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Category: Backpacking

Backpacking

My Backpacking Checklist (Printable + Dog Friendly)


Remembering everything you need to pack for a camping or backpacking trip can sometimes be stressful, so I decided to create a printable backpacking checklist to help me stay organized while I'm preparing for my next adventure. After having backpacked South Manitou Island, the Pictured Rocks, and the Potowatomi Trail,…
Posted on September 25, 2019November 26, 2019 by Kristy by Kristy
Adventures

A Summer Backpacking Adventure


Patronus and I pulled in to the parking lot for the trailhead just after 3:00 P.M. After taking some time to get our packs situated, we made our way to the edge of the lake where the trail begins.  We had a 7 mile hike ahead of us before we…
Posted on July 28, 2019November 26, 2019 by Kristy by Kristy
Adventures

52 Hike Challenge Spring Report


The spring segment of my 52 Hike Challenge ended up being...a bit challenging. The season began with a couple of muddy hikes with Patronus. In April I got injured.  I still wanted to keep hiking, so Luke and I decided to take Patronus to visit Belle Isle State Park in…
Posted on July 11, 2019November 26, 2019 by Kristy by Kristy
pictured rocks backpacking sunset
Adventures

Planning Our Pictured Rocks Backpacking Trip


I've already shared about our Pictured Rocks backpacking trip and my vlog from our hike, so today I would like to talk about how we went about planning our Pictured Rocks backpacking trip. Planning the Hike The Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore section of the North Country Trail stretches approximately 42…
Posted on June 3, 2019November 26, 2019 by Kristy by Kristy
pictured rocks backpacking
Backpacking

Backpacking the Pictured Rocks: My Gear List


Today I thought I would share my Pictured Rocks backpacking gear list with you. While I am by no means an expert, nor do I have an ultralight base weight, I thought sharing my Pictured Rocks backpacking gear list might be a helpful planning tool for those of you who…
Posted on May 30, 2019November 26, 2019 by Kristy by Kristy
pictured rocks backpacking grand portal point
Adventures

Pictured Rocks Vlog


I recently did a three day backpacking trip of the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in northern Michigan with my friends, Erin and Megan.  Here's a vlog I put together of some of the things we got to see and do during our hike. More Info: Backpacking the Pictured Rocks Backpacking…
Posted on May 30, 2019November 26, 2019 by Kristy by Kristy
grand portal point
Adventures

Backpacking the Pictured Rocks


Backpacking the Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore has been high on my bucket list for several years. The section of Lake Superior shoreline in Michigan's Upper Peninsula stretching from Munising to Grand Marais is said to be one of the most beautiful hikes in the state of Michigan, complete with painted…
Posted on May 26, 2019November 26, 2019 by Kristy by Kristy
River Country Products Trekker 2.2 Tent Great Pyrenees
Backpacking

River Country Products Trekker 2.2 Tent Review


I decided to do a River Country Products Trekker 2.2 Tent review after picking up this budget-friendly, ultralight, 2 person tent for weekend backpacking trips with Patronus. In this video, you'll see my first time setting it up, a quick look at its features, and my initial thoughts on the…
Posted on May 12, 2019November 26, 2019 by Kristy by Kristy
Adventures

Backpacking the Potawatomi Trail


The Potowatomi Trail is a beloved destination for hikers, backpackers, trail runners, and cyclists, offering over 17 miles of hilly trails in a quiet area of southeast Michigan. Ironically, when you look at it on the map it appears as if you're going through Hell [Michigan].  Admittedly, unless you're in…
Posted on April 24, 2019November 26, 2019 by Kristy by Kristy
Backpacking

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, 2019November 26, 2019 by Kristy by Kristy
Backpacking

Our Dog Gear List for Hiking


One of the questions I get asked rather often is which backpack Patronus wears and how well it works, so today I would like to share our dog gear list for hiking with you. When I first began hiking with Patronus, I didn't buy a bunch of dog gear right…
Posted on December 8, 2018November 26, 2019 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 26, 2019 by Kristy by Kristy
Backpacking

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 26, 2019 by Kristy by Kristy
Backpackers on South Manitou Island
Adventures

Sleeping Bear Vlog


Video journal of my weekend backpacking trip to South Manitou Island in Michigan. Sleeping Bear Trip Report If you’re interested, you can read the rest of my trip report to South Manitou Island by clicking on the links below. Part One: Planning Part Two: Camping in Glen Haven Part Three:…
Posted on September 22, 2018November 26, 2019 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, 2018November 26, 2019 by Kristy by Kristy
Backpacking

DIY First Aid and Emergency Kit for Adventuring With Your Dog


As the days get warmer and more opportunities arise for us to take Patronus on new and more exciting adventures, we wanted to make sure that we had a first aid kit that was relatively lightweight, easy to pack, and would accommodate all three of us ready to go.  (more…)
Posted on May 5, 2018November 26, 2019 by Kristy by Kristy

