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2025 Upper Midwest
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2025 Upper Midwest

Summer of 2025 will be spent exploring the areas of the Upper Mid-West... Read more
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  • Trip start
    May 20, 2025
    The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    2025 Adventures Commence!

    May 20, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F

    Here we go again—adventure calls!
    Another journey, new roads, and rest stop stalls.
    Day one went well, we’re happy to say,
    Though our brand-new GPS lost its way.

    Fifteen minutes in, it froze in place—
    Apparently we were ready, but it needed space.
    A quick reset, a laugh, no stress,
    Back on the road with zero mess.

    The weather behaved, the traffic was kind,
    And Forsyth welcomed us, peace of mind.
    One day down, and it’s looking bright—
    Let’s see what unfolds after a good night!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Our site - Forsyth, GA

    May 20, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 88 °F

    Forsyth KOA Journey never disappoints! It’s our trusty halfway haven between RP and Nashville—nestled among tall trees just off the interstate. They always have warm cookies waiting at check-in, deliver hot pizza right to our door, and this year we discovered their fun little putt-putt course.Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Putt putt anyone?

    May 20, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 84 °F

    Time for some after-dinner putt putt—because nothing says “romance” like plastic clubs, neon balls, and fierce competition under tiki torches!

    Things start off civil: Don and Beth tied after Hole 1, exchanging polite nods and gentle trash talk. But by Hole 2, Don’s inner Tiger Woods awakens and he pulls ahead by 1. He clings to that single point like it’s the last slice of pie on Thanksgiving—refusing to give it up through Holes 3 and 4.

    But then comes Hole 5. Ohhh Hole 5. Beth’s hole. Her destiny. Her vengeance. She sinks her putt with the confidence of a woman who knows where the snacks are hidden—and BAM! She’s ahead by 2.

    Don tries to catch up, but Beth is cool, calm, and calculated… like a mini-golf ninja. Then comes Hole 9. Beth lines up her shot, takes a breath, taps the ball—and BOOM! Hole in ONE! Don’s jaw drops, a squirrel in the nearby bush applauds, and the wind whispers, “Legend.”

    Final score: Beth wins by FOUR. Don demands a rematch. Beth demands ice cream.

    YEEE HAW!!!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Nashville bound

    May 21, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 73 °F

    Goodbye Forsyth! We’re off to Nashville where the music’s loud, the boots are pointy, and no one cares how many times we say ‘y’all. 😝

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    We made it!

    May 21, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 77 °F

    We finally rolled into the Grand Ole Opry RV Resort in Goodlettsville, TN—after what felt like a cross between Survivor: Highway Edition and a never-ending episode of Construction Zone Chronicles. Tennessee really went all-in on detours and fender benders today!

    Jack (our cat and unofficial travel mascot) was a total champ—no barfing, no dramatic yowling. He was cool as a cucumber… until we parked. Then he suddenly knew we’d arrived and turned into a furry little diva demanding his dinner like we were his personal room service staff.

    We had a lovely dinner with our son, Jake and Don practically sprinted into the house like it was Christmas morning—because it was… if Santa delivered exclusively via Amazon. I think he hugged the boxes before he hugged our kid.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Family Face-Off - A Rerouted Rally!

    May 22, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 72 °F

    Beth’s morning plans to play pickleball with the ladies got unexpectedly sidetracked. However, we pivoted and ended up at Veteran’s Park with Jake for a good old-fashioned game of cut-throat. Beth came to play and claimed 2 out of 3 games (cue the victory dance 💃), Don snagged a win, and Jake brought the sass, hustle, and laughter (he may or may not be secretly plotting his comeback 🤔).

    Unexpected fun is the best kind!! 😎🤣    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    The gang @ Taco Mamacita
    Image that ... bowling @ Brooklyn Bowl! 😝Jasmine CainSome Motley Crue!Then some Kiss!Just like Gene!Twisted Sister!Ozzy!Wouldn't be complete without some AC/DC!

    Hairball: Unexpected Rock Legends

    May 22, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 75 °F

    Hairball who?? That’s what we said… and now we’re fans for life. But first, let’s set the scene.

    It all started with the noble hunt for a free parking spot in the Germantown area of Nashville—a journey that involved circling the block, a scenic route we did not sign up for, and a few muttered prayers to the parking gods. Eventually, success! Our pilgrimage to dinner and the concert could finally begin.

    We landed at Taco Mamacita, where Don immediately entered into a sparring match of wits with the waiter (winner: still unclear). The salsa—meh. And we paid for it. Thankfully, Happy Hour came to the rescue… or tried to. Let’s just say when you’re promised a “pitcher” of sangria and a carafe shows up, it feels a little like being stood up by your drink. But the food was good, and the company? Even better!

    Next stop: Brooklyn Bowl. The lineup? Jasmine “F’ing” Cain and—wait for it—Hairball!

