Michael Nowak 4/2/20 Michael Nowak 4/2/20

Stay-At-Home, Week 3 Check-In

I’ve got road trips on my brain, again.
Do they ever leave my brain?

I’m longing for one of those GOOD road trips that involve little planning and maximum adventure. Back in the day my buddies and I would get in the car and plot out some stops and fill in the rest as we went. We made minimal hotel reservations, didn’t know when or where we’d stop to eat, and didn’t much care.

Read about the four trips I did with some best friends as I transitioned from college to real life.

Memorable trips more recently include drives back to Michigan, trips to Missouri, long hauls to the Redwoods and Oregon, and shorter ones to places like Big Bend or New Mexico. I have the Redwoods on the brain today, but who knows where I’ll be tomorrow? Daydreaming is getting me through this time of quarantine.

My Top 5 States (in no particular order)

Washington
Michigan
Oregon
New Mexico
Minnesota

Some honorable mentions are Alaska, Utah, Colorado, Arizona, California, and Nevada. I have yet to truly dive in to Wyoming, Montana, and the Dakotas. I haven’t done much out east, either, and it shows. I am not opposed to the east side, I just love what I find in the west. I think my top five list is based on accessibility - it’s easy to explore in those places, or I have connections. We have family in Alaska, so if it were a top six it would be on there. Alaska is expensive to get to and expensive to navigate if you want to get off the beaten path. The west is best.

I’m so excited that two of the trips I have planned for late summer/fall are to Washington. Some friends and I are going to camp on the beach in Olympic National Park, hike through the forests of Rainier, and anything and everything in between. Then, I get to go back a month later to run my first 10K up a mountain in the same area! Have I mentioned I love Washington?

Travel is clearly my escape. I know it’s a privilege, and it can seem very annoying to whine about canceling trips. I posted a similar statement on Twitter, only to be refreshed at the responses. I hadn’t thought that people, like myself, prioritize trips in their lives over other things and events. I forgot that trips to nature are the literal escape our brains need sometimes and it’s okay to miss it or to have feelings about it overall.

We’ll all get to travel again, when we get a handle on this virus. One way or another, the world still spins madly on. Enjoy some photos from my favorite states.

Michael Nowak 3/29/20 Michael Nowak 3/29/20

Stay-At-Home, Week 1 & 2 Check-In

I’m writing to calm my brain. I’m going to start writing little blurbs every week to check in, document what’s going on, and put some shit out there for the world if they need a distraction. Currently, I’m on week two of working from home and the first week of “shelter in place” mandated by the county in which I live.

My days are honestly wonderful…

Get up, run if it’s a run day, make breakfast, and watch some nonsense, check some emails
Go to my “home office” and start actual work, beyond communications
Take a break to go for a walk, then have some lunch
Go back to work until dinner time
Make dinner, maybe do some work or email stuff
Watch some nonsense, read something not for work, and/or work on Campfire Stories.

I’m going to check my privilege here, because I know I’m pretty damn lucky. I work for a company that has allowed us to work from home and receive normal pay. My job can be done at home easily, even though some things are just better in person, and I’m grateful for the flexible productivity. I am having an awful time focusing - not going to lie about that. Oh well, I’m getting work done on my own schedule and that’s all that matters. Thank you, company, for letting me work from home and allowing me to continue to support local businesses and friends who need it.

In between work, exercise, and doing absolutely nothing, I’ve been looking through old photos. I’m working on re-mapping my old trips in Google Maps because Microsoft Streets and Trips is obsolete and my files don’t work. Talk about Throwback Thursdays. I’m going to share a few of those photos here and when I get some maps done, I’ll probably share those in a post for Campfire Stories next month.

Today I’m dreaming of being at the family cottage in the warm summer sun. The cottage is situated up on an inland lake on the northeast side of Michigan’s lower peninsula. When I first heard we were going to have to isolate, I immediately though of packing up our lives and moving to the cottage until this blew over - but things didn’t happen the way I had hoped.

With my grandmother aging, and the dementia taking hold, the family cottage is never going to be the same. We have uncertainty about of what new memories will be made there, but the old ones will never be erased. The cottage will always be a place, as long as we own it, for family gatherings and good times. I’m going to share some of my favorite photos from time spent there to lift my own spirits and encourage others to stroll down memory lane.

Michael Nowak 12/31/19 Michael Nowak 12/31/19

Minnesota - One of My Happy Places

I typically get to Minnesota every year at least once. You know those friends who become family? Well, I’m fortunate to have those in Duluth, MN. My best bud, who went on all of the road trips with me, has family and a cabin up there which allows for awesome escapes.

Enjoy a little recap of 2019 in Minnesota.

