by Melanie McManus | Oct 25, 2020 | Blog, Hiking
Out on the trail, I regularly run into two kinds of hikers: those who are hoping to have some animal encounters, and those who decidedly are not. I fall somewhere in between. I enjoy seeing wildlife on the trail, even potentially dangerous animals. However, I prefer...
by Melanie McManus | May 29, 2020 | Blog, Hiking
Father’s Day is looming, so it’s time to think about hiking gifts for fathers – or for any special man in your life. Various stores and consumer sites regularly come up with lists of what are supposedly the best hiking gear, clothing and equipment. But I...
by Melanie McManus | Apr 7, 2020 | Blog, Hiking
One of the first things I discovered when I started backpacking was that it’s not easy to set up a tent in the wind. Or take one down, for that matter. In fact, strong winds are one of the most destructive elements Mother Nature can throw at your tent. Because...
by Melanie McManus | Jan 16, 2020 | Blog, Hiking
Valentine’s Day is around the corner. If you need to find a cool gift for your honey – who loves hiking, backpacking and camping – here are some great ideas, both practical and fun. MSR Pocket Rocket 2 Mini Stove Kit I’ve got this pocket rocket stove, and...
by Melanie McManus | Jan 14, 2020 | Blog, Hiking
Amanda and Larry McMahon are the owners of Seek Dry Goods, a Wisconsin-based business providing quality lifestyle items. Think clothing, hats, travel mugs. They partner with the Ice Age Trail Alliance, Continental Divide Trail Coalition and other hiking groups to...
by Melanie McManus | Nov 16, 2019 | Blog, Hiking
Art of the Trek contacted me a few months ago to pick my brain about hiking and trip planning. The company opened shop in 2017 and offers a free trip-planning app for hikers that’s currently in beta mode. So the company is hoping to obtain feedback from people...