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hello stranger midwest adventure
  • image of mount baker and bellingham below viewed from orcas island in the san juan islands

    17 Epic Things to do on Orcas Island, Washington

    March 16, 2025

    the best things to do on Orcas Island in Washington including hiking, food, and more

    Read more
  • 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

    looking for the best day hiking trails in the san juan islands? read this article for the best hiking in the san juans

    Read more
  • How to See Whales in the San Juan Islands

    January 4, 2024

    looking for how to see orcas in the san juan islands? Read this article to learn how to find orcas and whales in the San Juans

    Read more
  • 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
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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© 2025 Madeline Marquardt