The Adventure Dog Blog | Full Archive

THE ADVENTURE DOG BLOG

hello adventurers!

This is my story. Here, I share how discovering my freedom on the road with my dogs changed my life. You'll find a mix of personal blog posts and adventure dog resources. Read what calls to you, use what helps you on your journey, and thank you for visiting.

Adventure On,

Danielle

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New Isn't Always Better - Fortitude Has Benefits

Danielle Lindblom

Dec 18, 2018
3 min

New Isn't Always Better - Fortitude Has Benefits

I couldn't decide between the two titles, so I kept both! I have "Shiny Object Syndrome." My coach says that I tend to jump from one new shiny thing to the next, and I rarely follow through. She's SO right. I've lived in 4 different states and moved 12 times since leaving home 11 years ago. My "flavor of the decade" hobbies have included horseback riding, partner dancing, dog training, dog sports, hiking, camping, traveling, life coaching, drawing, writing, reading, academics

I Made A Decision

Danielle Lindblom

Nov 14, 2018
4 min

I Made A Decision

A year and a half ago, March 2017, I made a decision. I'm not going back. Ever. That was one of the BIGGEST decisions I've made in my entire life. It was a conscious declaration that I was never going to be a part of Corporate America again. You see, in March of last year, I was laid off. And it was a blessing. I've come to see it as a final, uncomplicated severing of my old life and the fresh beginning of my new life. From that moment, I decided that I was going to work for

Labels and Badges of Honor

Danielle Lindblom

Apr 29, 2018
2 min

Labels and Badges of Honor

This is a picture of me next to the first tiny house I ever saw in person and stepped into. What a fun moment that was!! I want to talk briefly on labels and how we can turn them into badges of honor. If you're feeling stuck, disgruntled, or lost, this exercise can help you rediscover your purpose and bring some energy and life back even if you're not content where you are right now. You could (and oh how I have, again and again) say, "I am stuck. I am lost. I feel broken. I

I Almost Shut Down the Blog

Danielle Lindblom

Apr 19, 2018
4 min

I Almost Shut Down the Blog

I was so close. Really. I cancelled my website hosting subscription. It would have dropped the domain name (theadventuredogblog.com) and put it on a free wix generic domain. I wanted to keep the content available for people to use. The trail guides, the campsite guides. I think those are useful to fellow adventurers. But the pressure was just really getting to me. I needed a break, and to give myself permission to actually step away. To cut ties. I've since renewed my subscri

Take No Pictures, Capture the Magic

Danielle Lindblom

Oct 11, 2017
2 min

Take No Pictures, Capture the Magic

While in Colorado, I hiked an incredible trail in Arapaho National Forest. Rather than writing a trail guide, though, this post is about the experience. Something I myself often forget. I did something different, and I encourage you to follow suite on your next adventure. I woke up with the sun (and the Border Collies) and basked in the early morning hush that draped the campground. The air was crisp and the day full of possibilities. I had one thing on the agenda, though, an

Sunset Point Campground in Arapaho National Forest Colorado

Danielle Lindblom

Aug 11, 2017
3 min

Sunset Point Campground in Arapaho National Forest Colorado

Sunset Point Campground Arapaho National Forest Granby, CO Management: Arapaho National Forest Size: 25 sites (non-electric). There is at least one double site for tents only. Most sites are back-in though there were a few pull through sites. Unfortunately, there were several campers here vs tents. Cost: $24/night (first come first served, walk-up reservations only) Environment: Lakeside/lakeshore. Tall pines. Gravel tent pads. Cell Phone Reception: Poor Privacy: Minimal. Yo

The Splendor of Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado

Danielle Lindblom

Jul 7, 2017
4 min

The Splendor of Rocky Mountain National Park Colorado

After visiting Glacier National Park in Montana last September, I didn't know that another mountain beauty would fall onto my bucket list. But the mountains started calling, and I decided that I must go. At first, Rocky Mountain National Park was planned to be a pit stop on my way to the Grand Canyon. I'd take a peek as I drove by. But when the perfect time slot opened up on my calendar, too hot for Arizona but just right for mountain climes, I knew it was time to head to the

This is Your Life. Are You Who You Want to Be?

