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

    Ultimate Guide to Exploring Toba Inlet, BC (by Kayak!)

    April 19, 2024

    Looking to plan a sea kayaking trip to British Columbia’s beautiful Toba Inlet? This guide to paddling Toba Inlet has everything you need to know!

    Read more
  • McCargoe Cove on Isle Royale National Park

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

    May 24, 2023

    Looking for how to plan a trip to Isle Royale National Park in Michigan? Here, we cover how to get to isle royale, the best hiking, and more!

    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!

    Read more
  • Image of a rocky shore on Lake Superior with loons in the water. In the backgrounders is Split Rock Lighthouse on a cliff overlooking Lake Superior.

    15 Most Beautiful Great Lakes Destinations

    July 23, 2021

    Looking for the most beautiful Great Lakes travel destinations? Read this article for the 15 best summer vacation spots in the Great Lakes Region!

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  • Kayaking Sand Island Sea Caves in the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore

    Five Best Places to Kayak on Lake Superior

    July 11, 2021

    Looking for the best kayaking spots on Lake Superior? Read this article to find Lake Superior sea caves, sea arches, and the best spots to kayak!

    Read more
  • Waves on Lake Superior

    How to Kayak Lake Superior

    April 1, 2021

    Want to Kayak Lake Superior? You need to know Lake Superior weather patterns, what safety gear you need, what NOT to do, and where to find the best paddling routes!

    Read more

maddymarq

guide & writer exploring the midwest🏕
📍Wisconsin Northwoods
inquiries: hello@madelinemarquardt.com
↓ FREE exploring the Midwest eBooks ↓

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
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.
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© 2025 Madeline Marquardt