Trail Dog and Company, LLC

31/08/2024

Wishing everyone a safe and relaxing Labor Day weekend. Enjoy that extra day, you deserve it!

Picture taken off the Ice Age Tail at Murphy Flowage Campground, WI (Rusk County)

To learn more about hiking with Trail Dog & Company, visit:

www.traildogandcompany.com

There’s still time to book your Fall group day hike! Your guide will put together a custom hike based on your ability and desired WI location. Book your Fall hike today so you’re ready to rock for leaf peeping season!🍁🥾

To book your hike, direct message or email: [email protected]

01/08/2024

These ladies are fierce. Not even an 89-degree day and 80% humidity could stop them from training on the bluff at Concordia University last night. Talk about dedication! 💪

One of the benefits of registering for a destination hiking adventure with Trail Dog & Company is complimentary training hikes leading up to your trip. Your guide will also help you with a recommended packing list and moral support along the way, so if you're new(er) to hiking, we've got you covered from head to boot!

Sound like fun? Join us! To snag one of the 3 REMAINING SPOTS on the October 5-10th Hot Springs, NC slackpacking trip, direct message, email, or visit:

www.traildogandcompany.com

[email protected]

Happy Trails and see you out there!

12/07/2024

Proud to be a member of Ozaukee County Tourism council! 😀
To learn more about hiking with Trail Dog & Company, please visit: www.traildogandcompany.com ONLY 4 SPOTS REMAIN on the women's hiking retreat October 5-10th. Snag yours today! 😀

Trail Dog and Company, LLC offers custom guided hiking trips for groups or individuals of all skill levels. Whether you are looking for a day hike, a week-long adventure, or a virtual consult, we've got you covered.

09/07/2024

Why travel with Trail Dog & Company on your next hiking adventure?

Moments like this.

Trail Dog & Company takes care of all the details on your trip like meals, lodging, and logistics so you can just live in the moment.

HURRY….only 4 spots remain on the Women’s Hiking Retreat in charming Hot Springs, NC October 5th-10th! Book your spot today so you can just live in the moment on your next vacation.

www.traildogandcompany.com

[email protected]

Or direct message to book!

See you out there and happy trails! 🍄

04/07/2024

Wishing everyone a safe and happy 4th of July! 🇺🇸🫶🏻

27/06/2024

Natural MKE Many thanks for the spotlight on Trail Dog & Company's Fall slackpacking trips! Be sure to grab the June edition next time you're buzzing around the Milwaukee area. Or, you can checkout the spotlight (page 16) at:

https://www.naturalmke.com/2024/06/01/493453/june-2024-natural-awakenings-milwaukee-magazine

Remember, there are ONLY 4 SPOTS LEFT on the women's hiking retreat this October 5th-10th in Hot Springs, NC. The Appalachian Trail is calling...you should answer!

www.traildogandcompany.com

25/06/2024

What does lunch look like on a slackpacking trip with Trail Dog & Company?

You’ll have: fresh fruits, veggies, sandwich fixings, chips, sweets, and salty snacks. After a filling (and healthy) breakfast, you’ll have the opportunity to pack your own trail lunch so you can custom create what’s best for you.

Good food is such an important part of a memorable hike. Trail Dog & Co makes sure you have the perfect summit sandwich or salty snack to keep you fueled while having fun.

Ladies—hurry—there are ONLY 4 SPOTS LEFT on the October 5th-10th hiking retreat in charming Hot Springs, NC.

Direct message to learn more or email: [email protected]

www.traildogandcompany.com

Happy trails and see you out there!

20/06/2024

Happy summer solstice! What are you doing to treat yourself on the longest day of the year? There’s still time to go for a hike, a walk, or savor some well-deserved patio time. Whatever your summer solstice looks like, be sure to take time for YOU!🫶🏻

A special thanks to this lovely group of ladies for a beautiful hike along lake Michigan last night. The rain hit north of us, so we were treated to some gorgeous skies and had the nature preserve to ourselves most of the night.

To book your private group hike, email: [email protected] or send a direct message. Whether it’s a team building hike, a friends hike, or family hike…Trail Dog & Company has you covered.