Early February

This trip required a flight into the tundra known as Minneapolis The flight was delayed and so was our arrival to the Land of 10,000 lakes. We rented a Chevy Silverado, because we needed 4-wheel drive anyway, and headed up to Duluth. We didn’t get in until late, didn’t get up to Duluth til very late, and probably had more of a nap than a sleep. After coffee and packing up, we headed up to McFarland. We always stop at the Gun Flint Tavern in Grand Marais, MN. If you don’t stop there, does a trip to the cabin even count? They have great brews on tap and excellent food and are busy all year, so plan ahead if you stop by. From the tavern, it’s a short walk to the municipal liquor store and co-op if you need supplies.

Once to the lake, winter trips to the cabin require snowshoeing across then up the hill to the cabin. This year was eventful, to say the least. To start, there was a lot of snow and it was very cold - all good things for going across a frozen lake in the winter. Apparently, though, there was some slush under the upper crust of snowy ice creating a slushy lake on top of the actual ice, which was very thick. My snowshoe went through the upper crust, into the slushy lake on a lake, and slipped off my boat and floated away. I was worried I was going through the actual ice and entering a true emergency situation, but when my knee slammed down on the ice, I knew figured I was pretty safe. I worked to get out of the situation, but it was not easy as I broke through in every direction. Eventually, with a little help from Kevin, I got to the surface and freed myself from my lonely snowshoe. The snow on top of the lake wasn’t too bad, so a pair of snowshoes was only an added convenience. Bitter cold, wet, and frustrated, I made my way to the forested lakeside and up to the cabin.

A fire was built, frozen clothes stripped away, and dry clothes put on. Consumption of beer was immediate but warming of the cabin took what felt like centuries. Eventually dinner was had, more drinks were had, and laughter ensued about the incident earlier in the day. We made it before darkness, which was pretty early, and that’s all that mattered.

After a couple of days secluded from the world, we had to head back to reality. The trek back across the lake was only mildly annoying and there were no more issues. Back in Duluth, we had an evening to rest before driving back to Minneapolis to catch a plane. Of course we needed a good dinner and some beer, so we ran to Wisconsin to get the lowest legal beer prices around. It’s the little things - snow, seclusion, friends who became family, and low legal beer prices.

Late August

There is nothing quite like a whole week off the grid. My job became overly stressful and I was looking forward to five days without notifications, emails, or contact of any kind. Kevin and I decided we were going to drive up to Duluth, then the cabin, for this visit. We wanted to bring Chewy to the cabin to experience true freedom, so driving was the only way!

It started off in a typical fashion of hanging out with the family and stocking up in Wisconsin with the lowest legal beer prices. We made our way up the North Shore with our usual stop in Grand Marais at the Gun Flint Tavern, Municipal Liquor, and grocery store. It was a sunny day with blue skies, mild temps, and plenty of fresh air. The road to the lake was dusty, as usual, and we had to stop at the usual overlook for a quick break. We arrived at the boat launch, unloaded the boat, loaded the boat with supplies, and began our journey across the lake. As we approached the dock at the cabin property, we noticed it looked a little funny. Upon closer inspection, it appears part of the dock was washed away making transferring supplies a little more difficult than usual. I misjudged the balance of the dock without decking and tipped the whole damn thing and landed in the water. Brisk is one word to describe the water when one is used to Texas temperatures.

We made a classic mistake by drinking too much beer the first night. It was a pretty quiet couple of days in the beginning as we nursed hangovers in our 30s and laid low for a while. I explored the woods around the cabin a little and eventually we made it over to the Border Route Trail to do some hiking. The weather was mostly good, cool, sunny. A major project we had to do while up was to reinstall the composting toilet and it was accomplished in a day. Nights were spent by the fire, making food and having beers while Chewy the dog begged/listened to the woods. At one point, we swear we heard a moose trudging through trees in the distance, but it can’t be confirmed with a visual.

Eventually, we had leave the cabin and all of the beauty of living off the grid. We packed out the trash and closed everything up and made our way across the lake. We spent one last evening in Duluth, with a little outing to Canal Park Brewing Company. It was a cool, windy evening on Lake Superior, but the beers and food were great. Since we drove this time, we could take it a little easier as we headed south so we made a stop for lunch at Bent Paddle Brewing Co in one of my favorite parts of Duluth. There was a pizza food truck and plenty of beers to choose from, so it was what some would call an extended lunch. We met a fun bartender, who actually lived in Michigan before, which just added to my instant love for the brewery and brewpub atmosphere. It’s always hard leaving Duluth for me because it’s somewhere I feel home and could see myself living out the rest of my life. It was Saturday afternoon and we made it back by Sunday morning which gave me a quick turnaround for work on Monday.

What a trip this was, living off the grid and reconnecting with Minnesota. So many great sunrises, sunsets, and moments in between. I look forward to 2020 visits to Minnesota, sprinkled between other adventures along the way.

