Outdoors Archives • Kristy & Luke

Life at Home

How + Why I’m Journaling My Hikes in 2019

One new thing I have decided to try this year is keeping a hiking journal. As you might remember if from my previous post, one of my goals for 2019 is to hike more often, so I decided to take on the 52 Hike Challenge to help keep me accountable.…

Posted on January 23, 2019January 23, 2019 by Kristy by Kristy

Adventures

First Hike of 2019!

On Saturday, Patronus and I set out on our first hike of 2019! It was a beautiful sunny day with temperatures in the high 40s, so I decided to skip my usual coffee time in favor of heading out to one of our favorite trails for an afternoon of hiking.…

Posted on January 6, 2019 by Kristy by Kristy

Adventures

Another Winter Hike

It was time for another outdoor adventure, so Luke, Patronus and I packed up the car and headed out to meet our friend Mike for a fun winter hike. The weather was at least 20 degrees colder than it was on my last hike, so Luke and I made sure…

Posted on December 15, 2018 by Kristy by Kristy

Adventures

Day Hiking with Dogs in December

When Patronus and I awoke, the temperature was in the 40s with no chance of rain, perfect for a weekend outdoor adventure! I put on my favorite cold weather moisture wicking shirt, an insulated vest, my favorite workout pants, and a bright orange hat, which is super attractive I know,…

Posted on December 8, 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, 2018December 9, 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

Adventures

Summiting Sulphur Mountain and Relaxing in Banff Upper Hot Springs

There are two ways to reach the top of Sulphur Mountain in Banff National Park: hike 3.4 miles uphill navigating your way up a dirt trail studded with roots and rocks, or ride the Banff Gondola. (more…)

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

Man and Dog at Takakkaw Falls British Columbia

Adventures

Hiking to Takakkaw Falls

Our trip to Takakkaw Falls wasn't originally part of our "itinerary", but we were so glad that we got to experience it! It was by far Luke's favorite adventure that we went on while in the park. We had originally planned to visit Lake Louise and hike to the Lake…

Posted on July 31, 2018November 15, 2018 by Kristy by Kristy

Adventures

Summer Adventures with Patronus and Bruce

After a couple weeks straight of hot, muggy weather which was definitely nowhere near ideal for going on fun adventures with a dog, Patronus and I were both eager to get back outside and do something fun. We finally had a weekend with beautiful weather, so we decided to take…

Posted on July 9, 2018August 3, 2018 by Kristy by Kristy

Adventures

Patronus’ First Camping Trip

After months of preparation, the time for our first backpacking trip was finally upon us. (more…)

Posted on June 20, 2018August 1, 2018 by Kristy by Kristy

Adventures

Day Hiking with Patronus

Saturday was National Trails Day and the weather was almost 70* and partly cloudy, so the three of us decided to visit a state park and do some hiking. Not only was the weather perfect for hiking, it was also a great opportunity to test out some of our gear…

Posted on June 4, 2018August 2, 2018 by Kristy by Kristy

Finishing 51 Mile Bike Ride in Northern Michigan

Adventures

Zoo-De-Mack Weekend

Last Friday, my friend Erin and I packed up the car and headed up to Mackinaw City for the 29th Annual Zoo-De-Mackinac weekend while the guys enjoyed the houses to themselves for the weekend. The highlight of the event is a scenic 51 mile bike ride through the northern part…

Posted on May 21, 2018November 15, 2018 by Kristy by Kristy