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!
How to Plan a Hike…and what is a hike anyway?
This week, a friend asked "what's the difference between a walk and a hike?" I've heard this question before, but even now...when things seem to be changing on the daily...the answer is still the same "Well, that's up to you..." When I signed up for my first 52 Hike Challenge, in 2017, my personal definition … Continue reading How to Plan a Hike…and what is a hike anyway?
2019 Year in Review!
Happy 3rd Birthday to Wandering Pine! Its fun to see how things have changed and to look back on the adventures from the previous years. Here's a throwback to my very first post! This year, I've hiked twice as much (104 hikes) and written half as much (30 posts). The Saturday mornings that I used … Continue reading 2019 Year in Review!
Go Outside! How to Get Out and Stay Out
"GO OUTSIDE WITH THE REST OF THE WILD ANIMALS!!" -Mom Time to Hike! Last month at our "Unpacking Your Hiking Hesitations" Clinic at Midwest Mountaineering, Ruth and I were asked a question: “How do you make time for hiking?” I responded almost automatically: “you make time for the things you love”. But the minute those words … Continue reading Go Outside! How to Get Out and Stay Out
‘What is’ vs. ‘What if’… Self Care at Glendalough State Park
"When you focus on the 'what ifs', you're almost manifesting the thing you are most worried about. By focusing on the 'what is', you are focusing on the good that is occurring in that present moment'-Sharlene Jones Episode 121: She Explores The last couple of weeks have been difficult. Life stuff...hurting for others, internalizing, etc...I … Continue reading ‘What is’ vs. ‘What if’… Self Care at Glendalough State Park
Maplewood State Park and North Country National Scenic Trail
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
‘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!
2018 Year in Review!
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!
Hike 52: Our Superior Hiking Trail Route
Guess what came in the mail last Saturday, on National Public Lands Day?! My North Country Trail 100 mile Challenge Patch! The North Country Trail is a footpath that is 4,600 miles(7,400 km) long from Crown Point in eastern New York to Lake Sakakawea State Park in central North Dakota. Thats almost as long as the … Continue reading Hike 52: Our Superior Hiking Trail Route
Superior Hiking Trail 100 Miler
We've been home for a week! The blisters are healed, toenails looking normal but the knees are still creaking from coming down Carlton Peak. Here's a video of our adventure and some final thoughts below. If you are not subscribed already, stay tuned for an upcoming post about our route, packing list and how … Continue reading Superior Hiking Trail 100 Miler
Day 7: Coming Off the Trail Early
Last night I decided I was done. We had hiked the 20ish miles between Mystery Mountain And Temperance River State Park in about 8.5 hours minus breaks and had been at camp for about an hour when I told my sister I was out. We were due to head inland the next day and I … Continue reading Day 7: Coming Off the Trail Early
Day 6: The Sawtooths! 6 Mountains in 20 Miles
The Trail is characterized by ascents to rock outcroppings and cliffs, and descents into numerous river and creek valleys. Most rivers and streams are crossed by bridges. Overlooks of Lake Superior, the Sawtooth Mountains and inland woodlands, lakes and rivers are abundant. The Trail follows rivers and creeks, often for distances of a mile or … Continue reading Day 6: The Sawtooths! 6 Mountains in 20 Miles
Day 5: Superior Hiking Trail. Town Day!
Got up at 5:30 and started working on my feet in the tent with my headlamp poor Bear. They are healing up and feeling much better but I still taped them up good with some of the supplies that John and Megan gave us. We shared the breakfast gift from my coworkers and left camp … Continue reading Day 5: Superior Hiking Trail. Town Day!
Day 4: Devil Track, Pincushion and Skydiver Dude!
Time to switch to the next map! Woke up a few times in the night with a really sore shins. The outer muscle of my lower legs really hurts and had to stretch a lot in the middle of the night. We hope to make it to North Bally tonight I think thats 17 miles … Continue reading Day 4: Devil Track, Pincushion and Skydiver Dude!
Day 3: Lake Walk and Woods Creek
Each day I think I will wake up feeling better and stronger, but instead...a new part of my body hurts. This will pass, thankful for ibuprofen. This trail is no joke. Its all up and down with rocks and roots and we welcome the flat stretches when the come. We said farewell to … Continue reading Day 3: Lake Walk and Woods Creek
Day 2: Judge Magney State Park
Got a late start but caught up with our new friends Susan and Ainsley on the trail. Made up time on two road walks but its still going to be hard to get in 18 miles before tonight. Bear got stung by another hornet in the Hovland forest and has the trail name "hornet bait" … Continue reading Day 2: Judge Magney State Park
Day 1-Superior Hiking Trail Thru Hike
Hike 52 starts now! We made it! Mom dropped us off at the Northern Terminus and we are excited to hit the trail! Not much time or reception for blogging but a longer post will follow after our trip with details on our route, etc. Yay! The end of the SHT, and the beginning of … Continue reading Day 1-Superior Hiking Trail Thru Hike
Crow Hassan Regional Park Group Hike
TRIP DETAILS LENGTH 17 miles of trails, we did 11.5 DIFFICULTY Easy, flat, sandy soil DATE July 7, 2018 MAIN FEATURES Horse trails, sunny prairies, forest, lake and river views. I'm experimenting with posting from my phone (via backyard hammock) for the first time so we'll see how this goes. Today's hike started early at Crow Hassan Regional Park … Continue reading Crow Hassan Regional Park Group Hike
Moose Lake State Park
TRIP DETAILS LENGTH 2 mile hiking club trail (can be increased to 6) DIFFICULTY Easy with rolling hills DATE July 4, 2018 MAIN FEATURES Sunny meadows, tall pine forests, swimming beach My morning started with cajoling my teenagers to come outside and play. It was too hot, they were too tired and they had friends to see. … Continue reading Moose Lake State Park
Part 2: The Mystery of …Forestville | Mystery Caves!
Welcome to part 2 of the Lake Louise/Forestville/Mystery Cave post! Here's part 1 in case you missed it! Perhaps no Minnesota State Park offers a greater variety of attractions than does Forestville /Mystery Cave State Park. The park is rich in both historical and natural resources including the 1853- 1910 townsite of Forestville, meandering blue- … Continue reading Part 2: The Mystery of …Forestville | Mystery Caves!