Michael Nowak 10/17/19 Michael Nowak 10/17/19

Finding A Way

If I could find a way

To fix all of the mistakes I’ve made

To redirect my life

To feel alive again

To pay off the debts I owe

To learn the things I want to know

To love me even more

I would.

If I could find a way, I’d be less of a zombie

If I could find the strength, I’d be more alive

If I could find a way, I’d be more me.

But I haven’t found a way

And I can’t figure it out

And I feel helpless, hopeless, and completely lost

And I’m not ready for life to suck so it can be better

I’m not ready to be stuck at home

Or without freedom

Because work already does that for 9 hours a day or more

And I need to escape

And I want to show him the world

And I want to see the world too.

I wish I could find the strength

I wish I could find my motivation

I wish I wasn’t so bad at life

I wish I wasn’t so self-destructive

I wish I wish I wish.

If I liked my job

I’d be okay not needing escape

And If I liked my work

I’d like my job

If I had accepted that job for less money

Would I be happier?

Would I be on a career path I’m proud of?

What if?

No one ever really knows.

Michael Nowak 9/5/19 Michael Nowak 9/5/19

Keep Living.

Keep Living

I’m not a competitive person.

But, I’m in competition with myself.

You reaching your goals motivates me.

But, you reaching your goals is your achievement.

You reaching your goals doesn’t make me want to reach your goals.

I love myself.

I love my body.

I love what I can do.

I love what I’m capable of.

I love being lazy.

I love being active.

Some days, I just can’t.

Some days, I just can’t try.

Some days, I just don’t want to.

Some days, I do.

Some days, I’m motivated.

Some days I fucking crush it.

I want to run.

I want to hike.

I want to ride.

I want it to be fall.

I want to be fit.

I want, I want, I want.

I need to try.

I need to be fit.

I need to try to be fit.

I need to try to be more fit.

I need to be good to myself.

I need to stop being self-destructive.

I need to keep living.

I need to live.

I need to live well.

Michael Nowak 7/4/19 Michael Nowak 7/4/19

My Hiatus from Texas

On June 14 I started my drive to Michigan after work and a nap. I had the opportunity to work remotely, from my family’s house, way up north. The whole experience was set up so I could visit my grandmother and other family as much as possible for two weeks during a pleasant time of year in Michigan.

As the two week window came to a close, I learned that working remotely is quite possibly the best thing ever. I managed to stay busy and spend so much time with my family all in the same day, what a dream. I was able to exercise before and after work daily, kayak often, have lunch with best friends, and take long walks on the weekends. It is safe to say that I am not enjoying my home atmosphere nearly as much as the Michigan one. I am back to the grind - commuting, avoiding the outdoors due to heat and concrete, and wishing I was somewhere cooler.

Currently, it is a “real feel” temperature near 100 and too hot to ethically walk my dog on the expansive concrete around us. I’m looking through the photos from my time up north and thought I’d share some highlights to keep the spirit alive. I’ll be back for a visit, Michigan, sometime this year again.

Some sunrises…

And, some sunsets…

But, also, these…

Michael Nowak 4/12/19 Michael Nowak 4/12/19

Gear Forward - Operation Outfit the Scouts

Gear Forward is a wonderful organization that raises money and collects gear (new and used) for kids across the country. Right now, they’re looking to raise money over on their Facebook page for two scout troops that need some stuff. If you can, head over there and throw ‘em so dough. If you can’t donate, but want to help, share their Facebook posts and spread the word! Thank you!

Link to Facebook Fundraiser

Link to Gear Forward’s website - can also donate through the website if Facebook isn’t your thing

Link to Gear Forward’s Facebook page

From the Gear Forward Fundraiser description:

“Troops 1695 and 695 in Uniontown, PA support 20 young boys, and girls who love being outdoors. However, the Troops presently don't own any of their own gear to support the youths desire to go camping on a regular basis.

The Troops have facilitated programming and camping by borrowing camping gear and supplies from friends, family, and neighbors. Gear Forward is committed to outfitting the next generation of adventurers... but we need your help to do it.

Gear Forward will be supplying over $2,000 in tents to the two Troops (one boy and one girl troop) in addition Gear Forward will be making a purchase of brand new sleeping bags to assist those youths with a gear deficiency. The funds generated by this fundraiser will assist Gear Forward in the purchase of the camping gear and the shipment of the tents to Pennslyvania in time for the Troops next spring campout. In total the Troops will be receiving over $3,000 in outdoor camping gear from Gear Forward.

Remember... every donation helps! Help us get and keep these kids outdoors!“

Michael Nowak 12/30/18 Michael Nowak 12/30/18

Year in Review - 2018 was a little weird.

