Birthday Camping with a SURPRISE!

As an outdoors person, what better way to celebrate your birthday than to be one with nature? That is Andy’s ideal way to celebrate his birthday for the rest of his life…. In the woods. This was Andy’s 3^rd consecutive year celebrating in the woods, and it won’t be his last!  Andy hopes to make it an annual tradition to camp on his birthday weekend.

We trekked along a section of the Superior Hiking Trail which brought us to the Bear Lake campsite. We parked at the Penn Blvd trail entrance to begin our trek. This area of the trail connects challenge and beauty in a way you cannot imagine experiencing in Minnesota. The scenery here had me feeling like I was on the west coast. Large cliffs that look down to lakes below create a section of the Superior Hiking Trail that is unlike any other.

Our hike was a little over 3 miles, which took us about 2.5 hours (with a couple breaks).  The elevation changes caused us to travel at a slower pace than we were used to. Some sections of the trail give views of Lake Superior and the towns down below. Other sections of the trail create a feeling of deeply forested layers, and other sections of the trail give views of cliffs and lakes. With each step you take, a new scene is being created right before your eyes. The Superior Hiking Trail offers SO many different sections that have a wide array of scenery. It’s truly a blessing we have this gift of nature a short drive from the Twin Cities.

Our campsite, Bear Lake, has a one night overnight stay policy. It’s no surprise this is posted because its beauty creates a unique setting unlike any other campsite on the trail. The hike into the site itself (about ¼ mile) is down a steep cliff along the rocky shoreline of the lake and offers picturesque views of the cliffs straight ahead. I highly recommend this site if you are an experienced backpacker and want a site far off the trail. We tried to spot the site as we hiked in from the cliffs above, but with so many trees and large rocks, it’s hard to notice without being 100% sure of where it is on the shoreline. The next day on our hike back we stopped to notice our campsite for a moment.  It’s an accomplishment to know how far you came from.

Bear Lake from trail overlook – campsite located on upper-right shoreline

When we got to the campsite, I did not even begin looking for a place to pitch the tent. I simply sat, stared, and took in the moment. These are the moments we all need in life. Moments to sit, take it all in and appreciate what is right in front of you. I ask you all to do this in your own lives otherwise life will pass by before you know it!

As we were getting ready to have a campfire Saturday evening, I suggested we take a photo of ourselves with the scenery. Andy set up his phone for a self-timed picture, or so I thought. As he walked over to me, he got down on one knee and proposed. I couldn’t get words out, except “Are you serious?!” I was in complete surprise! I was ready to take a photo and Andy had planned to get the whole proposal on video! He told me “It was the best 30^th birthday present I could give myself.”  It was a really amazing moment in the best setting I could ever imagine. We are now officially a team hiking thru life together for the rest of our lives. Even Daisy was at the proposal! Check out the video.

Sometimes people have a hard time with change as it is scary, stressful, and causes a fear of the unknown. In addition to becoming engaged, I am beginning a new job this week. The best way to keep yourself positive during changes is to keep yourself grounded. How do you do this? Do what you love. Surround yourself with loved ones. Take time to rest and take care of yourself. This works for the good and bad changes that may come your way.

What life changes are you going through and how are you working through them?

Peace, love and hike thru life!