Good friends, Great Zoo, and Gorgeous Nebraska

Thursday, August 18, 2016

Omaha, Nebraska, United States

Years go by and friends are always there for you. Moreover, once in a while, you dare to ask ... and hooray! Fred and Mary have a little place on a lake near Lexington Nebraska. A perfect first stop on our trip ... about 400 miles from home. In addition, they great hosts, great food, wonderful relaxing cabin on the lake and super people! ... so blessed they are our friends. Picture is the view from their deck.

The next day we traveled on blue highways (not interstates) through some charming little farm towns and miles and miles of corn and soybeans. Our most amazing stop is the Holy Family Shrine ... built for travelers. Only a picture to describe it because words fail me.

Mahoney State Park

Arriving at Mahoney State Park, the surprise is that we are treated to the most beautiful campgrounds we have ever found. Acres of mature shade trees, wide spaces between campsites, beautiful aquatic center (hope WP does as good as this one), biking trails, hiking trails, lodges, cabins, restaurants ... all on 700 acres along the Platte River. Only $27/night with hookups. Many private campgrounds do not even come close to this one. We biked, swam, ate and slept peacefully.

On Thursday we went to Omaha Zoo ... based on the reviews stating this is the World's finest zoo. RIGHT! ... it is amazing ... natural habitat, close access to animals and birds without infringing on their space. Just wonderful ... we highly recommend a day here. Wish I could post all the pictures we took. This one shows the natural habitat with Siamang Gibbons in the top of the tree branches.

What We Discovered

Eugene T. Mahoney State Park - 28500 W Park Hwy, Ashland, Nebraska, United States. Rated this place 5/5 - State parks are the best. Nebraska outdoes the state park concept. This is beautiful ... much space between sites, large trees to provide shade.  So much to do and see right here.

Henry Doorly Zoo - 3701 S 10th St, Omaha, Nebraska, United States. I rated this place 5/5 - So natural. This zoo is now our most favorite zoo .. loved all the natural habitats and lovely settings for the animals.

Holy Family Schrine, Gretna, Nebraska. Such a surprise, driving back roads to the top of a hill to see this inspiring chapel with views in all directions.

Comments

Your trip is going wonderfully, glad to hear it. Can't wait to follow in your tire treads some day. From Bill Armstrong, on Aug 19, 2016 at 03:12AM

Siamang Gibbons? From Pollyanna Melendez, on Aug 22, 2016 at 10:29PM