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- Camping Hiking and Kayaking Weekend near Sheboygan, WI - SOLD OUTKohler-Andrae State Park, Sheboygan, WI
the group site with an access to the beach has been reserved!
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
More information to come soon!
- 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 - Foliage Camping and Hiking at Governor Dodge State Park, WIGovernor Dodge State Park, Dodgeville, WI
Did you know that Governor Dodge State Park is currently the 3rd largest state park in Wisconsin?
It's a beautiful area, well marked hiking trails with a good variety of distances, and great beaches. This Wisconsin gem is located outside of Dodgeville in Iowa County, WI, and named after Henry Dodge, the first governor of the Wisconsin Territory. The park offers more than 5,300 scenic acres of steep hills, bluffs and deep valleys plus two lakes and a waterfall making it Wisconsin favorite. Governor Dodge has two lakes, Cox Hollow and Twin Valley, which can be used for kayaking, boat launching, and fishing.
Take a look at this beautiful Foliage video:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bRSx_o2gp4kSet into the dramatic hills of Southwest Wisconsin's driftless area, Governor Dodge is among the state's most popular state parks for hiking (all seasons). There are three must-see trails that are focused on by most visitors looking for a good walk: Stevens Falls along with the Lost Canyon Loop, the Cave Trail, and the Pine Cliff trail.
- Trail Map & Trail Guide: https://gatewaytothedriftless.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/govdparkmap.pdf
Governor Dodge State Park Location and Contact:
- The park is located 45 miles west from Madison, and 4 miles north of the central business district of the City of Dodgeville
- Address: 4175 Hwy 23 N. Dodgeville, WI 53533
- Park's phone number: (608) 935-2315
A detailed trip agenda will be provided to all the registered trip participants ahead of the trip. Here is a snapshot of what to expect from the weekend:
- Friday: arrivals, tent set up, let's check out the beach, meet&greet over the fire
- Saturday: hiking/kayaking & exploring Dodgeville
- Sunday: hike before heading home
We will be camping at the Hickory Ridge Group Camp, where only tents are allowed. Our group site has a reserved tent area, picnic tables, and a large fire ring. Drinking water and shower building are available and located nearby.
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
- 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 . Payment guarantees your spot.
- Electronic payment can be made via PayPal/Zelle/Venmo and sent to mcdzica AT gmail.com
Feel free to post your questions in the comment section below or message me directly via Meetup.
Happy Camping!
