Blog Archives - Page 4 of 4 - Hiawatha Hiking Company

How to physically prepare for a long hike

April 24, 2019

From 2004 to 2010, I wasn’t very physically fit. I had finished high school, went to college, got a master’s degree, and got a job. Regular exercise just wasn’t on my radar. I would have considered myself fairly healthy, but truthfully, I wasn’t. I didn’t exercise, and while I paid attention to what I ate, I certainly could have eaten healthier. I did some overnight backpacking trips while being fairly out-of-shape (including North Manitou Island and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore)…

Footwear for Happy Hiking Feet!

April 4, 2019

Blog, How to Backpack Series

Old School In days of yore, the popular trend was to throw on a pair of hiking boots before hitting the trail. Many people subscribe to that trend today. REI’s shoe department is inundated with hiking boots. Boots are touted as waterproof, water wicking, quick drying, durable, and of course, ankle supporting. And when you’re sloshing around in mud and navigating around rocks/roots, it sounds nice to have your feet protected and cozy in an insulated cocoon. However, on longer…

The Art of Self-Propulsion

March 23, 2019

Blog

With the number of RV super-centers seemingly on the rise, the art of bipedal motion and cycling is not always on the forefront of people’s minds. Before people sat in their cars and pressed levers to get from point A to point B, if you wanted to get somewhere (by land) you walked. People have been moving their bodies by foot since the beginning of time. Feet are the original Model T, shinkansen bullet train, and high-speed jet. There is…

3 Tips for Backpacking in the Rain

March 17, 2019

Blog, How to Backpack Series

I wish everyday out on the trail was sunny with pleasant temperatures, but unfortunately Mother Nature often has different plans. If you spend a lot of time hiking outside, there will inevitably become a time where you have to hike in the rain. Through the course of my hiking career I have had the pleasant opportunity to backpack in a variety of rainy situations across a wide range of temperatures and intensities. Below are my top 3 tips for backpacking…

On Hiking With Your Significant Other

March 8, 2019

Blog

Recipe for (Mis)Adventure Oftentimes when I mention to someone that I thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) in 2016-2017 with my husband, Domonick, they ask if we were married at the time. I can’t help but smile and say, “Yes, and the marriage survived!” Spending months hiking a long trail is no easy feat. Marriage on its own is not always effortless; compromises are made, arguments are worked through, and sharing a space with another human isn’t always paradise! Combine…

5 things you don’t need to worry about when you choose to tour with us!

March 2, 2019

Blog

1. Food Whether it’s a day-hike or an overnight backpacking trip, no one wants to be hungry. Hiawatha Hiking Company takes steps to make sure this doesn’t happen! We have carefully created menus and distribute food prior to commencement of all of our trips. We also keep your dietary restrictions in mind when choosing healthy, delicious foods that will give you the energy and nourishment you need, whether it’s on a shorter jaunt through the woods to visit inland lakes…

On Being a Woman in the Woods

February 15, 2019

Blog

Disbelief “Is this Highway 178?”, I ask a 20-something year old guy who was getting water from a creek with his male hiking partner. He says to me, “You’re hiking by yourself?” I respond, “Yeah… I don’t feel like getting out my map and was hoping you could tell me if this is Highway 178?” “I’m not sure,” he says. It is March of 2017 and I am on the Foothills Trail in the Carolinas. This is my first solo…

On not leaving a trace

February 7, 2019

Blog, How to Backpack Series

A Clean Place – Tokyo is one of the cleanest cities I’ve ever been in. No plastic grocery bags blowing in the streets. No black globs of gum on the sidewalk. No McDonald’s wrappers blowing over storm drains. Yet I can’t remember seeing any trash cans on the streets. Domonick and I were eating a plastic-wrapped convenience store treat in the street and when it was time to toss the wrapper, we were left searching for a receptacle. We finally…

North Country Trail Hike 100 Challenge!

January 25, 2019

Blog

For the past few years the North Country Trail Association coordinates a Hike 100 challenge. You log your miles and submit an application, and in return you get a pretty sweet patch and certificate for all your hard work! It is a great way to encourage all of us to get outside and hit the trails. Visit the following link to learn more! North Country Trail Hike 100

      
   Hiawatha Hiking Company
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   Jeremy Hunt 
 2022-01-31
 
 
   Had the pleasure to join the Intermediate Backpacking Trip in Sept. 2021. Months before the trip Domonick and Carolyn met with us individually to go over the trip and preparations. They took the time to meet again with the entire group ahead of the trip to go over last minute items to ensure we are all set. From the beginning, their preparation and professionalism was top notch and it carried through the whole trip. They made sure everyone was comfortable throughout out the trip and everyone in the group had a great time. Domonick and Carolyn are extremely knowledgeable, prepared and all around great people. We had such a great experience and would love to join them again some day. If you are heading toward Pictured Rocks and want a great experience they should be the only ones you call!
  
