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hello stranger midwest adventure

How to Visit Olympic National Park (Budget Guide!)

Looking for the best things to do in Olympic National Park if you only have a weekend? From trails to beaches to sightseeing, here are the best things to do…

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Arches & Canyonlands National Parks (Epic Utah Road Trip!)

Looking for the ultimate Utah road trip!? Head down to Arches National Park, Moab, and Canyonlands for an epic road trip with everything from waterfalls to slot canyons. why this…

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11 Best Hiking Trails In Moab, Utah (Arches & Waterfalls!!!)

Looking for the best hiking in Moab? Check out these trails for some of the best simple hikes in Moab for slot canyons, waterfalls, arches, and more! why this blog?…

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  • Best Kayaks for Beginners (by a kayak guide!)

    June 16, 2024
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  • PNW Adventure Packing List (By an Outdoor Guide!)

    June 13, 2024
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  • Weekend Guide to the Shawnee National Forest, IL

    May 23, 2024
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  • How to Backpack and Camp on your Period (Detailed Guide!)

    May 23, 2024
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  • Ultimate Guide to Solo Car Camping (Packing & Route Planning)

    May 7, 2024
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  • Best Hiking on Wisconsin’s Great River Road

    May 6, 2024
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  • 27 Bucket-List Michigan Hiking Trails (with maps!)

    April 19, 2024
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  • image of a tent in a beautiful free campsite in Grand Marais Minnesota

    Big Agnes Fly Creek UL2 Review (By an Outdoor Guide!!)

    April 18, 2024
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  • Weekend Guide to the North Shore, MN (Local’s Guide)

    April 17, 2024
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  • Best of Glacier National Park in Two Days (Weekend Guide!)

    April 17, 2024
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Newer Posts 1 … 3 4 5 6 7 … 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 ↓

morning coffee somewhere special 🫶🏻☕️ 1 morning coffee somewhere special 🫶🏻☕️

1- Lummi Island
2- Bean & Bear Overlook
3- Copeland Islands
4- Stockton Island, guiding overnight trips with @lostcreekadventures 
5- @elycabincollective [hosted]
6- Canyonlands
7- the Porkies
8- Jones Island
9- BWCAW
10- Desolation Sound
11- Wyalusing State Park
12- @escapeinaframe [hosted]
13- Frankfort
it’s me I’m girls :/ it’s me I’m girls :/
hahahah jk I’m not laughing :( 🦟 hahahah jk I’m not laughing :( 🦟
Backpacking the Porkies🥾🏕️🏔️ Porcupi Backpacking the Porkies🥾🏕️🏔️

Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a great spot for beginner friendly wilderness backpacking (think no cell service, but options for easier routes). Currently an area just outside the Porkies is the site of a proposed mine that could put the environment and Lake Superior’s waters at risk. Learn more and stay up to date on developments @protect_the_porkies 

📍Traditional homelands of the Anishinaabe Nation
logged off lately☀️🌊>📱💤 1-7: I’ve logged off lately☀️🌊>📱💤

1-7: I’ve worked this stretch of shoreline as a sea kayaking guide on and off since 2018. This summer will be my first in a while easing off guiding and into full time writing which is so wonderful!! I’m really looking forward to experiencing the islands and paddling as a paddler and someone who loves the outdoors, and not just as a guide working. There’s something really wonderful about doing things just for the joy of it, and I want that back. 

[new @aquabound tetra on my deck was gifted! As pretty as she looks on my deck, it’s a great paddle so more likely to end up in my hands!]

8- I’ve been getting back into running and it’s been hard. Rewarded myself with some shorts that don’t cut into my skin and some non-stained sports bras. (See previous post for a wholeeeee story on the running thing)

9-10: a walk in the woods

11- plant propagations 

12- taking @paddlingmagazine out for a paddle :)
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