This Big Wild World

03/09/2024

Is a weekend getaway in Waterloo on your radar? Well it should be!

Enjoy the mix of small town charm, great restaurants, and outdoor fun - and even better yet, it won't break the bank.

My latest blog post covers all the best things to do on weekend getaway in Waterloo, including:
🛶 Kayaking the Cedar Valley Paddler's Trail through a chain of lakes and on the Cedar River
🚲 Explore the over 125 miles of paved biking trails accessible right in Waterloo
🍕 Grab a slice (or several) of the Cedar Valley's best pizza
🍻 Sip local craft beer at a local brewery or German beer garden after a long day of exploring
🎶 Catch a free concert in the park
☕ Treat yourself to breakfast at a local coffee or donut shop
🚜 Visit the John Deere Museum (for free!)

Plan your visit to Waterloo with my latest blog post!

If you’re looking for a fun summer destination with lots of outdoor activities, Waterloo Iowa should be on your list! From biking the extensive paved trail system to paddling Iowa’s first water trail, Waterloo is full of surprises. The small town charm of the downtown area is the perfect place t...

30/08/2024

There’s something about being out of my comfort zone that brings me peace and joy and that most often happens when I’m wandering in an unfamiliar place.

I release myself of the pressure to do more and have the answers. I can just be… gleefully lost, guided by my curiosity and sense of adventure. (And Google maps if I’m being honest 😉) In those moments I trust myself to navigate whatever comes my way. And that, is incredibly freeing.

Here’s to the next adventure, friends 💚

16/08/2024

As I walked away from the day use shelter on the Superior Hiking Trail, making my way solo towards the steps that would lead me off the trail, I heard the group yell “we love you, Susan!” I smiled as I descended the final mile between me and Lake Superior, where a stranger was waiting to pick me up and deliver me to my car.

I felt the cool breeze from Lake Superior on my face, a relief after 3 days of sweating along the sunny ridgelines and rugged terrain of the trail.

My 4th year backpacking on the Superior Hiking Trail ended a day earlier than planned. The pain from the injuries from my recent car accident escalated rapidly on day 3 and I knew it was time. I had done as much as my body could do - and was at peace with that.

The 3 ladies I backpack with ( .hannah ) were there every time to lift my pack off and on my back and, when the pain became so intense I felt nauseous, Hannah carried my pack (and hers!) for a mile to camp.

A big thank you to the , the volunteers, and private land owners that make this little slice of the north woods available for those who are fortunate to explore it.

And a shoutout to the S*T Facebook group and the trail angels who jumped in to help a fellow hiker out when she needed it most.

Until next time ✌🏼🏕️

09/08/2024

Known as the “Museum City” of Puerto Rico, Ponce is a vibrant city well worth a stop while visiting the island. In addition to its museums, Ponce is also the birthplace of rhythms such as Bomba and Plena, which are a combination of Caribbean and African music.

If you visit Ponce on a Sunday night, be sure to head to Parque de Bombas in the town center for a free concert! Built from wood as a fire house for the 1882 Ponce Fair, the building still stands today and has been transformed into a museum. The band plays every Sunday except during heavy rain and on holidays.

Ponce is located adjacent to the mountain region and small town of Adjuntas, where coffee is grown. And on the southern end of Ponce you can wander the beaches along the Caribbean Sea.

If you’re looking for a tour to learn more about Ponce, contact ! They offer excellent tours led by local guides.

Hosted by:

03/08/2024

Wandering the streets of Old San Juan never gets old… except if you happen to be there when several cruise ships are at port. 🛳️ 😂

To be honest, the city really comes alive in a different way when the cruise ships come in. There are street vendors and markets that are only open at these times. So, it’s not a bad time to visit Old San Juan. Just be prepared to be patient and flexible.

I wandered away from the crowds and down some of the most beautiful and colorful streets. On a hot day be sure to stop for a local treat - piragua, found at street vendors throughout Old San Juan.

Also I recommend checking the San Juan Cruise port schedule online when planning your trip.

23/07/2024

When your hotel gives you serious main character energy…

[Hosted] Still dreaming about my stay at 🌟 Every single detail of this hotel is picture-worthy.

Located in the Miramar area of San Juan, Don Rafa Boutique Hotel is centrally located with easy access to Old San Juan, the convention center, and great restaurants. But, you may not want to leave the property! Enjoy the rooftop lounge and pool, swanky 3rd floor lounge, the gorgeous lobby bar, fitness center and comfy bedrooms during your stay.

