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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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  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Flamboyant Flower BeetleGiant Leaf InsectMadagascar Hissing CockroachBlue Death-Feigning Beetle

    Beauty & the Beetles 🦋🪲

    June 21 in the United States ⋅ 🌩️ 99 °F

    Next up: the Grewcock Butterfly & Insect Pavilion!

    Butterflies are one of Beth’s favorites, so of course we had to stop in. The enclosure was small—nothing like the one we visited in Canada last year—but still lovely. Colorful wings, gentle flutters… total zen.

    Outside the butterfly area, though? A whole different vibe. Cockroaches, beetles, and all their crunchy little friends. Let’s just say some insects are prettier than others. 😬    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Lions, Zebras & Giraffes … Oh my!🫣

    June 21 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 97 °F

    The lions were doing what any of us would do in 100° heat—lounging in the shade on a rock, avoiding movement at all costs. But once the sun crept in, they relocated to the grass for some lower ground shade. One even came over, grabbed a drink, and gave us a solid pose like, “You’re welcome.”

    The zebras? Honestly… a little underwhelming. Maybe they’re still recovering from all the attention their cousin got galloping around Tennessee. Fame changes people. Or in this case—stripes.

    Next up: giraffe time! We watched a woman feed leaves to one of the giraffes—definitely a crowd favorite, and the giraffe was loving the attention.

    Most of the others were lined up by the gate, clearly ready to go inside and call it a day. But one guy was off by himself, licking—and possibly trying to eat—a fence post. Not being fed, not interacting with anyone… just really into that post. We’re not sure if he was hungry, bored, or in love, but he was committed.

    Inside, there was one little giraffe who hadn’t joined the group yet. He was hanging back—maybe not quite ready to be out there on full display. (What’s the word for that? The giraffe spotlight shuffle?) Either way, he was adorable, curious, and clearly doing things on his own terms.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Baby Gibbon
    Just missed this little guy showing off ... swinging and kicking off the glass!Southern White-cheeked GibbonHow's this pose?Maybe this is my better side!Abyssinian ground hornbill😳Peek-a-boo ... I see you!What is this?Tasty1

    Swinging, Striking Poses & Surprise Peek

    June 21 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 97 °F

    Next stop: Orangutan Forest and Hubbard Gorilla Valley!

    The baby gibbon was a total show-off, soaking up the attention—kicking off the glass, swinging back and forth like he was auditioning for the jungle gymnastics team. We missed the video by seconds, of course, but managed to catch him swinging up to the tree like a pro.

    The white-cheeked gibbon? Definitely more of a poser. He’d glance over his shoulder, then roll dramatically like, “Oh, were you trying to take my picture?” Then he’d do it again—clearly working his angles.

    And then there was the Abyssinian ground hornbill… bless it. Not exactly zoo royalty in the looks department—but hey, personality goes a long way.

    The gorillas were a blast! One big guy was posted up in a corner with his back to us, clearly over the whole “being observed” thing. Then—without warning—he whipped around and peeked out the window at us like “Boo!” It was hilarious… and a little personal.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Cantil Viper - Mexico and Central America
    Santa Catalina Island RattlesnakeSpringhaas - Southern AfricaAardvarkAmerican BullfrogBeaver

    Into the Kingdom of the Night

    June 21 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 95 °F

    Downstairs we went into the Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night—a few more snake exhibits (because apparently we hadn’t met all the world’s serpents yet), and then came the eerie part: a dark, winding boardwalk over water. Spooky vibes. What would we see next? Glowing eyes? A lurking gator? Hopefully not whatever made that splash… (Don, did you throw something in the water!?! 🤣😂🤣)Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Bat-eared Fox - Southern and Southeastern AfricaKlipspringer - Eastern and Southern AfricaMongooseCape Teal - Sub-Saharan AfricaPuff Alder - Central and Southern AfricaCape CobraZebra Spitting Cobra - Southern AfricaPythonPerentie - Hatched 2/5/2025Kimberley Rock MonitorPerentie (male; missing left rear foot... removed due to cancer) - Central to West Central AustraliaKookaburra - Eastern and southwestern AustraliaCollared PeccaryBurrowing OwlDove

    Snakes, Sweat & Survival Tactics

    June 21 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 93 °F

    As the temps crept toward 100°, we made a bold (some might say desperate) decision: the zoo! Rumor had it parts of it were indoors—and thankfully, that rumor was true.

