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hello stranger midwest adventure

Insta360 5X Review: Versatile Camera For Outdoor Adventure

Looking for the inside scoop on one of the best adventure camera's on the market? The Insta360 5X is a weather-ready camera capable of capturing unique angles in a variety…

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Backpacking the Trans Catalina Trail (At a Glance!)

Looking to tackle the US’s shortest thru hike? Hop on a ferry and head out to Catalina Island off the coast of LA for a 38.5 mile backpacking adventure. From…

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9 Best Places To Stay In Traverse City, Michigan

Looking for the best places to stay near Traverse City, Michigan? Check out the best places to stay for your Northern Michigan vacation: Why this blog? My name is Maddy…

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  • Bond Falls Best Waterfall In Michigan

    RANKED: Midwest Hiking Trails Best to Worst (by a guide!!)

    June 24, 2021
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  • Hike Caribou Rock Trail near Grand Marais

    13 Best Day Hikes in Grand Marais, MN

    June 21, 2021
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  • How to viral on IG reels

    How to go “Viral” on Instagram Reels

    May 14, 2021
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  • Instagram Grid for Creators

    How to Use Instagram for Photographers & Creators

    May 5, 2021
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  • moose photo shot on a canon Rebel

    3 Best Affordable Cameras for Adventure Photography

    May 3, 2021
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  • clear water and ripples with Empire Bluff in the background taken from the water at sleeping bear dunes

    Is Geotagging Ruining the Outdoors?

    April 29, 2021
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  • Waves on Lake Superior

    How to Kayak Lake Superior

    April 1, 2021
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  • Hiker in the mountains of Glacier National Park

    How to Edit Photos for Incredible Adventure Photography

    February 27, 2021
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  • Canoeing on Whitefish Lake, Montana with Mountains in the distance

    How to Take Killer Adventure Pictures: Composition & Lighting

    February 20, 2021
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  • sea smoke over Lake Superior lights up orange in a setting sun

    Incredible Winter Hikes in Grand Marais, Minnesota

    February 20, 2021
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Newer Posts 1 … 12 13 14 15 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.

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maddymarq

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

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 ♥️
4 days on the Trans-Catalina Trail🥾🌈🏕️⬇️ - 38.5 m 4 days on the Trans-Catalina Trail🥾🌈🏕️⬇️- 38.5 mile challenging thru-hike- ferry required to get there- campsite reservations/permits open the first of the year - bison! endemic species! cetaceans! oh my!- not a great beginner backpacking trip, but a good beginner thru-hike- options to grab lunch along the way and resupply, easy to keep pack weight low- on one of California’s Channel Islands Tag your hiking buddy mines @explorenborgen :) come say hi @maddymarq for fun little outdoorsy tips from your favorite unhinged outdoor guide!
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