Our First Season
It’s hard to believe that exactly a year ago, we decided to start a guided hiking company. Domonick and I worked with a local non-profit to develop a business plan, established the LLC, and began working on everything else that comes with owning a business. Domonick spearheaded the website, logo, booking software, and gear selection. I developed the routes, interpretive information, made campsite reservations, and applied for permits. It sounds easy now, but there were so many other details to work out, and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into what is Hiawatha Hiking Company.
Our first booking was one of my friends I met at a yoga retreat center a couple years ago. I was thrilled to have a booking, but my goal was to get an organic booking from someone we didn’t know. That happened in late June when a family of three booked our sunset hike at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. I remember running outside to tell Domonick, who was mowing the lawn at the time! We finally seemed to have something to show for all of our work over the past eight months. We started a business and generated our first revenue from a family that stumbled upon our storefront-less business.
Thank You
We are grateful for all of our guests, especially those first ones that got the momentum started! We had more bookings than we imagined in 2019 and met some of the friendliest people. Our reason for starting our business was to share our love of the outdoors with others, help our guests develop backpacking skills, create a memorable experience for area visitors, and be our own boss. People took a chance and booked multi-day tours with a new business that had no reviews. After enjoying their hike, they were gracious enough to leave us reviews, which we are so grateful for! This has continued to help us build momentum in our small, growing business.
Change
The leaves are changing and the air is becoming crisp as our first season comes to an end. Our last tour of the season was a private sunset hike with a group of three sisters. It was a beautiful night at the peak of fall color. We have learned a lot since that first hike, including the fact that we love to guide, share our local knowledge, and give people confidence to hike by themselves! I was a kayak guide last year with a local company, but it is different guiding for a company you own. We have taken ownership of our offerings and are proud of our hard work and positive reviews. A couple on our 2-night trip to Pictured Rocks is already planning to go on a trip by themselves. We are thrilled people are taking the initiative to explore the backcountry after taking their first ever backpacking trip with us!
Domonick and I continue to explore our local area and have taken full advantage “leaf peeping” as they say. Autumn in the Upper Peninsula is very short. Once the air becomes crisp, there are only a handful of weeks until the snow starts falling. Fall has always been my favorite season, with my birthday and wedding anniversary being within a week of each other and happening shortly before leaf change. The change of seasons makes me appreciate the fleeting moments of time. By noticing the subtle changes that happen each day (and across the seasons), I find I appreciate the moment more. Spectacular fall vistas also inspire awe, making me feel grateful for being a part of temporary, beautiful surroundings. The dramatic weather changes of the Upper Peninsula make it such a unique place I am fortunate to live in!
Looking Ahead
While we count the first season of Hiawatha Hiking Company as a success, there are some changes in store for us as well. We will have more overnight offerings at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore. We are planning to offer three 2-night tours (over Memorial Day weekend, Labor Day weekend, and late September). Please visit here in January/February for firm 2020 overnight backpacking tour dates. We will also offer our sunset hike almost every day of the summer. We are not planning scheduled day hikes, but we will still offer private tours; if you don’t see an offering that meets your needs, please reach out to us to schedule a private tour! Find our contact information here.
Domonick and I set a goal last year to establish a guided hiking business. We’re not rich and famous yet, but we’ve had success and are excited for next year. Sometimes with all the planning in the world, you never know what the outcome is going to be. You must simply take the leap! That is certainly the case in starting a business and beginning a hike. We hope to take some of the unknowns out of your hike so you can enjoy those fleeting moments and splendor of the Upper Peninsula. We hope to see you in 2020!
Happy trails,
Carolyn (Co-owner/Guide)