I found this prompt, maybe from Cait Flanders, maybe from somewhere else? I have no idea at this point because I saved it so long ago. Either way, 2018 was not exactly what I had hoped. It started strong, and had a lot of highlights, but ultimately I’m glad to usher in 2019. I’m ready for a new Outdoor Society calendar and ready for the “clean slate” that is a new year.

1. What makes this year unforgettable?

Visiting Mount Rainier National Park and seeing the mountain from many different angles and times of day
Getting a new job
Losing a grandparent. It was a weird whirlwind, all over again. Never gets any easier.
Visiting Alaska for Christmas into the new year
Visiting Washington’s Olympic Peninsula twice and getting to experience the difference in seasons
Meeting a few outdoor people I admire and respect so much

2. What did you enjoy doing this year?

The 31/52 hikes I did get done
Visiting Tahquamenon Falls
Being able to travel around the country and see the natural beauty
Our annual trek to New Mexico for camping and hiking in the Santa Fe natural forest
My annual BFF trip to Utah
Spending downtime at home with my other half, our Texas friends and family, and our pets
Family moments that were calm

3. What/who is the one thing/person you’re grateful for?

I’m grateful for travel. Travel is the one thing I can do with my other half, family, friends, and all of the outdoor people I am thankful for.

4. What’s your biggest win this year?

Getting a new job that is seemingly better for me as a whole. A job where I work on a team of people my own age and do work I enjoy. A job that is setting me up for the future in ways beyond money, setting up a career, and pushing me forward. I don't mind getting up for work these days.

5. What did you read/watch/listen to that made the most impact this year?

The Year of Less by Cait Flanders was one of the most inspirational pieces of literature I’d had in my hands in a while. This book goes beyond financial advice and offers so much varied life advice. If you're looking for something uplifting and real, look no further.
Love Simon - I know it may seem cheesy, but the movie made me feel like a teenager all over again and feel all those misguided feelings of being closeted and hiding. It reminded me that those feelings don’t just go away. It was a cute movie that made me feel powerful things.
Said the Whale released an album in 2017, but it carried on with me in 2018 along with their new singles this year. This band makes music that makes me feel things to my core. I get emotional while listening, but not in an annoying way. I sing along, I bop along, but almost always feeling SOMETHING when I listen. Great band.

6. What did you worry about most and how did it turn out?

I always worry about money. I've worried about money since I was a kid, but still don't know how to manage it well. I got a new job and I have a budget, but I still spent more than I brought in and that's the ongoing battle. December was a better month, and January should continue the trend as I've adjusted the daily and monthly goals to help.

7. What was your biggest regret and why?

Not completing my 52 Hike Challenge 2018. I feel like an absolute failure in some regards, yet part of me is says “better luck in 2019.” I hiked as much as I wanted to, or could, and that is something. I could have tried harder, could have battled the heat, could have found trails unaffected by the Texas rain, but I didn’t. I had 31 GOOD hikes and that’s what I need to focus on. I will complete 2019, mark my words.

8. What’s one thing that you changed about yourself?

My outlook on life has changed. My motives for doing things has changed. I’m focused on experiences and memories. I want to see everything, do as much as possible, and live life as much as I can before my end. More action, less contemplating.

9. What surprised you the most this year?

How much I loved solo trips. I knew I would like them, but hot damn do I love them. I love traveling and sharing memories, but solo trips are AHHHHHMAZING.
How terrible I am at making real life outdoor friends. My fear of rejection and my own self doubt really held me back in 2018.

10. If you could go back to last January 1, what suggestions would you give your past self?

FINISH your hikes.
Don’t get dragged into your darkness.
Don’t give up on those fitness and food goals by March!
Eat more balanced
Be nicer to people
Stop whining about doing things
Plan ahead and get annoying chores and tasks done during the week
Go out and meet people. I'm good enough and people will not just reject me…

Michael Nowak 11/27/18 Michael Nowak 11/27/18

Tuesday Thoughts

I’ve been in a funk. Not a “hide in a dark room” kind of funk, but in one nonetheless. I’ve been buying useless shit to feel joy instead of doing things to bring me joy. I’ve been avoiding the outdoors and finding any excuse to stay in bed all morning instead of soaking up the good weather. I recently suffered from a stomach bug, which brought all of this up to the surface.

I had to spend 3-4 days in bed and resting to realize things aren’t great in my head. I’ve had no urge to do anything, haven’t felt good about my body, and certainly haven’t felt productive. My weekly blogs have suffered, but I’ve lacked creativity anyway. I feel this year has been a series of these bad spells, worse than many of the years before. Thinking back, it’s pronab much like 2005 which was easily one of the worst years on memory. When I think about, 2014 wasn’t great either because years like 2006 and 2015 exist where I look back and seem like I was living out of body and out of sorts. It was kind of a depression hangover fueled by selfishness and crazy decisions about life. So many parallels between those years. I am much more level headed these days, so hopefully the rebound is more level also. I’m hopeful I’ll rebound into nature and good choices again.

