We were very disappointed when our first trip of the season to the Boundary Waters Canoe Area (BWCA) was canceled due to cold weather back in May. Our four day, three night trip to Clearwater Lake during the long 4th of July weekend came soon enough, though, and we were busy packing and planning in the days just before the trip. It would be our son, Jack’s (2 years), third trip to the BWCA and our nephew, Ryan’s (10 years old), and daughter, Rowan’s (8 months), first time in the BWCA. Aunt Katie (who joined us on our inaugural visit last…
Myre – Big Island State Park
As our departure date for the Arrowhead Traverse continues to draw ever closer our shakedown trips are becoming serious business. We need to test gear, pack weight, ways to pack, strength training, endurance training, not to mention the everyday struggles of caring for a mischievous (now mobile) baby girl and a rambunctious and emotional almost 3 year old boy. We set off on a quick overnight backpacking trip to Myre – Big Island State Park, located near Albert Lea, Minnesota about 1.5 hours south of us. We invited my sister Katie, her dog Penny, and our cousin Liam who was…
Arrowhead Traverse – Training
With only 65 days left until our departure for our big Arrowhead Traverse journey we are in all out prep mode. From gear planning, to logistical figuring, to preparing our bodies both mentally and physically for all that we are sure to deal with while on this expedition. We know that being in peak physical shape, having a strong and solid relationship, and being properly schooled in certain areas are all going to be vital to the success of this long trek. Physical Fitness: This is HUGE for both of us. A lot of this trip’s odds for success can…
Arrowhead Traverse – Gearing Up
This summer we are planning a huge trip in Northern Minnesota throughout August that will have three parts to it. A biking portion, a canoe portion, and a backpacking portion. Our plan is to bike around 65 miles of the completed portion of the Mesabi Trail, Canoe 40-odd miles in the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCA) along the border route, and backpack the 65 mile Border Route Trail. We’re calling our route The Arrowhead Traverse. So, as we are beginning to realize the scope of this undertaking we are taking stock of our gear. What do we have? What do…
Lake Maria State Park
Often times it is fear that takes the lead in our decision making process. Sometimes the fears are legitimate, others are irrational but in the end fear, uncertainty, lack of confidence, and lack of support will lead to missed opportunities. I have succumbed to a fear of backpacking with kids for the last 2.5 years. This is embarrassing to admit out loud but, I haven’t gone backpacking in 4 years. FOUR YEARS! For four years I haven’t gotten to do my favorite outdoor activity. And why? Fear. I was pregnant, we had a newborn, there was a missile test (seriously),…
Richard T Anderson Conservation Area
Some weekends we want a lazy adventure. We don’t want to drive far and we want a familiar trail. Richard T Anderson Conservation Area in Eden Prairie has become our go-to destination when we want to hit the trails but don’t want to be out all day long. A mere 16 minutes from our house with several short loops to choose from situated in a beautiful forest with hills, streams, and views of the Minnesota River Valley it’s a great local hiking destination. Rowan has been sick with Croup for over a week and after a late-night trip to the…
Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge
With March temps predicted in the 60s for the weekend we knew that we had to get out and explore. Though the temps were high, the winds were howling at 10-20 miles per hour. We hoped that our first visit to the Minnesota Valley Wildlife Refuge wouldn’t be spoiled by cold winds. The visitor center is closed on Sundays and Mondays so we weren’t able to explore inside. However, the trails are open and ready for exploring! This area with miles and miles of hiking trails is a touch of urban wilderness nestled between the Mall of America and the MSP…
Interstate State Park
Interstate State Park used to be our weekend hangout where we climbed the crags along the scenic bluffs towering above the St Croix River. The river bisects the park creating a park that spans two states, Minnesota and Wisconsin. We haven’t visited in awhile as we now live over an hour away, but we were craving elevation gain, scenic views, and a brief escape from reality. We drove to the Wisconsin side and chose not to follow a “trail” per se but opted instead to follow the climbers trails we have walked so many times before. It felt strange to revisit…
Rowan Margaret
When we tell people that we originally didn’t plan on having any children they’re often surprised. It took us 5 years of marriage before we felt somewhat ready to welcome a child into our family. We had our son Jack in 2014 and were beyond happy with our little man who loves adventuring, is a great traveler, is emotional, a total Momma’s Boy, throws some epic tantrums, is sweet, loving, inquisitive, and so much more. Again, we spent a long time debating the addition of another baby. After we decided to give it a go we had a miscarriage in…
Willow Falls
It’s been 27 days since our last hike in the woods. 27 days since our Jack was healthy. In the span of 27 days Jack got a stomach bug, broke his right clavicle, and got pneumonia. In 27 days Jack has been in 2 Emergency Rooms, had 2 X-rays, 3 blood draws, 1 urine test, 4 physical exams, and 3 prescriptions filled. In 27 days Jack has missed 3 swim lessons, 4 ECFE classes, and we had to cancel 1 weekend on the North Shore. In the last 27 days Jack has spent 1 day outside on a walk around our…