Happy summer solstice and happy trails! 🥾

11/06/2024

Last week I had the honor of volunteering on The Appalachian Trail with the Konnarock Trail Crew in Virginia. We worked on a relocation project and were able to set 29 pavers, 7 steps, and create 150 feet of new trail.

It was a slow moving project because we encountered obstacles like this monster rock in the middle of our path that had to be relocated. We used rock bars, rock nets, and a maasdam puller to move this beast! 💪🏻🪨The collective power and sheer strength of a trail crew never fails to amaze me.

If you’ve ever thought of volunteering on The AT, do it. You’ll learn a ton, you’ll meet cool people, and you’ll contribute to a truly magical place that can only be experienced first hand. Sure, there are moments of “Type 2 Fun” where you’re cursing the rain, dreaming of a shower, and wondering if your tired legs will have the strength to hike back to camp at the end of the day. But, going to bed each night knowing that I contributed to the preservation of a trail that has given me so much over the years is always worth it. 🫶🏻

To learn more about volunteering or supporting The AT, visit: www.appalachiantrail.org

See you out there and happy trails 🥾

25/05/2024

Last week I completed my Wilderness First Responder recertification in Illinois. Wow, the last two years have flown by!

What the heck is a Wilderness First Responder you ask?

A wilderness first responder (WFR AKA “Woof-er”) is an individual who is trained to respond to emergency situations in a remote or backcountry setting.
WFRs perform comprehensive physical exams, gather critical patient history, and evaluate vital signs – crucial elements of proficient wilderness medical care.

WFRs administer emergency treatments, manage musculoskeletal injuries, and navigate the intricacies of medical evacuations, all while using limited resources and often times with delayed relief and communication.

Sound like something you’d like to learn more about? Check out and or visit:

www.nols.edu

www.midwestoutdoorskillstraining.com

These wilderness schools also teach wilderness first aid (WFA) which is a great basic tool to have in your tool belt for everyday life and all its oopsies!

Hike confidently with Trail Dog & Company knowing that all guides are WFR certified.

Wishing you safe (and happy) trails this Memorial Day Weekend!

20/05/2024

Ladies, there's still time to book your 2024 Fall hiking adventure! Snag your spot today and get ready for some epic leaf peeping on the Appalachian trail.

By popular demand, Trail Dog & Company launched a 3rd Hot Springs, NC hiking retreat. We’ll hike approximately 7-11 miles a day on this scenic portion of the Appalachian Trail.

Experience impressive views from iconic places like Max Patch and Lovers Leap all while slackpacking (day hiking). No camping required! You'll hike the stunning AT during the day...and come back to all your creature comforts like a hot shower and cozy bed at night. In addition to hiking, we'll eat at local restaurants, shop in charming local stores, and be fully immersed in Appalachian Trail culture. Price includes lodging at the vacation rental, all meals (and snacks), transportation to and from the trailhead, and endless adventure provided by your Wilderness First Responder certified guide. Not included: flight or transportation to/from North Carolina, any adult beverages, and guide gratuities. Airport (if flying): Asheville (AVL).

Activity Level: 3-4 (rated on a scale of 1-5) Women of all ages welcome

Date: October 5th-October 10th, 2024

Cost: $2,100 with early-bird registration before July 15th. $200 down payment due at sign up to secure your spot. Refer a friend and you'll earn $50 off your registration, and so will they!

Contact: [email protected] or direct message ASAP to secure your spot before they're gone.

www.traildogandcompany.com

17/05/2024

Well, well, well…and so we meet at last. 🍄‍🟫

13/05/2024

EXCITING TRIP LAUNCH! Ladies, hike the Appalachian Trail during the day and soak in the healing hot springs at night!

