Through the Creek & Over the Snow: Running the Winter Trail Fest
Take a run through Yankee Springs Recreational Area at Trivium Racing’s Winter Trail Fest. Enjoy snow and ice covered trails, pretty scenery and great swag at this fun winter event.
Visiting Historic Whitefish Point
Known as the Graveyard of Ships, Whitefish Point is home to the Great Lake Shipwreck Museum and Whitefish Point Light Station. Visitors can take in views of Lake Superior, search for Agates, and learn about the 240 ships that have been lost to Lake Superior.
Gear Review: Cooking with Coleman
The Coleman Camping Stove is a basic stove that does exactly what it is supposed to. It is reliable, affordable, easy to use, and works great. It is an excellent addition to the car camper’s gear.
A Winter Hike at Meridian Riverfront Park
Meridian Township is home to several parks and recreational spaces. However, none are quite as special as the Meridian Riverfront Park. Consisting of 3 individual parks, this trail system offers diverse wildlife viewing, beautiful scenic spots along the Red Cedar River, and winding trails through young forest.
A Quick Stop at Reany Falls
Simple, elegant, and wild. Reany Falls is one of the many waterfalls found within Marquette County. Although small, this scenic waterfall is easy to access and makes a nice picnic spot.
A 5K Twist on a Polar Bear
If jumping into freezing cold water in the middle of winter is not your thing, a Polar Bear 5K might be what you are looking for to get outside and enjoy the winter.
Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore: Mosquito Falls
Mosquito Falls is one of the smaller waterfalls tucked away in the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. It does not have the impressive height of Sable Falls or power of Miner’s, but it is nonetheless just as beautiful.
Visiting Erick’s Falls
Erick’s Falls is not the prettiest or most impressive waterfall in the Huron Mountains. In fact, with concrete bridge looming upriver from it, it could be considered almost ugly. Even still, with how easy it is to access and the surrounding area, it is worth visiting at least once.
Gear Review: Dutchware Beetle Buckle for Hammock Suspension
A good suspension system is as important as the hammock itself. What a good system entails depends on individual preferences. For me, a good system is easy to set up, reliable, and easy to adjust. Keeping these qualities in mind, I decided to go with a cinch buckle system and use Dutchware’s Beetle Buckles for my buckles.
Our Favorite 10 Adventures of 2019
We had some great adventures and experiences in 2019. It was hard to pick only 10. But we here are they, in no particular order. Our favorite 2019 adventures.
Run Like a Reindeer 5K
Sport your favorite pair of antlers and trot this festive 5k race. I had been looking forward to this race all year. After all, who doesn’t want to run like a reindeer? Hosted at Fortitude Outdoor, this race offers a challenging course and lots of fun.
A Road Side Attraction: Alger Falls
Roadside waterfalls are not very common in Michigan, comparatively speaking. But when there is one, they draw a crowd. Alger Falls near Munising, Michigan is one such popular waterfall. Nestled away on the side of the road, it offers easy viewing access to everyone.
Dash Through Snow and Fire
Dash through snow and ice with this fast, fun, and unique 5k. Snow decided not to make an appearance this year but there was plenty of fire to make up for it. With hot air balloons kicking off the race, this 5k is one of a kind.
Running for Cancer at the MSU Relay Turkey Trot
Raising funds for cancer and running? Sign me up! The MSU Relay Turkey Trot 5K, hosted at Michigan State University, was a last minute addition to my fall race roster. It was an easy race for a great cause.
Finding the Cut
Michigan’s Upper Peninsula is rich with hidden histories. Concepts and ideas thwarted by the wilderness. Communities fading away, returning to what once existed before them. The Iron Range and Huron Bay Railroad is one such history. Today echos remain of what once almost existed.
Hiking the Little Garlic
Compared to its neighbors, Little Garlic Falls is an unimpressive, small waterfall that, by itself, isn’t worth the effort to reach. However, pair it with a hike along sandstone riverbeds and through pine tree forests and it becomes a waterfall worth visiting at least once.
Gear Review: Cooking with the Jetboil
Cooking in the backcountry can be a bit of a chore after a hard day’s hike. The right tools and some good meal planning can make a big difference. We bought the original Jetboil years ago for exactly that purpose. The Specs Anodized aluminum 1-liter cooking cup Full system weight – 15.25oz Stove weight – …
Running a 5k on a Golf Course: Halloween Links 5K
When I signed up for the 1st Annual Halloween Links 5K, I never imagined that it would be on the actual golf course. Taking place at the Forest Akers East Golf Course in East Lansing, Michigan, this is one of the most unique 5Ks I have ran.
The Stunning Silver Lake Basin & Bushwhacking to Wildcat Canyon
I stood standing on the edge of the Silver Lake Basin, surveying the area. I was sure there would be a moose there. It was the perfect environment but unfortunately, the wrong time of day. Moose or no moose, the Silver Lake Basin is stunning. Silver Lake Basin We started on this adventure in search …
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Running the Half at St. Patrick’s Fall Festival
Fifty-five runners eagerly stood awaiting the signal. The sun barely peeked above the horizon. The countdown began, and with the sound of a horn, we were off. The Portland St. Patrick’s Fall Festival Half Marathon was underway.
Hiking the Trails of Chippewa Nature Center
With 1,500 acres of diverse habitat and 19 miles of trail, Midland’s Chippewa Nature Center is the perfect place to spend quality time in nature.
Delicious Steve’s Chili
Delicious pre-made Chili is a perfect, easy camping dish that can pack a punch when it comes to protein and flavor.
An Autumn Cabin Rental at Mill Creek
My mom and I kick off autumn with a cozy cabin rental in one of Michigan’s most iconic cities; Mackinaw City. Mill Creek Campground is located just outside of the city and offers a great outdoor experience for modern campers. From campsites to cabin rentals, they have something for everyone.
Gear Review: Mission Enduracool Microfiber Towel
Hiking during hot days requires a bit of creative thinking and planning. Avoiding mid-day temperatures can help but what about those days when it can’t be avoided? We had this very problem when we did our hike through Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Our solution was the Mission Enduracool Microfiber Towel.
The Waterfalls of the Presque Isle River
Streaming through the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a beautiful and scenic river known as Presque Isle River. Enjoy hiking a 2.3-mile loop around this stunning river. Waterfalls, potholes, and Lake Superior await you.