I’ve wanted to ride this route for a very long time. I had a great summer of bike commuting and bikepacking, but hadn't ridden in 6 weeks. Could I ride the Grand Rounds in one day? One last hurrah before the snow flies? An easy breezy Sunday ride around the city? Yes! LETS GO! TRIP … Continue reading Take a Ride Through Minneapolis History | Biking the Grand Rounds National Scenic Byway
Boundary Waters | Traveling by Canoe in a Million Acre Wilderness Part 2
We're back from our 5 day canoe trip into the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness! This is a two part post: Part 1: Trip prep, route details, daily journal of days 1-3 Part 2: Day 4-5, gear faves, what worked and didn't work on my first BWCA canoe trip and a bug furry surprise at … Continue reading Boundary Waters | Traveling by Canoe in a Million Acre Wilderness Part 2
Boundary Waters | Traveling by Canoe in a Million Acre Wilderness: Part 1
"There is magic in the feel of a paddle and the movement of a canoe, a magic compounded of distance, adventure, solitude, and peace. The way of a canoe is the way of the wilderness and of a freedom almost forgotten. It is an antidote to insecurity, the open door to waterways of ages past … Continue reading Boundary Waters | Traveling by Canoe in a Million Acre Wilderness: Part 1
Bikepacking the Elroy – Sparta State Trail!
HELLO WISCONSIN! 🎉 Another Bikepacking trip is in the books! Last year, I had the privilege of leading a Women's beginner Bikepacking trip on the Root River Trail through Thrive Women's Outdoor Adventures. We had THE BEST TIME! We 'got the band back together' for another "Rails to Trails" adventure last weekend in Wisconsin and … Continue reading Bikepacking the Elroy – Sparta State Trail!
Hiking and Backpacking Bean + Bear Lakes!
Ready to hike to one of Minnesota's most iconic North Shore views? This rugged section of trail boasts steep climbs, expansive views of Lake Superior's north shore, two hidden lakes, thick forest, roaring waterfalls and plenty of rocks and roots to keep your ankles busy. Whether you are backpacking overnight, or day hiking the loop, … Continue reading Hiking and Backpacking Bean + Bear Lakes!
Trail Tips + Featured Posts
It's a great time of year to get outside and brush up on those hiking skills whether you're headed out on a day hike or multi day trip. This week I'm cracking open the archives and kicking off a trail tips series. This page is under construction, and will be updated with each post. Thanks for joining!
What’s In My Pack? 5 Day Lightweight Gear List | Grand Canyon Edition!
Our Grand Canyon trip report just published, so let’s talk about GEAR! This post features my detailed 5 day packing list, including weights in oz and the weather and water conditions that we needed to consider on this shoulder season trip. Be sure to check out the gear video from our last night of the … Continue reading What’s In My Pack? 5 Day Lightweight Gear List | Grand Canyon Edition!
Backpacking in Grand Canyon National Park | Part 2
Continued from Part 1 We’re back from our 5 day backpacking trip to Grand Canyon National Park! This is a two part post since there is so much to share! Check out our new trip video on Youtube and be check back or hit subscribe to see our upcoming gear post and video. LETS GO! … Continue reading Backpacking in Grand Canyon National Park | Part 2
Backpacking in Grand Canyon National Park | Part 1
We’re back from our 5 day backpacking trip to Grand Canyon National Park! This will be a two part post since there is so much to share! Check out our new trip video on Youtube and be check back or hit subscribe to see our upcoming gear post and video. LETS GO! TRIP DETAILS LENGTH 43 … Continue reading Backpacking in Grand Canyon National Park | Part 1
Weekend at Tettegouche State Park Remote Cabins
This trip report will cover our overnight trip to the historic remote cabins at Tettegouche State Park, a glimpse at the northern lights, some new backpacking gear I'm testing out and absolutely zero bigfoot sightings This is the time of year when we get a little itchy and want to get a Winter camping trip … Continue reading Weekend at Tettegouche State Park Remote Cabins
Hiking in Texas, Arkansas + 52 Hike Challenge!
