Riding Mountain National Park is a place that feels like home away from home for me and I always feel wrapped in the warmth of Mother Nature's arms. I seek good vibes and I do a lot of work to cultivate it around me. My self-care sometimes calls for a little soul-reviving action and that … Continue reading A Soul-Reviving Solo Adventure
I have been mentally exhausted constantly and with gearing up to hopefully lead outdoor events again soon, I was also in need of professional development. What better way to get everything I need than to wander through the woods! Spending time in nature always helps me with refocusing. With a much longed for and needed … Continue reading My Day of Solo Hiking
Even though I am an extrovert, I feel I have become a lone wolf over the past 3 to 4 years. During these past few years, I have explored what I wanted a life with a focus on my mental health to look like. I found comfort in being by myself, which was a stark … Continue reading Living in Harmony as an Extroverted Lone Wolf
When talking about my hiking and backpacking pace, I joke that I am an overweight asthmatic. It is also the truth. I feel no shame and in fact, I use the way my body is as a source of empowerment and motivation. My body is powerful and strong and is capable of doing incredible things. … Continue reading Mantario South to Caribou East
There is something about Hunt Lake Trail in the Manitoba Whiteshell that calls to me to conquer mental and physical goals. My first experience on Hunt Lake was traumatic and to this day, I still talk about it because it is part of a story that has catapulted a goal-oriented venture for me. I recall … Continue reading What is it about Hunt Lake Trail?
A controversial topic has risen within the hiking community: to hike or not to hike? Our local National Park in Manitoba, Riding Mountain is closed, as are all National Parks throughout Canada. Some Provinces including Ontario and British Columbia have closed their Provincial Parks as well. Manitoba Provincial Parks are still open. I firmly believe … Continue reading Should Provincial Parks Close?
I recently read Big Magic by Elizabeth Gilbert and there is a section in the book that resonated with me. Gilbert describes possessing a creative mind is like having a border collie for a pet. Without a job, that breed of dog can become destructive and will eat the couch and drywall. She asks us … Continue reading Mission Accomplished: Certify as a Field Leader
I joined Backcountry Women this morning for a hike around Birds Hill Park but I unfortunately needed to cut my participation short. With the temperature hovering around -28°C, my asthma acted up and I had a hard time controlling my breathing. After communicating with the group leader, I slowly made my way back to the … Continue reading To Feel Something
I spent Saturday afternoon at Spruce Woods Provincial Park with Backcountry Women where we learned winter survival skills with Jen, a Manitoba Parks Interpreter. Provincial Parks around Manitoba offer a variety of programs and workshops to the public. Assiniboine River My main goal with the workshop was to learn more about making and maintaining fires. … Continue reading Expect the Best and Plan for the Worst: Winter Survival Skills
I woke up Saturday morning with a heavy heart. Disappointment, anger, sadness, irritation, and feeling annoyed on top of a poor night's rest flowed through me. It's been a rough few days with scattered emotions. I had an event with Backcountry Women on Saturday planned that I was looking very much forward to. I guzzled … Continue reading Travel near to go far
Wild Woman Wisdom 