We’ve been back on the mainland for a few weeks, but the adventure continues! Last week, we were invited to be on a podcast based out of Michigan, called "Hike: explore|wander|live"! I have been on the show before talking about my SHT LASH (Superior Hiking Trail Long Amazing Section Hike), and it was so … Continue reading Isle Royale | The Adventure Continues!
Whats In My Pack? 5 Day Comfort Light Gear List!
The Isle Royale trip report is up, so let's talk about gear next! This post covers my 5 day packing list, weights (according to my scale) and some of the conditions I prepared for on this trip. Be sure to also check out the accompanying gear video I shot on our last night of the … Continue reading Whats In My Pack? 5 Day Comfort Light Gear List!
The Long and Short of Insulated Skirts and How to Target Your Layering System
Pants are cool - if you love em, wear em! But I have found, as my body shape changes with age and new hiking and biking muscles, that pants are not the well fitting friend that they once were. Skirts and kilts provide a freedom of movement and fit that pants do not. But the bigger reason for adding an insulated skirt to your closet is that you can target areas that tend to get colder and add a new tool to your layering toolbox. I find that that the fronts of my thighs, rear end and middle get the coldest first, so having another layer over these spots keeps me happy. Having a separate layer of protection provides options for different conditions. Check out this post to read more about insulated skirts, kilts and wraps and a few more ideas of how to stay toasty this winter.
How to Enjoy Winter….just embrace it, they said…
It is currently -16 degrees, -32 degrees with the windchill as I write this. One of the things I've come to love about Minnesotans is their fondness for talking about the weather. Re-visitng my journey towards learning to love winter and rounding up some of my best winter posts was a fun to do over a hot cup of coffee on this cold morning. I hope these stories inspire you to keep venturing outside without worrying about freezing your buns off.
Gear Review: Winter Foot Traction!
This review covers 4 different types of Wandering Pine-tested winter foot traction, including an affordable DIY Screw Shoe option! After a few falls on the ice, I consider winter foot traction a critical piece of winter gear. I also gave traction devices a special shout out in my 2020 Outdoor Gift Guide because they are a practical and thoughtful gift for anyone living in a cold climate.
Wandering Pine Outdoor Gift Guide!
Welcome to the Wandering Pine Outdoor Gift Guide! Featuring gifting options for your favorite outdoorsy peeps (or treat yourself!) at under $25, under $50 and even gently used gear! Note: this guide was originally published in 2020, but has been edited and refreshed for this year's gift giving season- like your Christmas tree....this post is … Continue reading Wandering Pine Outdoor Gift Guide!
Wandering Pine Gear Picks: Sun Protection!
I'd like to interrupt my regularly scheduled post about our Southern Minnesota State Park tour to talk to you about a topic near and dear to my heart (and face...and hands...and everywhere else the sun touches): SUN PROTECTION. This week, I'm fresh off a trip to the prairie AND the dermatologist! With bandaids still covering … Continue reading Wandering Pine Gear Picks: Sun Protection!
What’s in My Pack? The 10 Essentials!
The first time I'd heard of the 10 essentials was in our son's Scout Handbook. It was this succinct list of survival items that every Scout should have on outdoor adventures in case of an emergency. Both of our boys assembled their items, and stowed them in their packs (just in case). Eventually, I would … Continue reading What’s in My Pack? The 10 Essentials!
Superior Hiking Trail Databook Review
Review of the brand new Superior Hiking Trail Databook and the tools that I used to plan my Superior Hiking Trail Thru Hike, turned Long Amazing Section Hike
From Minnesota, With Love: Supporting Local Gear Companies
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
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!
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!
Tick Prevention on the Trail
I remember finding a wood tick stuck on the hairline of my neck over 30 years ago when I first moved to Minnesota. I was a teenager from Southern California and didn't even know what a tick was! Its the only time I've ever had an attached tick and can still feel it... Today's post … Continue reading Tick Prevention on the Trail
Crescent Moon EVA Foam Snowshoe Gear Review
As a lover of both snowshoeing and design, I have been following the development of the first EVA foam snowshoe for about a year. They have a very different look and construction compared to a traditional metal or plastic snowshoe, and the binding is greatly simplified. In talking to the President and co-founder of Crescent … Continue reading Crescent Moon EVA Foam Snowshoe Gear Review
Exploring the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and 5 LNT Tips During the Government Shutdown
Read about our January thaw hike at Minnesota Valley Wildlife refuge! Learn some Leave No Trace Tips to help keep our wild spaces preserved, and check out an initial review of the Kula Cloth: the highly technical, one of a kind, reusable pee cloth!
Micro-adventures, Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1 and Women’s Serrana Sleeping Bag gear review!
And at the end of the day (or week), Your feet should be dirty, Your hair messy And your eyes sparkling ~Author Unknown So....it's Thursday and my hair is still a mess, I keep finding dirt under my nails and my eyes are definitely sparkling; stronger, braver and wiser. Last week started with a trip … Continue reading Micro-adventures, Big Agnes Fly Creek UL1 and Women’s Serrana Sleeping Bag gear review!