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? 25 lb 5 Day Ultralight 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 Ultralight Gear … 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
A Brand New Minnesota 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 A Brand New Minnesota 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
Backpacking Michigan’s Upper Peninsula | Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
How do you describe the beauty of a place where heaven and earth join seamlessly? Or the mind trap of telling yourself over and over again the this massive body is not the ocean or an endless sea? Or the magnetic-siren-pull of her waters that make you want to jump in and crash like the … Continue reading Backpacking Michigan’s Upper Peninsula | Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
5 Training Tips for Your Next Hiking or Backpacking Trip!
Spring is the time of year when everything returns to life (and gets real muddy). Even though I like to hike year round, I need a little reboot when the snow thaws. This post covers some of the ways I physically and mentally prepare myself for hiking and backpacking. Be sure you get the green … Continue reading 5 Training Tips for Your Next Hiking or Backpacking Trip!
Women’s Winter Retreat in Hayward, Wisconsin!
I'm back from 4 revitalizing days in the woods with some new muscles and a full heart. This trip report covers a visit to Hayward Wisconsin with my friends at Thrive Women's Outdoor Adventures, filled with skiing, snowshoeing, friendship and amazing food! I had the pleasure of enjoying a trip with this bunch in 2019 … Continue reading Women’s Winter Retreat in Hayward, Wisconsin!
Campsgiving at William O’Brien State Park
We're back from an refreshing Thanksgiving weekend trip to William O'Brien State Park! It's been a while since I've had a cold weather overnight and it was great to dust off the skills and gear to extend the camping season. This 3 in 1 post covers: Our Free Park Friday/Opt Outside group hike on the … Continue reading Campsgiving at William O’Brien State Park
Fall Camping and Hiking at Temperance River State Park
We're back from our last family camping trip of the year and the camper has been a great way to spend time together, extend the season and have some of the comforts of home. Our dog eats tents, so it's also been nice to have a way to bring her along! Temperance River State Park … Continue reading Fall Camping and Hiking at Temperance River State Park
Hiking Southern Minnesota | Upper Sioux Agency and Camden State Parks
Welcome to part 2 of my trip report, featuring FOUR more Minnesota State Parks! In 2014, my buddy April and I started hiking the Minnesota State Parks Hiking Club trails. Even though we live in different states now, we still manage to pull off one or two camping trips a year. Read her trip report … Continue reading Hiking Southern Minnesota | Upper Sioux Agency and Camden State Parks
Hiking Southern Minnesota | Big Stone Lake and Lac qui Parle State Parks
Welcome to part 1 of our trip to 4 more Southern Minnesota State Parks! It was great to be back on the trail with my first hiking buddy, and visit 4 new parks - painting and capturing my favorite things along the way. Find out how long Big Stone Lake really is, and stay tuned for part 2, where we visit Upper Sioux Agency and Camden State Parks. Happy Trails!
Art Hike at Theodore Wirth Park!
Today's hike was a special visit to Theodore Wirth Park! The brilliant women at Kula Cloth reached out to me and asked if I would lead a "Kulas on the trail" community event in Minnesota. I jumped at the opportunity to lead another art hike in one of my favorite local parks. Check out this post to read more about the history of Theo Wirth and our creative adventure!
Schoolcraft State Park
Welcome to the final trip report from our visit to four North Central Minnesota State Parks! Today's hike takes us to Schoolcraft State Park, a small park along the Mississippi River that features a 300 year old Pine Tree! Im excited to get back to my goal of hiking all 67 of the Minnesota State Parks Hiking Club Trails, and this trip makes number 56! Enjoy!
Big Bog State Recreation Area
Welcome to day 3 of our trip to 4 North Central Minnesota State Parks! Today's hike takes us to Big Bog State Recreation Area, part of one of the largest undeveloped wilderness areas in the United States. The park features many species of rare and fascinating plants and feels like going to another world filled with tiny surprises. Enjoy!
McCarthy Beach State Park
Welcome to day 2 of our trip to 4 North Central Minnesota State Parks! We used our new camper as a relaxing home base for exploring neighboring parks and I'm excited to get back to my goal of hiking ALL of the Minnesota State Park Hiking Club Trails. Have you been to McCarthy Beach State Park? Be sure to hit subscribe or check back to see more paintings from the trail, and hear more about a 300 year old pine tree and a belching bog!
Hiking and Camping at Scenic State Park
We're back from a great trip to 4...count 'em, F O U R North Central Minnesota State Parks! We used our new camper as a relaxing home base for exploring neighboring parks and I'm excited to get back to my goal of hiking all of the Minnesota State Park Hiking Club Trails. Have you been to Scenic State Park? Be sure to hit subscribe or check back to see more paintings from the trail, and hear more about a 300 year old pine tree and a belching bog! Hope you are having a wonderful end of Summer and are looking forward to cooler temps and the colors of Fall.