    First stop: the Desert Dome and Mahoney Kingdoms of the Night.

    Now, let’s be real… the moment we walked through the doors, we were hit with a bold welcome bouquet of “eau de animal pee!” 🤢 Luckily, the smell vanished as quickly as it arrived—and hey, it was cool inside, and that’s what really mattered. The animals were interesting (most from other continents), though a few looked just as over the heat as we were. We locked eyes with a mongoose who clearly needed a cold drink and a break from the spotlight.

    Then came the snake exhibits. And seriously—how many kinds of snakes exist?! Beth got so twitchy thinking about what might slither by our RV someday, she basically started a full photo catalog. Every. Single. Snake. Ugh… most of these snakes are from another continent !🤷‍♂️    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    One Gulp In & He Was Sold

    June 21 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 91 °F

    And as if we hadn’t had enough heat… we strolled on down to the Omaha Farmer’s Market (because why not sweat some more?).

    That’s where we found a Strawberry Açaí Refresher—and was it refreshing. Don practically gulped down the first one, so yep… we turned right around and got another. No regrets. Hydration with flair.

    While wandering the market, we also ducked into one of the historic buildings nearby to check out some shops—and ended up discovering a cool little indoor alleyway lined with more local boutiques and even a restaurant. Totally unexpected and totally worth the detour (bonus: it had shade and A/C… we’re not made of stone).

    Tucked into a dimly lit room off the alley were three heads mounted on columns with water flowing from their mouths. Some kind of art? I suppose. A little eerie, a little intriguing… definitely unexpected.

    On the way back to the Jeep, we spotted some stone arches linking The Old Market and Central Park Mall—definitely a photo-worthy moment: architecture with some history.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Heartland of America ParkDo you see the swing?Pedestrian bridge to Lewis and Clark LandingSwing benchesUrban beachDiscovery playgroundBob Kerrey Pedestrian Bridge in the distance ... 3,000 feet long.

    Hot, Bothered & Pretending It’s Fine

    June 21 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 90 °F

    Omaha, we made it! Just in time for the College World Series championship—had to snap a pic at Charles Schwab Field, because baseball-stalking is basically a requirement here.

    Then it was off to the riverfront for a sweaty-but-scenic stroll through Gene Leahy Mall, The RiverFront, and Heartland of America Park. We crossed the pedestrian bridge to explore Lewis and Clark Landing—complete with an urban beach, swing benches, a discovery playground, and even more fun we didn’t have time to check out.

    Temps were pushing 100°, and the wind wasn’t helping—it felt less like a breeze and more like walking into a hairdryer on full blast. Before trekking back, we ducked into the Kiewit Luminarium for a quick look—and, let’s be honest, a desperate blast of A/C.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Sun setting at 8:30 and still 90 degrees!

    Jack Says Good Day & Good Night 🐾💤

    June 20 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 90 °F

    Today was a travel day, and Jack handled it like a pro—by doing what he does best: napping! 😸💤

    He didn’t help with directions, snacks, or playlist decisions… but he did stay calm.

    Now he’s crashed in the co-pilot’s seat… Good day, good night—from our favorite little road cat. 🐾❤️Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Hot Wheels at Lake Cunningham 🔥🚴‍♀️ 🚴‍♂️

    June 20 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 99 °F

    We made it to Lake Cunningham (just outside of Omaha) and got all set up! 🎉 Even though it’s hotter than H-E-double-hockey-sticks 🔥, we decided to hop on the bikes for a quick spin around the park.