Trail Dog & Company just launched a 3rd Hot Springs, NC hiking retreat! We’ll hike approximately 7-11 miles a day on this scenic portion of the Appalachian Trail. Experience impressive views from iconic places like Max Patch and Lovers Leap all while slackpacking (day hiking). No camping required! You'll hike the stunning AT during the day...and come back to all your creature comforts like a hot shower and cozy bed at night. In addition to hiking, we'll eat at local restaurants, shop in charming local stores, and be fully immersed in Appalachian Trail culture. Price includes lodging at the vacation rental, all meals (and snacks), transportation to and from the trailhead, and endless adventure provided by your Wilderness First Responder certified guide. Not included: flight or transportation to/from North Carolina, any adult beverages, and guide gratuities. Airport (if flying): Asheville (AVL).

Activity Level: 3-4 (rated on a scale of 1-5) Women of all ages welcome

Date: October 5th-October 10th, 2024

Cost: $2,100 with early-bird registration before July 15th. $200 down payment due at sign up to secure your spot. Refer a friend and you'll earn $50 off your registration, and so will they!

Contact: [email protected] or direct message ASAP to secure your spot before they're gone. www.traildogandcompany.com

11/05/2024

Trillium are popping on The Ice Age Trail right now!!! Still pondering a meaningful Mother's Day gift? Take Mom for a hike on The Ice Age Trail and surprise her with a picnic lunch with her favorite foods. I mean, who doesn't love a trailside charcuterie?!

To learn more about The Ice Age Trail and to plan your Mother's Day Hike, visit:

www.iceagetrail.org

You can also make a donation to The IAT in Mom's honor for a fantastic gift idea.

To all the Moms out there, HAPPY MOTHER'S DAY and happy trails!

07/05/2024

That’s a wrap, Virginia!

Last week was spent doing a complete walk-thru of the itinerary I wrote for the Virginia Women’s Hiking Retreat this Fall. Ladies, get ready, this is a good one!!!

While in VA, I did a hike-thru of the daily logistics, I scouted break spots and lunch spots, and I met with local business owners to introduce Trail Dog & Company.

Highlights of the scouting mission include: the magical ponies of Grayson Highlands, cruising the Virginia Creeper Trail, crossing the Virginia/Tennessee state line, and the amazing friends I met along the way.

A special shout out to: Lightening, B-Dubs, Buck, Janet, and Ty. Thanks for the trail magic! I’ll meet you guys in Maine. You got this! 🥾🔥💪🏻

To learn more about upcoming slackpacking trips with Trail Dog & Company, direct message or email: [email protected]

www.traildogandcompany.com

Happy trails and see you out there 🥾

23/04/2024

Havasupai Adventures Day 3 (Part 2): Upon the suggestion of a couple hikers we met in the canyon, we hiked to Fifty Foot Falls in the afternoon on our third day. Everyone raved how the warm, afternoon sun hits the falls perfectly and creates an ethereal glow. They were right, it was truly magical. But as much as I enjoyed Fifty Foot Falls, I loved the journey to get there even more.

22/04/2024

Yesterday I had the honor of guiding a private hike with nine fierce ladies on The Ice Age Trail. It was chilly, sunny, and the camaraderie with this crew was instantaneous.

One thing I can never get enough of is the support and positivity that radiates when you get a group of adventure-minded women together on the trail. You guys rocked it! 💪🏻

We picked up litter along the trail (congrats to Deb for the biggest haul). We hiked 4.2 miles, saw a whitetail deer, peeped a couple signs of spring, and even ate ice cream after the hike. My only regret is that I didn’t take more pictures of these lovely ladies. But then again, isn’t that a sign of enjoying life in the moment? Thank you for a beautiful hike ladies! 🫶🏻🍄‍🟫🦌🌲🪺🌿

20/04/2024

Day 3 (Part 1) of our Havasupai Adventure: “Yeah, cool, just drop right in,” said the guy taking our picture at Havasu Falls. I didn’t understand what he meant at the time…until I saw the lady worshiping Havasu Falls in the background of our picture. Talk about an epic photobomb! 🤣 Little did I know there’s a whole “thing” on social media with this pose. Priceless!

