Exploring Backpacking | Pictured Rocks | Part 2

I went solo backpacking for the first time this fall at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan's Upper Peninsula. What an adventure! See below for a link to part 1 if you missed it. Thanks for watching ☺
Explored:
Pictured Lakes National Lakeshore bit.ly/3dvjp8k
Grand Marais to Munising via North Country Trail bit.ly/3oNL5M0
October 2021
* Please be advised that some of the links provided are affiliate/referral links and I do receive a small commission/store credit if you make a purchase using those links. This does not cost you any extra when you make a purchase. I very much appreciate your support of this channel in doing so! *
Camping Gear:
Big Agnes Tiger Wall UL 2 Tent bit.ly/3bUKiBR
Big Agnes Insulated Air Core Ultra Sleeping Pad bit.ly/3yUovUa
Nemo Disco 15 Sleeping Bag bit.ly/31FMICy
Sea to Summit Aeros Premium Pillow bit.ly/3dsu5UW
Helinox One Chair bit.ly/3kIRCoX
Goal Zero Crush Light amzn.to/3netWds
Osprey Kyte 56 Pack bit.ly/3lJKTvk
Sea to Summit 13L Dry Sack bit.ly/3CqEjiR
Jetboil Minimo bit.ly/3nnPbcV
Humangear GoBites Uno Spork bit.ly/30u2rUZ
GSI Backpacker Mug bit.ly/3FkwFsc
Katadyn BeFree Collapsible Water Filter Bottle bit.ly/3DAizBH
REI Co-op Nalgene Water Bottle bit.ly/3pEG33P
Mary Janes Farm Outpost Meals bit.ly/3rGxGas
Kula Cloth bit.ly/3GA5Bpq
Anker Portable Charger amzn.to/3IN4fJN
Wear/Hike:
Icebreaker Cool-Lite Merino Sphere T-Shirt bit.ly/2YWAELR
REI Quarter Zip Pullover bit.ly/3AHXKmy
Icebreaker Collingwood Vest bit.ly/3Fk7JRH
Altra Lone Peak All-WTHR Mid Hiking Boots bit.ly/3ItSfNq
Xero Shoes Z-Trail EV Sandals bit.ly/3lHRs1o
Maui Jim Kipahulu Sunglasses amzn.to/3iUweeG
Sawyer Permethrin Pump Spray bit.ly/3DxdCJV
Black Diamond Distance Carbon Z Trekking Poles bit.ly/3mVhIoP
Garmin inReach Mini bit.ly/3oVUWQh
Camera Gear:
iPhone 12 Pro Max amzn.to/2RBFhaj
GoPro Hero9 amzn.to/3ASbfAZ
Smatree Telescoping Selfie Stick amzn.to/3GhZRAu
Music from Epidemic Sound bit.ly/3E3tQeu
Dreamers of the Shore by Volcan Peaks
Hidden Secrets by Melanie Bell
Other Places To Find Me:
Blog - www.withwonder.com (stay tuned)
Instagram - / sharewithwonder
Facebook - / sharewithwonder
Twitter - / sharewithwonder
Pinterest - / sharewithwonder
A portion of the proceeds from this video support:
The Loveland Foundation bit.ly/2XILVMs
The National Bail Out bit.ly/2XHABAi
The Conscious Kid bit.ly/37fCI1a
My Block My City My Hood bit.ly/2BEwe0b
Greater Chicago Food Depository bit.ly/3biPxbY
Together Rising bit.ly/3du7XbO
Comments are closely monitored and subject to approval in an effort to maintain a positive environment. While constructive criticism and suggestions are welcome, negative comments with no purpose other than to spread malice will be deleted.
* Description contains affiliate links. This is not a sponsored video. All opinions are genuinely my own. *

[@jjoybean]

I am a long time viewer. I love you old content and I’m absolutely loving the new content!!!! Thank you for sharing this adventure!

[@michaelpalko8058]

This is really a great video. It's fun, it's beautiful, it's personal...it's just really well done. Thank you for sharing this with all of us.

[@coralpetals]

Hi Jen. Not only did you walk all those miles, but you carried a 40 pound pack while doing so!!! Inspiring!!!

