This is a big moment for my blog, my first post focused on hiking a trail outside of Wisconsin! I was hesitant to write this as most of the feedback I’ve received so far has been from Wisconsinties looking for a trail within the state. I was worried they wouldn’t find this post useful for their own hikes. While this is probably true, the pictures from this hike were too stunning not to share.

In May I had the chance to travel with a friend to visit another friend living in Culver City. After a long day of travel, we were eager to move around, see the city, and get some exercise. My CA friend recommended exploring Griffith Park in the Santa Monica Mountains. Continue reading →

I recently turned 28. As a marker of the beginning of your life, it’s always interesting to use birthdays to reflect on how much you have grown and changed as a person. Looking back on this birthday, this was the first year I truly did not care about being recognized by many. This was the first year I did not care how many happy birthday messages I received on Facebook, how many people came out to a bar with me, or, throwing it back to younger years, how many birthday cards I received in the mail. (In case you’re wondering, it was four, with two of them being from people with companies I regularly pay money to.) In short, this was the first year I cared more about the quality of the celebration than the quantity and the size of the recognition. Growing up, more and more each year.

This birthday consisted of a Friday night dinner at my favorite restaurant in Madison, Liliana’s, with family and friends. Seriously, it’s the best. New Orleans inspired cuisine and drinks with live music in the background is a winning combination. My meal consisted of Cajun friend cheese curds, the chicken diablo, (a chicken breast stuffed with cheese and ham, wrapped in bacon, served over cheddar grits. The cheddar grits – such an amazing gift from the heavens. I can’t even explain how much you need these in your life.) beignets for dessert, and a southern sangria. Seriously, an amazing restaurant. I know this entry is a hiking entry, but I had to pause  and recognize the glory and deliciousness that is Liliana’s.

Back to the hiking part. Saturday was a day of hiking and camping with a few friends. Back when I was making a reservation, I opted to look for a park closer to Madison in case Friday’s birthday celebration got a little crazy. I found Yellowstone State Park, which is an hour drive from Madison. Perfect. Continue reading →

I love the Wisconsin River. Being the longest river in the state, it has quite a journey from tip to tail. The river starts in the UP and winds itself all the way to the mighty Mississippi at Wyalusing State Park.

Along the way, it passes by Tower Hill State Park near Spring Green. This is where we explored for the day.

This post will be relatively short. That is a direct reflection of the short time we had at the park. This time of year, the river is always pretty flooded. This year was no different. What does a flooded river typically mean? Mosquitoes. Out. In. Force. What is Wisconsin’s state bird after all? The mosquito. Just kidding, it’s actually a robin, but you get the joke. After all, I think most states have that joke.

That’s where the post title comes in. What was intended to be a beautiful river hike, quickly turned into an uphill trail sprint. There is about 2 miles of trail here, but we did not see it all. Let me recap what I did see. Continue reading →