    The scenery? Lovely.
    The temperature? 🔥🔥
    The wind? Absolutely howling. 🌬️

    As we crossed the ridge (which might also be a dam? still unsure), Beth was pretty sure she was going to get launched right off the trail. Hang on tight out there, folks—this ride came with a side of adventure!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Next Stop: Nebraska! ✅

    June 20 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 99 °F

    Crossed the Missouri River and BAM—hello Nebraska! 🌉💥

    That river view was worth slowing down for (don’t worry, just for the pic 😉). We’re in state #3 and still rolling strong. Bring on the prairie vibes and whatever’s next! 🚐🌽📸Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Blown Away in Iowa 🌬️🌽

    June 20 in the United States ⋅ 🌬 95 °F

    The wind’s a blowin’ big time out here! Zoom in and you’ll see the crops and grasses practically laying on their side. 🌾💨 It’s mesmerizing to Don—he’s totally entranced as we cruise up I‑29 through Iowa.

    WAKE UP, DON! We’ve still got miles to go! 😆🚐    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Laundry Takeoff—or Crash Landing? 🧺🚀😳

    June 19 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

    Before heading out tomorrow, we went up to catch up on laundry and were met with this—a washer sounding like it was about to take off… or fall apart. 😳 Possibly both.

    Who knew clean clothes came with a side of suspense? 😂
    We survived. The washer? TBD.

    On top of that, someone else’s laundry was left in all the machines. They never came back when their loads finished—leaving everyone else stuck in limbo. Thank goodness staff showed up and bagged the abandoned clothes so the washers could be freed up for us and others.

    And yep—their laundry was still there when we moved ours from the washers to the dryers! 😳

    Laundry day, folks. The challenges of life on the road.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Glad we got here early and got a parking spot!

    Trail & Taps: An Afternoon Ride 🚴‍♀️🚴

    June 19 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 86 °F

    Now that we got our pickle on, we’re ready for some fresh afternoon air—so we headed over to GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium to park and ride the Rock Island Trail. And wow!! That parking lot is HUGE. 🅿️😲

    While the trail wasn’t particularly scenic, it featured a few eye-catching bridges, a tunnel, and even some wildlife (spotted on the return leg). 🦌

    On the way back, we stopped at the old Raytown Depot, now home to Crane Brewing—perfect for a cold drink in the heat. 🍻 The rustic taproom right on the trail was such a cozy gem.

    This out-and-back ride looped around both GEHA Field and the Kauffman Stadium-adjacent area. We ended up riding a solid 30 miles (Beth) and 31 miles (Don—overachiever alert!). 🚴‍♀️🚴‍♂️    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    😎☀️ Pickleball at the River! 🏓💦

    June 19 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 81 °F

    We got a late start this morning but made it to the E.H. Young Riverfront Pickleball Courts just in time for some fun. The courts were pretty quiet at midmorning, so we warmed up with a dink game and a round of singles.

    Soon after, Sandra and Paul from San Diego wrapped up their match and invited us to play. They were right at our level—competitive, friendly, and a blast to play with!

    Before we packed up, Beth noticed a group of three and asked if they needed a fourth. They were waiting on someone, but kindly let her jump in. Turns out, they were new to the game and using indoor balls, so Beth handed them an outdoor one and gave a quick crash course—scoring, kitchen rules, and serves. They picked it up fast—no surprise since Pebe’s a former Division I tennis champ, her dad Jim has a solid game, and Josh held his own too.

    We wrapped up with one more singles game. Hats off to Don—your shot placement is really improving, and your game is leveling up! 👏🏽🎾💪🏽

    Next stop… (well, you’ll just have to wait and see 😄)    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Not quite done yet! 😳

    Night Drive & Bridge Dreams 🚗🌉

    June 18 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    After dinner we skipped the walk and hit the road—first up, Rock Island Bridge. Don’s been reading about it, and though it’s not open yet, it’s slowing shaping up to be a restaurant-on-a-bridge experience spanning Missouri and Kansas! 😲 Currently under construction, this 1905 railroad bridge (once used for freight and livestock) is being lifted and rehabbed to eventually host dining, bars, shops, live music, and even kayak docks ~40 ft over the Kansas River. 🛶🍔🎶

    Next, we cruised past Hy‑Vee Arena 🏟️ (formerly Kemper Arena), now a massive multi-level sports and fitness complex. Think basketball, pickleball, volleyball, an indoor track, food spots, and more. 🏀🏓🥗

    Then we wandered through town, spotting some historic buildings, before making our final stop at Chicken & Pickle 🐔🏓. We hoped to jump in for a game—but most of the venue was reserved for retirement parties. I know, I know… we thought about crashing them! 😂🎉    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Brisket, Burnt Ends & Belly—Oh My!

