Jenny the Trailhead

19/02/2024

True North Expeditions, Inc.

All of our upcoming backpacking, yoga, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, camping, and first aid courses can be found here. Do you want us to plan and host a specific event in your area? Let us know!

13/02/2024

Oh, River to River. A love/hate. It tests your patience, your will to live and the tread on your shoes. Saturday we hit mile 100 on the trail, and by the end of yesterday we have only 37 left to go before we complete all 151-ish miles.
Well, according to the signs it’s 151. According to the Internet it’s 160. Idk if anyone really knows 🤷🏼‍♀️ that’s the thing about this trail. You never can bank what your day/weekend is going to be like because every resource has a different number, so you just hope for the best and if you do 8 miles when you thought it was 5 or 18 when you thought it was 13….its whatever.
Mud, thorn vine whips to the face, tripping on gravel roads, many sus creek crossings…I miss it already. (Maybe it was the slack packing and Giant City cabins this trip that’s making me miss it 🤔) Ready to wrap this thing up!

13/02/2024

Some highlights from our weekend; pictured and not pictured.
- Ferne Clyffe to Hilltop Campground (12mi) Friday morning about 2.5? miles in to our day we saw a HUGE bobcat that crossed the trail right in front of us. We both just watched. Sad for no pic but I’m glad to have witnessed it! A little natural bridge. So. Much. Roadwalking. It was about mid-60s temp wise. We self shuttled so we hiked back to my truck and checked into the lodge.
- Saturday (Hilltop Campground to Rocky Comfort Rd - 10.5 miles) first half of the day was all road. We got to Panther’s Den and heard “So, you come here often?” For the first time ever on a trail. No, sir. Also saw an abandoned stroller and an old car that was flipped and rusted out.
- Sunday we hiked from Rocky Comfort Rd to Giant City Lodge (7mi). We passed the old SIU fireplace. We added a little extra mileage bc we turned around to explore the Hidatsa Indian Earth Lodge. Finally hiking into Giant City was a massive milestone for us. Grateful for a warm shower at night, a spider on my pillow (NOT) and a bed this trip.

I loved this section honestly. It feels so different on the west side of the state. An abundance of water sources too.

05/10/2023

Another grand AT adventure in the books with a memorable crew. ❤️Heading out Friday for the Missouri beginners backpacking bootcamp trip I lead every year. I love backpacking season!!

31/07/2023

3 years ago wow! I love this picture so much from my first ever BWCA trip with two of my fave gals 🥰 inspired by & 🛶

18/07/2023

The Porcupine Mountains are one of the few remaining large wilderness areas in the Midwest. Timber forests, secluded inland lakes, and rivers dotted with numerous waterfalls make a visit to the Porkies a trip that will be hard to ever forget.

Trips dates are Aug 3-6, 2023.

http://wix.to/LxWfmzu

17/05/2023

08/05/2023

National Trail Days is right around the corner. Join us for a day hike on the Lake Geneva Path. Hiking is on your own, we provide a shuttle for the entire day!

https://www.truenorthexp.com/events/lake-geneva-lake-shore-path-national-trails-day

Even spending a short amount of time outdoors provides physical, mental, and social benefits that include:

-fitness
-lowering health risks
-prevent and assist in the recovery of cancer
-help prevent and alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety
-increase brain power
-lower stress
-exposes you to others with similar interests
-helps you unplug from social media and electronics

For more information:
https://hikingandfishing.com/benefits-of-hiking/?utm_source=GoogleAds&gclid=Cj0KCQjwu-KiBhCsARIsAPztUF0YOewFcktTl2icflzbhbkRDEmEhWdR2KJMRbiIaeUC-HD045ZztyYaAqrSEALw_wcB

30/03/2023

Happy spring! Did you know I am a backpacking guide? I am co-owner of True North Expeditions, Inc.! We have some great trips planned for 2023. Give us a follow and see what we have going on. We are also in the planning stages of listing a couple new events mid-season including a fall yoga retreat! Our first event of the year is 4 weeks away!

