“Defending My Joy” is a term I have been using for the last few years whenever I have to take action to keep things positive. Protecting and defending your joy is an act of resistance. This post shares some fun and silly examples of ways I’ve found joy during some of the coldest and snowiest Winters in Minnesota. I hope it will bring you a smile as well!
Roam if you want to… Women’s Winter Retreat at Roam Adventure Basecamp!
...Oh girl dancing down those [snowy] and [icy] trails Take it hip to hip, rocket through the wilderness... -Roam, The B-52's Back from a Winter retreat with Thrive Women's Outdoor Adventures! We got close to a foot of snow in parts of Northern Wisconsin, played in single digit temps and had the trails to ourselves. … Continue reading Roam if you want to… Women’s Winter Retreat at Roam Adventure Basecamp!
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
‘Instructions for Living a Life’ and Snowshoeing at Moose Lake State Park!
TRIP DETAILS LENGTH 2 mile Hiking Club Trail DIFFICULTY Easy DATE Dec 28, 2018 MAIN FEATURES Wooded loop through rolling hills, views of a Wildlife Pond You may remember my post from Moose Lake State Park last 4th of July. Back then the park was bursting with happy campers and families celebrating their 4th of July traditions a the … Continue reading ‘Instructions for Living a Life’ and Snowshoeing at Moose Lake State Park!
Snowshoe Basics: And Re-thinking Winter
Winter is here and it's the perfect time to think about staying outside and extending the hiking season! Snowshoeing is my favorite winter activity and has been a game changer when it comes to my attitude during the colder months. So, when Minnesota Monthly Magazine contacted me to do a quick story and photo shoot on the sport, I practically did a cartwheel.
Urban Snowshoeing and Tips for Getting Started!
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. I also don’t hike at night in the warmer months, but a moonlit snowshoe stomp is one of my favorite things. I feel a unique combination of safety and freedom when I am snowshoeing in the open woods, on an empty trail bathed in winter’s blue light.
Minneapolis Winter Festivals
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 mile … Continue reading Minneapolis Winter Festivals
Snowshoeing on the St Croix River
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
Hiking Minnesota National Wildlife Refuge: Nine Mile Creek
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
10 Winter Hacks to Keep You Warm
Expanding on my previous post, The California Transplant's Guide to Winter Layers, here's a quick list of 10 hacks and skills to help you stay warm this winter!