I am working on a plan to “get to my happy place” over the next few days. I need to exercise, for both physical and mental health. I need to eat a little better, so my clothes fit again. I need to stop spending and work out a strict budget. I need to figure out 2019 and what we have to save and prioritize for thought the year. I have a lot to figure out, but I know building a routine will help my brain and I look forward to regular, thoughtful posts.

Michael Nowak 10/9/18 Michael Nowak 10/9/18

Who cares what might have been?

I try not to dwell on what might have been had I done something differently in my life. BUT, there is one decision I wonder about and it takes over my brain from time to time. If I had taken the city planning/code enforcement job with the City of Westworth Village (on the west side of Fort Worth) instead of the control room operator job at Quicksilver Resources, where would I be? Quicksilver paid better, a ton better, and it was an obvious choice from a financial standpoint. I was just starting to come out of my dark hole of financial depression - I had been paying my bills in full, and on time, for the first time in MONTHS. I was starting to know what it felt like to be an adult, despite having to borrow my aunt’s car to go to the job interview because mine didn’t have air conditioning. I felt Quicksilver was the responsible choice, and I don’t think I was wrong about that, in the end.

I accepted a job, in the oil & gas industry, and essentially felt I had backed myself into a corner career wise. There are a lot of energy jobs in Texas and nationwide, but I wasn’t learning skills that would make me valuable to many companies. I sat in a control room, a data center with 12 screens, and monitored natural gas production for three years. I finally found a way out and ended up in the environmental department to learn new skills. I started to learn about environmental remediation, permitting, and plenty of other marketable skills but was laid off within about 15 months because the company had failed and filed bankruptcy. I ended up back in a control center, for another failing company, as a contract employee on a non-permanent basis. I jumped at my current role, another environmental job, but have been there for two years and haven’t had many opportunities to learn new things or see any room for advancement. I don’t hate the work, but I don’t love it either. It’s pretty normal, from the sounds of it to feel that way about work. Who knows?

I wonder what I could be doing if I had accepted the planning job, for less money. Would I be happier, more fulfilled? Would I have a solid foundation for a career in city planning? Would I be struggling with my bills the same way I am now, or worse?

Things that wouldn’t have gone away: my habits. I have bad habits when it comes to spending and saving. I don’t think any amount of money, short of six figures, would solve that problem. I feel if I had taken the road through city planning, I’d be below my current and previous pay grades, which were higher, but maybe I’d feel more challenged and have more room for growth? I don’t know, like I said, I try not to waste too much time on the whole concept.

I do know one thing going forward, I’m not going to solely follow the money - unless it’s a LOT of money. I’d like to learn new skills, get into a career that offers room to grow and challenges me along the way. I’d love to work with a city, county, or state government. Only time will tell what happens with my current job, but I know if I don’t make the positive changes it’s going to continue to just be okay enough to stay.

Instead of going over the scenarios and wondering how my life could have been different, I will focus on the HERE AND NOW. I will try to find ways to improve my current life, career path, and mindset. Instead of wasting brain power on the “what if” thoughts, I’m going to harness it into “if this, than that.” I’m not always successful at getting out of my own head, especially when I’m having a bad day, but I have worked hard to be mindful about this topic and I plan to work hard to carve the path I want instead of what I “backed myself into” or “what the industry says I should do.”

Michael Nowak 9/6/18 Michael Nowak 9/6/18

Time Can Stand Still

I moved away so quickly in 2011, I don't think it hit until 2015. Seriously, I was away and working and trying to build a life and all of the sudden I just missed Michigan so much. It's now an overwhelming feeling I deal with on a daily basis. Being there for a few days recently was really nice, but really had me emotional on my four hour drive back to the Detroit Airport.

I'm not in a place, financially or career wise, to relocate, but something is really making feel that I will be or that I need to get back. Maybe it's the recent death of my grandfather, maybe it's my aging grandmother, maybe it's the rest of the family, or maybe it's the scenery? I don't know. I do know that I miss it more and more as I get older and even more as I visit so infrequently.

During my most recent trip, my grandmother and I took a little walk as we did many times for years before. In those moments, the brief 15 minutes, time stood still. I felt like a kid again, I felt as though I had never left the state, and I felt at peace. Reality came back, and I realized I was leaving the next day and had to say goodbye to her and everyone else.

I don't know when I'll get to go back in a more permanent capacity, but I do know I'm looking forward to another visit around Thanksgiving, even if it's only a day or two. I can't wait to drive up there and see everyone again. The trips and interactions don't always go as planned, but they usually contain more positive than negative energy.

I made the most of my three full days there including checking out our local apple orchard for hard cider and donuts, spending time with the family, and enjoying the little moments surrounded by nature.