[@hgmuldowney]

Embrace the change.. You are inspiring. Thank you.

[@sharminrahman8038]

you should be proud, and we are all proud of you as well. You did an amazing thing. You are truly living your best life.

[@alisondavis6620]

For those wondering, it is absolutely not necessary to 1) mail a spork back if borrowed on the trail… and 2) send a gift on top of that. It’s ok to be thankful for the shared kindness on the trail and leave it at that. Good trail karma is enough.

[@nancyg323]

These videos are so much fun. Thanx for sharing.

[@Imanthepeep]

That was beautiful!! I loved when you said “today is the mood and I am here for it” ❤️

[@dianepeterson4706]

That’s so darn impressive. Way to go!

[@DramaLlama2310]

For the boots in the tent...cheap shower caps for the bottoms keep the dirt out of the tent but allow the shoes to still breathe 😉🎄

[@susieleonard9894]

I love your content. I hope you consider professionally printing and framing some of your favorite photographs from your trips this year. Decorating your home with your very own adventures would make the vibe so unique and serene. I’d definitely consider framing a photo of the tree with the mushrooms-it’s fabulous! The best thing about using nature as inspiration for home decor is it effortlessly marries warm and cool tones. Peace and love from a long time fan and subscriber.

[@rebeccaotis8056]

Congrats on finishing!!! I must add my voice to those who are enjoying the new content...keep up the great work!

[@trappertracy6424]

Balls to the walls is one of my favourite sayings😜

[@manditurner6557]

Beautiful views. So glad you accomplished what you set out to do and took us along with you. Take care

[@Coffee-Makeup-Stationary]

Knocked it outta the park again! 🥰🥰🥰 Loved this one! I did get a little knobby kneed when you got super close to the cliffs to look over, though. 😅 This time as I watched all these wonderful views and listened to your campfire confessionals- campsite confessionals? I was wondering if you would have these experiences had your life not detoured through divorce or not. And it’s one of those things I call the “coulda shoulda woulda reflection”. Of course there’s no possible way of knowing how things would be. But I do that in my real life too. All of our detours all of our jackknifed plans that we’ve made for ourselves, life taking turns that we did not expect, did not ask for, but turn out, based on how we handle things, to be such a marvelous time of growth. And I hate how cliché I can be at times, but I was also thinking about your growth and blossoming, and how you’re so in tune with the earth and that your feet are firmly planted in the dirt (albeit muddy sometimes ha ha) as you make your travels, falls and all. You make me think about my own comfortable space and what I can do to shake it up. Working from home since March 2020, I can see my husband’s worry that I’m becoming more and more of a hermit. The less I’m out with people the more I don’t want to be out with people. But you were not out with people- you were out in nature. Maybe that’s something I need to contemplate. 🤷🏼‍♀️🥰 Sorry to ramble! But you make me think about life on a different level! Thanks for keeping it real. 🤗

[@skyeangel61]

I am so proud of you ! I’ve been watching for years and love how you became your own person braving the outdoors. I live through you in many ways b/c I’m 60 now and babysit my grandchildren. If I was younger I would be right there too. TFS

[@angelascott2475]

Well done! 😊 your so brave to do that on your own. There’s no way I could have done it, even with my husband 😂 thanks for sharing your experience 🥰

[@Birdhouselady]

When I started following you it was way back when you just organized. I remember before Winnie's 6th birthday. You've come so far. Look at you out camping by yourself. I'm so proud of you

[@thetravelouscrew]

I love watching your camping adventures. I'm more of a glamper 😆 but it's noce to see how other people camp. Thank you for sharing!

[@Scrapsbuttonsnbows]

Lol hahaha I die!!!! 😆 "balls to the wall.... well I don't actually have balls and there are no walls"

[@MistyKav]

Not taking a shower for how many days and using something called a pee rag would be a big nope for me. I’ll take my camper with a bathroom any day thank you very much!

[@billywiter81]

I’m really loving your new content. Makes me want to go solo hiking and camping.

