Author: Amie
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A Weekend Stay at Crooked Lake Rustic Campground
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There is something special about places like that. You never knew the campground existed, but once you discover it, you are hooked. Crooked Lake Rustic Campground is one such place. Tucked away in Pinckney Recreation Area, this campground is at the heart of it all.
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Running on the North Country Trail: Pictured Rocks
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In 2016, we had the wonderful opportunity to backpack through the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. Since then, it has been a dream of mine to run the length of the park. While this trip was short, it gave me a taste of that experience and made me even more determined…
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Over the Hills and Through the Creek: Running the Half at Winter Trail Fest – West Side
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In 2020, I set off on an adventure to complete my first winter trail run. It was 5 miles through Yankee Springs Recreational Area. It was cold, snowy, and a blast. I’m happy to say I have finally returned to the Winter Trail Fest – West (W.T.F) event and tackled…
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My Favorite Brands for Running
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Running is hard. It requires physical and mental endurance, determination, and a bit of stubbornness. One way to make it a little bit easier is to find the right gear that makes you feel comfortable and excited about hitting the trails. No two runners have the same gear. It is…
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The 3 Layers of Winter
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Winter is one of my favorite times to camp and explore the outdoors. There is nothing more beautiful than the sound of winter in the woods. But before venturing out into the cold it is important to have a plan on how to stay warm.
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Finding Adventure in 2024
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There is something special about reflecting during this time of year. Perhaps it is because the new year feels like a clean slate – we can start over again. Or perhaps it is because things are slowing down as winter begins to settle in – at least for some people.…
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The Running Adventure I Didn’t Want at Proud Lake Recreation Area
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Visiting Proud Lake Recreation Area has been on my bucket list for quite some time now. With over 3,000 acres, including the scenic Huron River, this recreation area provides activities for all outdoor adventurers.
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Gift Guide for Your Favorite Camper & Hiker
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If you know someone who loves the outdoors as much as I do, here are some great gift ideas that might help you support the camper and hiker in your life.
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Two Days, Three Races: Running the Treetops Trifecta
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Two days, three races, and a whole lot of hills. The Treetops Trifecta offered everything I could hope for in a trail run, which is why I continue to return to this rugged and challenging race year after year.
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A Spooktacular Event: The Dansville Halloween 5K
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I love running in the fall. There is more joy in it for me than any other season. To support that love of the season, I try to squeeze in as many races as possible. This year I decided to sign up for a Halloween-themed race and that race was…
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Here Be Dragons: Dragons in the Woods 5K Round 2
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Last year I participated in the Dragons in the Woods 5K trail race at Burchfield Park. The race was cut unexpectedly short by a miscalculation of the course. By over a mile. Typically I wouldn’t return to a race that is missing that much mileage, especially in a 5K. But…
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Fueling My Runs with Gnarly Sport Nutrition
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I first heard about Gnarly while participating in the Two Hearted 50K. The race director was a hardcore Gnarly fan and had it at all of the aid stations. At the time, I was using a different liquid calorie that was favored by many runners I knew, but it wasn’t…
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The Magic of the Bush Bay Trail
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Take a magical hike in the woods on the Bush Bay Trail near Cedarville, Michigan. With beautiful views of Lake Huron, limestone and dolomite formations, and all the moss that would make a fairy garden jealous. This hike is well worth the stop. The Bush Bay Trail has been nicknamed…
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Exploring the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail
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Waterloo Recreation Area is truly an outdoor enthusiast’s haven. With 20,000 acres of land, Waterloo Recreation Area is the largest state park in Michigan’s lower peninsula. It includes diverse camping options, 11 inland lakes, and multiple systems. On my visit, I decided to explore the extensive Waterloo-Pinckney Trail.
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Take a Hike at Maybury State Park
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Maybury State Park boasts nearly 1,000 acres of rolling terrain, open meadows, and mature forest. Located in southeast Michigan near the town of Northville, this park provides an excellent escape from the city. With trails to accommodate hikers of all experiences, horses, and bikers of all levels, Maybury State Park…
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Gear Review: Salomon Adv 5 Skin Hydration Vest
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Finding what method of carrying water and food on a long run (or even a day hike) can be a challenge. You want something that is light, versatile and fits your style comfortably. For me, that is the Salmon 5 Skin Hydration Vest.
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Campfire Nachos
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Who doesn’t love a good nacho? Bonus. It’s cooked over a fire. Campfire Nachos is one of my favorite go-to meals. Easy to make and easy to customize.
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A Weekend Camping Trip at Sleepy Hollow State Park
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Sleepy Hollow is located 4 miles outside of Laingsburg, Michigan. While merely a 30-minute drive from the city of Lansing, this campground still manages to serve up that “up north” feel that most of us drive hours to achieve.
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Running The Legend at Sleepy Hollow State Park
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If running through hardwood forests and prairie grasslands is your thing, the Legend trail run in Sleepy Hollow State Park is a race for you.
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Campfire Ethics
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Who doesn’t love having a campfire? It is one of the most iconic aspects of the camping experience. We rely on fires for food, warmth, and happiness. Whether roasting marshmallows for s’mores or having a laugh with friends and family, fires are a place of comfort. However, with the enjoyment…
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Celebrate Old Town’s ScrapFest with the Great Scrap Run
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Enjoy the Great Scrap 8K (4.97 miles) run on the beautiful and scenic Lansing River Trail in Lansing, Michigan. Get treated with a tasty popsicle at the finish line and explore the incredible ScrapFest sculptures in Old Town. Not a bad way to spend a Saturday morning.
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A Beautiful Hike at the Huron County Nature Center
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Take a short hike through an oasis of woods and wetland in Michigan’s tip of the Thumb. The Huron Nature Center is a beautiful, peaceful place with easy hiking for all ages.
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A Fast and Fun 5K: Elise Dairy Dash
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I signed up for the cowbells but I’ll be back for the community. This fun and fast 5K takes runners and walkers through downtown Elise, Michigan during the Elise Dairy Festival. Beginning at 7:30 a.m. to beat the summer heat, this fun and energetic race is great for all ages…
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Exploring the Historic Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse
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If you love lighthouses and their history, you must visit Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse in Michigan’s “upper thumb”. This is one of the oldest lighthouses in Michigan and is still active today.
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Sandy Hikes & Lake Huron Views at Port Crescent State Park
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If you are looking for a hike that offers sandy beaches, lake views, and can be completed in an hour, Port Crescent State Park has what you are looking for.