Gift Guide for Your Favorite Camper & Hiker
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.
Two Days, Three Races: Running the Treetops Trifecta
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.
A Spooktacular Event: The Dansville Halloween 5K
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 the Dansville Halloween 5K.
I chose this race not because the course sounded particularly interesting or because the goodies were enticing (although they were). I chose it because Dansville is my dad’s hometown.
Here Be Dragons: Dragons in the Woods 5K Round 2
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 because Dragons in the Woods is hosted on one of the trail systems I’m frequently running, I decided to sign up again this year. I’m really glad I did.
Fueling My Runs with Gnarly Sport Nutrition
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 right for me.
The Magic of the Bush Bay Trail
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 “the Narnia Trail” and for good reasons. There’s something whimsical about it.
Exploring the Waterloo-Pinckney Trail
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.
Race the Capital City River Run Half Marathon
The Capital City River Run in downtown Lansing celebrated its 30th anniversary this year. The race highlights the beauty of the capital city by following primarily the Lansing River Trail. This was my first time participating and I was excited to be completing it with a friend for his first half marathon.
Take a Hike at Maybury State Park
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 has something for everyone. This park has been on my bucket list for a long time and I’m happy I finally made it.
Gear Review: Salomon Adv 5 Skin Hydration Vest
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.
Campfire Nachos
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.
A Weekend Camping Trip at Sleepy Hollow State Park
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.
Running The Legend at Sleepy Hollow State Park
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.
Campfire Ethics
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 comes the responsibility of following fire safety and ethics.
Celebrate Old Town’s ScrapFest with the Great Scrap Run
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.
A Beautiful Hike at the Huron County Nature Center
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.
A Fast and Fun 5K: Elise Dairy Dash
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 and levels of participants
Exploring the Historic Pointe Aux Barques Lighthouse
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.
Sandy Hikes & Lake Huron Views at Port Crescent State Park
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.
Camping at Sleeper State Park
Sleeper State Park is located in Caseville, Michigan at the tip of Michigan’s thumb. Caseville is most prominently known for its annual cheeseburger festival. While we weren’t there to celebrate the cheeseburger, we did enjoy our time at Sleeper State Park.
Are You Tick Aware?
It is spring and the prime season for ticks. These little creatures can be intimidating and scary. They have the power to dampen what could be a fun hiking or camping trip. But the reality is, we need to learn to co-exist with them because they aren’t going anywhere. To do that, it is important …
Running the Half Marathon at Trail Weekend
Trail Weekend is a well-known race in the area. It takes place in the beautiful Pickney Recreational Area in Pickney, Michigan, and has a little bit of everything for all trail runners. Participants can choose from 4 different distances, each with its own set of challenges.
Hoppin’ Along the Hippity Hop 5K
The Hippity Hop 5K has become an annual tradition for me. This was my fourth year participating. This year was especially challenging as severe flooding made it impossible to follow the typical route, which ended up being a blessing.
An Outdoor Michigan Spring Bucket List
There are few things more exciting than the first blooms of Spring. Life is beginning to awake from the long, cold winter. And with it, adventures are being planned and hikes are being taken.
Camp, hike, and explore all spring long with these bucket list items.
A Wonderful Cabin for a Winter Weekend Getaway
Winter has been lacking this year in our area of the state. Snow has not been sticking around. So we decided to pack up the pups and head north in search of a cozy cabin for a winter wonderland getaway. We found just that in Afton, Michigan.