[@barbhladovcak2770]

WowJen,You did it you go girl. With your bad self. You should be very proud of yourself ,I’m proud of you.!! Thanks for taking us along.. you are awesome

[@songbird307]

I don’t get tired of saying how much I am enjoying these videos. I am so happy for you, I have followed you since way back when. You are amazing! Keep doing you Jen!! 🏕🛶🥾🎒❤️

[@JJWalleye]

Congratulations for completing PRNL! You should be super proud of yourself! I loved watching your backpacking adventure…very inspiring to me. Thank you so much for filming it all….and sharing your experiences along the way. I knew you were going to just love the 2nd half of the hike! So beautiful! Like you said….magical.

[@sharonm3283]

Wow Jen you should be very proud of yourself. 40 pounds is a lot to carry. Thanks for including us.

[@msjones8873]

Greetings from Sweden! You are so inspirational and graceful. I have followed you since way back and I that has been such a joy. Your sharings bring so much to the world, you don't even know.

[@kaseypb]

Whoa who knew there was such beauty in Michigan! Wow! Thanks for sharin' Jen! Did the what's in my hiking bag video come out ok? I hope you all have an amazing Christmas!

[@peninhand91]

Just want to let you know how much you have inspired me lately! I love the woods and I love hiking but I always second guess myself and feel like I can't do stuff but with watching your videos I think it has truly inspired me to get out there and try new things that will genuinely make me happy. I love the growth that we've seen and these videos are incredibly entertaining and calming to watch.

[@michaelmercurio2312]

Simply stunning.

[@Coffee-Makeup-Stationary]

Only just clicked play and already hit the “Like” button.

[@deana268]

Don't think it is safe to ever do backpacking alone. Friend of mine is still missing from 2018 when she went alone in UP of Michigan. Her items were recovered but she never was.

[@DameGarbo]

I'll say it again, you are so very brave going solo. I envy your outlook. My fears and lifestyle hold me back, but I enjoy living vicariously through your adventures!!

[@amandadempsey5350]

Thank you for showing me that I can still do all the fun things I want to do without having a significant other to do them with!

[@tracie4745]

I love the boat tours in that area. Really beautiful.

[@SweetBeeCandles]

SPECTACULAR Jen, Well done!!! ''Today is a mood and im here for it'' I absolutely love that line!

[@katrinascreationscrafting]

That water was such an amazing teal.

[@shandi6246]

Gorgeous scenery!

[@ThePinkfluf]

How beautiful! Amazing shots Felt like I was there with you! I feel cheerful after watching ☺️

[@wizardglick7762]

It’s lovely to see you so happy and enjoying life. But, I do miss your old content. (Personally, I wouldn’t camp and/or hike if someone paid me to do it. My idea of roughing it is a hotel without room service). All the best to you and yours. I hope you all have a wonderful Christmas!

[@LyraCestlavie]

What gorgeous scenery! The color of that water is spectacular!

[@kellypruitt2362]

What amazing scenery. I need to get out more often, lol. Cliffs of insanity is from Princess Bride. Thanks for sharing this great adventure❤️😊

[@kelly4836]

You did it!! 💪🏻💪🏻

[@cynthia6055]

This was gorgeous Jen.....wow.....loved it and you! And did I say also so proud of you, yes you did it!!! So much braver than I could be. Thanks Jen for sharing this adventure!! You rock sweet you tube friend!!

[@Paula-xp7ve]

The photography is simply stunning! You have definitely found a new niche. I would love to see this but alas my days of being able to walk these trails are over! I will live vicariously through your channel ❤️

[@imanjoseph612]

Looking forward to your next adventure!

[@TheLifeofaHomemaker]

Love Michigan 🖐

[@lisaboling5336]

What beautiful scenery! WOW! I love this!

[@Gizmopup2011]

While I was watching this video and being so inspired and proud of you, I kept having the thought about when your kiddos get old enough I hope they understand how brave and awesome a woman you are. That by you challenging yourself and allowing yourself to grow, it is in turn teaching them. I think I can say after watching you for these many years, that this is also your hope to install to them. Thank you for taking me along on your adventures. So so happy and proud of you. = To think we thought organizing a whole closet was an adventure. =. LOL Stay safe my U Tube friend. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year!

[@yelenadecious7692]

You rock!!! Wow!

