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!

Happy Feet! Foot Care on the Trail Part 2

This two part post covers foot care tips for hiking, backpacking and off the trail. Check out Part 1 for pre-hike foot care tips. Topics covered in part two: my journey to finding the right footwear, daily foot prep, foot first aid kit and a list of my favorite foot gear. Our feet can take us wonderful places, but without proper care, they can be a real pain. So let's start with some things I learned the hard way, so hopefully you don't have to!

Simple Act Has Profound Effect | Minneapolis Star Tribune Article

Hey Mom! Im in the Paper!  As a follow up to my last post, I'm sharing this nice article that the Minneapolis Star Tribune published in their Outdoors section last Friday, that highlights the Groundskeepers (and yours truly).  Read more about the work we do, what I've learned along the way and how you too can … Continue reading Simple Act Has Profound Effect | Minneapolis Star Tribune Article

Why I Pick Up Trash and Things I Learned as a Groundskeeper

“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” -Maya Angelou What started as a simple challenge of picking up trash while I hike has become a journey to know more, do more and take a hard look at my own habits.  Although there is progress, I will … Continue reading Why I Pick Up Trash and Things I Learned as a Groundskeeper

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

Backcountry Hygiene: How to Pee, Poop and Period Like a Pro!

Now that I've got you with that fantastic title, it's time to talk facts about bodily functions on the trail and how you can keep yourself and the outdoors sparkling clean! I am asked about this topic often (usually in private messages, whispered conversations and in the cover of darkness), so I'm bringing it out … Continue reading Backcountry Hygiene: How to Pee, Poop and Period Like a Pro!

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

WRFA/CPR/AED-Wilderness First Aid and Rule #1 for Staying Safe in the Wild.

Wilderness and Remote First Aid/CPR/AED certification is 18 hours of intense training packed into two or three days. As a leader of High Adventure Treks with Scouts and as a Women Who Hike Ambassador, I am required to take it every two years. Last weekend was my 4th time going through the course and I … Continue reading WRFA/CPR/AED-Wilderness First Aid and Rule #1 for Staying Safe in the Wild.