This summer has been quite different from my last two. While Costa Rica is scheduled for late July, I have yet to plan or embark on any major itineraries otherwise. And by major, well, I mean outside of my usual stomping grounds – which include Washington, D.C., Minneapolis and Rehoboth Beach, Delaware. Needless to say, I feel like I may be the only guy juggling a combination of those three places, but doing so doesn’t leave much room (or money) for adventures outside of those spots. (That said, I still hope to make a quick trek into Canada and may squeeze in a weekend overnight at Pelee Island (Canada’s southernmost accessible point) if I get that ambitious – it’s a barely do-able weekend trip from D.C. )
Anyway what’s not “new” to me may still be “new” to you, the reader. I have a habit of rarely taking my camera around when I’m at my home bases, but I decided to bring it along the last couple of weeks. In Minneapolis, Breeah and I spent some time on the beautiful riverfront and the historic Mill District. This past weekend, I made my annual visit to the National Zoo in D.C. Here’s some photos to catch you up on my “travels”…
***MINNEAPOLIS***
View of the old Pillsbury Mill that was featured on an episode of Don Wildman’s “Off Limits”
Mills Ruins Park – preserving the historic flour mill ruins along the Upper Mississippi
The Mill City Museum, built within the ruins of a flour mill. Interested in the origins of Minneapolis? Well, you should probably start right here.
View of the Mills District from the Stone Arch Bridge
Historic St. Anthony’s Falls – once the only major waterfall in this section of the Mississippi. It’s former (and beautiful) natural state was preserved in old photos and paintings.
The Stone Arch Bridge Festival car show. Yes, Gilmore Stadium was a real place in Los Angeles that was demolished in 1952. It hosted two NFL All-Star games.
Another great view of the Mills District and the mighty “Upper” Mississippi.
***WASHINGTON, D.C. (NATIONAL ZOO)***
The amazing new Speedwell Conservation Carousel, featuring a wide array of animals – all unique. Definitely worth at least a ride (it’s $3 or free with zoo membership coupon).
The mighty Arapaima. This “dinosaur” fish has been made more famous by TV’s River Monsters and resides in the Zoo’s Amazonia section.
I just had to throw this up on here – I know my girlfriend won’t approve!
These little monkeys run virtually free in the Zoo’s Amazonia. This guy got within about a foot of me.\
The elephant area is massive – feels like a habitat straight from Jurassic Park, massive gates and all.
The peacock at full display! Quite a treat!
Who can’t love flamingos! This was the most I’d seen since my trip to the D.R. in August 2011.
The Weekend Roady 