wildest dreams.

Royal Gorge Bridge

🌞 Sunshine Skyway Bridge – St. Petersburg, Florida

Stretching 22,000 feet over Tampa Bay, this bridge arcs between St. Petersburg and Terra Ceia. It has a tragic past: in 1980, a freighter struck the bridge, collapsing a span. It’s also known for attracting those in despair, a sobering reminder of its emotional weight.

Sunshine Skyway Bridge, FLA

🌊 Lake Pontchartrain Causeway – Louisiana

Driving this feels like skimming across water. At 23 miles long and only 16 feet above the surface, it connects New Orleans to the North Shore. Stormy weather? Buckle up and say a prayer.

Lake Pontchartrain Causeway

🌬️ Mackinac Bridge – Michigan

A true giant at 26,000 feet, this bridge replaced ferries between Michigan’s peninsulas in the 1950s. During high winds, cars have been known to drift—so drivers, beware.

Mackinac Bridge, Michigan

Lava Lake Glow

Kilauea 2018 photo credit Deb Neumann

Bridges may not breathe fire or roar like volcanoes, but they challenge us in quieter, more suspenseful ways. Whether it’s the sway beneath your feet or the dizzying height above the water, they dare us to cross—and reward us with breathtaking views and unforgettable stories.

 

Have you crossed a bridge that made your heart race? I’d love to hear about it.

 

Numbats: Tiny Tongues, Big Conservation Tales

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Pack your curiosity! Let’s return to the land down under for a close-up look at one of its tiniest treasures—the numbat.

Meet the Numbat: Australia’s Striped Marvel

The numbat (Myrmecobius fasciatus), also known as the walpurti or banded anteater, is a small marsupial native to Australia. Once widespread across southern regions, their numbers have dwindled dramatically since the 1970s. Today, fewer than 1,000 numbats remain in the wild, mostly in isolated pockets of Western Australia and a few reintroduced populations in New South Wales and South Australia.

These creatures are daytime foragers, using their keen sense of smell and impressive tongues to hunt termites. Their bodies measure around 11 inches long, not including their bushy tails, and they rely on hollow logs for shelter—making habitat preservation critical.

World Numbat Day: A Global Call to Action

Since 2015, World Numbat Day has rallied conservationists and animal lovers alike to celebrate and protect this endangered species. Spearheaded by Project Numbat Inc., the day highlights the importance of community involvement, responsible pet ownership, and habitat conservation.

Even if you’re not in Australia, you can support numbats by sharing their story, donating to conservation efforts, and spreading awareness. Removing hollow logs from the bush may seem harmless, but for numbats, it’s a matter of survival.

Why Numbats Matter

Numbats aren’t just cute—they’re ecological indicators and cultural icons. Their survival depends on our choices, from predator control to habitat protection. Organizations like Project Numbat Inc., Perth Zoo, and the Australian Wildlife Conservancy are working tirelessly to ensure these tiny termite hunters don’t vanish from the landscape.

So next time you see a numbat photo, let it inspire action—not adoption. Celebrate their wildness, support their conservation, and let their story remind us that even the smallest creatures deserve a place in our world.

Can You Keep a Numbat as a Pet?

If you’ve ever stumbled across a photo of a numbat and thought, “I want one,” you’re not alone. With their striped coats, pointy noses, and squirrel-like charm, numbats look like they leapt out of a storybook. Technically, in Australia, it’s possible to keep a numbat as a pet—with the right permits and licenses. But before you start dreaming of a backyard banded anteater, there’s more to consider.

Numbats are wild marsupials with very specific needs. Their diet consists almost entirely of termites, and they use their long, sticky tongues—nearly four inches in length—to scoop them up. They’re solitary by nature and thrive in quiet, undisturbed environments. Trying to replicate their habitat in a home setting is not only difficult—it can be detrimental to their well-being. Admiring them from afar is the kindest choice.

A Mustang Like No Other

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Returning to Arounddustyroads roots of travel stories and the approach of Halloween seems a good time to touch on the mysterious Blue Mustang of Denver International Airport. “Blue Mustang”—a towering sculpture steeped in tragedy, controversy, and conspiracy—has become one of the most iconic and unsettling landmarks in Colorado.

