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hello stranger midwest adventure

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

    February 17, 2025

    Looking for the best Midwest Bucket List? Read this article for 19+ ideas for Michigan adventures!

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  • PNW Adventure Packing List (By an Outdoor Guide!)

    June 13, 2024

    Looking for the ultimate packing list for your PNW outdoor adventure trip? I’ve got you covered; here’s everything you need to have a great PNW adventure!

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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

    from dogsledding to winter hiking to the best places to eat, here are the best things to do on the north shore, mn in the winter!

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  • image of calm seas in the Homfray Channel at Sunset near Desolation sound

    How to Kayak ASTOUNDING Desolation Sound

    September 11, 2022

    Kayaking Desolation Sound is one of the most beautiful kayaking destinations in British Columbia! For how to kayak Desolation Sound, what to pack, keep reading!

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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

    The best kayaking in the San Juan Islands to see orcas, camp, and for adventure!

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maddymarq

guide & writer exploring the midwest🏕
📍Wisconsin Northwoods & Lake Superior
inquiries: hello@madelinemarquardt.com
↓ FREE trail guides ↓
Five winters on Superior❄️🌊✨ 2- winter kayaking t Five winters on Superior❄️🌊✨2- winter kayaking through an arch (everyone pictured is a local guide & kayak instructor wearing a drysuit. This is NOT a beginner activity and I do not recommend it without training, local knowledge and specialized gear)3- Lake Superior ice garden4- a frozen river canyon5- more winter kayaking (no, we weren’t worried about ice falling on ice. It was slushy and not hard and we were pretty conscious of the conditions)6- winter camping 7- a frozen waterfall cave 8- ice caves9- a -40 morning 10- hiking on Lake Superior, a sea stack11- aliens? Or ice?12- @sisuandloylysauna 13- snowshoeing :)14- the grand Marais lighthouse 15- winter shadows on the wall
November colors on Superior❄️♥️🌅 1- sunset facing November colors on Superior❄️♥️🌅1- sunset facing south on Lake Superior. Selfie, tripod propped up on a rock. 2- morning in a cabin @elycabincollective 3- gales of November 4- sunny day in Michigan 5- fall colors down, shot by @emksks 6- late afternoon sun. Idk I love this shot7- cribbage 8- the sky in November >9- first snow10- last light at camp11- last pop of color 12- @emksks in first snow!!📍traditional homelands of the Anishinaabe Nation
YOU define your own success♥️🏆 After I got a degr YOU define your own success♥️🏆After I got a degree in Neuroscience, I realized I didn’t want to work in a lab or go to grad school. It just didn’t fit on me. So I got a job as a kayak guide, and joined the Peace Corps and moved to Armenia. I lived on a lot less and with less, and for years everything I owned fit in my Subaru. I sea kayaked surrounded by orcas and kayaked under waterfalls, and learned a new language and slept in the desert and have kayaked under the northern lights. Now, seven years after making a choice to define my own success, I work as a writer & photographer and get to travel for work. I don’t have a big house or big salary, but I wouldn’t change a single thing— Living a life on your terms is so much more important than someone else’s definition of success, and I wish someone had told me that at 20.
Shop the @rei Holiday Sale now through Nov 24 ✨ 🚣 Shop the @rei Holiday Sale now through Nov 24 ✨🚣REI Co-op Heavyweight Merino Base Layer Half-Zip Top [30% off]☀️Exped Mega Mat Duo Sleeping Pad [25% off]🗺️ Oboz Bridger Mid Hiking Boots [25% off]☃️North Face Thermo Ball Shoes [25% off]🌲REI Co-op Members save 20% on one full-price item and an extra 20% off one REI Outlet item with code HOLIDAY2025.Sale ends 11/24 so shop soon! Discounts are based on original prices, and selection varies by location. While supplies last. Shop through my link in bio or in story highlights!#reipartner
First snow up north ❄️🫎 These are from a perfect First snow up north ❄️🫎These are from a perfect morning a few years ago up the Gunflint Trail with @emksks :) 📸2: @emksks 📍Traditional homeland of the Anishinaabe Nation
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© 2025 Madeline Marquardt