Kamie Outdoors

08/24/2025

2 Day/One Night Kayak Camping Adventure on the AuSable River
Details
Shuttle Service: Rainbow Resort
Cost: $25/kayak
Launch Site: Burtons Landing
Camp: Rainbow Bend Campground Site #12
Cost:$20/site first-come
Campground had paddler only sites on the river.
The launch is above the water ledge. Kinda tricky with the current.
Day One Miles/hours: 16/5
Got to camp around 3:30/4pm. Camp filled up quickly as the day went! Lots of paddlers!
Day Two:
Launched at 8am
Paddled 19 miles/4h45m
Ended at Rainbow Resort Launch. Wildlife spotted: Eagle,Osprey, Blue Heron, Shark
Gear:
Eddyline Skylark Kayak
Onyx Movement PFD
Aquabound Paddle
Eureka!1 person tent
Big Agnes Campmeister Pad
Nemo 30 sleeping bag
Therm-a-Rest Pillow(new and game changer!)
Pocket Juice Charger
Pocket Rocket Stove
My impression of the Au Sable
This section was pleasantly wild and quiet. Houses along the river, but so much wilderness in between! I wasn’t expecting that. The river was shallow and rocky at the beginning g and most of that first stretch. Down from the campground, it widened, and deepened. The water is so clear! And chilly. It felt good to cool off in!
One observed fact:
At camp, out of about 35 paddlers there, Benita and I were the only women. Need to get more women on the water paddling and camping. It’s one of my most loved, and enjoyed adventures in the summer.
If you’re interested in kayak camping, message me!

08/22/2025

Tomorrow I embark on another adventure. I can’t believe this will be my first kayak camping get away for 2025! Where does summer go so fast? Kayaking is my ultimate favorite summer activity, actually all 4 seasons if I can manage it, but summer offers the opportunity for swimming and floating on hot summer days, and wading in sweet creeks that feed into the river
Tomorrow’s kayak will be on a river I’ve never paddled before, the AuSable.
I’m sure to enjoy beauty and peacefulness, that I will most certainly share with you when I get back.
And! I read that there is a Black Moon event this weekend! Bonus!

08/19/2025

Lately, my running has felt a little “off”. My feet, knees and legs were feeling a bit more than should. So, I looked at my shoe miles, almost 300 miles. Okay. Not that big of a deal. But when I looked at when I purchased them!! Fall of 2023! Yikes! Shoes not only have mile limits, but aging breakdowns affect them as well.
I am an advocate of sticking with shoes that work for you. If it’s not broke, don’t fix it. I have been a Brooks girl for probably 20 years. No issues. When I transitioned to trail running, I stuck with Brooks, trying their trail runners for my foot type; Cascadia. These are the newest to the line-up, now called mountain trail runners.
I love the color scheme! And that tread!🤩
Came today, just in time for my next long run.
half marathon in September 🙌🏽

08/18/2025

Every summer I set a couple of goals for myself, and completing at least one long-distance kayak trip is on that list. This past weekend I was able to check that box! I launched from Baxter Bridge at 11:30 am, and paddled into Rotary Park in Mesick seven hours later. This is one of my favorite sections of the Manistee for many reasons: high hills brimming with trees, lush flora, wildflowers, and cedars flanking the banks, multiple spots to swim and cool off, and generally fewer people. This past week, I feel, was the peak of summer green before the season flows into fall, and I was immersed in it. Along the way, I saw lots of wildlife: an Eagle, Blue Heron, turtles, and various species of ducks. I also had a funny sight that you’ll have to watch to see 😉. Now, I am eagerly looking forward to paddling during the transition to fall, with each week bringing more and more color. I’ll be sure to share those with you!

I always set a couple summer goals, and completing a long kayak is one of them. I finally had the opportunity to get it done! And, what a great time to do it...

08/18/2025

I just reached my 600th subscriber. 🥳
When I began this channel, I didn’t think I’d get 100. The biggest accomplishment for me, however, are the comments I get about how my content inspires and motivates. I know personally, that channels I watch of other women adventuring, exploring, and creating, has been monumental in my progression. There are three distinct women that ignited different sparks:
1. Girl in the Woodz, Brooke Whipple
Watching her build, create and explore, made me remeber how strong physically I am. And sparked a desire to build something, which I am currently doing!! Stay tuned!
2. Angela Joy Adventures
She sparked the belief that I CAN do solo, after watching her explore the UP beauty alone. I remember thinking “if she can, and be so relaxed, and confident, I surely can too”
3. Mikhaila Lynn
A young solo adventurer. Her first YouTube video she states, “I don’t know what I’m doing, but I’m just going to do it” (regarding her creating a YouTube channel about her adventures) I thought, yes!! So can I!