We have everything from casual strolls, week long section hikes on the AT, beginners and advanced backpacking bootcamps and kayak/camps. We can also plan and guide custom trips for you and your group.

Truenorthexp.com

12/01/2023

I wonder if the AT thinks about us too, . 🤔

08/11/2022

Forever AT dreamin’. Thanks 📷

14/10/2022

Fall 🍂 in Georgia.

05/10/2022

I’ve had some beautiful and busy weekends exploring Missouri!

Sleeping outside is becoming more and more comfortable as the nights cool. I was able to take a couple mini-Missouri road trips recently to tour Onondaga Cave State Park, and then onward to take my pup to dog-friendly Elephant Rocks State Park, Maramec Spring Park and then camping & bird watching at Lucky Clover Lakeside River Resort! I think we’re beginning to see those first few peeks of autumn color 😍

You can click this link https://bit.ly/3xMlXJu for more to do in Missouri this fall!

02/09/2022

I sure am missing being on island time. In bed before dark, up with the sun. Loons calling across the lake. Most nights I’d stir to the sounds of the island’s wolf pack howling. I’d lean out of my tent door and squint up at the brightest stars you can imagine. It feels like you can reach up and grab them.

It’s so hard returning to “normal” when places like this change you so much. I just want to hike, and sleep outside.

20/07/2022

Today I am 38!

I am also 200 days alcohol free!
For 2022, my wish was to spend more time with my husband, family and my senior dogs, and to just be more present overall. And I have. It’s been an amazing 200 days.

I’m about to be transplanted from the ease and comfort of the last 6 months and get extra busy with travel & work again from August - November, but that’s ok. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed the relaxed camp weekends with friends, local roadtrips and quality time spent at home.

38 is gonna be great. 🥰

09/07/2022

More Aurora pics you say? Don’t worry, I got u. 🌌

#2022

05/07/2022

Sorry but…I’ll never get over this 😍 hashtag blessed to witness this magical, insane phenomenon. Lookit the Big Dip! 🌌

Gonna be sharing more Minnesota pictures in the next few days! We had an amazing trip. Thanks so much and for the good times.

#2022

07/05/2022

Take a walk around Lake Geneva this summer with True North Expeditions, Inc.!

The Shore Path around Lake Geneva offers you an up-close view of historic estates and stunning homes with beautifully landscaped yards and gardens. As you enjoy a walk along the lakeshore, you'll be mesmerized by the clear blue waters of the lake and the tranquility of sailboats, excursion boats, and antique vessels as they glide across the pristine waters.
We will provide shuttle service to and from various locations around the lake. Hike at your own pace will pick you up when you have completed your hike for the day.
Group tent camping at Bigfoot State Park is included as well as a shuttle service to Lake Geneva and from any of the seven access points. (Shuttle service runs June 4 -5.) If you do not want to camp at the state park, there are numerous lodging accommodations in the area.
https://www.truenorthexp.com/.../lake-geneva-lake-shore-path

02/05/2022

It’s trying v hard to be spring here in Missouri 🐝🌳☀️🌦🌼🌱

14/03/2022

Don’t miss this trip!! 🛶 ☀️ 🦅

All of our upcoming backpacking, yoga, hiking, kayaking, canoeing, camping, and first aid courses can be found here. Do you want us to plan and host a specific event in your area? Let us know!

19/01/2022

📷: July 2021.

Hey I’m Jen. I’m an AT section hiker and also an American Civil War history nerd.
One of my lifelong bucket list items has been to see a battle reenactment on the 4th of July. Last year I somehow convinced my unenthused husband not only to go to Gettysburg (on my second trip there last year 🤓) but also to hike all 41 miles of the Appalachian Trail through Maryland in 2 days in the July heat.

My thoughts were, I’d finish a state and get my history fix. What a sweet deal! All it would cost is all of the salt in my body (sweat, tears, and then more sweat and more tears) and 2 badly blistered feet.
Would I do it again? Absolutely. Would I do it again in JULY? Absolutely not.