Where would you be hanging out during your stay at Don Rafa?

03/07/2024

Waterloo Iowa may not be on your radar for a summer weekend getaway, but it should be! Here’s why..

🚙 Just 3.5 hours from the Twin Cities

🚜 Home of the John Deere Museum - and a Courtyard hotel that’s in a renovated John Deere factory!

🚲 Over 50 miles of paved bicycle trails accessible right from downtown (Rentals available at Bike Tech)

🍃 George Wyth State Park has hiking, biking and paddling trails along the Cedar River and a chain of lakes

🛶 Paddle the 10-mile Cedar Valley Paddlers Trail (Rentals available at Maxx Rentals)

🍻Craft beer at SingleSpeed Brewing Co. (incl great food) OR a German beer garden Anton's Garden

🍽️ Wood-fired Detroit style pizza at Basal Pizza

☕️ Sidecar Coffee (delish breakfast sandwiches) or Icon Donuts & Sweetery (Waterloo)

🛍️ Shop local in downtown Waterloo

🎶 Enjoy free live music every Friday night at the Friday Loo

Waterloo has small town charm mixed with fun outdoor things to do in summer!

Sponsored by: Experience Waterloo Shrpa

26/06/2024

Ok, Cedar Falls Iowa, I see you 👀

I was lured here by bike rentals… and left with a belly full of gelato and a long list of reasons to come back and explore more. I call that a successful detour!

What’s a successful detour you’ve been on?

24/06/2024

Catastrophic damage to one of the dams in Mankato. Thinking about the communities in the area as they brace for impact.

Flooding on the Blue Earth River breached the Rapidan Dam Monday morning and it's now in an "imminent failure condition," officials said.

23/06/2024

The latest updates on trail closures around Minnesota due to the recent floods.

19/06/2024

For anyone headed to the north shore or the superior hiking trail this weekend, be aware that both road and trail conditions are difficult due to the rain. Be careful out there!

04/06/2024

It’s great to see efforts like this to make the outdoors more accessible here in Minnesota!

Paddlers of all abilities now have a safe option for accessing the waters of Grand Marais harbor and Lake Superior at the Grand Marais Campground and Recreation Area.

28/05/2024

When planning my road trip from Minnesota to Bozeman, I realized I had just one day to explore Yellowstone National Park. I wondered if I would be disappointed with such limited time in one of the most visited national parks.

After much consideration, I decided to go for it and I'm so glad that I made the day trip from Bozeman to Yellowstone!

Based on my experience, I put together four routes to consider for one day in Yellowstone National Park from the North Entrance. This is the entrance closest to the towns of Gardiner, Livingston and Bozeman. And to reach the park, you drive through the beautiful Paradise Valley!

Get all the details in my latest blog post: https://www.thisbigwildworld.com/one-day-in-yellowstone-national-park/

22/05/2024

Hey Adventurers! I’m Susan. There’s some new faces here so thought I’d reintroduce myself 👋🏼

Here’s a few fun facts about me:

⛰️ Adventure is my thing, it’s a mindset I use in every facet of my life. Through all my travels and experiences, I’ve learned some things from the mishaps along the way.

🦘Like the time I was attacked by a kangaroo and another time I was spritzed in the face with bear spray. I wish I could say these were the only wildlife encounters.

🚤 The remainder of my adventure mishaps involved various forms of watercraft. Like getting stranded on the Mekong River in Laos and grounding the houseboat in Voyageurs NP. Nevertheless, I persist with water-based adventures.

💪🏼 Because of these experiences, I like to be prepared for whatever may come my way when I’m out on an adventure and want you to be too.

🐾 Oh and my dog, Hank, is actually in charge around here.

For me, adventure is the PROCESS - the preparation, the experience, the feeling afterward and everything in between.

Does any of this resonate with you? Lemme know!
Thanks for being here 💚

20/05/2024

What's your favorite part about road trips? For me, it's the feeling of freedom - taking detours to explore random places and trails that I find along the way.

But, I am also aware that as a solo woman I need to be mindful of my surroundings and take precautions so I can stay safe and make the most of my adventure.

If you want to put your mind more at ease on your next road trip, here are my 16 pieces of solo road trip advice - applicable to anyone but designed with women in mind.

