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hello stranger midwest adventure

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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11 Epic Things to do Red River Gorge

Looking for the best things to do in the Red River Gorge? From ziplining and climbing tours to hiking and cute coffee shops, here are must-visits in "the gorge"! Why…

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  • McCargoe Cove on Isle Royale National Park

    Ultimate Guide to Isle Royale National Park (hiking, kayaking, and more!)

    May 24, 2023
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  • Views from Little Sand Bay, family beach campground on the great lakes

    15 Incredible Campsites on the Great Lakes

    March 9, 2023
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  • 7 Hardcore Adventures from Minneapolis

    March 3, 2023
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  • 19 Best Hiking Trails on the North Shore, MN (local’s guide!)

    January 28, 2023
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  • a full moon rises over the snowy gunflint trail on the north shore of Minnesota in the winter

    13 Epic Winter Adventures on the North Shore, MN

    January 16, 2023
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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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Newer Posts 1 … 9 10 11 12 13 … 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!

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maddymarq

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

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!
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 :) come say hi @maddymarq for fun little outdoorsy tips from your favorite unhinged outdoor guide!
You should still come up :) 🥾 hike Meyers beach You should still come up :) 🥾 hike Meyers beach sea caves trail from above 🎿 ski mt ashwabay 🌈 hike a frozen waterfall (Houghton falls, amnicon falls, lost creek falls, twin falls)🌅 explore a frozen beach ❄️ grab a bite to eat & stay somewhere cute ☃️ hike on the bay! Research ice conditions first! Check in at a local outdoor shop for up to date conditions before headed out— if the ice road is open, it’s a good indicator that the ice on the bay is solid for hiking Come say hi at @maddymarq for more northwoods adventures 📍Bayfield, Wisconsin
California’s Trans-Catalina Trail🥾🌈🏕️⬇️ - 38.5 mi California’s 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 :) come say hi @maddymarq for fun little outdoorsy tips from your favorite unhinged outdoor guide!
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