The entire trek I pictured myself walking into Harper’s Ferry, emotional with both joy and with feeling the overwhelming energy of such a monumentally important historical town. Instead I was hobbling, overheated and crying because I was crabby. 😂 Yes; the last 2+ miles SOBO are flat, as you are walking on a paved bike path along the C&O canal and the Potomac River. But honestly I’d rather be on roots and rocks than pavement! Anyhow; I thought I’d share this with you today because it’s one of my favorite memories of 2021, and I’m going to be doing some more history content goodness this year!

Any other history buffs out there? What do you like to learn about?

13/01/2022

Hey Midwest - save the date for this outdoor expo! Let’s camp!

This expo & symposium will bring a diverse cross-section of master naturalists, Youtube personalities/backpacking "professionals", field instructors, yoga teachers, vendors, and National Scenic Trail spokespeople together to share their knowledge and love for nature and the outdoors.

31/12/2021

Movie ✅
Campfire ✅
Company ✅
2021 almost ✅

Happy New Year from our annual post up. Hoping for a healthier, happier, better go ‘round for everyone. Can’t wait to see what it will bring! #2022 ❤️

08/12/2021

Meet me in the woods 🌲
112 days until the next AT section. I miss you I miss you I miss you I’ll see you soon.

06/12/2021

A little home away from home. 🎄
We take our camper out wayyyy more in the winter. We don’t even “winterize” it because we use it so frequently November - March. Campgrounds are nearly empty if not completely deserted in the winter which makes for PRIME campground time. We’ll post up for multiple days in different state parks and have the place to ourselves.

A day of winter campgrounding starts off with brewing some coffee, getting bundled up, starting the crockpot with some food so it’s hot and ready to eat when we get back, and hiking for hours with the dogs. When we get back to the camper later in the afternoon we change into comfy clothes, eat some good food and throw a couple movies on.
Next to backpacking and camping in the backcountry, this is honestly my favorite way to camp. Bring on winter!

04/12/2021

Camping with my lil marshmallow 🍂🏕🐾

30/11/2021

“Webster's dictionary defines wedding as "the fusing of two metals with a hot torch." - Michael Scott
—-
I know you’re here for nature content, but today we’re gonna cover nurture content. I’ve been married 8 years today. Knowing all the things I know now & anticipating the things to come, I’d choose ya forever .

Things people don’t tell you about being married:

-After the engagement & the festivities, you get a whole-ass ✨marriage✨.
-Marriage is one of the hardest things you will ever do, if you choose to marry. It’s not hard all at once, but over many years where you’ll inevitably be placed in difficult situations to work through.
-Love isn’t just a singular “feeling.” It’s very layered and complex.
-True communication is one of the absolute most important elements. This dude knows my every thought, concern, anxiety, plan. When you’re having a rough go, brew some coffee, sit down next to each other and talk it through. Lay it all out. Sometimes it’s resolved in an hour, sometimes it’s days. Revisit your past chats occasionally & touch base on your feelings.
-Claim accountability when due.
-Once in awhile you might loathe each other. (But really mostly you like each other.)
-Your person is still a person. It’s okay to be annoyed, frustrated, angry or upset with them. They feel that way sometimes toward you too.
-Nobody has a perfect marriage, life, or family. What’s “normal”? Find and do what works for you. Being non-traditional is great. Being traditional is great. You get to design what that looks like for you; regardless of what other people think.
-Find a way to encourage and support each other’s hobbies, even if it isn’t your thing.
-Your spouse will see you at your absolute worst & your most vulnerable; your ugliest cry faces, insecurities, flaws, your rockiest of rock bottoms.
-Your spouse will see you at your absolute best, your proudest and strongest; they should & will be your biggest cheerleader, your strongest support, and get to watch you grow into your top tier self.
-You will both age; changing physically & mentally.
-You then get to grow through choosing to fall in love with these versions of each other until you die.