[@eshawk2059]

Hi Jen, Ive recently re-found ur channel after searching for it for a long time. I always found ur channel soothing and relaxing and wow am I glad to see ur not only doing well U r thriving girl! Ive just started spending time outdoors Im camping as I type this! Keep going keep living keep thriving! Im loving all ur content and feel like were both on a great journey spreading our wings. Cant wait to see what’s next 🥰

[@MsKimko32]

Wow what gorgeous scenery! That water is so pretty! I love the nature throughout this video!

[@katestewart6274]

You've grown so much. I'm in awe of how you continue to celebrate yourself and life. Thank you for taking us along on your journeys!

[@chelzmalee]

I don’t enjoy camping but I really enjoy watching your adventures. It’s so interesting and looks like you really enjoy it. I look forward to more in the future :)

[@chicmommaplants9692]

Absolutely lovely~ 💕💕💕

[@MacsGoldenLife]

Wonderful!! So proud of you! Beautiful country. My Grandfather was in the Lifesaving Service, stationed in Grand Marais.

[@shotkallah]

You are so brave! Im loving these exploring videos! Can you talk about where you got the idea or inspiration to start solo trekking And cheers to good trail karma 🔅

[@natashamc7824]

Thank you for sharing this, it was both beautiful and inspiring. Sending love from the UK

[@MyFairyGardens]

I miss vlogmas with you, but I enjoy the travels. Be safe and have fun! I suspect you're going to meet your soul mate doing what you love.

[@juliep.4483]

I'm sooo proud of you Jen!!! You are my hero lol. I am sufficiently impressed. and I'm so glad you made it home safely :)

[@Samantha_Says_]

Beautiful 😍. You are awesome. Thanks for sharing.

[@DisneyPrincessRun]

This was so awesome Jen !

[@priscillanash3543]

This was cool. I’m psyched to do a day hike.

[@AdairCty]

Thanks for sharing this beautiful scenery! I lived in the U.P. for a few years but had to leave a couple of years ago. I really miss its natural beauty, and your video brought back some warm memories of the wonders of nature in this part of the country.

[@rosemarymailas9321]

I loved this so much…it was simply wonderful and made me feel happy, for some reason! Isn’t the world a magnificent place? We tend to forget that as we live our daily lives…thanks for this video - it ‘s a gift ❤️

[@MsJsaipas]

Proud of you Jen 👏 🥰 💛

[@karenkeaton4778]

Wow Jennifer, awesome job! How fulfeeling that must be!

[@margaretmurphy6623]

I loved this video but mostly the “balls to the wall” moment - oh and the Princess Bride reference!! So thrilled for you!

[@donnapanzardo3058]

Congrats WTG Wonder Woman. Thanks for sharing.

[@clarec3]

Jen, you are AMAZING!! :D

[@belliott1937]

You’re very very awesome. I have watched from the start, enjoyed all of your videos and you’re maturing into a very cool and adventurous person. Love your journey 💕

[@nao1777]

movie quote...the princess bride!!!!

[@roachums123]

What stunning views. I would love to do a day trip in this area (not into solo camping yet, if ever).

[@YarnFlossThread]

It's really inspiring to see you do this. I could never because I am such a chicken and totally afraid, but seeing you do it makes me feel like maybe I could. So maybe your new content/adventure/lifestyle is about inspiring others to think maybe I can instead of I would never do that.

[@tiddlywinks456]

This did my soul good to see, thank you so much Jen for being so brave. Love from Ireland 🇮🇪 xxx

[@slmatti]

So proud of you! Awesome job.

[@AngieRenee969]

WoooHooo!!! You did it!!! What a beautiful place! Thanks for taking us along! Did you see any bears? Are you sore from your fall? What are those sun glasses Jenn? I love them and must have a pair!

[@Moonlight-co4hs]

Congratulations on completing your journey, you have every right to be proud. How gorgeous! The autumn leaves, the trees clinging to the rocks, the beautiful colour of the water! You are amazing - you are giving us courage. I can’t say it enough, thank you for sharing🏕🍁🍂🍁🍂🍁🏕

[@laurah6381]

💗💗💗You inspire me Jen!💗💗💗

[@Akvarelli]

I recommend watching people do the pacific crest trail. The scenery is beautiful and there are multiple people who have filmed it on youtube

[@ginadugas5442]

You did it! Awesome! And you cracked me up with the balls comment. 🤣

[@shaenlyn]

You rock 👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻👍🏻

[@krissmcdo9344]

Have you ever considered or researched hiking groups / clubs in your area? Maybe trying out hiking with others would be a new idea. Alone would freak me out if I ever hurt myself, but thats me.

