Just back from a trip to Maplewood State Park! We originally planned a large Women Who Hike Minnesota group event focusing on Leave No Trace Principles and cleaning up the trails with our reusable green "Dirt Bags" the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics generously provided. As the landscape thaws each spring, there's trash … Continue reading Maplewood State Park and North Country National Scenic Trail
This weekend marks the one year anniversary of our first ever Minnesota Women Who Hike meet up: Superbowl Snowshoe Shuffle! And the Women Who Hike founder, Nicole Brown, was just featured on The Stokecast Podcast sharing her story and about how Women Who Hike became the organization that it is today. So, this post is … Continue reading Women Who Hike and Winter Snowshoeing at Mille Lacs Kathio State Park
TRIP DETAILS LENGTH Long Meadow Lake Trail 3.5 miles one way DIFFICULTY Easy DATE January 4, 2019 MAIN FEATURES 11 miles of flat, multi-use trails in this section, birdwatching I head back to work tomorrow but have had a chance to squeeze in 4 hikes to jump-start my 52 Hike Challenge this year and the best part is that … Continue reading Exploring the Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge and 5 LNT Tips During the Government Shutdown
On January 1st 2017, I started this blog, as a place to write about my outdoor adventures, learning experiences, failures and encourage others to get outside at any skill level. That first year, I challenged myself to ask, before starting or continuing various activities, “Does this make me feel strong? Or will this build strength?” … Continue reading 2018 Year in Review!
CARLEY STATE PARK TRIP DETAILS LENGTH 2 miles DIFFICULTY Moderate hills with water crossing DATE May 14, 2018 MAIN FEATURES River crossing, Virginia Bluebells in May After our visit to Enlightened Equipment to squeeze all of the quilts and meet the wonderful people who make them, followed by a hefty hike in Whitewater State Park, we decided to visit … Continue reading Field Trip to Winona, MN | Part 2: Carley State Park!
TRIP DETAILS LENGTH 4-10 miles DIFFICULTY Easy with a little ice DATE March 17, 2018 MAIN FEATURES Historic Fort Snelling and Pike Island My 16th hike of the 2018 52 Hike Challenge started at Fort Snelling State Park. It is a park that I have been to many times during all 4 seasons and can easily be modified … Continue reading Fort Snelling State Park: 4 miler turned 10 miler
Snowshoeing is my favorite winter activity because of the access it brings. Unlike hiking or skiing, I can walk right off the trail, alone into the woods and feel strong and confident. I don’t feel this same desire to venture off trail in the summer when the woods are thick, shaded and full of obstacles. … Continue reading Urban Snowshoeing and Tips for Getting Started!
There are 3 festivals converging in Minneapolis right now. Yesterday's temps were in the 30's so there's really no darned good reason to stay inside. The Great Northern Festival City of Lakes Loppet Winter Festival Super Bowl VII Live Hike n Pint Our morning started at Theo Wirth Park for a quick 3 … Continue reading Minneapolis Winter Festivals
TRIP DETAILS LENGTH 2.5-3 miles DIFFICULTY Easy, with caution DATE Jan 13, 2018 MAIN FEATURES Flat trail on a frozen river, use caution and traction devices. I have been taught to never trust a river, whether frozen or thawed...it is wild, dangerous and a tempting treat. I think there are more rivers in my future. Today’s adventure started at … Continue reading Snowshoeing on the St Croix River
TRIP DETAILS LENGTH 5.5 miles DIFFICULTY Easy DATE Jan 6, 2018 MAIN FEATURES Flat trail with views of the river and 9 mile creek. Minnesota Valley National Wildlife Refuge was established in 1976 to provide habitat for a large number of migratory waterfowl, fish, and other wildlife species threatened by commercial and industrial development, and to provide environmental education, … Continue reading Hiking Minnesota National Wildlife Refuge: Nine Mile Creek
On January 1st 2017, I started this blog, as a place to write about my outdoor adventures, learning experiences, failures and encourage others to get outside at any skill level. In 2017, I also challenged myself to ask, before starting or continuing various activities, "Does this make me feel strong? Or will this build strength?” … Continue reading 2017 Year in Review
TRIP DETAILS LENGTH 5 miles DIFFICULTY Accessible for all abilities with a few hills DATE April 23, 2017 MAIN FEATURES Quaking Bog and Eloise Butler Wildflower Garden and Bird Sanctuary Here's another local gem, Theodore Wirth Park's Quaking Bog and Eloise Butler Trail! This section of the park also has a pretty rad single track bike trail and commuter/road bike paved … Continue reading Theodore Wirth Park: Quaking Bog