    June 18 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 73 °F

    Fueled by BBQ and Victory 🏆🍖

    After all that record-breaking competition, we were famished—so we headed to Q39 for what’s rumored to be the best BBQ in town… and wow, it did not disappoint!

    We started with the Smoked and Grilled Pork Belly—served atop apple slaw and topped with bacon-onion marmalade and Dijon aioli. Mmm mmm mmm… to die for! 😍

    Then we shared the Certified Angus Beef Brisket—perfectly smoked slices and burnt ends—drenched in classic BBQ sauce. For sides? Their from-scratch Mac and Q (five-cheese mac with herbed breadcrumbs) and a pile of perfectly crispy fries.

    It was all insanely good—so much food we had leftovers… and were way too stuffed to even think about dessert 😩.

    Probably for the best, because choosing between the Salted Caramel Cookies & Dark Chocolate Brownies and the S’mores Sundae (Nutella, toasted marshmallow, graham crumble, vanilla ice cream) would’ve been impossible. Sweet, sweet torture.    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Game On, Guinness Style!

    June 18 in the United States ⋅ 🌧 77 °F

    Inside the Guinness World Records exhibit!

    We jumped right in, creating our own avatars and seeing how we stacked up against some of the world’s craziest records! From block stacking to memory games, we had an absolute blast competing against each other—and the record holders. Let’s just say… things got very competitive! 😄🏆🧠Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    11

    Waves, Wood, and One Tall Dude

    June 18 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    Record-Breaking Finds on the Way!

    After checking out the Stilwell Room, we kept wandering and stumbled onto a few fun (and free!) surprises just outside the Science of Guinness World Records exhibit. First up: some wavy, color-shifting light sculptures that totally pulled us in. Then came Plane Loco—a jaw-dropping locomotive made entirely of matchsticks! And just around the corner? The life-sized figure of the tallest man who ever lived. Talk about larger than life!

    And we hadn’t even gone in the exhibit yet… stay tuned—we were just getting warmed up! 😄📏✨    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler
    Down we go!! Chug-a chug-a choo choo!!

    Stilwell… As in Our Friends?

    June 18 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    Oh look—The Stilwell Room!

    We spotted the sign and had to check it out… any relation to Cody and Andrea!?! Downstairs we went and found a beautiful boardroom labeled “Arthur Stilwell.” Naturally, we asked: Who is that?? Time for a quick history detour…

    Turns out Arthur Stilwell was a railroad visionary and entrepreneur who founded over 20 different railroads—including the Kansas City Southern Railway. He had big ideas, claimed he was guided by “voices,” and helped shape the growth of Kansas City. A little mysterious, a little brilliant—seems fitting he has a room named after him!    Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Signed, Sealed, Historic

    June 18 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    Mail it and make it grand by snail mail! 📨✉️🐌

    Tucked inside Union Station is a real, working post office—and right next to it? A fascinating tribute to the golden age of rail mail. From “Send, Sort, Transfer & Deliver” to several exhibits (like “Pro in Action,” pictured here) and the electric baggage wagon. We got a peek at how mail used to move. It’s functional, historic, and set inside some seriously beautiful architecture. Not your average stamp stop! 💌Read more

  • The Wandering Walkers2025 Upper MidwestTraveler

    Staring Up Like Tourists

    June 18 in the United States ⋅ ☀️ 79 °F

    Union Station—first impressions!

    The streetcar dropped us off right across from the National WWI Museum (which looked amazing, but time said nope). Union Station? A total showstopper—the architecture is stunning. We caught ourselves staring up like tourists… which, to be fair, we totally are. 🤷‍♀️😆

    So much to see, so little time—but stay tuned, because we made the most of it!    Read more

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