 

The Beast at the Gate: A Mustang Like No Other

Standing 32 feet tall and weighing approximately 9,000 pounds, the cast-fiberglass sculpture known as Blue Mustang greets travelers along Peña Boulevard leading to Denver International Airport (DIA). Its electric-blue body and glowing red eyes have earned it the ominous nickname Blucifer, a moniker that reflects both its dramatic appearance and the dark tale behind its creation.

A Vision Cut Short: Luis Jiménez’s Final Work

Commissioned in 1992 as part of Denver’s public art initiative, artist Luis Jiménez envisioned the mustang as a tribute to the spirit of the American West. Drawing inspiration from his own Appaloosa stallion, Blackjack, Jiménez poured years of effort into the sculpture. Tragically, in 2006, a section of the statue broke loose during studio work and fatally severed an artery in his leg. After his death, the piece was completed by his family and fellow artists, including Camillo Nuñez and Richard LaVato, and finally installed in 2008.

Blucifer’s Glow and the Public’s Unease

 

The sculpture’s glowing red eyes—an homage to the neon signs crafted by Jiménez’s father—have fueled eerie interpretations. Some locals view the mustang as demonic or cursed, while others admire its bold presence and artistic merit. Despite initial backlash and calls for its removal, Blucifer has become a permanent fixture and a symbol of Denver’s unconventional approach to public art.

DIA: A Hotbed of Conspiracy

Denver International Airport itself is no stranger to mystery. Since its opening in 1995, DIA has been the subject of countless conspiracy theories. From alleged underground bunkers and secret societies to murals with supposed subliminal messages, the airport has inspired speculation about hidden agendas and paranormal activity. The mustang’s deadly backstory only adds fuel to the fire, with some theorists claiming it’s part of a larger narrative involving alien coordinates and apocalyptic symbolism.

A Legacy of Awe and Intrigue

Though born of tragedy and surrounded by controversy, Blue Mustang endures as a striking piece of public art. It stands not just as a gateway to Denver, but as a testament to Jiménez’s vision and the airport’s embrace of the bizarre. Whether seen as a protector of travelers or a harbinger of mystery, Blucifer continues to captivate and unsettle in equal measure.

 

 

National Chicken and Waffle Day

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National Chicken and Waffle Day: A Soulful Celebration of

Stock photo Chicken and Waffles

Sweet and Savory

Every October 20th, we honor a dish that defies culinary boundaries. It brings together the best of breakfast and supper: it’s National Chicken and Waffle Day! This beloved pairing of crispy fried chicken and golden waffles is more than just comfort food. It’s a celebration of Southern soul and cultural fusion. While no one knows exactly who first dared to marry syrup and spice, we do know that chicken and waffles trace their roots to both African American and Pennsylvania Dutch traditions. It’s a dish steeped in history, flavor, and heart.

Atlanta, GA — Somewhere in the Dim Past

My own introduction to this iconic combo came many moons ago during a visit to Atlanta. I’d seen an episode of Diners, Drive-Ins and Dives featuring a soul food restaurant owned by none other than music legend Gladys Knight. Since I was already in town visiting friends, we made a beeline for the place.

We slid into plush red booths, shared our story, and received Southern hospitality in return—plus a surprise plate of fried green tomatoes.(A tasty treat, not the movie!) The main event soon followed: crispy, golden fried chicken nestled beside fluffy waffles, all served in a space adorned with photos and memorabilia celebrating Gladys’s storied career. It was casual, soulful, and absolutely delicious.

Fried Green Tomatoes- stock photo

 

And That’s All She Wrote

Sadly, the restaurant is no longer with us. In 2017, it was renamed World Famous Chicken and Waffles, and Gladys stepped away from the business amid legal troubles involving her son. But while the restaurant may be gone, the dish lives on—still sizzling in kitchens and hearts across the country.

So today, let’s raise a fork to chicken and waffles. Sweet, savory, and soulfully satisfying—it’s a tradition worth celebrating.