Not all those who wander are lost;
— J.R.R. Tolkien (The Fellowship of the Ring (The Lord of the Rings, #1))
That line from Tolkien’s “Riddle of Strider” struck a chord with me the first time I heard it which was before I ever even read The Fellowship of the Ring. I can’t say when exactly I first heard it, but I immediately identified with Tolkien’s words.
Are you also a wanderer?
If you choose the “scenic route.” If you stop to smell the roses, if you don’t know where exactly you’re going or even how you got where your are now, you too might be a wanderer.
There’s many ways to wander in this life whether it be literally on foot or figuratively through imaginings in your mind. There are those who don’t understand the wanderers. There are some prefer the shortest route. These people are not interested in letting life unfold – they prefer to be more proactive about it, and for them… that’s okay too.
But, for you, the wanderer, finding joy in the unexpected is the most sure place to find it at all.
Even wanderers can use a little direction
Call it “guided wandering” or a “wandering outline” or whatever else you want to call it. Sometimes aimless wandering is exactly what’s needed, but from time to time it can be helpful to get pointed in a direction – any direction. It’s helpful to be able to identify what kind of wandering you’d like to do. Are you looking to hit the trails? What about hopping in a boat? Running? Perusing the books at the library. Going for a drive?
For all things wandering, this page is meant to be a one-stop idea shop for findings new ways and places to wander. Check back often as (like life) this is a work in progress.
If hiking’s your thing
Maps are a great source of inspiration. If you’re like me, you can get lost looking at different maps and imagining what it might be to go explore this new place or revisit an old one.
If you’re wondering where to find maps, here is a great place to start. If you don’t live in northern Minnesota, and you’re not planning to come for a visit – no worries. As I expand my own exploration, I plan to bring more map information to you right here along with pictures and trail reports from someone who has the muddy boots to show for it. So check back for new places to explore often!
Once you find a trail that sparks your interest, there’s other things to know. How do I get there? What should I bring? Do I need hiking boots rather than flip flops? If so, what kind should I wear?
Wandering by watercraft
Maybe you want to explore the water. If you’ve got the spirit of Lewis and Clark, there’s loads of mapped water trails to explore. If you’re asking “Who’s Lewis and Clark? read more here. If you’re interested in finding out about water trails look here.
Just like wandering on foot, wandering by water can present questions to be answered. What kind of watercraft works best for this kind of water adventure? Kayak? Canoe? What’s the best way to explore with kids on the water? What safety precautions should I take before setting out? How can I keep my phone dry on a water adventure?
Don’t let unanswered questions keep you off the water. Get in the know, and then get on the water.
What about wandering fast-ish?
Running is a great way to wander and can be accomplished on roads, trails or even a treadmill if you’ve got enough imagination. But, what are the best shoes for running? How do I get into trail running? Won’t I twist an ankle? What do runners eat? Do I need a playlist? Is it still running if I’m really, really slow?
If you want to get really inspired about wandering and running definitely check out how trail runner Alex Falconer’s does it here.
Whether you’re racing long distance or tackling trails in the wilderness, there’s room for runners of all strengths and abilities.
Does wandering the stacks count?
Well, yeah! You bet it does! Wandering around the library looking for the next great book is a terrific way to wander. There’s always days that are too _________ -(fill in the blank: hot, cold, rainy, windy, etc.) to get outside to wander. That’s when a good book can be just the thing. For instance, I mentioned, The Fellowship of the Ring by J.R.R. Tolkien above. If you want to take yourself on a mental wandering adventure. That is a great choice!
Also, thanks to the miracle of technology, apps like Libby (formerly known as Overdrive) can offer access to all your library has to offer in just a few swipes or keystrokes.
Regardless of your literary preferences, whether they be fantasy fiction or the latest nonfiction how-to book, wandering into a book is a great way to wander any time or weather.
Back to that scenic route
There are those, like myself, who appreciate the scenic route. There are others like someone I am very close to that I will not name who says that whenever our dad opted for the “scenic route” she “died inside.” I can’t help think that might be a bit dramatic, but not everyone loves to be in the car longer than necessary, and that’s fine.
For those of us who do enjoy a wander by car, here’s one great choice that’s made my bucket list!
Speaking of Bucket Lists…
Another way to wander is by bicycle. Even though winter is 17 months long in my neck of the woods, northeast Minnesota is still a great place to wander by bike. First off, there’s the newly/nearly completed Mesabi Trail. This paved path stretches more than 165 miles from northeast of Ely to Grand Rapids. Ride it all or in pieces. Go solo and join an event like this one.
Can’t wait for the snow to melt to bust out your bike? No problem! Fat tire biking is alive and well up in the snowy north and Hidden Valley Recreation Area is one place that has many trails to tackle.
As a wanderer, I’m a fan of the “epic journey” which is why I’m interested not only in traveling the entire length of the Mesabi Trail (and back – I suppose), I also think it’d be great to head back to my old stomping grounds and ride in RAGBRAI. What’s RAGBRAI? Well, I’m glad you asked. To some, it’s a beer-fueled, heat stroke inducing, cycling death party, but that seems to be the younger riders I knew way back when. As someone embarking on the journey as an “older” participant, it would be much more the experience its name denotes. RAGBRAI stands for “Registers Annual Great Bicycle Ride Across Iowa.” And, yes… by “Across” they mean ALL THE WAY. The route varies from year to year, but the tradition is to dip a bike tire in the Missouri River at the start of the race and dip a tire in the Mississippi upon completion.
And don’t forget about Mountain Biking! This hardcore bike experience is a great workout and there’s more and more great places to mountain bike. One such great place is the aforementioned Hidden Valley Recreation Area. Also, right down the road at Redhead Mountain Bike Park wandering on two wheels is the way to go all year round.
Regardless, of whether you choose a smooth, paved road ride or a more rugged trail shred, there’s lots to know about biking like what’s the best bike for each activity? Are biker shorts a requirement? How do I fix a flat? These are questions I plan to answer for myself, so be on the lookout for followups on what I learn.
That’s all the ways to wander, right?
Nope! Not even close. We’re only scratching the surface here, with endless opportunity to report back with ideas for adventure, but for now I will include just one more. I’d be remiss if I failed to mention Nordic skiing. The map at the beginning of all of this is a local favorite of mine as it’s a good fit for someone like me who loves Nordic skiing, but isn’t particularly good at it. What can I say? Hills are scary! Stopping is hard!
Fortunately, northeast Minnesota has Nordic ski trails for those of little ability, like myself, all the way up to the adventurous pros. The Superior National Forest offers countless wintering wandering adventures to be had. Check here to see for yourself!
When it comes to wandering…
You’re’ only limited by your imagination of where to go and how to get there, but sometimes a little insight, a good map and perhaps a recipe for trail snacks can come in handy, so check back often to see what’s new.
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