 
 
       
   Jamie Davies O'Leary 
 2021-10-27
 
 
   This was my first backpacking tour and Carolyn and Domonick were excellent guides! They emphasized safety and planning - from months before the trip through the last day's details - and renting their equipment made things much easier as a newbie. They were responsive to my questions beforehand and helped me and my group have such an amazing time. Dinners were excellent! I also loved hearing about their travels and what they've learned being on various trails.
  
 
 
       
   paul rusch 
 2021-10-07
 
 
   Went on a 2 night backpack trip the first weekend of October. The trip was wonderful, the colors were about 90%. The only complaint was that my 66 year old body had a hard time sleeping in a tent. Dominique and Carolyn were great. They tended to our safety, training was good, kept up an appropriate pace, provided help when needed, had a good menu and stops at great views. It was great and I am very glad that I did it.
  
 
 
       
   Christine Artes 
 2021-09-13
 
 
   Did the beginner hike over Labor Day and OMG, this was amazing! From the moment you arrive you're well taken care of with food, gear, instructions and safety from the dynamic duo that is Domonick and Carolyn. They both know this area and this trail like the back of their hands!  Every detail was spot on and never once did we feel unsafe. You can rent all of the necessary gear and it is top notch! All food...REAL food is provided and the water that we drank and cooked with was filtered straight outta Lake Superior!!! So cool!
If you're thinking about doing a guided hike to see PR's, this really is the only company that you should book with.  No one else compares!
  
 
 
       
   KAREN WHITAKER 
 2021-09-08
 
 
   The beginning backpacking trip was amazing from start to finish.  Hiawatha is very organized,, they provided training advice to prepare,  the food was good, and guides Carolyn and Domonick are not only extremely experienced hikers and campers, they are wonderful people.  I would definitely recommend them to anyone looking for a guided hiking experience.
  
 
 
       
   Richard Clark 
 2021-08-26
 
 
   Carolyn and Domonick were awesome! I could not have asked for a better first-time backpacking experience. All I had to do was show up with my list of everyday items, they provided the rest. Carolyn and Domonick helped with tent setup/takedown, filtered water, prepped meals and snacks, and provide moral support. The views are breathtaking.  The hike is challenging but very doable. You are not rushed. The camaraderie between fellow hikers, Carolyn, and Domonick is something I will cherish forever. If you ever were apprehensive about backpacking, Hiawatha Hiking Company is the company to use and their Intro to Backpacking tour along Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore is the tour to take.
  
 
 
       
   Catherine Toms 
 2021-08-25
 
 
   We had an absolutely wonderful experience! Carolyn and Domonick are incredibly kind, professional, and thoughtful guides. They thought of everything for our trip, and we were safe and well-fed. Every aspect of the hike was planned perfectly. They know the trails well, and led us to some of the most beautiful places in our country. Thank you Hiawatha Hiking Company!
  
 
 
       
   Jeri Rodriguez 
 2021-08-25
 
 
   I thoroughly enjoyed this experience. The hospitality provided from the minute I arrived until the minute I drove away was incredible.
  
 
 
       
   Sarah Shields 
 2021-07-17
 
 
   We had a great time on a sunset hike with Carolyn and Dominick on our last night in the UP! It was a terrific way to end our vacation. They were organized, well-prepared and very knowledgeable. They shared a lot of information about the Pictured Rocks and Lake Superior, as well as the surrounding area. Their pleasant demeanor made for easy conversation on the hike. It was not quite 3 miles and except for one short stretch at the beginning, mostly flat, so very manageable for inexperienced hikers. We stopped several times for beautiful photos, and then sat and watched the sunset together complete with hot chocolate and sweet treats they provided! We loved getting to see the cliffs from above - a perfect complement to the boat tour we took earlier. We highly recommend the sunset hike!
  
 
 
       
   Maria Thomas 
 2021-07-02
 
 
   Carolyn and Domonick are terrific, and the personalized sunset hike they organized for us was stunning.  The hike was punctuated with quick stops and informative commentary about geology and area history.  Every minute seemed ideal for a pause or a photo, from the first vista to last rays of sunlight,  The adventure was made more precious because they agreed to guide us on the sunset walk on a day they don't normally lead hikes. They are personable and knowledgeable nature enthusiasts who clearly love the magnificent beauty of Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and the surrounding area.  Don't miss this opportunity.
  
 
 
  
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