Camp. Hike. Explore

Finding Adventure in 2024

by AmieAdventures December 28, 2023December 23, 2023No Comments

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.

Now is the time to think about what you might want out of 2024. What is left on your bucket list? Is there someplace special that you want to revisit? How do you want to continue to challenge yourself? Or simply, what do you need to get by?

Choose Your Michigan Outdoor Winter Adventure

by AmieAdventures, Michigan December 21, 2023January 26, 2024No Comments

Every year the Michigan landscape transforms into a magical winter wonderland. Embrace the cold and celebrate all that the state has to offer with some of my favorite bucket list activities for this time of year.

Pine planation at Proud Lake Recreation Area

The Running Adventure I Didn’t Want at Proud Lake Recreation Area

by AmieAdventures, Hikes, Hiking, Michigan, Michigan Trails, Running, State/City Parks & Forests December 14, 2023December 14, 20232 Comments

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.

Gift Guide for Your Favorite Camper & Hiker

by AmieCamping, Gear, Hiking November 17, 2023November 17, 2023No Comments

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

by AmieRaces, Running November 9, 2023November 9, 20234 Comments

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

by AmieRaces, Running November 2, 2023November 2, 2023No Comments

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

by AmieRaces, Running October 27, 2023October 27, 2023No Comments

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

by AmieRunning October 19, 2023October 19, 2023No Comments

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.

Large mossy rock with tree growing out of it next to a trail

The Magic of the Bush Bay Trail

by AmieAdventures, Hikes, Hiking, Michigan, Michigan Trails October 12, 2023October 11, 20232 Comments

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

by AmieAdventures, Hikes, Hiking, Michigan, Michigan Trails, Running, State/City Parks & Forests October 5, 2023October 5, 2023No Comments

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.

Take a Hike at Maybury State Park

by AmieAdventures, Hikes, Hiking, Michigan, State/City Parks & Forests September 21, 2023September 21, 2023No Comments

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

by AmieGear, Running September 17, 2023September 17, 2023No Comments

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

by AmieCookbook August 31, 2023August 31, 2023No Comments

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

by AmieCampgrounds, Camping, Michigan Campgrounds, State/City Parks & Forests August 18, 2023August 18, 2023No Comments

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

by AmieRaces, Running, State/City Parks & Forests August 10, 2023August 10, 2023One Comment

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.

Fire pit, hammock, and tent at Sleeper State Park

Campfire Ethics

by AmieCamping, Camping Tips August 3, 2023August 3, 2023No Comments

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

by AmieRaces, Running July 27, 2023July 22, 2023No Comments

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

by AmieAdventures, Hikes, Michigan July 21, 2023July 21, 2023No Comments

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.

Amie at Elise Dairy Dash 5K in front of the cow

A Fast and Fun 5K: Elise Dairy Dash

by AmieRaces, Running July 12, 2023July 13, 2023No Comments

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

by AmieAdventures, Lighthouses July 6, 2023July 6, 2023No Comments

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.

Lake Huron Shoreline at Port Crescent State Park

Sandy Hikes & Lake Huron Views at Port Crescent State Park

by AmieAdventures, Hikes, Hiking, Michigan Trails, State/City Parks & Forests June 29, 2023June 29, 2023No Comments

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

by AmieCampgrounds, Camping June 22, 2023June 23, 2023No Comments

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?

by AmieCamping Tips, Hiking Tips & Skills June 1, 2023June 1, 2023No Comments

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

by AmieRaces, Running April 30, 2023April 30, 2023One Comment

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

by AmieRaces, Running April 14, 2023April 14, 2023No Comments

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.