Category Archives: Travel

đŸ» Chuck Reigns Supreme: The 2025 Fattest Bear Champion of Katmai

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Champion 2025

đŸ»The Bear, the Myth, the Muffin-Top Majesty

Move over, bodybuilders—Chuck the brown bear just flexed his way to victory in the most gloriously gluttonous competition of the year: Fat Bear Week 2025. With jowls jiggling and a belly that could moonlight as a beanbag chair, Chuck waddled his way into the hearts (and stomachs) of fans worldwide. This isn’t just a bear. This is a living, breathing marshmallow with claws.

Chuck – Fattest Bear Champion 2025

 

Chuck resides in Alaska’s Katmai National Park, where the salmon run is basically an all-you-can-eat buffet for bears prepping for hibernation. And Chuck? He didn’t just eat. He committed. His pre-hibernation physique is less “dad bod” and more “entire PTA meeting.”

What Is Katmai National Park, Anyway?

Located in southern Alaska, Katmai is a wild wonderland of volcanoes, tundra, and—most famously—grizzly bears. It’s home to over 2,000 brown bears, many of whom gather at Brooks Falls each summer to catch leaping salmon mid-air like furry Olympians. The park was established in 1918 to protect the Valley of Ten Thousand Smokes, a surreal volcanic landscape born from the 1912 Novarupta eruption.

Photo by Thomas Mangelsen

But today, Katmai is best known for its bear cams and the annual Fat Bear Week, a bracket-style showdown where the public votes for the bear who best embodies the spirit of seasonal snacking.

Chuck’s Winning Strategy: Salmon, Swagger, and Zero Shame

Chuck didn’t just eat salmon—he became salmon. His folds have folds. His shadow has its own gravitational pull. Rumor has it he once sat on a log and turned it into mulch. And when he walks, the tundra trembles.

But this isn’t just about comedy—it’s about survival. Bears like Chuck must pack on the pounds to endure months of hibernation, where they’ll live off their fat reserves. So really, Chuck’s not lazy—he’s a strategic genius with a gut of gold.

Chuck’s Winning Strategy: Salmon, Swagger, and Zero Shame

And here’s the kicker: Chuck did it all with a broken jaw. Wildlife experts believe he sustained the injury during a mating-season brawl, but did that slow him down? Not one bite. He slurped, gnawed, and gorged his way to greatness, proving that nothing—not even a busted bite radius—could stop his rise to rotund royalty.
It makes his accomplishment that much more jaw-droppingly heroic.

Long Live the Lard

So here’s to Chuck: the bear, the legend, the walking beanbag. May his salmon dreams be sweet, his winter nap be cozy, and his legacy live on in every jiggle of joy.

Fat Bear Champion 2025

 

Sweet, Syrupy, and Dutch: The Delightful World of Stroopwafels

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What Is a Stroopwafel?

A stroopwafel (pronounced stroop-waa-fuhl) is a Dutch treat that’s as fun to say as it is to eat. It’s made of two thin, crisp waffle cookies pressed together with a gooey caramel syrup filling. The name literally means “syrup waffle” in Dutch, and it’s traditionally enjoyed perched atop a steaming cup of coffee or tea—softening the center and releasing its cinnamon-scented magic.

A Taste of Gouda: Stroopwafel’s Origins

Stroopwafels hail from Gouda, Netherlands—not just famous for cheese! They were first crafted in the late 18th or early 19th century by bakers repurposing leftover dough and crumbs, sweetened with syrup. Originally a treat for the poor, their irresistible flavor quickly won over all social classes.

World Stroopwafel Day: A Global Celebration

Mark your calendar for September 30th—World Stroopwafel Day! It’s a sweet excuse to indulge, share recipes, and celebrate Dutch culinary heritage. Airlines like United even serve them as in-flight snacks, spreading stroopwafel love sky-high.

How to Make Stroopwafels at Home

For Detailed Stroopwafel recipe click here

Ingredients:

  • Waffle dough: flour, butter, brown sugar, yeast, milk, eggs
  • Syrup filling: brown sugar, butter, cinnamon, syrup

Steps:

  1. Make a stiff dough and press it in a hot waffle iron.
  2. While warm, slice the waffle into two thin layers.
  3. Spread warm syrup filling between them.
  4. Press together and let cool—the syrup binds the halves.