Michael Nowak 7/24/18 Michael Nowak 7/24/18

2017 Subaru Outback - 1 Year Celebration!

July 7, 2018 marked the first year of life with Oliver the Outback. It’s been a beautiful year, filled with commutes and adventures, and I am beyond happy that I chose Subaru. At the one year mark, I had over 28,000 miles on the odometer and countless hours of rocking out to my jams. (Check out my 6-month update here)

Features I (still) Love

Climate Control - The system has me cooled off before I leave the parking garage, it's fantastic and stays strong as the sun beats in on my hour long commute home. Good cooling goes a long way during Texas summers.
Entertainment - My music has never sounded so good, and I've always had upgraded sound systems in my cars. I love the steering wheel controls and the Bluetooth connects swiftly every time.
Visibility - Driving through traffic can be hazardous, but I have great lines of sight in the Outback that pair nicely with the safety features to ensure I get home in one piece.
Safety - EyeSight has saved me more than once, both in alert and automatic braking, as well has eased commutes with adaptive cruise control for the less congested areas.
Interior Design - Controls, handles, and storage are logically laid out and my RTIC tumbler fits perfectly in the cupholder
Gas Mileage - With a large tank, long range, and excellent highway mileage, the Outback is designed for road trips. Added bonus, I only have to fill up once per week for commutes. Total win.

The Places We Went

To Work - as boring as it may seem, I need to get there to make money to take adventures so I'm glad I don't have to worry about anything because Oliver the Outback is takin' care of business.
52 Hikes With Mike - While I've had to fly and rent cars for a few hikes, I've taken Oliver to places both near and far to get a good hike in. I love the custom rubber tray in the back because it contains the mess from my sweaty pack and dirty hiking boots.
Michigan - I'm from the mitten state, so in June of 2018 we drove on up to visit my family and it was a superb ride. We only had to stop a few times for gas, which made me happy. Oliver the Outback crossed the Mighty Mackinaw Bridge, got dusty on the Northern Michigan back roads, and took us safely 3145.1 miles.

Oh, the Places We Will Go!

Going forward, I have a few trips in the back of my mind that I want to take that Oliver the Outback will be perfect for. Once the weather cools, we'll hit up the campgrounds out west in Texas, and visit Big Bend. Until then, I plan to make an appearance in the Santa Fe National Forest and take a quick trip to the North Rim of the Grand Canyon. Here's to another year of safe commutes and amazing adventures!

Road trip with me, write with me, or just hike with me!

Michael Nowak 7/5/18 Michael Nowak 7/5/18

Special #ThrowbackThursday - Alaskan Adventure

A year ago my other half and I were probably napping after our flight back from Alaska. We spent about 10 days visiting with his family, exploring the land, and loving life. I can't wait to get back up there, so I'm sharing a few photos to relive the moments until then. Enjoy!

A quiet morning on Kenai Lake - Quartz Creek Campground

A view of Exit Glacier on the way up to get a closer look - Kenai Fjords National Park

Michael Nowak 4/26/18 Michael Nowak 4/26/18

#NationalParkWeek ...I missed #ParkChat

I was a little busy during this week's #ParkChat, so I'm taking the opportunity to answer the questions now to help explore the topic for myself. Feel free to read along or pass on this one, either way Happy National Park Week!

Q1: What is your favorite book about the national parks that we may not know about? Is there a book you love that features one of the amazing landscapes within our national parks?

A1: An interesting book that I read was Ranger Confidential by Andrea Lankford and it discussed the real life situations of being a park ranger at prominent National Park locations.

Q2: It’s #NationalParkWeek, let’s kick this off right by posting a picture of your favorite National Park! What makes this park particularly special for you?

A2: I could easily pick any park as my favorite, but the Redwoods are my special place. I've been here the most, would return in a second, and have so much more to see. This ecosystem is just completely fascinating, the height of the trees is remarkable, and the fact that the parks encompass a variety of areas is very nice. I've been four times, with each time being a slightly different experience. The more I learn, the more I yearn to return.

Q3: If tomorrow you could become the superintendent of any NPS unit, which one do you pick and why? #ParkChat

A3: Olympic National Park

Q4: What is the most unique or special souvenir that you have from a trip to the national parks? Share a picture if you have one!

A4: We collect magnets from special places – parks, points of interest, etc. I try to focus on memories and photos, but if we can we’ll snag a magnet.

Don't mind the delicious Oberon in the way, just know there is a fridge full of magnets behind it.

Q5: Let’s celebrate the partners that make the #NPS work so well. Who is your favorite NPS concessionaire, in terms of activities, transportation, food, or lodging? Tell us why you appreciate their role!

A5: I really enjoy the WNPA and NPCA as coordinating groups for their work in protecting and preserving our parks. I don’t know much about concessions, as I do not deal much with lodging or dining in parks, but these two organizations really stand out in my brain as immediate assets to the NPS.