    Jasmine Cain brought the house down with killer vocals and a setlist that genre-hopped like it was training for the musical Olympics. Girl’s got range.

    And then came Hairball. Yes, Hairball. Sounds like something the cat left on the carpet, but this Minnesota-based tribute arena rock band was unreal. They didn’t just cover artists—they became them. Costume changes, spot-on moves, eerily accurate mannerisms… it was like watching a rock ‘n’ roll possession. One minute it’s Gene Simmons, the next it’s Freddie Mercury, and you’re sitting there wondering how this isn’t sold out.

    The crowd was thin, but the energy? Arena-sized.

    Honestly, America’s best-kept secret might just wear spandex and answer to “Hairball.”    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Nashville Invasion: Honky Tonk Edition

    May 23, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    Today we rendezvoused with our RP crew smack-dab in the heart of downtown Nashville for some good ol’ honkey tonkin’. We caught up with them just as they were staggering out of Legends—looking dazed, confused, and thoroughly country-fried.

    We then headed to Puckett’s for lunch. And let me tell you—YUM. If comfort food could sing, our plates would’ve hit the Billboard Top 10.

    #NashvilleInvasion #HonkyTonkEdition    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Nashville Invasion: The Stroll & Story

    May 23, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    With bellies full and spirits high, we strutted down Printers Alley, where a local character treated us to a “historical” tour—complete with enthusiastic gesturing, questionable facts, and the kind of energy usually reserved for late-night infomercials. Educational-ish? Absolutely. Accurate? …Maybe.

    Next, we made our way to 2nd Street to pause at the site of the 2020 Nashville bombing—a sobering and powerful reminder of this city’s resilience, tucked between honky tonks, hot chicken, and the heartbeat of Music City. (NOTE: No photos captured; however, the devastation from the bombing still remains. It’s a haunting reminder of what the city has endured—and how strong it continues to be.)

    #PrintersAlleyTales #ResilientNashville    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Bonnie "cutting a rug!"Cheers!

    Nashville Invasion: The 3B’s

    May 23, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    The 3B’s: Boots, Beats & Beverages

    Back to honky tonkin’! We made our way to Category 10—formerly known as Wild Horse Saloon, now renamed with the intensity of a weather alert. And honestly? The vibe matched.

    This place has a massive dance floor and line dancing lessons offered select times Thursday through Sunday—which, luckily for us, meant we could confidently say, “Oh, we’d join in, but it’s not lesson time!” (We totally would’ve crushed it… probably.)

    So instead, we claimed prime seats at the bar, sipped our drinks like refined honky tonk royalty, and cheered on the folks brave enough to boot-scoot in public. It’s called strategy, and we’re sticking to it.

    #Category10Vibes #LineDancingLegendsInSpirit #BootScootinSpectators    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Nashville Invasion – Jelly Roll Jackpot

    May 23, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 70 °F

    Next stop on the honky tonk hop: Jelly Roll’s! Drinks were flowing, spirits were high, and then we saw it… the glowing beacon of temptation… a free claw machine. Naturally, we accepted the challenge like the arcade warriors we are.

    Don took the first swing—missed. We patted him on the back and said it was a warm-up round. Beth was next, worked those claws like a pro, and brought a white pair of sunglasses right to the top of the pile. Victory felt so close.

    Then Julie swooped in. First try—grabbed the glasses, only to have them fall out at the very last second. The drama! The suspense! The rage! But like any true hero, she came back stronger… and snagged those shades on round two. The crowd (us) went wild. 😎

    Just as we were about to leave, someone requested The Devil Went Down to Georgia. The violinist raised an eyebrow and said, “That one costs the crowd $100 in tips.” Challenge accepted. The crowd happily ponied up, and what followed was a face-melting fiddle solo that probably summoned ghosts, lit a few hearts on fire, and made the devil pack up and go right back to Georgia.

    #JellyRollJackpot #ClawMachineCrisis #FiddleFire #ArcadeAthletes    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Nashville Invasion: Rockin’ the Rooftop

    May 23, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌩️ 72 °F

    After conquering the claw machine and surviving a fiery fiddle showdown, we made our way to Kid Rock’s Big Honky Tonk & Rock ‘n’ Roll Steakhouse—because Nashville doesn’t do subtle, and neither do we.

    We all crammed into the world’s most ambitious elevator to get to the rooftop bar—every square inch packed with honky tonkers and one mysterious extra who made it very clear they did not want to be part of our group pic. They turned their back to the camera like it was witness protection. Respect.

    Once we made it to the top, the view did not disappoint. The skyline was glowing, the music was loud, and another round was had—because rooftop drinks are basically required by law.

    We didn’t dance, but we did sway rhythmically and dramatically. Close enough.

