Outdoors Archives • Kristy & Luke

DIY + Thrifting

How I Saved Over $1,300 on Hiking and Backpacking Gear

I have always enjoyed spending time outside, but the idea of shopping for all the gear I would need to go backpacking felt really overwhelming. Most of the vacations we went on when I was a kid involved staying at a cottage or in a nice hotel, so when Luke…

Posted on November 15, 2018November 15, 2018 by Kristy by Kristy

Adventures

Our First Anniversary: Day Hiking + Touring Eloise Psychiatric Hospital

I crawled out of bed two hours before I actually wanted to, shuffled into the kitchen, and brewed myself a cup of coffee. By nature, I am a far cry from anything that could even close to resemble a morning person. It was the morning of our first wedding anniversary,…

Posted on November 6, 2018November 15, 2018 by Kristy by Kristy

Adventures

Exploring Maybury State Park

I awoke to a smiling Patronus in my face at 10:00 A.M. on the morning we had planned to visit Maybury State Park. Apparently he did not forget the night before, when I told him we were going to go on another adventure. The two of us were all ready…

Posted on October 31, 2018November 1, 2018 by Kristy by Kristy

Silver Lake from Potawatomi Trail in Fall

Adventures

Hiking the Crooked Lake Trail

After weeks of patiently waiting for the trees to transform from lush and green to firey shades of red and yellow and orange, it was finally time for Patronus and I to head out on an adventure together, just the two of us. It was already almost 1:00 P.M. by…

Posted on October 31, 2018October 31, 2018 by Kristy by Kristy

Overlooking Lake Michigan from South Manitou Dunes

Adventures

Sleeping Bear Trip Report: Backpacking South Manitou Island

The morning we departed for our backpacking trip to South Manitou Island in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore proved to be a bit of a scramble. Due to the gale warning issued for Friday morning, the ferry was unable to run until the following day, so our only option…

Posted on September 25, 2018November 15, 2018 by Kristy by Kristy

Adventures

Sleeping Bear Trip Report: Camping in Glen Haven

When we arrived at the D. H. Day Campground in Glen Haven, the first thing we did after registering for our site and setting up our camp was to go check out the beach, which was only about a 5 minute walk away. Our original plan had been to spend…

Posted on September 25, 2018September 26, 2018 by Kristy by Kristy

Adventures

Planning Our Trip to South Manitou Island

Growing up, the Traverse City area was a favorite vacation destination for my family. My mom loves the beach and shopping, and my dad likes fishing, antiquing, and the woods, and this area of Michigan isn't lacking in any of these areas. On some of these weekend getaways, we would…

Posted on September 24, 2018November 15, 2018 by Kristy by Kristy

Overlooking Emarald Lake in Yoho National Park

Adventures

Our Honeymoon: Road Tripping to Banff National Park

For our honeymoon, we took a road trip to the Canadian Rockies with our dog! Why the Canadian Rockies, you may ask? From icy alpine lakes to hot springs with gorgeous views, from mountains to climb to valleys to gaze upon, we knew that a visit to Banff would have…

Posted on August 1, 2018August 1, 2018 by Kristy by Kristy

Adventures

Relaxing at Emerald Lake and the Natural Bridge

As we were driving back to our hotel from one of our many excursions in Banff, Luke and I randomly decided to pull off on the side of the road to explore an area called Natural Bridge. (more…)

Posted on August 1, 2018November 15, 2018 by Kristy by Kristy

Girl and Great Pyrenees Hike the Lake Agnes Teahouse Trail

Adventures

Hiking from Lake Louise to Lake Agnes

The hike from Lake Louise to the Lake Agnes Teahouse was one of the excursions on our trip that I was most excited about! (more…)

Posted on August 1, 2018November 15, 2018 by Kristy by Kristy

Adventures

Cruising the Icefields Parkway

What's the perfect compromise between wanting to rest and also wanting to explore while you're in Banff? Taking a trip along the famous Icefields Parkway, of course! (more…)

Posted on August 1, 2018November 15, 2018 by Kristy by Kristy

Adventures

Exploring Johnston Canyon

One of the excursions we were most excited about during our trip was Johnston Canyon, a trail ascending and descending through a deep canyon carved into colorful rock, filled with waterfalls, running through a beautiful shaded forest. (more…)

Posted on August 1, 2018November 15, 2018 by Kristy by Kristy