Happy New Year! I just came back from an extended holiday break with family and hiked in two new parks to kick off 2023! I am also embarking on my 5th 52 Hike Challenge and was selected to be part of the 52 Hike Challenge Over 50 Outside Cohort. Super stoked to continue representing a … Continue reading Hiking in Texas, Arkansas + 52 Hike Challenge!
Women’s Fall Retreat in Stone Lake Wisconsin!
I’m back from co-leading a 4 day retreat during Fall color peak. Wow did we luck out! This trip report covers a visit to Stone Lake Wisconsin with Thrive Women's Outdoor Adventures, filled with biking, hiking, paddling, friendship, amazing food and a whole lotta rest! This is my 3rd women's retreat with Thrive and my … Continue reading Women’s Fall Retreat in Stone Lake Wisconsin!
Backpacking Meal Planning + 3 Favorite Recipes
Our Border Route Trail trip report and Ultralight Gear list just published, so it's time to talk about FOOD! This post features the menu from my Border Route Trail trip, THREE favorite recipes (ie kitchen experiments), and some handy tips and resources for making your own meals on the trail. IMPORTANT NOTE: My caloric intake … Continue reading Backpacking Meal Planning + 3 Favorite Recipes
What’s In My Pack? 5 Day Lightweight Gear List!
Read about how I trimmed my pack weight back down to 25 lbs after hovering at +/- 30 lbs for a few of years. I also share what's in my 5 day Ultralight Backpacking Gear List. List includes weights in ounces, weather considerations and links to gear.
Backpacking the Border Route Trail | 65 Miles on the Canadian Border
We're back from our 5 day backpacking trip along the Border Route Trail! Normally I like to split longer reads into two posts, but wanted to get this trip report out in one long segment in case anyone is heading out there soon and needs up to date conditions. Our Youtube video and 15 lb … Continue reading Backpacking the Border Route Trail | 65 Miles on the Canadian Border
Rolling on the River: Bikepacking the Root River State Trail
We’re back from a beginner Bikepacking trip on the Root River Trail in Southern MN! 🎉 I had the privilege of planning and leading this trip trough Thrive Women's Outdoor Adventures in Hudson WI, and we had THE BEST TIME! Instant friendships, good local food, an impromptu hoedown and tractor pull…and a careful ride around … Continue reading Rolling on the River: Bikepacking the Root River State Trail
Minnesota’s Newest State Park Campground | Split Rock Lighthouse – Shipwreck Creek!
Minnesota State Parks has a new campground and we were lucky enough to grab a spot this summer in our A-Frame camper! We'll briefly cover it's amenities and new features to give you a preview before you head that way. Split Rock Lighthouse State Park is one of the most popular parks on the north … Continue reading Minnesota’s Newest State Park Campground | Split Rock Lighthouse – Shipwreck Creek!
NW Minnesota State Park Tour | Lake Bronson + Hayes Lake + Zippel Bay + Lake Bemidji!
Welcome to part 2 of our Northwest MN State Park Tour! We covered 974 miles and 7 Parks! Like most of Minnesota’s State Parks, these parks are all between 1-2 hours apart and short hiking distances, making it easy to visit multiple destinations in one trip. Since these are the furthest from our home, we … Continue reading NW Minnesota State Park Tour | Lake Bronson + Hayes Lake + Zippel Bay + Lake Bemidji!
NW Minnesota State Park Tour | Buffalo River + Red River + Old Mill!
This trip report will be a 2 part post, highlighting our tour of the final Minnesota State Park Hiking Club Trails in my book, covering 974 miles and 7 Parks! Like most of Minnesota’s State Parks, these parks are all between 1-2 hours apart and short hiking distances, making it easy to visit multiple destinations … Continue reading NW Minnesota State Park Tour | Buffalo River + Red River + Old Mill!
S24what?! First Bikepacking Trip, Route + Gear List
My original commuter ride: pre Pack Rat. I remember hearing the term "S24O" from a biking friend and mentor years ago. He described a Sub-24 hour overnight is a down n dirty quick overnight trip on a bike, where riders just strap stuff on their rigs wherever they can, and ride somewhere and back within … Continue reading S24what?! First Bikepacking Trip, Route + Gear List