Q6: Share a great budget saving tip for exploring #NPS units that we may not know about!

A6: Bring your own food or buy it from a grocery store on the way! Camp on BLM lands or state parks, and plan ahead to know exactly what it will take to enjoy the trip. Here are some of my favorite reference points from a well-traveled, budget friendly adventure guy.

http://justgetoutmore.com/camping-no-im-just-sleeping-at-a-campsite/
http://justgetoutmore.com/travel-camping-how-to-fly-and-camp-in-a-rental-car/
http://justgetoutmore.com/in-defense-of-traveling-fast/

Q7: National park #61 is coming soon! Who do you think will win the race to #61?

A7: I don’t feel the need to contribute to this topic, though I’ll say I’ve been to #60 back when it wasn’t #60 and I think it could have stayed that way. ¯\_(ツ)_/¯

Q8: What historical figure do you feel is currently left out of the National Park System? Who should have their own site, where, and why?

A8: I feel we need to honor those who lived these lands before us as.

Q9: We love camping, but we also love lodges and hotels! What’s the most interesting lodge or hotel you’ve stayed in on a parks trip? Have you stayed at a lodge or hotel that is on your parks bucket list?

A9: Grand Canyon North Rim lodge was very memorable.

Q10: Which park has the best or most awesome visitor center? What is remarkable about it—the exhibit? The staff? The setting? The connection to the community? Do tell…

A10: I loved the staff at the Hoh Rainforest recently – very helpful and friendly. I just love every visitor center because I learn so much.

Michael Nowak 2/12/18 Michael Nowak 2/12/18

#MondayMotivation - 2017 Was a Damn Good Year

Today is my aunt’s birthday, and I was looking back at photos to share in a Facebook post to celebrate her life. I went scrolling through the 2017 photos to rediscover that we had some fun nights, plenty of summer boat days, spirited holiday gatherings, and a nice hike at one of my favorite local spots. While scrolling through I got distracted, as I often do, by all of the hikes and all of the beautiful places I visited throughout the year and it led me to one conclusion: 2017 was a damn good year.

I embarked on the 52 Hike Challenge, not knowing what to expect. Looking back the results were all I could have hoped for.

I got out more, every week to be precise
I reconnected with nature
I met a ton of virtual support
I saw new things, beautiful things, some that were right in my own state
I started to get a better mental clarity
I didn’t really get in “better” shape, but I maintained a weight for most of the year and strengthened my legs
I spent valuable time with friends on the trail
It let me to find my passion - getting people outdoors - and I’m finally branching into that area of helping people get outdoors and finding that equality balance
It didn’t cost me a lot of money, well to actually get outside anyway
It kept me sane, grounded, and on schedule with other things in my life
It’s helped me get even more fired up for our public lands and all that we need to do to protect and fund them

I visited a few National Park units, plenty of local state parks, and some new local trails. I spent more time outdoors in 2017 than I had in the six years prior. I haven’t been this excited for life in a LONG time. I grew up with hundreds of acres at my disposal and I was always outside. As I aged into those teenage years, I found myself outside less but still not opposed to spending time in the woods or at the lake. In college, I camped and road tripped so the outdoors was back in play, a little. I eventually took a job a city park ranger and did some unrelated trail work for my major - wildlife management. A few trips here and there through the years had me camping in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, Arches National Park, and along the Loneliest Road in the USA. When I moved to Texas in 2011, the outdoors seemed to be on the back burner. I did a lot of boating and I did a few road trips between 2012 and 2017, but it wasn’t until the hiking challenge that my fire for the outdoors was reignited.

I can’t picture myself just sitting around all weekend ever again. Sure, I have moments when I’m just feeling lazy, but the desire to be camping or hiking always wins. Road trips west to the Oregon Coast, Redwood National & State Parks, New Mexico, Arizona, Utah, and western Texas over the past six years were the kindling and wood but the 52 Hike Challenge was the flame that set me on fire again. If you find yourself feeling a bit unsure, find something that will challenge you to be a better version of yourself. I’m not implying that everyone responds to challenges the same way, I’m just saying they work for a lot of people and maybe they’ll work for you. Set attainable goals, focus on things you love, and find your happy place(s). Surround yourself, in person or virtually, with people that support you and your goals. My year of motivation is something I’m looking back at and I can’t wait to push harder, explore further, and try a bunch of new things in 2018. Find your passion and own it. Happy trails!

Here are some of my highlights from 2017:

Michael Nowak 2/6/18 Michael Nowak 2/6/18

I'll always be a sunrise guy

“There’s nothing like being on a road trip, driving through the night, and seeing that first sliver of light ahead. As you travel further along, the sky opens up and you’re rejuvenated like the cycle of light you’re chasing.”