    #ElevatorChronicles #RooftopRebels #KidRockVibes #BackTurnedCameo    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Nashville Invasion: A Quickie @ Nudie’s

    May 23, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    Before our final hurrah, we made a quick pit stop at Nudie’s Honky Tonk—famous for having the longest bar in Nashville, and for epoxying what appeared to be actual silver dollars right into the countertop. Bold move.

    We weren’t there long—just enough time for a round of tequila shots, a quick scan of the scene, and a peek at a single blinged-out Elvis outfit hanging on the wall. Not quite the rhinestone rodeo we expected, but hey, it checked the box.

    Nudie’s: not nude, not too flashy, but a solid five-minute detour on the great honky tonk crawl.

    #QuickStopAtNudies #SilverDollarBarTop #TequilaCheck #BlinkedAndWeWereGone    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Nashville Invasion: The Finale (4Us)

    May 23, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    We wrapped up our honky tonkin’ with a final stop at Garth Brooks’ Friends in Low Places, and let’s just say—this place lives up to the hype.

    The energy? Off the charts. The music? Pure country gold. The dancing? Oh, the dancing. Cindie hit the floor like a honky tonk tornado—spinning, stomping, and channeling pure country music video magic.

    The rest of us cheered her on like proud backup dancers, sipping our drinks and dodging imaginary spotlights.

    At that point, Don and Beth tipped their cowboy hats, said their goodbyes, and rode off into the neon sunset (okay fine, they left the bar—but with flair). Meanwhile, the rest of the crew kept the party going, because this gang? They don’t quit.

    Nashville, you were legendary.

    #FriendsInLowPlaces #CindieShutItDown #DanceFloorMayhem #BootsBeersAndBesties #CowboyIrishExit    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    The Great Cookie Heist

    May 23, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    After a boot-stompin’ honky tonk afternoon, we swung by the DoubleTree lobby lounge—part Starbucks, part bathroom haven, part check-in central—for a quick pit stop before hitting the road.

    Beth went to the restroom. Two minutes, tops.

    When she come out… Don is grinning like a bandit, proudly holding one of those warm, gooey DoubleTree cookies they only give at check-in.

    That sneaky little devil pulled off a cookie heist without even booking a room. Legend.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Where are you looking, Barry? 😂Don't hit the photographer Bob!! 🤪

    Paddles, Partners & Peay Park Shenanigan

    May 24, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 63 °F

    We couldn’t skip our morning dose of pickleball with our beloved RP peeps—so off to Peay Park we went, paddles in hand and coffee barely kicking in.

    We kicked things off with a round of mixed couples—three games later, Beth and Roger reigned supreme, grinning like champs and possibly considering a career on the senior circuit.

    More rounds followed: everyone mixed and matched, we had a spouses showdown, and wrapped it all up with classic doubles action.

    Fun was had by all—balls were flying, egos were bruised, almost everyone got hit at least once, and laughter echoed across the courts like a well-placed dink.

    And the final score?
    Pickleball: 1, Dignity: 0.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Julie the juggler - cutting-edge entertainment!

    Meat, Music & Mashed (Cauliflower) Magic

    May 24, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    We wrapped up the day by rolling over to Two Rivers RV Park for dinner and some toe-tappin’ tunes courtesy of our RP peeps.

    Dinner was a potluck masterpiece: Barry manned the grill like a seasoned steak whisperer, delivering perfectly cooked slabs of joy. Julie’s deviled eggs were—dare I say—to dye for (Bob would happily fight someone over the last one). Bonnie brought the mashed potatoes… or so we thought—plot twist: it was cauliflower. And it was awesome, which honestly feels like black magic. Cindie laid out a salad bar so fresh it practically introduced itself, and Beth’s green beans had us all going back for seconds like polite little vegetable addicts.

    Once we were thoroughly stuffed and questioning all our life choices, we waddled to the front of the park where Alivia serenaded us with country music and swoon-inducing vocals.

    A perfect ending to a day of dinks, deviled eggs, and downright delightful company. 🤠🎶🥩    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    From Lake Day to Porch Party

    May 25, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 75 °F

    Today’s plan: boating fun with Mike, Sue, Jake, and a few of his local crew. Reality: a whole 30 minutes on the lake before the sky said, “Not today!” and dropped a storm on us. No biggie — we retreated to the porch, where the real MVPs (our old patio furniture) welcomed us like long-lost friends. Still comfy, still squeaky, still holding it down… complete with a dove nesting on the speaker like it pays rent. 🤣

    Just when we thought the excitement was over, Birdie — Ryan and Alyssa’s dog — decided to turn our goodbye into a neighborhood-wide game of “Catch Me If You Can.” Spoiler alert: Birdie won. But good news! She was found safe and sound, and without any actual help from us (unless you count moral support and frantic pointing). 😂    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Pineapples, Five Crowns, and Chef Doug

    May 25, 2025 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 68 °F

    The evening wrapped up in the best possible way — with dinner and games alongside our wonderful friends, Darolyn and Doug! Chef Doug once again outdid himself, delivering a meal so good we’re still talking about it in between bites of memory.

