Yesterday I published a post about one of my favorite hikes – a hike where it was just me and my dogs on the Lake Superior Hiking Trail.
Today, I want to introduce you to my inspiration for that hike.
Two weeks ago, my family traveled to the North Shore of Lake Superior for our get-away with my in-laws. I was happy to take a break from the craziness of our summer schedules to enjoy a weekend of trail hiking, rock skipping, and agate hunting at one of our favorite vacation spots. On our way out the door, I grabbed a book by one of my favorite writers and bloggers, Martha Kennedy, called My Everest: Thirty Years of San Diego Hiking (with Dogs!).
I had been meaning to read this book for most of the summer, but stuff got in the way. Not this time! I was going to make a point of relaxing, reading, and resting. And, I’m so glad I did!
When we arrived at our cabin on Thursday night, I sat down and started reading. Martha’s stories about hiking with her dogs in California were heart-warming, funny, sad, witty, and very much relatable for me. I loved reading about the group of young boys who rescued a hawk and sought out Martha’s help and guidance on what to do next, and how Martha placed her dog’s tags on an old fence post located near their favorite hiking trail after her beloved pups passed away.
I wanted to read about more of Martha’s adventures with her dogs. I wanted to know if she continues to hike with her dogs today. I wondered if Ariel’s tag and Lupo’s tag are still on the old fence post along the Sunset Trail. Hopefully I’ll make it to California to hike the Lagunas someday. Maybe, just maybe, I’ll spot the old fence post with the tags on it.
Anyway, on Friday morning I woke up with a bad stomach. Nothing horrible, but I have days where it acts up after being so sick with Celiac disease a few years ago. So, I decided to stay back with the dogs while the rest of the family traveled 45 minutes north to hike to Caribou Falls. Instead, I found a trailhead that was a two-minute drive from the cabin. I decided to give it a try figuring that I could get back quickly if needed. Also, Martha’s book had me craving a solitary hike with my dogs, and an opportunity had presented itself.
The hike I took with my dogs was one of my favorites to date, and I thank Martha and My Everest for inspiring me to take off on the trail.
If anyone is interested in obtaining a copy of My Everest, you can get it here.
Also, Martha Kennedy posts regularly on her blog, I’m a Writer, Yes, I Am!
I’ve read stories about dogs, nature, hiking, gardening, writing, literature, love, relationships, and more – all of them wonderful! I urge you to check out Martha’s blog and enjoy her writing while you relax with a cup of tea, coffee, or a glass of wine.
Martha, thanks for the inspiration! It lead to a fantastic experience.
-Erin
<3 Thank you! This totally made my day — and it's been a really nice day!!!
Ariel and Lupo's tag have been joined by the tags of Jasmine, Cheyenne and Cody, all Siberian huskies. When I left California, the post was falling over. I don't know what condition it's in now. Dusty, Bear and I hike at the Monte Vista Wildlife Refuge several times a week. The Rio Grande winds through it. There are all kinds of birds — various hawks, bald and golden eagles, herons, egrets, ducks, geese and Sandhill cranes as they pass through. It's magic. Too bad we live at such a distance from each other or we could go take a hike!
Well, I’m happy it made your day, Martha! It’s the least I could do after you inspired such an awesome experience. Not to mention, your writing always brings joy to my day. Thank you so much for the updates. I’m just thrilled that you continue to hike. I hope to do the same throughout my life. When I visit CO, I look forward to taking you up on that hike. Be sure to let me know if you’re in MN, as I’d love to show you around here. 🙂
I will!
This is so sweet! Right. It sounds like I need to read that book too!!
You’d enjoy it, Josy! Her blog is just as entertaining. 🙂
Thanks ,Very Nice
Thanks for reading and taking the time to comment!
I enjoy reading Martha’s blog, too and her stories of Colorado. I didn’t realize she spent so much time in hiking in San Diego! I was just reading a blog of someone who attempted hiking the entire Lake Superior Hiking Trail and made 100 miles, it looks beautiful! I didn’t realize you were so close, what a wonderful place to have a cabin, I imagine. You might enjoy her blog, Erin. https://wanderingpine.com/
Thanks so much for your comment, Shannon! Martha is a great writer, and her stories always leave me feeling warm and yearning for a hike.
The Lake Superior Hiking Trail is amazing. I think you’d love it. If you ever find yourself in MN, maybe we could hike a portion together one day.
Last, thank you for the heads up on wanderingpine! I’m going to check out the blog now. My kids have mentioned that they want to hike the whole trail, but I told them that they need to be a bit older so they can help carry supplies. 🙂