A reflection back about my thoughts this past holiday season… The holiday season always comes and goes in the blink of an eye. I am feeling beyond grateful this year for having a WHOLE WEEK off from work. Teaching in a school district means winter break, and that in itself is the best holiday gift I could ask for – peace, stillness, and time to simply just be.  It’s so important during the holidays to take

As an outdoors person, what better way to celebrate your birthday than to be one with nature? That is Andy’s ideal way to celebrate his birthday for the rest of his life… in the woods. This was Andy’s 3rd consecutive year celebrating in the woods, and it won’t be his last!  Andy hopes to make it an annual tradition to camp on his birthday weekend. We trekked along a section of the Superior Hiking Trail which

Sitting in traffic on our ride home Sunday evening, Andy said to me, “I need to be back at our campsite chopping wood.”  Backpacking is a break away from the regular grinds of life. That’s why we like to Hike Thru Life sharing our stories and hoping to inspire you to go out on the trails. Our most recent hike took us for 3 days on The Superior Hiking Trail in early October. We’ve been

The love for camping is a beautiful hobby to enjoy. It’s an even more beautiful hobby when passed down from generation to generation. Andy and I both grew up camping around Minnesota with our families.  We grew up in families who appreciate the outdoors and found quality time in packing up the van, pitching tents, and roasting s’mores around the campfire. I know my grandparents are part of the reason I am the outdoor/camping lover

A peaceful Monday evening rests upon me as I sit here sipping the last of the Voyageur’s growler we enjoyed while camping this Labor Day weekend.  After a camping weekend away, it’s the little things in life that matter most, like the comforts of home.  Andy and I are showered and Daisy is fast asleep in her kennel after being on high alert in the woods. Three day weekends are best spent exploring and adventuring

Remember my first blog where I encouraged stepping out of your comfort zone? This week’s blog post is about some friends of ours who did just that! My brother Phil and his girlfriend Aly mustered up the courage two weekends ago to accompany us on what was their first backpack camping trip. We were eager to show some newbies the ways of the backcountry.  In Minnesota, we know the weather is always up in the

This week’s blog post is about a hike off the trails, a hike thru our nation’s capital. One which can take us for politics, food, beer… and heat! I strongly believe that the best way to see a city is from a local. By seeing a city thru the local’s eyes you get to hear the rich history of what made that city, hear about their experience growing up/living in that city, and check out

With my sweat dripping, my feet and knees shaking, and my stomach growling, we trekked along ridges and descended down into valleys.  I could feel my heart rate rising, my back and shoulders aching.  As we followed a bridge pass across creeks connecting the footpath, I thought, “How nourishing would my chocolate brownie protein bar be right now?” As we entered into the majestic forest greens….I sat.  Having gone nearly 7 miles with a backpack on

It’s no question that life is crazy. I like to compare life to a hike, you never know what turn it may take, what’s coming up next,  or what direction to go in…(well, maybe just for those directionally challenged!) The important thing is to make sure you have a sense of where you’re going in life or on your hike. With a compass and map in hand or a best friend by your side, life