Day 3 included: A hike to Supai Village for an ice-cold Gatorade, a hike to the famous (and praise worthy 🤣) Havasu Falls, Navajo tacos, an accidental hike to Hidden Falls (probably my favorite spot on this trip), and another intentional hike to Fifty Foot Falls. A special thanks to Randy and Wayne from British Columbia for persuading me hike to Fifty Foot Falls when I really just wanted to be tired and lazy that afternoon. You are right, I didn’t want to miss that.

18/04/2024

Day 2 (Part 2): We made it to Beaver Falls! I’m not sure how to describe heaven on earth so I looked up the definition of “Utopia” to describe Beaver Falls. Here’s what Oxford Dictionary said:

“An imagined place or state of things in which everything is perfect.” Yep, that’s pretty much Beaver Falls. Thank you Mother Nature for creating this Utopia 🫶🏻

17/04/2024

Day 2 (Part 1): We took a day hike to Beaver Falls. Getting there was no joke (it still kind of haunts my dreams). 😆You literally climb into a cave, pop out on the side of a canyon wall, and then scale the wall holding on to some strategically placed chains and ladders…meanwhile Mooney Falls sprays you with cold water and slicks down an already precarious surface. Talk about a character builder! It was a very humbling, yet powerful experience. This video was taken after we made it back up to camp safely. Needless to say we all slept like rocks that night (slight pun intended). 🤠

16/04/2024

Earlier this year I entered a pre-lottery sale for a chance to get a permit to hike Havasupai. Luck was on my side and I got a permit! So, Last week, we hiked into The Grand Canyon where we soaked up the warm desert sun, savored the stunning views, and swam in the majestic turquoise blue waters known as Havasupai.

I was honored to hike the 10 miles down into the canyon with some amazing friends and very accomplished hikers who I’ve met over the years (two who I met on The AT).🫶🏻🥾🎒🌲

We camped for 3 nights and hiked for 4 days. The temperature started out at 17 degrees on day one (eek!), but the weather quickly warmed up and we had blue skies and 70 degree days the rest of the trip. 🌞Although these pictures are gorgeous (no filters used), they don’t do the natural beauty of Havasupai justice. You have to experience it yourself to see the true beauty. Over the next couple of days, I’ll post highlights and pics from each day in an effort to share the beauty of this remote and sacred place.

06/04/2024

Which National Park is the most visited National Park in the United States?

You guessed it! Great Smoky Mountain National Park has approximately 14 million+ visitors a year. And a great way to avoid the crowds is by visiting the park in the shoulder season.

The flora and fauna of GSMNP are like no other. The park is home to 1,500+ species of wildflowers! In this post, you’ll see: Yellow Trillium, Dutchman Breeches (don’t they look like little hung-to-dry pants?) and Rosebay Rhododendron.

One of the many reasons GSMNP is so popular is its geographical location, but also the fact that it is one of the few national parks that doesn’t charge an entrance fee (you will need a parking tag if you’re parked longer than 15 minutes—a day tag only costs $5.00 and can easily be purchased at a park kiosk).

Before visiting the park, be sure to check out: Great Smoky Mountains National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov)

You can learn about any road/trail closures, important safety updates, and answers to FAQ’s. It’s important to know before you go so you can have a safe and enjoyable experience.

As always happy trails, and hike on!

04/04/2024

Alien? Mushroom? Both?

These little cuties are a fungi commonly known as Earthstars and can be viewed in Great Smoky Mountains National Park. Young Earthstars look like a puffball when unopened, but once mature, the outer layer of the fruit body tissue splits open in a “star-like” manner. Hence, the name Earthstar. 🍄 🌎⭐️

I was lucky to view these little guys on a recent trip to GSMNP. They typically like to grow between tree roots, and work synergistically with a broad range of tree species. The fungus helps the trees extract nutrients from the earth and the Earthstars receive carbohydrates and photosynthesis in exchange. Talk about the buddy system! 🌲🍄‍🟫💕In the US, Earthstars are usually associated with Oak trees and Pine Trees. 🌳 🌲

Looking to learn more about more about plant and mushroom identification? There are a number of great apps out there. The “Seek” app is great place to start (and it’s free)! Simply photograph your fungi or plant and it tells you what you found. As always, follow Leave No Trace principles and just take a picture of these guys so everyone can enjoy viewing them and you don’t disrupt their natural environment 👍🏻

Stay tuned for some upcoming WI day hikes with Trail Dog & Company this spring. We’ll have fun with plant and mushroom ID and crush some miles along the way!

