What we’re about
“And into the forest I go, to lose my mind and find my soul.” - John Muir
I'm building a friendly community of outdoor buddies! Everyone in this group has been vetted by me by, either meeting in person, or being recommended by one of the Friends of Outdoors.
You don't have to be a hardcore backpackers, or do extreme sports, to strive in this community. It's all about the life + work balance, appreciation for Mother Nature, and staying active. Outdoors = Happiness.
Here are the basic rules:
1. This is a happy and healthy community - don't mess it up!
2. Two no-shows, without a cancellation, you are in trouble.
3. Your membership in this group is At-Will.
4. Let's go!
Upcoming events (4+)
See all- Memorial Day Weekend: Hiking, Kayaking and Camping at the Door County, WIPotawatomi State Park, Sturgeon Bay, WI
We are going back to Door County for more hiking, biking, and kayaking RAIN OR SHINE! Camping in Sturgeon Bay's favorite Park: Potawatomi State Park.
Door County starts just north of Algoma, but the Sturgeon Bay Ship Canal creates the Door Peninsula. Sturgeon Bay is 45 miles from the city of Green Bay, 150 miles from Milwaukee, 240 miles from Chicago and 320 miles from Minneapolis. The first town on the Green Bay side, Egg Harbor, is 17 miles from Sturgeon Bay. The park is conveniently located about 50 miles from Washington Island; if you have never been to the lavender farm; this is your chance.
We are camping at the group site. The site has a parking space allocated for 12 vehicles right at the site, plus additional parking spots at the overflow area. Parking spots will be assigned in the order of the trip sign-ups, on the “first come first served basis”. Our campsite has a communal fire pit (with grid) and accessible vault toilets and drinking water are in the close proximity. Showers are at the family campground area.
We will have activities planned for each day, closer to the trip. See the tentative agenda below:
- FRIDAY: arrivals, set up tents, meet & greet at fire pit
- SATURDAY: hike/bike/beach/kayaking, finish off your day around the campfire & fun discussions
- SUNDAY: hike/bike/beach/kayaking, finish off your day around the campfire & fun discussions
- MONDAY: hike/bike/beach/kayaking, returning home
Door County peninsula offers various activities for all tastes, here are just a couple of recommendations:
Hiking:
- Right from our camp site, you will be able to hike on several hiking trails - Ancient Shores trail (0.5miles); Ice Age National scenic trail (2.8 miles); Hemlock trail (2.6 miles); Tower Trail (2.6 miles) https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/potawatomi/recreation/hiking
- Whitefish Dunes State Park is 28 minutes car ride, and has an amazing sandy beach and several trails worth to hike https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/whitefish/recreation/hiking
- Peninsula State Park is 41 minutes car ride, and also has amazing trails with breathtaking views: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/peninsula/recreation/hiking
Biking:
- Potawatomi offers about eight miles of off-road bike trails wind through the park. Parking for the trails is available in Parking Lot 1 near the picnic areas along the shoreline. Visitors can also bike on any of the park's roads.
- Peninsula State Park - a great place for biking while admiring the surroundings: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/peninsula/recreation/biking
Kayaking:
If you like kayaking, or any other water sports, this is the place to try. In Door County you’ll find out how crystal clear Lake Michigan is, rather you’ll explore the beautiful caves from water perspective, or you’ll enjoy the beautiful sunset from water you won’t regret it. Rent or book a guided tour:- Whitefish Dunes : https://www.dcadventurecenter.com;
- Peninsula State Park : https://peninsulakayakcompany.com
Door County Wine Trail:
If you are a wine lover, you should not miss a tour of the charming peninsula wineries: https://www.doorcountywinetrail.com/who-we-areWashington Island:
Take the ferry https://wisferry.com and visit Washington Island. Hike, bike, visit the lavender farm, or just enjoy your day at one of the remote beaches: https://www.doorcounty.com/discover/washington-island/Rock Island State Park:
Take the second ferry https://wisferry.com/rock-island/ and visit this charming small island. No cars or bikes allowed. Superb hiking, beaches and scenery. Visit the oldest lighthouse in northern Lake Michigan.
https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/rockislandPrice: $45
The price is per person and includes a camping spot for 3 nights as well as firewood, to keep the fire going for 3 nights, and charcoal for grilling food . Payment guarantees your spot. Electronic payment can be made via PayPal/Zelle/Venmo and sent to mcdzica AT gmail.comPost comments/questions below and happy camping!
Magda - Camping at South Kettle Moraine, WIWhitewater Lake Campground and Hickory Woods Group Camp, Whitewater, WI
We are heading to one of our favorite places in Wisconsin: Kettle Moraine State Park – Southern unit. With more than 22,000 acres of glacial hills, kettles, lakes, prairie restoration sites, pine woods and hardwood forests, Kettle Moraine State Forest - Southern Unit offers a wide variety of recreation opportunities.
One more reason to fall in love with the Whitewater Lake Campground: it is located only 1 hour and 32 minutes (93 miles) from O’Hare!
Whitewater Lake Campground and Hickory Woods Group Camp:
N8096 Hi-Lo Rd.