There is nothing quite like cruising the open road. But, how do you road trip alone as a female and stay safe? Here is my essential solo road trip advice for women.

11/05/2024

All week I was looking forward to a quiet Friday night and early bed. Then I saw the Aurora forecast.

So thankful for friends that I can text to say “hey wanna stay up late and look for the northern lights?” And they immediately respond with “I’m down!”

Lake Ann was like a mirror as the aurora danced overhead for hours. Just a reminder that sometimes our plan b is better than plan a.

Happy adventuring, friends 💚

22/04/2024

I believe that the more time we spend in nature early in our lives, the more deeply we care about preserving it for future generations. Those early connections and moments create lifelong environmental stewards and advocates.

It’s AND today. It’s got me thinking about my earliest experiences in our national parks.

I spent many weekends at as a child, long before it became a national park. But my earliest memory of visiting a national park was being in awe of the redwoods at .

I was 7-8 and had just gotten glasses. The world was crisp and clear through the lenses for the first time in a while. I couldn’t believe the detail in the bark that stretched up higher than any tree I’d ever seen. Even to this day I remember how magical it was.

What’s your earliest memory at a national park?

Photos in order are:

17/04/2024

FYI for anyone planning to hike these 2 popular loops on the Superior Hiking Trail this year. These closures are critical for restoration and preservation of the trail. The S*T website will have the best information on how to reroute during the closures.

29/03/2024

Do you love peat bogs, massive lakes, elusive orchids, and climbing observation towers? If so, this northwest Minnesota road trip is for you!

My quest to visit all of the Minnesota State Parks has taken me to the far corners of the state. Most recently, I spent 3 days exploring 8 state parks in and around Thief River Falls and Lake of the Woods in northwest Minnesota.

While this part of the state doesn't get the same hype as places like the north shore, it's beautiful and unique in its own way.

Here you'll find:
🌱 The largest peat bog in the lower 48 states
🌱 The largest lake entirely within Minnesota (Red Lake)
🌱 The lady slipper orchid, Minnesota's state flower (from June to early July)
🌱 Cabins and homestead remnants from early (European) settlers
🌱 The headwaters of the Mississippi River
🌱 And more!

Honestly, 3 days was pretty rushed, so I actually recommend 4 if possible. Read the full itinerary with tips in my latest blog post.

Plan the best Minnesota State Parks road trip to explore northwest Minnesota with this 4-day itinerary. Visit eight state parks, two of the largest lakes in Minnesota, the largest peat bog in the lower 48 states and catch a glimpse of the elusive state flower.

20/03/2024

It's the first day of spring and that means, it's almost kayaking season (at least here in Minnesota)! If you're itching to get out on the water this summer, look no further than this list of the 25 best kayaking day trips in the US created by my friend, Karen, at Outdoor Adventure Sampler.

From kayaking the springs in Florida and along the glaciers in Alaska, to the sea caves on Lake Superior (which is my contribution to the list), there are so many cool and unexpected places to go kayaking on your travels this season.

Where's your favorite place to go kayaking?

The 25 best kayaking day trips in the US include paddling on the ocean, rivers, lakes, mangrove swamps, and even kayaking in a cave.

19/03/2024

Antarctica, for many, is a trip of a lifetime. Not only does it involve traveling to the literal end of the Earth, the cost is significant. It's a trip that takes great care to plan.

One of the most important decisions is what tour company to book your Antarctica expedition with. There are so many factors to consider:
- Safety
- Amenities
- Cost
- Landings and destinations
- Schedule
- Ship capacity
- and more!

If you're feeling overwhelmed with where to start, I've done the research for you! My latest blog post covers the best tour companies to book your Antarctica expedition cruise with.

(Btw, now is a great time to book your 2024-25 Antarctica trip!)

Plan the ultimate bucket list adventure with this guide to the best cruises to Antarctica!

08/03/2024

My life is more full because of the women in it.

When was the last time you let the women in your life know how much they mean to you? It can be easy to let the days slip by and those words go unsaid. I’m guilty of this too 🙋🏻‍♀️

Today, for International Women’s Day, I encourage you to take a moment to thank the women who:

💚 Inspire
💚 Encourage
💚 Care for
💚 Laugh with
💚 Challenge
💚 Are patient with
💚 Teach
💚 And share their sense of adventure with

you.

