Join Us On Spring Hikes,Explore New trails & Africa 2027

Hey Adventure Family,

This week, our family escaped to the Riverhouse — away from the city, away from the noise, just soaking in the quiet and the wild, unpredictable Wisconsin weather we’ve all been living through. Between the sunshine and the cold snaps, we found our rhythm. Good food, slow mornings, and fresh air. That’s the reset I didn’t know I needed.

I hope you are all doing well and staying healthy, moving your bodies, soaking up the light, and sharing love the way we’re meant to. Spring is nudging us toward something good. Let’s answer the call.

THIS MONDAY: DEVIL’S LAKE — MARCH 30TH

Meet me on the south side of Devil’s Lake at 9:00 AM — use these coordinates: 43.410733, -89.723946. Heads up: typing “Devil’s Lake State Park” into the GPS sends you to the north entrance, so use the coordinates! We’ll hike a loop and enjoy early spring in the bluffs. The route? We’re deciding as a group — because this one is about connections, not miles. Don’t forget your Wisconsin State Parks sticker for parking

GROUP HIKE: GOVERNOR DODGE — SATURDAY, APRIL 4TH

You already know I’ve been leading monthly group hikes — and if you haven’t joined one yet, this is your sign. These hikes have been happening, and they are something special. Come experience it for yourself.

Here’s why I keep our hikes intentional: crowded weekend trails take something away from the experience. I practice mindful hiking. I want to hear the birds, feel the ground beneath my feet, and truly connect with the people beside me — and with nature. Empty trails are healing. Therapeutic in a way that’s hard to explain until you feel it yourself. Come feel it with us.

We’re meeting and starting at Driftless Wellness Retreats — use street parking. We’ll tackle the Horse Trail at Governor Dodge State Park, an 18-mile wooded loop, gorgeous and gentle on your legs. Perfect if you’re training for a bigger summer adventure. We start at 9:00 AM and wrap up around 2:00 PM, finishing with a sauna and cold plunge. Reserve your sauna spot in advance:Pack water, electrolytes, lunch, a towel, and flip-flops. All Women are welcome.

📚 BOOK FEATURE: SPRING HIKE

Spring is the perfect time to hand your little one this book. Spring Hike is written for ages 3–8 and was created to do one thing: get kids excited about the trails. Children follow along as they discover spring flowers, learn about the seasons, and understand what it means to leave no trace. There’s even a bonus scavenger hunt in the back to bring the adventure off the page and into the woods.

I wrote this book because I wanted children — especially children of color — to see themselves outdoors, on the trail, in nature. Every child deserves to feel that the outdoors belongs to them. 👉 Grab your copy

Buy 2 Wisconsin State Parks Scratch-Off Posters ($25 each) and get a children’s book FREE. The perfect gift for any family ready to start exploring Wisconsin together.

GEAR SPOTLIGHT: Women Hiking Pants

HELLY HANSEN WOMEN’S BRONA SOFTSHELL PANTS
(Gifted for review. All opinions are my own.) 8 miles at Devil’s Lake last Saturday. Stretchy, moves with you, and fits a curvy body beautifully. I don’t hike in leggings anymore—no trail protection, no thanks to a phone pressed against my skin for hours, and spandex holds sweat against you. The Brona’s DWR finish sheds moisture right off. Trail tested and approved.

Features I love:

• Boot hooks on the front leg hem

• Pockets in the side seam

• Adjustable waist

TRAIL OF THE WEEK: TOKEN CREEK CONSERVANCY TRAIL

My cold-weather lifesaver — close to the city, easy parking, dog-friendly (leash required), shaded, and beautiful year-round. The trail winds past some of the largest natural springs in southern Wisconsin — crystal clear water bubbling right up from the ground — plus an elevated boardwalk through a sedge meadow marsh. 2.4 easy miles, and I’ve been here mid-winter when the roads were too rough to drive far, and I still feel restored. Find it on AllTrails

MADISON THIS WEEKEND

🌅 Twilight Prairie Hike at Devil’s Lake — Saturday, March 28: Free DNR sunset hike. Free with a state parks sticker.
🦋 Olbrich Botanical Gardens — Saturday, March 28. The outdoor gardens are free and open 10 am–4 pm. Head over Saturday morning, and the Bolz Conservatory is also free from 10 am–noon, A perfect slow morning in Madison.
🌿 UW Arboretum — All Weekend: 1,200 free acres of spring trails and wildflowers. Bring coffee and go slow.

 2026 INTERNATIONAL ADVENTURES

We have last-minute cancellations: Two spots opened for the. Lodge to lodge edition Dolomites Trek in Italy, June 17–22

Two spots left for the 4 Corners of Africa women’s trip in August

COMING IN 2027 — DRAKENSBERG, SOUTH AFRICA — IT’S HAPPENING!

This is confirmed, and I am so excited. In March 2027, we are going to the Drakensberg Mountains in South Africa — my homeland — and I want you there with me. These mountains are dramatic, breathtaking, and unlike anything you have ever seen. Read the full itinerary and leave your information to be the first to receive details about our upcoming Zoom call, where we’ll walk through everything together. Spots will go fast. Don’t sleep on this one.

Let’s get outside together.

With mud on my boots,
Dini
Wisconsin Adventure Family