Whitewater, WI 53190
Campground Information: 262-594-6200Our group campsite can accommodate up to 40 people and 20 vehicles. Pit toilets and pump water are available and dogs are welcome as long as they are leashed. While there are no showers or flush toilets at the campground, campers may drive 15 minutes to the Horse camp for the nearest showers.
Hikers can enjoy miles and miles of rolling hills through pine plantations, prairies and southern hardwood forests. Hiking is available on the Scuppernong, Emma Carlin, John Muir and Nordic trails, as well as the Ice Age National Scenic Trail. There are also several shorter self-guided nature trails. https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/kms/recreation/hiking
Kayaking, Swimming, SUP:
The southern unit of the Kettle Moraine State Forest has two swimming beaches, at Ottawa Lake and Whitewater Lake. Boat launches are located within the Forest at Ottawa Lake, Rice Lake and Whitewater Lake. A vehicle admission sticker is required at all three launches. All watercraft must be equipped with a wearable Coast Guard-approved personal flotation device for each person on board.A Wisconsin State Park sticker is required for each car that enters the property, that can be purchased online https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/parks/admission, or in person at check-in.
Price: $35 per person
- The price is per person and includes a camping spot for 2 nights as well as firewood, to keep the fire going for 2 nights, and charcoal for grilling food .
- Electronic payment can be made via PayPal/Zelle/Venmo and sent to mcdzica AT gmail.com
- Payment guarantees your spot
A detailed trip agenda will be send closer to the event, to all confirmed participants and here are a few gems from the Whitewater hood:
- Friday Fish Fry: https://www.turtlelaketapandgrill.com/menu-specials
- Second Salem Brewery: https://secondsalem.com/
- 4 Best Hikes new Whitewater: https://www.discoverwhitewater.org/blog/4-great-hikes-in-and-around-whitewater-wi
- Whitewater Lake Beach (at 625 acres, Whitewater Lake is the largest of the four lakes. It provides plenty of space to fish by boat. Not into fishing by boat? Walk the paved path along the shore between the marina and the public beach)
- Whitewater Lake Boat rental: https://www.whitewaterlakeboatrentals.com/Feel free to post your questions in the comment section below or message me directly via Meetup.
Happy Camping!
- Labor Day Camping and Kayaking near Bourbon Trail, KYTaylorsville Lake State Park, Mount Eden, KY
It is going to be our second stay at the Kentucky Bourbon Trail Wonderland!
The Taylorsville Lake State Park, KY is located west of Lexington and southeast of Louisville, Kentucky, and encompasses some of the most beautiful areas for hiking, kayaking, biking, and horse riding! A 24-mile trail system caters to hikers, bikers, and equestrians.
Did I mention the campground is located nearby the (in) famous Bourbon Trail: https://kybourbontrail.com/
Taylorsville State Park Information:
- Park phone number: (502)477-8713
- Address: 1320 Park Rd., Mount Eden, KY 40046
Dam at the Taylorsville Lake:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A5ITPsJaOfU
Taylorsville Lake is located on the Salt River beginning at river mile 78 about 5 miles west of Glensboro and extends downstream to the dam at river mile 60. The Lake is 18 miles long and extends into portions of Spencer, Nelson, and Anderson Counties of Kentucky. The dam is located about 20 miles from Exit 23 on the Gene Snyder in Louisville and about 50 miles from southwest Lexington.Spots are limited - max 20 people. We will be staying at the group site and the campground has a cap on the number of site participants as well as a number of tents.
Detailed agenda will be set out to all the signed up folks several weeks ahead of the trip; here is what to expect:
Tentative Agenda:
Friday- Arrivals, set up, and meet&greet at the fire pit. If you get in earlier, be sure to check out the marina https://www.taylorsvillelakemarina.com/ and hit the trails. Here is one of the most scenic trails out there: https://www.alltrails.com/trail/us/kentucky/taylorsville-lake-trail
- If you do arrive early, you may want to stop by the dam visitor center: https://www.kentuckytourism.com/taylorsville/visitor-services/local-tourism-offices/taylorsville-lake-us-army-corp-engineers-visitor-center it's open M-F until 3:45 pm
Saturday
- AM hiking (the park is currently working on a couple of trail improvements and recommended we check on the trail availability, upon arrival)
- PM visitor Shelbyville https://www.tripadvisor.com/Attractions-g39849-Activities-Shelbyville_Kentucky.html and the Lavender Farm https://littlemountlavender.com/contact/
Sunday
- AM kayaking - lake and river kayak trails and rental options to be provided soon
- PM - Distillery Tour! Book your own and book it early!
Monday
- AM hike and hit the road
We plan to hit one or both of the Bourbon trail staple Distilleries: Makers Mark ( https://www.makersmark.com/) and Jim Beam's (https://www.beamdistilling.com/james-b-beam-distillery-tour) Distilleries. Both Tours need to be booked in advance!
Price: $45
- The price is per person and includes a camping spot for 3 nights as well as firewood, to keep the fire going for 3 nights, and charcoal for grilling food . Payment guarantees your spot.
- Electronic payment can be made via PayPal/Zelle/Venmo and sent to mcdzica AT gmail.com
- Payment guarantees the spot, and refunds are processed, once the trip hits 20 participants.
Feel free to post your questions in the comments below or message me directly.
Happy Camping!
Magda