These women have MANY more subs than I do, which used to evoke feelings of negative self doubts, but as I continue, and read comments on my content, they have dissipated, and I realize that my goals aren’t numbers, it’ connections, and if the numbers increase, bonus! Regardless, I will continue, because it’s my journey❤️

Your stories, your dreams, your goals. They matter. Reach for them!!! Share them!!!

08/15/2025

Spending time outdoors always presents highlights. This day was full of color and bonus sights.
I was immersed in golden ferns during my training run on the trail, along with a surprised snake as I ran past, at home my plant was alive with the buzzing of bees, and my granddaughter had a friend tag along during her kayak. Nature 🤎 🌿

08/13/2025

First paddle! Passing down my love of kayaking🩵

08/10/2025

Foundation. That’s key. I built a foundation to get to this point. I explain in my “Field Notes” at the end of the video.

Now, to begin planning my next solo!

My first solo bikepacking adventure is in the books, and I want to share the weekend with you. Route: Fred Meijer White Pine TrailStart: Ashton, Mi. End: How...

08/03/2025

This weekend I am venturing out on my first ever solo bikepacking. It is a stepping stone towards my goal of more solo adventures. Although I thoroughly enjoy the companionship of my friends, there’s something freeing, and empowering, being solo. Stay tuned for content about it.

07/28/2025

My latest bikepacking adventure is up and ready to view! With this video I tried to capture more of the personal side of the ride; more conversations and laughter.
If you are interested in bikepacking, and don’t know where to start, here are a few of my suggestions:
1. Visit a bike shop that supports bikepacking and has staff that are experienced BP’rs to assist you with bike selection and bag selections.
2. Reach out to a friend that already enjoys bikepacking and get some personal mentorship
3. Think small. Short distances. Short time commitment. Easy to follow routes, such as bike rail trails. Heck, bike to your local campground for an experience!
4. Attend a workshop if available.

Maybe there’s a group near you that you could meet up with.

How I started:
My first bike pack adventure was with a friend that I met at a camp, who had years of experience. We set a route I was familiar with near my hometown, and kept it to 3 days and two nights, with shorter miles.
I reached out to a friend that managed our local bike shop that was experienced, and he guided me with bag selection, and packing ideas. I also attended a workshop that winter and got some guidance on packing, and rode a loaded bike for distance, for the first time. In snow. That was quite a jump right into it!

With each adventure I learn more; figure out different ways to pack, what I really need, and what I really want. I gain confidence, and my joy of it deepens. I have my first ever solo bikepacking trip planned soon. And although I can bike long miles and ride a variety of terrain, I will keep this short, a stepping stone. My goal? To gain confidence to go solo. Although I really enjoy company, and have a great bikepacking friend, I also want to gain the freedom of being able to head out when I can on my own schedule.

Having raced the Coast to Coast Gravel Grinder a few times, I knew what a fun bikepacking this would be. So when Sharon asked if I would be interested, I qui...

07/28/2025

The Divide never disappoints. This race is my favorite gravel bike ever, and 2025 marks my 11th year racing it. The Divide Gravel Road Race is part of a Michigan Gravel Race series, and hands participants a good dose of elevation, actually the most elevation in the series!
The Divide has many well known facts:
1. The elevation
2. The course markings is above the mark, and if you got lost on this course, you def were day dreaming
3. Sandy sections. Although this year had a new route, that bypassed the worst of it. But hey! It’s Northern Michigan. Sand is a thing.
4. The weather. From the very beginnings, this race has been famous for sunny skies, light winds, temps in the 80’s+, and high humidity. (Probably not an ideal marketing promo here)
5. And superb race support.

This race is a fundraising event for the Manton Cross Country and Track teams!!

If you like gravel, don’t shy away from a challenge, and want to support youth, mark your calendars for the last Sunday in July, 2026.