by Melanie McManus | Sep 23, 2024 | Blog
Periodically, companies ask me to test their new fitness or hiking/backpacking products. As you might expect, some are fine, but nothing special; some are total duds and a handful are real gems. Here are some items I’ve recently tried on my hiking and camping trips...
by Melanie McManus | Jan 18, 2024 | Exploring and Experiencing, Stories, United States, Wisconsin
Read This Article, Published in the Star Tribune For decades, Wisconsin Dells was pretty much a summer-only destination. This was the era before indoor waterparks became a phenomenon, attracting winter tourists in droves. Disclosure: This post contains affiliate links...
by Melanie McManus | Aug 20, 2024 | Continental Divide 2022, Trail Journals
Unlike my normal hiking routine, I didn’t head to Monarch Pass the day after I arrived in Colorado. Instead, I gave myself an extra day in Salida to acclimate (a little) to the altitude. I stayed at the Salida Hostel on the edge of town. I arrived Sunday night, after...
by Melanie McManus | Aug 21, 2024 | Continental Divide 2022, Trail Journals
Before I talk about today’s trek to Sargents Mesa Trailhead, a quick recap on last night. I found an OK campsite (a little slanted) and, as I noted last night, a little rain came while I was in my tent. Well, in the middle of the night it rained quite a bit. I heard a...
by Melanie McManus | Aug 22, 2024 | Continental Divide 2022, Trail Journals
Today’s trek to Lujan Creek was one for the books. First, it rained for HOURS last night. Second night in a row. Around midnight I put my cooking pot outside to collect water, since I was low. But despite the fact that it was raining hard, little went in the pot. For...
