Journalist Eliot Stein takes us along on the unique adventure of kayaking the perimeter of Manhattan Island and observes some of the pockets of nature that persist within New York's concrete jungle. Then a midwestern author shares his lifelong passion for the Mississippi River and delves into the recreational, ecological, and spiritual facets of America's mighty waterway. And TV host Samantha Brown tells Rick how she keeps herself from stressing out over what could go wrong in her frequent travels.

• Journalist Eliot Stein, author of "Custodians of Wonder" (St. Martin's Press)
• Dean Klinkenberg, author of "The Wild Mississippi: A State-By-State Guide to the River's Natural Wonders" (Timber Press)
• Samantha Brown, host of "Samantha Brown's Places to Love"

• Eliot Stein described kayaking the perimeter of Manhattan, to see how the waters shaped the history of New York City, in this article at BBC Travel. He also describes the people he has met who are preserving fading traditions around the world in his book "Custodians of Wonder." Eliot told us about it on Travel with Rick Steves program 783 in February 2025.
• Dean Klinkenberg offers a guide to the natural features of the Mississippi River Valley on his website and podcast and in his book, "The Wild Mississippi: A State-by-State Guide to River's Natural Wonders."
• Samantha Brown hosts the "Places to Love" travel series on public TV. She talks with Rick about our motivations for traveling on Travel with Rick Steves program #660 from December 2021.