Welcome to my blog focused on outdoor recreation, travel, and adventure throughout the beautiful Great Lakes region. I’m so glad you’re here!
Read more about my recent Great Lakes Adventures
About Me
My name is Erin – lifelong resident of the Great Lakes region. I have traveled extensively throughout the U.S. and Canada. My travels include visits to 46 states, 27 national parks, forests, monuments, mountains, and coastlines. Through my travels, I have learned to appreciate not only the wealth of beauty throughout the country, but my love for the Great Lakes region. I am proud to call this beautiful area home!
Professionally, I have taught Environmental Science, Geology and Geography for 20+ years. I am always in search of a new adventure or learning experience. Our largest Great Lake, the Great Gitche Gumee, keeps me in constant awe. It is my lifelong mission to learn all I can about the ways that we can protect this unique ecosystem.
On the personal side, I am an avid runner, hiker, biker, skier, and photographer. I am a true rock hound and love to comb beaches for unique treasures, fossils, and beach glass. There is nothing like the tranquility of a quiet beach or the dynamic sound of crashing waves.
Subscribe to my Monthly Newsletter
Subscribe to my monthly newsletter filled with new adventures throughout the Great Lakes region, from beach-combing to hiking, biking, festivals and food. I hope you’ll join me!
A Region Rich in Scenic Beauty and Culture
From a remote stretch of Lake Superior beach to a wooded segment of the Ice Age Trail, you’ll find peace in this region. Gliding along a snowy cross country ski trail or enjoying the bustle of a capitol city, you’ll meet wonderful people, learn about the history and culture of the region, and enjoy great food!
One of my favorite parts of the Great Lakes Region is the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. For over 40 years, I have enjoyed the scenic and vast beauty of Lake Superior’s southern shore. Check out my Marquette Michigan 2026 Adventure Guide: Recreation, Culture, and Food in the Upper Peninsula blog post in which I highlight adventure, food, and culture in one of my favorite cities in the region!
Lake Superior Facts
The immense volume of Lake Superior is difficult to comprehend! By surface area, Lake Superior is the largest lake in the world! It is the third deepest lake in the world, second only to Lakes Baikal and Tanganyika. It is the largest, coldest, and deepest of all five Great Lakes at 1,333 feet in depth. Additionally, Lake Superior holds over 3 quadrillion gallons of water – this is equal to 50% of all water in the Great Lakes, and 10% of the WORLD’s surface fresh water!
Great Lakes Facts
The Great Lakes basin is home to a population of 35-40 million people, which is roughly 10% of the U.S. population. The lakes are bordered by eight U.S. states and two Canadian provinces, encompassing a wide variety of terrain and land use. For more information and interesting Great Lakes facts, check out the Pure Michigan website for 10 Great Lakes Fun Facts You May Not Know. To learn more about current research in the Great Lakes, check out NOAA’s Great Lakes Environmental Research Lab.
Outdoor Gear Recommendations
If you’re in search of an addition to your hiking wardrobe, or need help choosing a hiking pack for a day hike or a trail ride, I’ve shared my personal recommendations for clothing and gear. I only recommend clothing and gear that I personally wear or use, sustainably made, durable, and functional.
Thanks for visiting! Get out there and hike, bike, and explore your way through this beautiful region! – Erin
