How to Get Your Veggies on Backpacking and Paddling Adventures

For some hikers and paddlers, veggies are not a consideration. They burn mega-calories on long distance hikes and paddles. They require calorie dense foods, high in fats, proteins, and sugars, for fueling extreme adventures. But some of us have other nutritional objectives, or even concerns about keeping the plumbing moving. This can be especially important when camping with kids.

20 Things Three Season Hikers, Backpackers, Paddlers, and Campers Can do to Beat the Winter Blues

Get the blues during months of snow, ice, and temperatures below freezing? Eventually it feels like forever since you’ve been in camp. Cabin fever sets in. How can a three season camper beat the winter blues? Read on for Mama’s suggestions.

New Year's Day Hike 2015

Devil's Lake is the largest state park in Wisconsin, extremely busy in season, and beautiful even in January. The park is 3 miles (4.8 km) south of Baraboo, WI and contains over 29 miles (46.7 km) of hiking trails. While much of the world stayed awake until midnight New Year's Eve, I went to bed early and started 2015 the best way possible. Hiking!

The Ice Age Trail

The 1,000+ mile (1,609 km) Ice Age Trail beckons from the covers of the Ice Age Trail Guide 2014 and Ice Age Trail Atlas 2014. Who wouldn't be drawn to the footpath portrayed on each book-cover. Lined by cool ferns, it meanders through serene deciduous forest. The Ice Age Trail zig zags across Wisconsin, tracing the edges of the last glaciation, heading both north-south and east-west.

Reliving This Year's Favorite Outdoor Memories - New Years Eve 2014

Mastering new skills.

Go Light, but Don’t Go Crazy – Mama’s Lightweight Philosophy Updated

Go light, but don’t go crazy. My lightweight hiking philosophy in a nutshell. My younger self thought of the wilderness as an escape. Yet I dragged along enough stuff from home, that the escape became a 50 lb. (23 kg) burden on my back. My back ached while hiking. The weight threw me off balance on river crossings. It put unnecessary wear and tear on my knees.

Getting into Shape for Back Country Hiking and Paddling Adventures

Getting ready for a wilderness adventure but wondering whether you're up for the challenge? No one wants to cut a trip short or slow his fellow adventurers down. Ensuring adequate fitness for our sport will increase our enjoyment, minimize feelings of uncertainty, and reduce aches and pains.