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
A new trail name has been bestowed upon me and I accept it with pride. Going forward, while I still feel like Wonder Woman, I shall be known as Dandelion. I am sure I am reading far more into the symbolizm of a dandelion than the thought that went into the name choice from my … Continue reading Dandelion, Bear Hug, and Blue Jay hike on Mantario
Asha's energy level has mellowed out as she's become older. She still has a bit of puppy left in her and I think she always will. Her breed, an American Akita is typically not a hyper, high-energy dog and does well with a daily 30-minute walk. We go for longer walks when we have time. … Continue reading Hiking with Asha has changed
"Mommy, why are you laying down to put on your pants?" I look at my daughter and respond that I am in a tent and that it is the only way to get dressed. Then I remember that we are in our family tent and my 6' tall husband can easily stand up in it. … Continue reading Family Fun Weekend
I had a love affair with Earl Grey tea during traditional Afternoon Tea when my husband and I stayed at Fairmont Château Lake Louise. I sat in the Lake View Lounge and spent my afternoon looking out at Victoria Glacier. Little did I know at that time, Earl Grey tea would return to soothe my … Continue reading Sometimes it’s hard being me
I relish experiences where my daughter is encouraged to move out of her comfort zone. It is character building and a confidence booster. I like to think I walk a good balance between creating a safe environment in the outdoors and allowing space for natural consequences that create learning opportunities. There are some aspects of … Continue reading Hiking and Camping with Kids: Safety
I strive to offer my daughter a balance between the technology that rules our lives in 2018 and the natural world. I want to nurture every ounce of her enthusiasm for the outdoors for as long as possible and I also want to give her time for other interests like video games. It is my … Continue reading Hiking and Camping with Kids: Getting Kids who are Reluctant into the Outdoors
My previous time on Hunt Lake trail did not go well due to physical and mental overexertion. I had two anxiety attacks that resulted in me ripping my backpack off in the middle of the backcountry and hyperventilating. It was terrifying. My friend joined me for her first time on Hunt Lake and I took … Continue reading Hunt Lake Redemption
I put my boots on the Appalachian Trail knowing that the trail would be hard. I wanted the trail to be hard. I went in with the right mindset, knowing I would succeed with mind over body. I am proud of what I accomplished. I will use my experience as a stepping stone to further … Continue reading Appalachian Trail: The end is the new beginning (day 7)
We hiked down a long descent yesterday afternoon before arriving at our shelter for the night. It seemed to go on and on and I wondered if it would ever end. I have concluded that I much more prefer ascends to descends. Gravity wants to pull me down the mountain and I need to work … Continue reading Appalachian Trail: The Trail is a Magical Place (day 6)
Wild Woman Wisdom 