• Home
  • Blog
    • Midwest
      • Michigan
      • Wisconsin
      • Minnesota
    • Travel
      • Pacific Northwest
      • British Columbia
      • Southwest
    • Beginner Outdoor Guides
    • Creator Tips
    • Hello Stranger Blog
  • Newsletter
  • Work With Me
  • About
    • about me
    • full publications list
hello stranger midwest adventure
  • image of calm seas in the Homfray Channel at Sunset near Desolation sound

    Ultimate Guide to Exploring Toba Inlet, BC (by Kayak!)

    Read more
  • Best Places to Kayak near Seattle (by a Kayak Guide!)

    Read more
  • How to Sea Kayak the Gulf Islands, British Columbia

    Read more
  • image of calm seas in the Homfray Channel at Sunset near Desolation sound

    How to Kayak ASTOUNDING Desolation Sound

    Read more

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.

This error message is only visible to WordPress admins

Error: No feed found.

Please go to the Instagram Feed settings page to create a feed.

maddymarq

guide & writer exploring the midwest🏕
📍Northwoods & Lake Superior
inquiries: hello@madelinemarquardt.com
↓ FREE trail guides ↓

Full backpacking packing list🥾⬇️ A quick list of Full backpacking packing list🥾⬇️A quick list of everything I packed for flying out & hiking California’s Trans Catalina Trail :)@nemoequipment tensor sleeping pad@enlightenedequipment zero degree down quilt@shopwildbrush Glow pack@bedrocksandals Advil, contact solution, sunscreen, mini first aid kit@terakaia baseware@karitraa top@stio shorts + Pinion pullover@superior_fleece iykykRain coat, tank top, pants for plane@rei hiking leggings@injinji toe socks (life hack lightweight toe socks can prevent / stop blisters in their tracks!)@snowpeakusa mug & pot@msr_gear pocket rocketEnough @clifbar -age that my digestive tract is still recovering@goodtogofoods GF meals :)@energizer rechargeable headlamp (I’ll die on the hill that this is the best headlamp out there)@zpacks airplane bag@hyperlite_mountain_gear camera pod@blackdiamond trekking poles@bigagnes_ Fly Creek UL 2 old enough to be in middle school (+ 5 tent stakes which I then split with @explorenborgen 🧐)@obozfootwear Bridger Mids@alpinestartfoods dirty chai :)@anker_official rechargeable battery
One year on Lake Superior❄️🏕️🌈 Come say hi @maddy One year on Lake Superior❄️🏕️🌈Come say hi @maddymarq for more Great Lakes spam!
Some of my finest work, truly🏕️🥾🫡 #puremichigan Some of my finest work, truly🏕️🥾🫡 #puremichigan
Winter kayaking on Lake Superior❄️🌊💫 I haven’t go Winter kayaking on Lake Superior❄️🌊💫I haven’t gotten out on the water as much this winter as the last few years but we’ve still got at least a month of winter left up here :)Safety note:Winter kayaking on Lake Superior should only be done while wearing a drysuit and with local knowledge of weather and ice patterns and paddlers proficient deep water self rescue in conditions. Not a beginner activity (I don’t guide tours in the winter, but @itssuchaniceday up on the Canadian North Shore does when conditions allow and they’re cool folks!)[Note on the expired boat tags! Photos taken from winter ‘21-‘24, mostly in Wisconsin where I live so no, my boat is no longer registered in Minnesota (I moved in ‘23, which is why the boat sticker still says 23). I’m a huge square and definitely register my watercraft appropriately and stay up to date on necessary certifications]
Once upon a Lake Superior February💫❄️ 1- a wintry Once upon a Lake Superior February💫❄️1- a wintry slot canyon 2- winter sea kayaking (drysuit, sea kayak, deep water self rescue experience are a must!)3- fox in the woods 4- an icy hike5- @saunacamps (admittedly not on lake superior but it slipped in!)6- icy line7- another slot8- evening light 9- sunrise 10- ice11- sunset 12- snowstorm13- more ice 14- breaking waves ♥️
Follow on Instagram

looking for something?

private policy
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest

© 2026 Madeline Marquardt