Minnesota's Governor issued a two week 'Stay at Home' order that starts today. I feel fortunate to have already been working from home for 17 days, but half of my household will continue to go out to their workplaces each day. My last post talked about some of the ways I am staying grounded and … Continue reading From Minnesota, With Love: Supporting Local Gear Companies
Staying Grounded and Focused in Uncertain Times
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, ‘Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’” Mr. Rogers Hi. Everybody doing ok? I feel like I've gotten an email from every company I've ever given my email to this … Continue reading Staying Grounded and Focused in Uncertain Times
Groundskeeping Season is Here!
The great thaw is upon us here in Minnesota, which the means Winter's trash is making it's BIG reveal and it's time to kick off Groundskeeping season! In case you missed it, or you are new to this space... I am part of a team of amazing humans who are committed to leaving public spaces … Continue reading Groundskeeping Season is Here!
Women & Wolves Adventure Weekend in Ely, MN
Adventuring in Ely MN with the International Wolf Center and Northern Tier High Adventure Base
The SHT LASH episodes are LIVE!
Ever wanted to know what hiking 310 miles in Northern MN carrying all of your stuff on your back is like? Grab your popcorn, because all of the SHT LASH episodes officially posted on YouTube this weekend! Are you dreaming of or planning a trip on the SHT? Or looking for a new series … Continue reading The SHT LASH episodes are LIVE!
2020 Intentions and Updates
2019 was an amazing year. We're 2 months into 2020 and I'm still reflecting on it with a grateful heart and a big ol' smile on my face. Thank you for being part of it! Since my last post, I've been taking a little time to do some housekeeping around the blog and set some … Continue reading 2020 Intentions and Updates
2019 Year in Review!
Happy 3rd Birthday to Wandering Pine! Its fun to see how things have changed and to look back on the adventures from the previous years. Here's a throwback to my very first post! This year, I've hiked twice as much (104 hikes) and written half as much (30 posts). The Saturday mornings that I used … Continue reading 2019 Year in Review!
Kula Cloth Gear Review!
Say hello to the first ever, next-level pee cloth. It's not an afterthought...it's a piece of gear. The first time I saw a Kula Cloth was on an Instagram post that my friend, Kim posted last year. It was hanging on her Christmas Tree as a decoration! Then I saw a few friends proudly displaying … Continue reading Kula Cloth Gear Review!
Simple Act Has Profound Effect | Minneapolis Star Tribune Article
Hey Mom! Im in the Paper! As a follow up to my last post, I'm sharing this nice article that the Minneapolis Star Tribune published in their Outdoors section last Friday, that highlights the Groundskeepers (and yours truly). Read more about the work we do, what I've learned along the way and how you too can … Continue reading Simple Act Has Profound Effect | Minneapolis Star Tribune Article
Why I Pick Up Trash and Things I Learned as a Groundskeeper
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” -Maya Angelou I've put off writing this post for a while because its something that I am still sorting out. What started as a simple challenge has become a journey to know more, do more and take a hard look … Continue reading Why I Pick Up Trash and Things I Learned as a Groundskeeper
Go Outside! How to Get Out and Stay Out
"GO OUTSIDE WITH THE REST OF THE WILD ANIMALS!!" -Mom Time to Hike! Last month at our "Unpacking Your Hiking Hesitations" Clinic at Midwest Mountaineering, Ruth and I were asked a question: “How do you make time for hiking?” I responded almost automatically: “you make time for the things you love”. But the minute those words … Continue reading Go Outside! How to Get Out and Stay Out
Superior Hiking Trail |Part 3: My Hike
I mean really....there was literally no good reason to wait, except my own fear and common sense. And it was fun to have a dream. Welcome to Part 3 of the adventure! If you missed the first 310 miles, start here. Feel free to hit subscribe or check back for updates on new content regarding things … Continue reading Superior Hiking Trail |Part 3: My Hike
Superior Hiking Trail |Part 2: Section Hike
I started to feel light and frolicsome...as though I had wings... Welcome to Part 2! If you are new to the series, here's a handy link to Part 1. If you would like more detail on each section of the Superior Hiking Trail, check out their page and feel free to visit my trip reports … Continue reading Superior Hiking Trail |Part 2: Section Hike
Superior Hiking Trail | Part 1: Thru Hike
Starting at the 280º overlook: N. Terminus of the Superior Hiking Trail I remember when I felt it. We were a little over 5 miles into our hike, climbing up Rosebush Ridge, to the highest point on the Superior Hiking Trail. I had already done a face plant and tweaked my knee at mile 2 … Continue reading Superior Hiking Trail | Part 1: Thru Hike
Superior Hiking Trail Teal Map| Day 6: East Kennedy Creek to County Rd 1, to the Southern Terminus!
Up at 5:30. Thats the latest I've slept on this trip, but we went to bed at 10pm after and nice fire with camp friends and the moth incident...which shall now be referred to as "the aftermoth"! Going to bed at hiker midnight each night hasn't been helping things, but my energy has been great … Continue reading Superior Hiking Trail Teal Map| Day 6: East Kennedy Creek to County Rd 1, to the Southern Terminus!
Superior Hiking Trail Teal Map| Day 5: Leskinen to E Kennedy Creek
42.5 miles down, 12.5 to go! Tomorrow we finish the teal map and then zip down to the southern Terminus for a few more miles to touch the sign—the end is in sight! The fall colors are popping, the mushrooms blooming and we are still glad we avoided the monsoon. Its 43° this morning … Continue reading Superior Hiking Trail Teal Map| Day 5: Leskinen to E Kennedy Creek
Superior Hiking Trail Teal Map| Day 4: Sonju to Leskinen Creek
Up at 3:45 for and couldn’t get back to sleep. Finally just got out of bed at 5:30 and started writing. We can’t believe its still raining! We stuck around the hotel for a bit reorganizing food and waiting out the rain. It’s rained for almost 24 hours straight! Hit the sonju trailhead at … Continue reading Superior Hiking Trail Teal Map| Day 4: Sonju to Leskinen Creek
Superior Hiking Trail Teal Map| Day 3: West Caribou to Sonju
Awake at 3am with a headache. It didn’t rain last night-whew. Im hydrated, but I think my headache is from the wind kicking up stuff. Trying to go back to sleep... we have another 12-13 mile day ahead of us which is plenty on this steep section. The rain started at noon, and we … Continue reading Superior Hiking Trail Teal Map| Day 3: West Caribou to Sonju
Superior Hiking Trail Teal Map| Day 2: Fredenberg to West Caribou
Awake at 10:30, 3:30 & 5:30am. Gentle rain all night. My tarp and bivy pitched low combined with an umbrella for a door worked great. Stayed warm, had to shed a layer-so glad I brought my winter pad. Its still raining this morning. I don’t want to get out of bed. Snuck out … Continue reading Superior Hiking Trail Teal Map| Day 2: Fredenberg to West Caribou
Superior Hiking Trail Teal Map| Day 1: Temperance River to Fredenberg Creek
We hit the road at 7:30am, and three of us stopped in Two harbors at SpokenGear Bike Shop and Coffee for an early lunch. 1:30 Drop a car at Sonju 2:00 Temperance River State Park, we picked up where my sister and I ended our thru hike at 100 miles last year! ❤️. Ive … Continue reading Superior Hiking Trail Teal Map| Day 1: Temperance River to Fredenberg Creek