SWIPE -> for a glimpse at just a few of the women who do all of this for me. (If Instagram would let me post more than 9 photos at once I would.)

29/02/2024

If you’ve been here for awhile you know I’ve struggled with blisters when I’m backpacking. I’ve learned a lot and each time I’m on the trail it gets better.

Socks can truly make all the difference. They are worth the investment. And while I am somewhat brand loyal to the big names, they haven’t kept me blister-free. So I’m always trying new brands and designs (and you should too!)

[ ] When offered me the chance to trail test their socks, I said yes! Here are my thoughts:

🧦 Impressed by the comfort, cushion, and seamless stitching
🧦 With the merino wool and odor-free silver coated threads I can wear a pair for long days or many days on the trail
🧦 Lifetime guarantee means they stand behind the quality of their product
🧦 Their commitment to sustainability is evident in their packaging (even the ink!), shipping materials and membership

I’ll keep you posted as I continue trail testing my Silverlight socks. Get a pair today and get 10% with code THISBIGWILDWORLD10!

What is most important to you when you purchase hiking socks?

24/02/2024

Actual footage of me walking back into social media like I didn’t just disappear for 2 weeks.

One thing to know about me is I am deeply introverted. I can be very social but I need time to rest and recover. When my other responsibilities in life ramp up, my presence here ramps down. That’s my form of self care.

And, my word for this year is “simplify”. For me, that starts with decluttering my space. In the last 10 days I have taken 1 car load of donations and 8 trash bags full of shredded paper out of my space. I feel lighter and like I can breathe more fully. I literally picture the floorboards lifting as I get rid of things I don’t want or need.

This is my process. It’s exciting and introspective and emotional. I am letting go of things that represent an earlier version of me to allow space for new versions of me to become.

Anyway, that’s my life update. Hope you’re doing well 💚

Where are my fellow introverts at?

22/02/2024

In need of a reset? Living a life of adventure (or honestly just living sometimes) can be exhausting. A wellness retreat might be just what you need!

Wellness retreats aren't just a day at the spa or nice resort. It's a time to breathe, reconnect with yourself, build a new habit or mindset and get clarity on what's next for you. And, since you are probably here because you love the outdoors like I do, wellness retreats often involve time in nature! 🌿

It just so happens that there are some amazing wellness retreats in Minnesota or within a short drive. Here are my recommendations!

Have you been to a wellness retreat before?

Whether you are looking for an immersive guided experience or something more self-guided, there is no shortage of wellness retreats in Minnesota or nearby in Wisconsin.

13/02/2024

Happy Galentine’s Day, ladies! While that other holiday this week gets all the hype, this sister holiday is more my style. This is a day to celebrate all the women who light up your life with friendship, laughter, encouragement and love.

Here are just a few of the women I’m celebrating today:

for helping me take care of my future self

for always being up for an adventure

and for being open to trying new experiences

.hannah for being my ride or die trail buddies

for being the OG adventure crew

for helping me get my $hit together

And the incredible community of female travel bloggers and content creators here in Minnesota.

Thanks for making my corner of this big wild world that much brighter.

Share the love and tag a woman you appreciate this Galentine’s Day!

12/02/2024

And here I thought the manatees would be the main event. Ok, they were, but the other wildlife you can see while paddling Silver Springs State Park is pretty incredible too!

SWIPE for a glimpse at all you can see:

🐊 Sleeping alligators of all sizes
💦 Swimming manatees
🐢 All kinds of turtles
🪶 Anhinga birds that can fly AND swim underwater (they dry their wings in the sun like in the photo)
🛶 Humans kayaking and paddling

🐒 You can also see monkeys here if you’re lucky! Sadly they weren’t out the day I visited. They were brought here decades ago for the filming of Tarzan and decided to call it home.

Remember to recreate responsibly. All photos were taken from a safe distance with a zoom lens.

30/01/2024

It’s National Plan for Vacation Day! Yes, that’s apparently an actual thing. Consider this a friendly reminder to book your spring and summer road trips now (if you haven’t already) - especially if you plan to visit one of the national parks!

If you’re looking to avoid the crowds, consider visiting the parks in the shoulder seasons.

For example, this is the first weekend in May last year. All in one day it was sunny and warm, raining, and snowing. Come prepared! BUT, you will be rewarded with far less crowds than this much loved park receives in the warmer months - which means you can move about the park more easily!

What road trips are you planning this year?