The past year was an adventure for most people—whether that means they stayed indoors and baked, or juggled work and school, or they took the time to try new things. Many people, myself included, forwent planned vacations. Others altered plans. Whatever happened, most people want this year’s summer plans to include favorite vacation spots and outings.

This May issue brings adventure to our readers in time to start arranging trips. I know my husband and I will be thinking about going camping in the warmer months, hopefully with some close friends. The main feature takes readers through Nebraska’s state parks, from nearby Mahoney State Park to parks in western Nebraska. The article profiles several people who, like my husband and me, spend weekends and weeks in nature.

Talking to a friend of mine one day, I learned about the subjects of our Sixty-Plus profile, David Harding and his wife, Sarah Newman. That cliche ice-breaker about taking three things with you on a deserted island practically came true for them in March 2020, when they arrived in New Zealand days before the announcement of the COVID-19 pandemic. Their story is fascinating, from how few people were on the island to what they were and were not able to do during their extended vacation. I did not have enough space to discuss the entire adventure.

Also in Sixty-Plus is an article about motels, a topic that raises memories for many people. It certainly does for me. I have stayed at motels in a couple of places I clearly remember. When I was 13, my family and I went to the south, specifically New Orleans, for a conference at which my dad spoke. On the way there, we drove through Jackson, Mississippi, and south to a minute town, most likely Florence, Mississippi. We pulled into the motel, spent the night, and, the next morning ate breakfast in the town’s cafe. Right away, the pastor at one of the few churches in town recognized that we were strangers and came over to say hello. On one of our annual trips to Colorado, my family and I drove through the Sandhills and landed in Mullen, Nebraska, for the night. 

The second feature spotlights a young woman whose passion is traveling. Jamie Thomas flew to South Korea on a one-way ticket, and has since visited more than 60 countries. Thomas became so passionate about traveling she has founded a group in Omaha for fellow jet-setters to meet each other and talk.

Taking a local adventure can mean trying island-inspired food, hiking a new path, kayaking or fishing on the lake, perusing macabre artifacts, and more. Our Obviously Omaha feature takes people beyond Nebraska into the night skies for stargazing, and one dining feature takes people to the Edge of the Universe. Reading this magazine could be considered an adventure, as it can take viewers in many different directions.