    On the menu: a mouth-watering medley of shrimp, chicken, tri-tip, and chorizo sausage — all simmered in a sweet-and-savory sauce with red peppers, pineapple, and onions, then served inside a scooped-out pineapple. Yes, folks… dinner was literally served in edible decor. Add in cilantro rice and a dressed-up fruit salad, and we were in tropical heaven.

    Dessert? Divine. Coconut gelato topped with fresh-shaved coconut and that magical chocolate syrup that hardens on contact (aka the grown-up version of a chocolate shell — no regrets). Oh, and let’s not forget the tropical fruit drink, which probably deserves its own vacation brochure.

    This dinner was actually meant to happen the night of the Survivor finale, but an unexpected incident had us reschedule. So, in a way, this feast was our delayed Survivor-themed dinner… minus the bugs and tribal council.

    To end the night, we introduced Darolyn and Doug to a new card game — Five Crowns. Don took home the win, Doug started strong but somehow finished last, and in true competitive spirit, he ordered the game online before the evening even ended. That’s commitment!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    One Last Rally with the RP Fam

    May 26, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 66 °F

    Another fun day of pickleball with our RP crew before they hit the road! The courts were a bit crowded at first, but we rotated in and soon had the place to ourselves. Andrea and Cody popped in, and we also got to play with a father/son duo—Andy and Landon. Landon was the youngest on the court (about middle school age), but don’t let that fool you—he had some serious game!

    Biggest fail of the day? No group pics! We were too busy dinking, laughing, and pretending we were pros. Next time, we’ll assign someone as official court photographer… preferably someone not mid-swing.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Smokin’ Send-Off

    May 26, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 70 °F

    Stomachs were a-growlin’ and the crowd was a-cravin’ BBQ… so off we went to Edley’s Bar-B-Que in Gallatin for one more hurrah before some of our RP friends hit the road! We’re so glad Andrea and Cody were able to join us too—perfect crew, perfect bites, and the perfect send-off.Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    YUMMY!
    Post-lunch catch-up: good friends, great stories, no hurry.Axle hub oil leak, "oh my!"

    A Sweet Serve in Hendersonville

    May 27, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    Beth hit up one of her favorite spots in Hendersonville, TN — The Chocolate Covered Strawberry! Why? To celebrate her good friend Chris’s birthday!

    From 2019 to 2022, they shared the pickleball court and coached side by side — with plenty of tournaments and just the right amount of smack talk. Since Beth hit the road in 2022, it’s been a tradition to catch up with Chris when she swings through Nashville.

    This birthday lunch is just another sweet stop on the travel trail — because when you’ve chased pickleballs and coached through chaos together, a little chocolate and a lot of laughter are the only way to celebrate! 🍓🏓🎉

    Meanwhile, Back at the RV…
    While Beth was out living the sweet life, Don was knee-deep in bike & coach maintenance. Nothing to see here — just your classic “divide and conquer” kind of day!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Great to see this sweet lady - missed her!

    We Weren’t So Sure… But Then We Played

    May 27, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ☁️ 72 °F

    Pickleball Kingdom. They caved, they paid the price — but wow, did they have a blast! Indoor courts, all kinds of play for every skill level, and plenty of laughs along the way.

    Don made some new friends, and Beth got to reconnect and rally with some of her pickleball lady pals from back in the day.

    They may have gone in unsure… but they left sweaty, smiling, and totally glad they showed up.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Yikes!!
    Jack has entered full retirement mode as a feline on the road. ☺️Where are you looking Don?Punch it Andrea! ❤️Don gets it over the net, but Jake puts it away!You got this Cody!Dink it Jake! ❤️

    Pickleball, Pets & a Punctured Tire

    May 28, 2025 in the United States ⋅ ⛅ 72 °F

    Beth was invited to make a “guest” appearance at the Peay Park Pickleball Development Group, led by her good buddy Chris, in Goodlettsville, TN. What a humbling (and sweaty) experience! Everyone was so welcoming, and it was a real treat to coach alongside Chris, Carol, and Joe—such a great team!

    While Beth was off playing pickleball again (shocking, I know), Don took Jack for his annual check-up. The good news? Jack’s doing well! The vet says he’s aging like a fine wine and might just make it to 14. The bad news? The Jeep decided it wanted attention too…

    One tire caught a nail, and—surprise!—turns out all the tires were ready to retire. So much for just a quick fix. 💸

    The day wrapped up with even more pickleball at Peay Park—this time with Jake and our awesome friends Cody, Andrea, and Darolyn. Sadly, the photo evidence is lacking… 😢. Guess we’ll just have to do it all again soon! 😁    Read more

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