Hi everyone!
I’m popping into your inbox a day early because I have a last-minute hike planned for tomorrow, and I didn’t want you to miss out on what’s happening!
February: Saturday Group hike in the books!
Here is what I’ve been up to, and why you should get out there too.
Mid-Week Solo Adventures
I started this week feeling so energized from Saturday that I just had to keep going. I took a road trip to Pine Hollow. This is an annual trip for me, so I’ve seen it through the years. It was gorgeous, better than last year (though maybe not quite as epic as two years ago!
I also stopped at Natural Bridge State Park. I had the whole place to myself. It was just me, the silence, and the beauty. It’s been so warm all week, and I knew I had to go check off a few items on my bucket list.
I had Wildcat State Park in mind, but the goal was to see the Ice caves, and I had seen a few people through the weekend share this frozen waterfall. I made sure I knew where I was going, where to park, and what to wear because I learned that you play stupid games, you win stupid prizes.
On my way to Wildcat, I stopped at Lake Redstone County Park: Park the car and walk about 800 feet to the spillway. Most people have no idea this place exists, and it’s great in the summer.
First time in the Ice Caves, it’s a short walk along the river, with high rock formations. The trail was frozen, but I was well prepared. I had extra traction on my boots. Always bring crampons. I had mine for 5 years, and they cost $25 on Amazon. The Ice caves are just a 15-minute walk from the car. This area didn’t disappoint; it was worth the drive, and the frozen waterfall greeted me with beauty. There are a few Ice walls in the area, and in some areas, you can see along the road as you drive along the bluffs.
I wanted to visit the Pewist Nest when the temperature was negative digits to walk through the gorgeous, but I was exploring Stephens Falls. I have been to this area so many times with my daughter that I lost count. It’s another short walk from the car to the gorge, maybe 10 min.
If you have kids or want to see something cool without hiking miles in the winter, you have to check these wisconsin underrated spots out. You need to plan a road trip now. These parks are perfect for families
IMPORTANT:
If you visit these places, please leave no trace. Do not break the icicles or smash the ice. Leave it exactly how you found it so the next family can enjoy the magic, too.
Join Me TOMORROW (Feb 13)!
I want to start my weekend with a bang, and I want you to join me!
- Where: Lodi Segment
- When: Tomorrow (Friday) at 8:00 AM
- The Plan: Hiking 9 miles
- The Vibe: It is supposed to be 45° and beautiful!
- Lunch at Lucy’s Restaurant (Optional) Come meet new people and see familiar faces. Let’s take advantage of this warm weather
Coming Up in March & Beyond
I am working hard to host at least one group hike every month on Saturday, besides weekly hikes, but if you are in a private instagram chat with us, we have last-minute plans, and sometimes you will see us on the weekends because it was planned overnight. Here is what is on the calendar:
- March 7 (Governor Dodge State Park): I am hosting a 10-15-mile Winter hike in Dodgeville for International Women’s Day. If you want a challenge, save the date; more details will follow if you are joining us for a hike only.
- March 7-8 (International Women’s Day Retreat): This is an overnight retreat to get the full experience. We only have a few spots left. If you have the budget and want a deep connection, do not sleep on this. You will wake up on International Women’s Day with an amazing group of women.
- Spring Retreat (Alpaca Farm Retreat): This is the last retreat of 2026! It is all-inclusive, held at an Alpaca farm, and perfect for wine lovers.
Big Dreams for 2027
I am happy to share that the itineraries for next year have been finalized and will go live soon. I will allow past participants to sign up first, and then they will be made public! Unfortunately, I can only bring a small group because I want these trips to be about connection and better experiences (only 12 women each), international trip. The best thing about these trips is that everyone is welcome, and it’s a hotel/lodge edition because we are grown now, no more sleeping in tents. I have to warn you, the Dolomites trip filled up overnight, so don’t t sleep when you get that link.
- March 2027: The Ultimate Drakensberg Adventure in South Africa, 12 days
- June 2027: The Ultimate Iceland Adventure, 5 nights
- July 2027: The ultimate Peru Experience- 10 Days
- August 2027: Coast to Coast Traverse Madeira in Portugal- 6 nights!
Keep an eye out, because these will go live soon.
Get outside, get some fresh air, and hopefully, I will see you tomorrow morning at Lodi!
Happy Hiking,
Dini
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Thank you for sharing all these wonderful adventures! I live in Wisconsin, too, and I’ve found that getting outside helps in bearing those tough winters 😃 My kids and I have enjoyed exploring how different everything looks in winter (even if it’s smaller distances). And we’ve enjoyed sledding and finding good hills to do it! Enjoy your hike today, and thanks, again!
Thank you for sharing. We celebrate small wins every day. And good for you and your family for figuring it all out.