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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.
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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.
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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.
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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 –…
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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The Peshekee River & Haypress Falls
We started off with low expectations, knowing that Haypress Falls was not a very impressive waterfall. For us, it was a side stop on the way to a much larger destination. Although our expectations of the falls was accurate, we did find something special that made the visit worth it. Tucked between two swamps, Haypress…
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Discover History at Nonesuch Ruins
Visiting Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a step back in history to a place where nature and humans co-existed. Buried among thousands of acres of old-growth forests and stunning vistas are abandoned mines, echoes from communities long gone. There is no place better within the park to experience the ghosts of the past than…
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Gear Review: The MSR Guardian Purifier
No one wants to get sick on a camping trip, especially from bad water. Harmful water can contain viruses, bacteria, protozoans, and particulates. Having a good filtering system that helps protect you from bad water is a key component to any camping or backpacking trip. The MSR Guardian first grabbed our attention in 2016 after…
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The Challenges of Running at Sleepy Hollow State Park
Sleepy Hollow State Park offers over 2,000 acres of forest, fields, and lake. Within that acreage, the park boasts 16 miles of hiking, running, and biking trail. The perfect location for a trail runner to get some decent mileage in.
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Camp Beside the Manistique River at Northland Outfitters
Located in the small town of Germfask, the Northland Outfitters Campground & Canoe/Kayak Livery offers guests scenic views of the Manistique River. With campsites and cabins, it has a little bit of everything for everyone. Conveniently located off of M-77, we stopped here as an overnight stay between home and the Porcupine Mountains. What We…
