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hello stranger midwest adventure

13 Best Things to do Moab, Utah (Budget Guide!)

Looking for the best things to do in Moab, Utah from the best hiking to wear to eat? Keep reading for a quick guide to what to do in Moab,…

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19 Things to Do in the San Juan Islands (by a kayak guide!)

Looking for the best things to do in the San Juan Islands? From the best kayaking and hiking to places to eat, here is a complete guide on what to…

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Desert Hiking Guide (How to Pack & Know Before You Go!)

Looking to hike in the desert, but don't know where to start? From what to pack for desert hiking to important things to know about hiking in the desert, I've…

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  • 19 Things to Do in the San Juan Islands (by a kayak guide!)

    May 1, 2025
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  • a hiker in the desert of Canyonlands National Park, Utah

    Desert Hiking Guide (How to Pack & Know Before You Go!)

    April 27, 2025
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  • Road Trip Packing List (for beginners, by an Outdoor Guide!)

    April 18, 2025
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  • best places to swim in the pictured rocks, swimmer in "the coves"

    What to Wear Hiking (for women, by an outdoors guide!)

    April 18, 2025
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  • 5 Best Women’s Hiking Pants (that AREN’T leggings!!)

    April 1, 2025
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  • image of mount baker and bellingham below viewed from orcas island in the san juan islands

    17 Epic Things to do on Orcas Island, Washington

    March 16, 2025
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  • Balancing Rock on Stockton Island as seen from a kayak

    30 Things To Do In The Apostle Islands (by a Kayak Guide!)

    March 4, 2025
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  • 16 Best Things to do in Grand Marais, Minnesota

    March 3, 2025
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  • 25 Things to do Sleeping Bear Dunes (by an outdoor guide!)

    March 3, 2025
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  • Best Hiking backpacks for women header image

    Best Hiking Backpacks (for women, by an outdoor guide!!)

    March 3, 2025
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1 2 3 … 12 Older Posts

hello stranger // about me

Hi there, and welcome to Hello Stranger. My name is Maddy, and I'm the voice behind the blog. I'm a writer, paddler, photographer, traveller, and freelance editor. I'm committed to exploring the beautiful American Midwest to prove that you can find real adventure anywhere! Toss your email below to keep up with the adventure!

note: this website uses affiliate links! this means if you choose to make a purchase based on recommendation I make a small kickback at no additional cost to you.

maddymarq

guide & writer exploring the midwest🏕
📍Wisconsin Northwoods
inquiries: hello@madelinemarquardt.com
↓ FREE exploring the Midwest eBooks ↓

how I ended up in the Midwest, and liking it✨🥾 (abridged version) 

[photo no 6 shot by @emksks (edit by me), 5 shot by Andy (my partner), others shot by me]

#midwest #adventure #outdoors
Beginner backpacking tips🏕️🥾🏜️ Video Beginner backpacking tips🏕️🥾🏜️

Video from a trip with @explorenborgen 

#hiking #backpacking #camping
Paddling season PSA, what’d I miss?🌊✨ #kay Paddling season PSA, what’d I miss?🌊✨

#kayak #canoe #adventure #greatlakes
I get followed by a stranger in the woods🙃 par I get followed by a stranger in the woods🙃

part 2/2 on my solo road trip last spring, you can find part one back a few posts.

📍traditional and cultural homelands of the Shawnee, Cherokee and Osage
Week in the desert camera roll 📸🎞️ with @e Week in the desert camera roll 📸🎞️ with @explorenborgen 

1- camp 
2- a waterfall (shot by @explorenborgen )
3- early morning 
4- a stream in the desert 
5- lounging (shot by @explorenborgen )
6- sunrise @ arches 
7- @explorenborgen shows me around a park
8- desert flower
9- first light 
10- sunrise @glampingcanyonlands 
11- a canyon
12- breakfast of champions 
13- 15- the real reason to visit the desert 🦖

📍traditional and cultural homelands of the Ute, Southern Paiute, and Pueblo peoples
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© 2025 Madeline Marquardt