Obscure & Delicious Facts

  • In Australia, they’re nicknamed “coffee toppers” for their mug-warming habit.
  • Stroopwafel crumbs (koekkruimels) are sold in cones like candy.
  • They were a technical challenge on The Great British Bake Off in 2017.
  • Gouda once had 17 stroopwafel factories—four still operate today.

Stroopwafel Varients

Chocolate Stroopwafels

  • Real chocolate lovers won’t miss the chance to indulge in a chocolate Stroopwafel on World Stroopwafel Day.

Coffee Stroopwafels

  • Coffee lovers beware! We have the right Stroopwafel just for you. You make this Coffee Stroopwafel the same way as the original one. This means this Stroopwafel has a caramel syrup filling. But the little twist are the two waffles with coffee taste.

Maple Stroopwafels

  • The taste of maple combined with coffee is interesting and this unique taste makes It great to give it a go. If you like to go for something new during World Stroopwafel Day than the Maple Stroopwafel it the way to go for you!

Honey Stroopwafels

  • The honey Stroopwafels have a delicious butter caramel syrup filling with a touch of honey. This ensures an unforgettable taste sensation

Whether you’re savoring one over tea at home or dreaming of Gouda’s cobbled streets, the stroopwafel offers a bite-sized journey into Dutch tradition. Its crisp layers and molten heart remind us that even the simplest treats can carry stories, warmth, and a touch of global sweetness.

 

 

Prost (Cheers) from Munich

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 Oktoberfest Is in Full Swing! đŸș

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If you’ve ever dreamed of dancing to oompah music with a pretzel in one hand and a frothy beer stein in the other, now’s the time to make it happen. In Munich, we’re right in the heart of Oktoberfest—the world’s largest beer festival and a beloved celebration of Bavarian culture. This year, the official dates run from September 20 to October 5, and the city is alive with tradition, laughter, and plenty of hops.

A Festival Rooted in History

Oktoberfest began in 1810 as a royal wedding celebration for Crown Prince Ludwig and Princess Therese of Saxony-Hildburghausen. What started as a horse race and public party has evolved into a global phenomenon, drawing millions of visitors to Munich each year. The festival grounds, known as the Theresienwiese, transform into a sprawling wonderland of beer tents, carnival rides, folk music, and hearty German fare.

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What to Wear and What to Sip

To truly embrace the spirit of Oktoberfest, don your lederhosen (for men) or dirndl (for women)—traditional Bavarian attire that’s both festive and functional. Then head to one of the 14 massive beer tents, each offering its own unique atmosphere and brews from Munich’s six major breweries. Whether you’re sipping a MĂ€rzen (the classic Oktoberfest beer) or sampling seasonal specialties, every stein comes with a side of camaraderie.

More Than Just Beer

While beer is the star of the show, Oktoberfest is also a celebration of culture, community, and joy. Families flock to the fairgrounds for rides and games, while food lovers indulge in roast chicken, sausages, sauerkraut, and giant pretzels. Traditional music fills the air, and spontaneous dancing is always encouraged.

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Raise Your Stein and Join the Fun

Whether you’re in Munich or celebrating from afar, Oktoberfest invites everyone to toast to good times and great company. So grab your stein, raise it high, and shout a hearty “Prost!”—because this is one festival where joy is always on tap.

 

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It’s Officially Fall

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NE Fall

New England Fall photo credit Deb Neumann

🍂 Fall in New England

It’s been building to this moment all month. The mornings have grown cooler, the air carries a crisp bite, and—what’s that I see? Alongside cheerful pumpkin displays, the leaves are beginning to change color. Today is September 22, and with the flip of a calendar page, we’re officially in fall. It’s the Fall Equinox.

Pumpkin Patch- photo credit Deb Neumann

🌞 Fall Equinox

The Fall Equinox marks the moment the sun crosses the celestial equator heading south. We’ll experience roughly 12 hours of daylight and 12 hours of darkness—a perfect balance. Since the time of the Druids, this day has signaled the end of the harvest and the beginning of preparations for winter. This year, winter officially begins on December 21, the Winter Solstice—also known as the shortest day (or perhaps the longest night) of the year.

🍎 Fall Traditions

Fall is a favorite season for many. The heat of summer fades, and vibrant colors line the roads and byways. It’s the perfect time for apple picking and leaf peeping. Around the Equinox, fall color begins to burst forth—starting in Maine and New Hampshire, then gradually sweeping south through Connecticut, Massachusetts, and Rhode Island by mid to late October.

