Travel near to go far

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

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

Hiking and Camping with Kids: Getting Kids who are Reluctant into the Outdoors

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

Hunt Lake Redemption

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

Appalachian Trail: Missing Life Back Home (day 5)

I had a dream overnight where I was wondering the halls at my old junior high. I was fuming for some unknown reason. Being upset was a regular feeling during my teenage years. I opened a door to a classroom and when I walked in, my current co-workers were sitting around watching soccer on the … Continue reading Appalachian Trail: Missing Life Back Home (day 5)

Appalachian Trail: Humidity and Hospital (day 2)

The heat and humidity today was higher than yesterday. Our original plan was to wake early and hike early but with the late arrival to camp last night, we decided to sleep in. Keeping morale high was a priority and no one is at their best when sleep deprived. The "green tunnel" became more sparse … Continue reading Appalachian Trail: Humidity and Hospital (day 2)

Appalachian Trail: Harper’s Ferry and Bear Poles (day one)

We started off with a walk through Harper's Ferry, West Virginia. The town is rich with civil war history and I felt like I was in a museum instead of a real place where people live, work, and play.Upon leaving Harper's Ferry, we followed a nature trail out of town and saw countless cyclists out … Continue reading Appalachian Trail: Harper’s Ferry and Bear Poles (day one)

This is just the beginning

The Appalachian Trail awaits my footsteps. I will begin my longest and most challenging hike in just two weeks. When I come face to face with difficulty on the trail, I will remember to give myself grace. I know I will feel sore, my feet will blister, and my legs will scream as I climb … Continue reading This is just the beginning

Wonder Woman on the Trail

I made a number of videos on Mantario as a way to occupy myself. I am still learning how to edit videos so some of what I talk about in this video are pick ups from conversations I had with myself in previous videos that I am not posting. I may practice splicing some of … Continue reading Wonder Woman on the Trail

Soulful Solo Hike

I ventured into the wide open wilderness on Mantario trail. Mantario is boasted as one of the most challenging trails in Manitoba and winds through constant ups and downs over granite rock, boggy forests, dense bushes, fallen trees, and creek crossings. My confidence was strong and I felt courageous, brave, and capable. I was motivated … Continue reading Soulful Solo Hike