Danielle Lindblom

Jun 27, 2017
4 min

This is Your Life. Are You Who You Want to Be?

It's been over three months since I was laid off from my corporate manufacturing engineering job. Currently, I'm propped up in my fluffy bed, two Border Collies lounging next to me, looking out my apartment window at a beautiful treeline. This could be any old Saturday, but today feels special. Today feels full of possibility. Because now, I'm making it. This month, everything is coming together. This month, it is the best, most successful month yet. This month, I've proven t

Aspenglen Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park

Danielle Lindblom

Jun 26, 2017
3 min

Aspenglen Campground in Rocky Mountain National Park

Aspenglen Campground Rocky Mountain National Park Estes Park, CO Management: Rocky Mountain National Park Size: 54 sites (13 are tent only, 5 are walk in, the rest are drive in, 0 electric) Cost: $26/night (reservable online, day-of sites are rarely available) Environment: On the mountainside, tucked in the trees. River next to the walk-in sites Cell Phone Reception: Poor Privacy: Fair. Walk-In sites had the most privacy Dog Rules: Dogs on Leash. Dogs cannot be left unattende

7 Must Have Travel Apps for Your Next Adventure

Danielle Lindblom

Jun 19, 2017
3 min

7 Must Have Travel Apps for Your Next Adventure

I just returned from my second ever epic mountain camping road trip. There were a few new apps on my phone this time around that made a huge difference in my travels. Download these before your next trip, and it could change everything! 1. Free campsites You wouldn't believe how many free campsites are out there! This was a great resource because of the detailed reviews from users. It actually helped me avoid a few. Really easy to use on the fly, this should definitely be on

Ultralight Roadtrip Fare - No Cooler, No Campfire

Danielle Lindblom

Jun 4, 2017
3 min

Ultralight Roadtrip Fare - No Cooler, No Campfire

I'm gearing up for my second week-long roadtrip into the mountains, and I'll be going without a cooler! Yes, it's true. I'm a no muss, no fuss kind of traveler, and I don't like to waste time or get dragged down by hassle. So, I thought I'd share my tips and even my entire list of provisions for this trip with y'all. Read about my epic roadtrip to Glacier National Park and Going-to-the-Sun Road! It's what prompted me to start this blog in the first place. Alright, onto FOOD.

Awesome Hiking in Maplewood State Park

Danielle Lindblom

May 10, 2017
4 min

Awesome Hiking in Maplewood State Park

While visiting family up in Fergus Falls, I took a day and night to explore Maplewood State Park, the 6th largest state park in Minnesota. Since it was a weekday, I practically had the entire park to myself. I chatted with the very friendly and helpful park rangers in the information center, selected a campsite, then explored several trails in the park. There are so many options! Here are a few experiences I can share; I hope you enjoy! Location: Pelican Rapids, MN Management

Adventures in "Car Camping"

Danielle Lindblom

Apr 28, 2017
3 min

Adventures in "Car Camping"

Yay! Ok, here we go. I actually went on this trip about 3 weeks ago, but I'm only now getting around to writing this. Little thing called moving happened. If you're on Instagram and have a well-developed sense of wanderlust, you've likely run across hundreds of images of adventurous nomads in their tricked out vans, SUVs, or even buses facing scenic vistas with twinkly lights strung up overhead. Commonly referred to as #vanlife, I was captured hook, line, and sinker by these

Craft Your Life Part 2: Downsizing & Dialing In

Danielle Lindblom

Apr 19, 2017
3 min

Craft Your Life Part 2: Downsizing & Dialing In

As I looked out at my packed-to-the-ceiling apartment, each square inch stuffed with stuff and no place to walk, I realized that my claim to minimalism was fiction. Granted, I had just downsized from a 3-bedroom house that included an attached garage, laundry room, outdoor shed, and a 3-season porch to a 1-bedroom apartment with a nook. I had already gotten rid of a considerable number of items in preparation for the move. Yet, this was a wake up call. That house had a ridicu

