It’s better to spend the day outside than it is spend it packed into a store fighting over deals. That’s how REI feels and a lot of people agree. They had this idea in 2015 to encourage their co-op members to choose nature over consumerism on Black Friday. It was a big thing when they announced it. Many other stores and outdoor brands quickly followed … Continue reading #OptOutside
Thirty-five miles separate my house in south Minneapolis and the campground of Afton State park. The road between rides the Mississippi River, before crossing farmland to the St. Croix River, which hugs the park. Most know of Afton because of the ski hill. Fewer know of it because of the golf course. Even fewer know of it because of the stellar state park. I’m OK … Continue reading Afton Overnighter
The state park often takes a back seat to the national park. Yosemite, Yellowstone, Grand Canyon, etc. are all regarded as the ultimate places to experience nature. While none can/should argue the unique beauty of the national park, none can/should argue the equally unique beauty of the state park. These are places that don’t require a drive across the country to visit. Only have two days … Continue reading Minnesota State Parks Poster
Several of Minnesota’s state parks have camper cabins. Some have electricity with heat, while others have a only a wood stove for heating and cooking. Lake Maria (pronounced Mariah) has three of the latter cabins. After hearing of these cabins from a friend, Audra and I decided to explore them ourselves. Accessing the cabins means a hike of a couple miles. Our January trip meant … Continue reading Cabin: Booked
Birch & Flannel 