01/04/2024

Visiting some of your favorite WI state parks in the shoulder season is a great way to avoid crowds, avoid bugs, and get a totally different perspective on places you already know and love.

We had a chilly (yet stunning) 6.2 mile hike this weekend at Newport State Park along Lynd Point Trail, Hotz Trail, and Europe Bay Trail. We had the park to ourselves, and Rex took the polar bear plunge twice (eek)! The beauty of Newport State Park is you can truly "choose your own adventure" (and mileage) by weaving together your favorite trails.

Of course, we had to stop at the after our hike for their fantastic cheese curds. Trust me...you don't want to pass them up!

Looking to get out and start hiking for the season? Don't forget to purchase your 2024 WI State Park pass online so you can start enjoying it now. Wisconsin vehicles are $28 for an annual pass, out-of-state vehicles are $38, and seniors (65+) can purchase a yearly pass for only $13. To lean more, visit:

https://yourpassnow.com/ParkPass/wi

Stay tuned for upcoming day hikes with Trail Dog & Company soon! Or, reach out to us directly to schedule your own team building hike, family hike, or friends' hike. You name it, we'll hike it!

Happy trails and hike on!

21/02/2024

It’s National Love Your Pet Day!

“Everyone thinks they have the best dog. And none of them are wrong.” -W.R. Purche

Give some extra pets, walks, and belly rubs to all the trail dogs in your life 🐾💕

10/02/2024

ANNOUNCING A SECOND WOMEN'S HIKING RETREAT IN NORTH CAROLINA!

Hike the Appalachian Trail and soak in the healing waters of the hot springs!

Activity Level: 3-4 (rated on a scale of 1-5) Women of all ages welcome

Dates: November 9th-14th

6 participants max

Overview: We're hosting a SECOND North Carolina trip by popular demand! We’ll hike approximately 7-11 miles a day on this scenic portion of the Appalachian Trail. Experience impressive views from iconic places like Max Patch and Lovers Leap, then soak your muscles in the healing waters of the mountain hot springs. This is a slackpacking (day hiking) trip, so you can slay the trail during the day, and have ALL your creature comforts at night.

Cost: $2,100 with early-bird registration before April 15th. To secure your spot, please direct message Trail Dog & Company ASAP or email: [email protected]

www.traildogandcompany.com

Happy Trails!

29/01/2024

FREE GIFT WRAPPING with any Trail Dog & Company merch purchase!

Valentine’s Day is only a few weeks away…Why not surprise your sweetie with some heart-warming merch? Our t-shirts, can koozies, bandanas, candles, winter hats, insulated tumblers and wine glasses make the perfect Valentine's Day gift.

To ensure delivery for Valentine’s Day, be sure to get your order in by February 9th.

Not sure what to get your favorite Adventurer? We offer gift cards! To place an order, visit:

www.traildogandcompany.com

You can direct message your order or email your order to: [email protected] (We take Venmo and PayPal).

COMING SOON—TRAIL DOG & COMPANY HOODIES!!!!! To pre-order your hoodie, please direct message or email the following information:

1. If you want unisex, or women’s sizing
2. What size you want

Happy Valentine’s Day and Happy Trails!

25/01/2024

Happy Throwback Thursday!

Big Bangs--Check
Big Pack--Check
Big socks--Check

This picture was taken circa 1995 in Sleeping Bear Dunes National Park (Manitou Islands, Michigan). It was one of my earliest backpacking trips with my summer camp partner-in-crime, . Something tells me there was NOTHING ultralight about the gear we carried!

What's one of your favorite old-school hiking memories? Where did you go? Who did you go with? What did you learn?

To learn more about the 2024 Trail Dog & Company hiking trips, check out: www.traildogandcompany.com or email us at: [email protected]

Happy Trails and Happy New Year!