All Campgrounds in Maplewood State Park - Pelican Rapids, MN

Danielle Lindblom

Apr 17, 2017
3 min

All Campgrounds in Maplewood State Park - Pelican Rapids, MN

All Campgrounds Maplewood State Park Location: Pelican Rapids, MN Management: Minnesota State Parks & Trails Size: 71 drive-in sites, 32 electric sites, 3 backpack sites Cost: $17 for non-electric sites Environment: Glacial morain. Hardwood forests, Birch trees. Numerous lakes. Cell Phone Reception: Good Privacy: Varies by campground. Details below. Dog Rules: Dogs on Leash, 6 foot maximum length of leash Amenities: Varies by campground. Details below. Trails Nearby: 27 mile

A Different Kind of Monday: That One Time I Got Laid Off

Danielle Lindblom

Mar 13, 2017
4 min

A Different Kind of Monday: That One Time I Got Laid Off

Today, the sun is shining, the birds are chirping, the dogs are ready to play, and I'm writing this blog. It is Monday. And I am not employed. But you know what else? I'm happy! Last Tuesday, I was let go from my then-day job in corporate America. I had meant to blog about it last week, but then it started to sink in. It's taken me almost a full week to just absorb the news and attempt to process everything. Today is the first day that I've woken up positive and happy and loo

Minneapolis to Duluth: 3 Adventures on I-35

Danielle Lindblom

Mar 9, 2017
6 min

Minneapolis to Duluth: 3 Adventures on I-35

On a sunny but windy Saturday in late February, I put the dogs in the car and we hit the road for a mini-adventure. A day trip up highway 35 from Minneapolis to Duluth with three well-researched stops planned out: Banning State Park, Jay Cooke State Park, and Park Point Duluth. Most of my research came from these books: Hiking Minnesota and Camping the North Shore. In the back of my mind, I was prepared to do car camping -- and by that I mean actually camping in one's car --

I Lichens Banning State Park. I Lichens It A Lot. Sandstone, MN

Danielle Lindblom

Mar 3, 2017
4 min

I Lichens Banning State Park. I Lichens It A Lot. Sandstone, MN

Banning State Park Location: Sandstone, MN (right off I-35) Management: Minnesota State Parks and Trails Trail: Skunk Cabbage Trail Duration: 1.5 hours Trail Surface: Natural Surface - Dirt Trails Environment: Birch forest, Kettle River, rapids Degree of Difficulty: Moderate Cell Phone Reception: Good Parking: Plentiful, no charge. Winter parking at Picnic Area. Dog Rules: Dogs on Leash, 6 foot maximum Recommended Gear: Waterproof boots when hiking in early winter and early s

The Adventure Dog Gal - 4 Months of Learning & Evolving

Danielle Lindblom

Jan 23, 2017
5 min

The Adventure Dog Gal - 4 Months of Learning & Evolving

Yeah, I'm the crazy lady in the photo above. Danielle by name. You might not know it, but 4 months ago this blog was only a thought on the back burner, barely an idea. Part of me can't believe it's been four months because it seems at once like it was yesterday and again like it's been ages. SO MUCH has changed and yet some things have remained constant. I want to share my journey with you. Maybe you'll find it inspiring and you'll be motivated to chase your dreams too! What'

10 Tips for Adventuring on a Budget (with your dog!)

Danielle Lindblom

Jan 21, 2017
4 min

10 Tips for Adventuring on a Budget (with your dog!)

For the most part, adventuring in nature is FREE! You can find open air, green grass, and hiking trails almost anywhere. Yet, there seem to be a lot of accessories and extras and bonuses that make adventuring, especially travel, cost more than a pretty penny. I'm a minimalist and also nearly debt-free; I have not used credit cards in two years and pay for everything with real money and savings. Suffice it to say, I'm pretty mindful about where I spend my money. I've put toget

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