@kristyandpatronus

Instagram post 2197605504682160599_7442215950 Somehow Naga manages to look beautiful even when she’s rolling around on the ground biting Fezzik’s face while they play. Can somebody teach me how to be this photogenic, please and thank you?
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#naga #greatpyreneespuppy #greatpyrenees #canecorso #guarddogsofinstagram #rescuedogs #giantbreedlovers #greatpyreneesofthemoment #polarbeardog #babyfloof #majesticfloof #puppyplay #beanoutsider #adorablepuppy #puremichiganders #letswinter
Instagram post 2197545538256561247_7442215950 If there’s one thing I learned over the past year from doing my 52 Hike Challenge, it’s the importance of planning ahead and being prepared. Regular hiking with Patronus to keep us both appropriately in shape for “goal hikes”, bringing along the Ten Essentials on every hike (plus reliable traction devices in the winter), and following safety precautions like checking the weather, carrying bear spray, and letting someone know where I was not only helped make me less anxious, they made it possible for me to deal with the unexpected. Sometimes it totally felt like I was being way over prepared compared to everyone else, but at the end of the day, there were times when I totally needed that extra layer, or first aid supplies, or food and water. I think this step is extra important when you’re hiking with a dog, because not only do you have to care for yourself, you also have to be able to care for your best friend. 🗺
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#kristyandpatronus #52hikechallenge #52hikechallengefinisher2019 #mistateparks #planaheadandprepare #lnt #hikingwithdogs #adventuredog #mydogismy #partnerincrime #greatpyrenees #girlswhohike #hikingdogsofinstagram #ilovemydog #mistateparks #mistateparks100
Instagram post 2197496943461439912_7442215950 “I took my love, I took it down // Climbed a mountain and I turned around // And I saw my reflection in the snow covered hills // 'Til the landslide brought me down” ❄️
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#puremichigan #letswinter #puremichiganders #winterhiking #52hikechallenge2019 #travelmichigan #optoutside #landslide #scenicoverlook #winter
Instagram post 2196812020991809013_7442215950 It was super snowy during our last weekend getaway, so of course we headed outside to play in the snow with the dogs!  Naga naturally has a very cheery, silly, and playful personality, so we loved watching her pounce and dive into snow, then run around and play with Fezzik. As much as I do like to hike and run in the winter, playing in the snow with dogs totally makes me feel like a kid again! ❄️ TELL ME: What are your favorite winter time activities? ❄️
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#puremichigan #letswinter #greatpyrenees #canecorso #beanoutsider #llbeancontest19 #greatpyreneespuppy #winter #rescuedogs #winterfun #optoutside #snowdogs #ilovemydog #mydogismy #motivation #bestfriends #puremichiganders #michigan #majesticfloof #greatpyreneesofinstagram #polarbeardog #greatpyreneesofthrmoment #mynorth #dogsthattravel
Instagram post 2196685619819105098_7442215950 As a fellow older sibling, I think this was completely justified. ❄️
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#nagaandpatronus #greatpyrenees #snowday #greatpyreneespuppy #polarbeardog #letswinter #giantbreedlovers #siblings #winter #wrestling #yetidog #instadog #greatpyreneesofthemoment #greatpyreneesofinstagram #cutedogs
Instagram post 2196154845428563213_7442215950 I don’t always try to stand out, but when I do, it’s usually because I need to be visible. (P.S. Crochet pattern for this beanie is on the blog...link is in bio.)
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#winterhiking #52hikechallenge #girlswhohike #52hikechallenge2019 (52/52) #hikerbabesorg100 #journeyto100 (72/100) #ospreypacks #michigan #puremichigan #letswinter #optoutside #diybeanie #crochetersofinstagram #diy #crochetpattern #letshike #exploremichigan #liveyouradventure
Instagram post 2195986977739097025_7442215950 We were trying to do a majestic pose. 🤷🏼‍♀️ Naga has only been on a handful of hikes so far, and only limited mileage since she is still a puppy, but she definitely LOVED climbing this staircase and hopping from rock to rock. 🐶
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#kristyandnaga #52hikechallenge #52hikechallenge2019 (49/52) #hikerbabesorg100 #journeyto100 (69/100) #girlswhohike #pyrlove @myhockinghills #greatpyrenees #greatpyreneespuppy #babyfloof #beanoutsider #llbeancontest19 #hikingwithdogs #adventurepuppy #dogsthattravel #twoawkwardgirls
Instagram post 2195439139544128716_7442215950 Just a very happy Patronus in his natural habitat. ❄️
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#kristyandpatronus #snowdog #greatpyrenees #polarbeardog #greatpyreneesofinstagram #bigfluffydog #letswinter #greatpyreneesofthemoment #snow #happydog #winter #adventuredog #instadog #hikingdogsofinstagram #bestestboi #mydogismy #polarbear #llbeanpets #bhgpets
Instagram post 2195238513870799930_7442215950 Three bears in their element. 🐶🐶🚶🏻‍♂️
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#nagaandpatronus #greatpyrenees #snowdogs #polarbeardog #letswinter #puremichigan #snowvember #snow #winter #optoutside #giantbreed #greatpyreneesofinstragram #greatpyreneesofthemoment #mydogismy #wampa #instadog #iphonography #mynorth
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