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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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  • Sea Kayakers on the Pacific Ocean in the San Juan Islands

    9 Best Kayaking Spots in the San Juan Islands

    August 1, 2022
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  • image of wilderness systems pungo at sunset in Big Island Lakes Wilderness

    Wilderness Systems Tempest 165 Review

    May 4, 2022
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  • kayaker explores the sea caves of sand island in the apostle islands national lakeshore, a four hour drive from Minneapolis

    30 Inspiring Great Lakes Kayaking Photos

    April 17, 2022
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  • Where to watch the sunset in Grand Marais ? Head out to artist point. Image of a photographer watching a beautiful red sunset over Lake Superior with the sawtooth mountains outlined in the background

    The Ultimate Outdoorsy Guide to Grand Marais

    April 15, 2022
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  • image of Manitou Falls on Lake Superior through a sea arch on the North Shore of Minnesota

    16 Stunning Destinations for a Midwest Summer Vacation

    April 15, 2022
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  • image of first frost and snow non the gunflint trail near Grand Marais Minnesota

    12 Epic Winter Adventures in Grand Marais, Minnesota

    December 15, 2021
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  • a photographer chasing winter sunrises on Lake Superior's North Shore

    North Shore Winter Photography Bucket List

    October 29, 2021
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  • Image of a van on backgrounds on a road trip near Lake Michigan in full fall foliage

    How to Take the Best Great Lakes Fall Road Trip

    October 22, 2021
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  • fall color spots in Northern MN for Instagram / Photography Rose Lake Cliffs on the Border Route with a hiker taking in the scenery

    16 Best Fall Color Hikes on the North Shore

    October 13, 2021
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  • image of avalanche mountain in the fall

    17 Best Things to Do in Bellaire, Michigan

    October 11, 2021
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Newer Posts 1 … 7 8 9 10 11 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 ↓

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 :)
Lake Superior summer loading✨🌅🏕️ where a Lake Superior summer loading✨🌅🏕️ where are you headed this summer?

1- A lake up the Gunflint Trail
2- Stockton Island
3- the Porkies
4- Lovers Leap Arch
5- the North Shore
6- prep day
7- Palisade Head
8- my favorite island
9- the trail 
10- Devils Island (actually isn’t my favorite!!)
11- Michigan moment 
12- camped out
13- a small sea cave

📍traditional and cultural homelands of the Anishinaabe Nation
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