Norton colors

Along the water in Norton-,photo credit Deb Neumann

🚗 Where to View the Fall Foliage

Cycling the Kancamagus photo Deb Neumann

If you time it right, the White Mountains of New Hampshire are breathtaking. Try a drive along the Kancamagus Highway, which connects Lincoln in the south to Conway in the north. My brother and I once took his motorcycle up there—we froze in the mountain air, but those spectacular views without a car roof in the way? Worth every shiver.

Jack o Lanterns Keene NH photo Deb Neumann

🌄 Mohawk Trail

Closer to home in Massachusetts, the Mohawk Trail offers stunning foliage and sweeping vistas. The western stretch, as you approach New York State, is especially vibrant.

đŸ”ïž Mount Greylock

I’ve heard wonderful things about the views from Mount Greylock’s summit. Nestled in the heart of the Berkshires, it’s the highest peak in Massachusetts. I haven’t made the drive yet—traffic’s rumored to be horrendous—but maybe this is the year to bite the bullet and go for it.

 

Swans in Flight Photo Deb Neumann

 

 

A Traveler’s Guide to Roadside Attractions

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Just a heads-up: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links. That means if you click through and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission—at no extra cost to you. I only share products, places, and experiences I truly love and think you will too. Thanks for supporting Around Dusty Roads and helping me keep the adventure going!

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📝 Lists: These Are a Few of My Favorite Things

I love lists. I like to check off the things I’ve done and review the things to come. One of my favorites? A well-worn copy of 1,000 Places to See Before You Die. It’s part bucket list, part daydream fuel.

Every now and then, I stumble across a list of Roadside Attractions—those quirky, unforgettable stops that dot the highways like exclamation points. Starting in the 1920s and ’30s, the rise of the automobile road trip sparked a craze among entrepreneurs to build eye-catching structures and clever advertisements to lure passing motorists. The trend flourished through the 1950s and ’60s, often considered the “Golden Age” of roadside Americana. Route 66 was famous for it. And yes, I’ve driven parts of Route 66 myself.

Rt 66 2011 – Photo Credit Deb Neumann

⏳ Time Is Passing

Sadly, as time marches on, many of these roadside oddities are falling into ruin—or worse, being sold to developers and replaced with modern billboards and generic signage. The charm fades, but a few gems still linger.

📍 Three Attractions That Linger

Here are three roadside wonders I’ve personally visited—and they’ve left a lasting impression.

🩖 1. Wall Drug Store — South Dakota

Located near Badlands National Park, Wall Drug is more than a pharmacy—it’s a full-blown destination. Think kitschy souvenirs, an 80-foot animatronic T-Rex, and a dining room that serves up hearty fare. When people say “You can’t miss it,” they mean it. Just follow the signs off Route 16.

Wall Drug Store 2011- Photo Credit Deb Neumann

Thanks to a catchy jingle—
“Get a soda / get a beer / turn next corner / just as near / to Highway 16 and 14 / free ice water / Wall Drug”—
the cars started rolling in and haven’t stopped since.

🩕 2. Dinosaur Park — Rapid City, South Dakota

After a snack at Wall Drug, why not swing by Dinosaur Park? Built in 1936 during the Great Depression, this hilltop attraction features a towering 80-foot brontosaurus and six of its prehistoric pals.

Dinosaur Park Rapid City SD 2011- photo credit Deb Neumann

The idea was sparked by local discoveries of dinosaur bones and footprints—and it worked. The park captured traffic headed toward Mount Rushmore and became a beloved symbol of Rapid City. Today, the brontosaurus still stands tall, watching over the town like a gentle giant.

Big Brontosaurus- Rapid City photo credit Deb Neumann

 

đŸ§œâ€â™€ïž 3. Weeki Wachee Springs — Florida

Heading south to the Sunshine State, I was on the hunt for manatees—and found mermaids instead. Weeki Wachee Springs is famous for its live mermaid shows, a nostalgic nod to old Florida charm. But like the vintage ads say, “Wait—there’s more!”

Mermaid Show Weeki Wachee Springs 2012 – photo credit Deb Neumann

Visitors can take a nature boat ride, go kayaking, or splash around in the water park. It’s a fun day for all ages. And yes, if you’re lucky, you might just spot a manatee gliding through the springs. ( Yes, that’s me swimming with the baby manatee)

Baby Manatee

Manatee Whisperer 2017