[@Erin-thornycrown7]

"I don't have balls and and there are no walls." 😂😂😂

[@janettesquires]

🙂

[@tobylegend1188]

I am so proud of you. I could never do that the bears alone would keep me away. Awesome videos thanks for sharing. I am really enjoying these videos bc l will never do anything like that

[@mers624]

I’d love to do this trip wow

[@ericawallace526]

You have inspired so many. I'm sure those that subscribed to your old content wouldn't typically seek out this type of content.. It is like the gift they didn't know they needed.. the comment section is proof. Thanks for sharing!

[@reneepittelli4876]

If you put your phone in airplane mode while hiking, it won't drain your battery because the phone isn't constantly looking for a signal.

[@ChadJohnston71]

REALLY appreciated your videos! My wife and I are scheduled to hike this just after mid-August this year. Since it appeared you tracked your hike using AllTrails, I'm curious how you handled the multi-day tracking as it appears you had the stats that you summarized for your entire hike in your car at the end. Do you pause the hike in the afternoon, then reopen the app the next morning and "resume", or do you "finish" each day and start the next day anew? I'm guessing you're pausing/resuming in order to get the overall stats for the entire hike, otherwise you'd just end up with a bunch of separate daily segments. I've got Gaia as well, though I don't use it much, so I'm currently trying to decide which app will allow me to connect the multi-day segments into one single hike without issue. I just can't seem to find much info on handling multi-day tracking in AllTrails. You did a great job of showing the beauty of the trail, along with the mental challenges of accomplishing the goal as well. Kudos to you!

[@WithWonder]

Awesome! It’s so beautiful. Be very prepared for the bugs at that time of year tho. Bring the deet and more than you think you’ll need. As for AllTrails, yes, I just used the pause/resume button. If you “finish” the trail at each stop you won’t get a full trail report. I brought a portable charger with me so never needed to close the app. Worked out great!

[@suus_says]

😊❤

[@candyclark9945]

Are you going to share your Disney race video with us? I saw you there but was to far to say hi

[@MsKimko32]

Hey Jen how are you finding these places to hike? I was to start but on a considerable smaller baby step kind of fashion. 😉

[@jeepgyrl1212]

You’re amazing

[@shereegarrett9241]

That was really beautiful scenery! I'd never be able to hike like that due to physical limitations but that felt like I was there! Thank you for taking us along on ur journeys.

[@Marste72]

❤

[@Bk-uz3pk]

🙏❤️🙏

[@LisainCalifornia]

I feel like I can endure almost anything, but I just couldn't deal with no shower after all that sweating and putting on the same clothes the next day! That is hardcore, and I would feel so itchy, gross and uncomfortable that it just wouldn't be enjoyable.

[@dleek9839]

I’m just curious what is your intent for your audience? What do you want us to know?You didn’t really give much in the way of details about the park/trail you’re on and the names of the sites to see. I agree that the pics that you did take were beautiful but I want to know/see more of where you are and not so much about you. Your content appears to be more for the people in your life, family, friends etc. People who want to explore want to see the natural beauty, not all of your trials and tribulations of your hike. Please take this as constructive criticism! Just trying to figure out what we can learn from your experiences

[@roachums123]

That's a fair question, but maybe her intent is just to show her adventure from her individual perspective, not necessarily to inform or educate the audience about the location, etc. Honestly, I can see value in both approaches.

[@shandi6246]

@@roachums123 Right, I mean I thought the intent was clear...she's vlogging, not making tutorial videos.

[@Joy-zf6cs]

I would suggest you plan your own trip and get everything you’re craving from your own adventure. This is Jen’s journey.

[@SillyMando2008]

You should add some campfire confessions to these videos. Share more about your life. Bet that could gain some views.