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hello stranger midwest adventure

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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13 Best Things to do Moab, Utah (Budget Guide!)

Looking for the best things to do in Moab, Utah from the best hiking to wear to eat? Keep reading for a quick guide to what to do in Moab,…

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  • Ultimate Michigan Bucket List (By an Outdoor Guide!)

    February 17, 2025
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  • Oboz bridger mids, the best womens hiking boots i have used, on the superior hiking trail

    Best Women’s Hiking Boots (by an outdoor guide!)

    February 1, 2025
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  • image of clear waters of the US Virgin Islands National Park

    Midwest Spring Break Ideas (by an outdoor guide!)

    February 1, 2025
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  • Image of a campsite in the porcupine mountains with a cup of coffee in front of a stunning overlook

    Ultimate 7-Day Upper Peninsula Road Trip (budget guide!)

    January 26, 2025
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  • image of a tent on isle royale when kayak camping isle royale in the fall

    How to Choose the Best Tent (by an outdoor guide!)

    January 18, 2025
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  • Top 10 Midwest Road Trip Ideas (By and Outdoor Guide!)

    January 18, 2025
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  • best day hikes in the san juan islands, cattle point lighthouse viewed from Mt Finlayson

    15 Beautiful Day Hikes in the San Juan Islands, WA

    January 12, 2025
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  • Ultimate 7-Day Washington Road Trip Guide

    January 12, 2025
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  • The Ultimate Beginner Affiliate Marketing Guide (for Content Creators!)

    January 8, 2025
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  • Balancing Rock on Stockton Island as seen from a kayak

    How to Kayak the Apostle Islands Sea Caves (by a kayak guide!)

    January 5, 2025
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Newer Posts 1 2 3 4 … 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 ↓

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
How do you get back into running?🤷🏼‍♀️ How do you get back into running?🤷🏼‍♀️ one step at a time I guess 

#running #essay #outdoors
Unconventional ways I’ve saved money🤷🏼‍♀️

Definetly these wouldn’t work for everyone, but this is how I got a start working as a freelance writer/photographer and outdoor influencer. Everyone’s path in creative fields always looks super different, but I think sometimes it can be helpful to hear what people did to get there. 

For me I think the biggest thing was when I realized I wanted to work as a writer, I just started writing and kept writing, and kept putting myself out there. 

Ultimately the best thing you can do is just start, and work with what you have in front of you.
Last one is a plot twist 😉🛶🥾🏕️ #kay Last one is a plot twist 😉🛶🥾🏕️

#kayak #adventure #greatlakes 

📍Traditional homelands of the Anishinaabe Nation
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