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
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!
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 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
Backpacking Michigan’s UP | 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 UP | Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore
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
Painting, Paddling and Hiking on the Gunflint Trail | Part 2
We're picking back up from part 1 where we'll head back up to the Gunflint Trail and venture out on a few hiking trails, paddle in the BWCA and do some more adventure painting! So many of our favorite places are currently burning and are on my heart these days. Isle Royale, the Arrowhead of … Continue reading Painting, Paddling and Hiking on the Gunflint Trail | Part 2
Discovering the Beauty of the Gunflint Trail | Part 1
So many of our favorite places are experiencing active wildfires this summer. The forest has a miraculous ability to regenerate itself after fire, but my heart and prayers are with all of the firefighters, emergency workers, residents, recreationalists, resort owners and animals as the BWCA and Arrowhead of MN burns and is currently closed for … Continue reading Discovering the Beauty of the Gunflint Trail | Part 1
Isle Royale | The Adventure Continues!
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!
Rock Harbor to Windigo | Backpacking Isle Royale National Park End to End
We're back from our 5 day trip to the Isle and 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. We were given a current condition report from friends prior to leaving and it was super helpful. Please check … Continue reading Rock Harbor to Windigo | Backpacking Isle Royale National Park End to End
Fall Camping in Iowa | Ledges State Park
Read about our trip to one of Iowa’s oldest and most popular State Parks - Ledges State park in Madrid Iowa! We followed the Fall colors, camped in the remote hike in campsites, cooked over the fire and managed to fend off some persistent and well-fed raccoons!
Fall Backpacking in the BWCA | Sioux Hustler Trail: Part 2
Part two of our Fall Backpacking trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) on the Sioux Hustler Trail! The trail is muddy, rocky, re-routed by several beaver dams and does not include any navigational signing. Water is plentiful, as the trail circumvents numeroous lakes. Moose are common in the area, and if you listen closely, you may hear wolves or coyotes howling at night. Check out our Youtube video for more on campsite conditions and tales from the trail! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91MRNWESgUg&t=82s
Fall Backpacking in the BWCA | Sioux Hustler Trail: Part 1
Part one of our Fall Backpacking trip in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) on the Sioux Hustler Trail! The Sioux–Hustler Trail is a rugged hiking loop in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area in Northern Minnesota, near the Canadian border. This area is mostly known for its paddling trips, and traveling in the Fall was an optimal time to visit due to lack of bugs, cool weather and pristine views of the forest changing color. Check out our Youtube video for more on campsite conditions and tales from the trail! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=91MRNWESgUg&t=82s
SHT Trail-a-versary and Hiking Southern Minnesota Video!
Read about my one year trail-a-versary of completing the Superior Hiking Trail and more about hiking Southern Minnesota State Parks. New video on the Wandering Pine Youtube channel.
Minnesota North Shore Weekend! Part 2: Tettegouche State Park, Superior Hiking Trail and a BEAR at camp!
Continued from Part 1... Split Rock to Beaver Bay TRIP DETAILS LENGTH 11 miles: camped at Tettegouche State ParkDIFFICULTY Moderate, elevation and sun exposureDATE August 9, 2020MAIN FEATURES Classic Superior Hiking Trail up and down elevation with spectacular views of Lake Superior. We parked a car in the rear lot of Cove Point Lodge, which connects directly to a 2 … Continue reading Minnesota North Shore Weekend! Part 2: Tettegouche State Park, Superior Hiking Trail and a BEAR at camp!