Why I Bought a Garmin inReach Satellite Communicator

I have an older handheld Garmin navigation unit that is about twelve years old. A number of trails in the Whiteshell and Riding Mountain National Park are loaded on it and I have carried it with me in the past. The unit itself works well for navigation even though the mapping technology is out of … Continue reading Why I Bought a Garmin inReach Satellite Communicator

Our First “Real” Overnight of the Season

I have the word "real" in quotations because aside from sleeping in my backyard a few weekends ago, Friday night was the first overnight hike of the season. The overnight low hovered around 5°C. My daughter and I have camped in November but this past weekend has been our earliest. I was just itching to … Continue reading Our First “Real” Overnight of the Season

Filtering Water Out on the Trail

Backcountry Women hosted their first Gear Swap and Sale last week and while I was not ready to part with my gear, which I have a lot of, I showcased three different water filters during a demonstration. I enjoy reading about and testing different gear options.  I like being able to dive in deep into … Continue reading Filtering Water Out on the Trail

Savoury Breakfast Cookies for the Trail

My husband began to make breakfast on Sunday while I looked out my living room window with my mind in a fog. I felt overwhelmed and anxious when I woke up. I brought my journal and coloured pens to the dining room table and wrote while I sipped coffee. Journaling eased the anxious thoughts. My … Continue reading Savoury Breakfast Cookies for the Trail

Disposable Plastic on the Trail – Stasher Bags Review

A goal of mine for 2019 is to extend my daily use of reusable food containers into my trail life in order to cut down on the amount of disposable plastic that I take hiking and camping. It is quite sickening to see what our landfills and oceans look like. It also never fails that … Continue reading Disposable Plastic on the Trail – Stasher Bags Review

Let’s talk about mental health and hiking

I have been occupied with working on a project that is an extension of my blog, which is why I have been quiet with posting. I am preparing to expand the community that my voice reaches by using my lived-experience with mental illness to speak at Mood Disorders Association of Manitoba as part of Women's … Continue reading Let’s talk about mental health and hiking

Exploring Nature’s Jungle Gym

Bear Hug woke me up just before ten on Saturday morning to let me know he had made coffee. I felt a combination of rested yet still not feeling well. Our original plan for the weekend was to hike and camp as a family on Epinette Trail in Spruce Woods Provincial Park but my body … Continue reading Exploring Nature’s Jungle Gym

Family Hiking in the Sunshine

I surrounded myself with nature this morning. Red, oranges, and yellows mixed in with browns and greens greeted me along every step of the way at Spruce Woods Provincial Park. The sun was shining bright and it was a gorgeous fall day. My family and I ventured out for a hike through Spirit Sands and … Continue reading Family Hiking in the Sunshine

You have to go through those mountains and valleys – because that’s what life is: soul growth

I have learned to honour the emotions that pulse through me and to give myself what I need when I need it. My mental health is a top priority of mine and I have created a life free from alcohol that was built little by little with each personal milestone. I truthfully spend a lot … Continue reading You have to go through those mountains and valleys – because that’s what life is: soul growth

Long weekend at Riding Mountain

I hiked and camped at Riding Mountain National Park a few weeks ago with a group. Like all trips to the park for me, Whitehouse bakery was our first stop and group meeting spot. The maple cinnamon buns and cream cheese cinnamon buns were just as I expected. Warm, gooey, and the perfect late morning … Continue reading Long weekend at Riding Mountain