For years, I'd stay up all night and sleep through the sunrises not waking until the sun was at a high noon. It wasn't until back in college when we started doing road trips through the night that I started to appreciate the sunrise. I've always had trouble sleeping, so staying up all night was never a problem; I always went to bed as the moon began to set. Driving all night - be it around Lake Michigan for no reason at all, from Michigan to Seattle (a few nights), or anywhere else we went - allowed me to be awake for the sunrise.

I can remember back to sometime my sophomore year of college, or so, that we did a winter road trip circumnavigating Lake Michigan. We left Grand Rapids, MI and headed south towards Chicago and up through Milwaukee. The best part, on each occasion this trip happened, was Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Up there, I remember seeing the best sunrises. We did the trip three different years, but the first trip was when I realized I'd forever be a sunrise guy. Below are three photos of the frigid winter sunrise from Michigan's Upper Peninsula from the early 2000s.

In 2007 my buddies and I started doing these spring break road trips that allowed us to see as much as possible in the least amount of time. Between the three of us, no one had crossed the Mississippi as an adult nor had we experienced the Rocky Mountains (or any mountains) in person. This road trip involved many stops but I can still remember that moment when the sun would barely peek over the horizon. That sliver of a sunrise signaled a new day and regenerated me every time. I tried to find some photos from the various road trips, but most are blurry or through a dirty windshield. Take a road trip, drive through the night, and let me know how that first sliver of light makes you feel.

As the years went by, road trip sunrises quickly became one of my favorite things. If you catch a desert sunrise, road trip or not, it's probably going to be one of the best things you see. Another favorite sunrise of mine was in 2011 at the Grand Canyon North Rim in October, right before they closed for the season. This was not only my first Grand Canyon sunrise, it was my first time seeing the Grand Canyon in person. What a way to be introduced to the place - as it wakes up.

On my most recent trip, to Minnesota, I woke up just in time to see the sun rising over Lake Superior. Everyone was asleep, even the dog, so I quickly got dressed and crept outside to watch the sun come up. I walked from the house, through the pines, and ended on the beach. I could hear the ice moving, see the fog over the city behind me, and see a couple of dogs being walked down the way. It was an amazing moment in time, to stop and take it all in.

Sunrises may be my favorite, but don't think I wont whip out a camera or phone to capture the sunset just as often. Every beginning has an end and both are beautiful.

Michael Nowak 1/14/18 Michael Nowak 1/14/18

2017 Subaru Outback 6 Month Update

I have the 2.5i Limited in black with warm ivory interior named Oliver the Outback and it's been my favorite car to own to date. I've had a lot of hand me down cars, unreliable used cars, and a couple of newer cars more recently that have just not stood up to the miles I put on with commuting and adventures. This car is comfortable to ride in, offers good visibility, has almost 9 inches of ground clearance, and the sunroof I require for all of my cars. This is the year of adventures and Oliver the Outback will be front and center.

Things I love:

EyeSight Technology - The driver assist technology is something I was skeptical about in the beginning because I didn't know if the control freak in me would like it, but I've grown to love it. I don't use the lane keep assist tech very much, but I do use adaptive cruise control a lot and have really learned to appreciate it when flowing with traffic. The pre-collision braking has saved us from at least one wreck and it was heart stopping in the best way. I wasn't distracted, I just didn't judge for the proper stopping distance and that's when the car took over and we came to a dead stop just in time. The technology has really helped me be more aware of my surroundings and pay closer attention to my driving.
Cargo Space - I have a Ruffwear canvas seat cover for Chewy on the back seats which leaves room in the cargo area for all of the camping or road trip gear necessary. Fold the seats down, and the Outback can haul entire shelving units or other equally large items. Since Chewy will always be along for the road trip, I don't see us using it for sleeping, but I've heard it can be done. I hope to camp more, now that it's cooler outside, so we'll be testing the cargo capacity even more in the coming months.
Ride Quality - I didn't know how to take AWD, but it has been a zero adjustment technology. When it comes to actual cruising quality, this car is mostly smooth and comfortable. Road noise is normal, nothing like a super hushed luxury car, but definitely a lot better than my previous car.
Keyless Entry & Push Button Start - As silly as it sounds, it's one of my favorite things about this car. I can take or leave the power liftgate, but "touching the door handle" to open the car is genius. When I approach the car, exterior lights in the mirrors illuminate the door handle which is also nice. I have been prevented, at least ten times now, from locking my keys in the car and for that feature alone I'm the most grateful.

Things I don't love as much:

Starlink Infotainment Unit - The FM radio works fine, so I shouldn't complain, but the Bluetooth connectivity can be touch and go, the interface and available apps is laughable, and the design is nothing to write home about. I don't use the navigation system too much, though I do like some aspects, it's often just easier to use Google Maps. Some days, I have to reconnect my phone or my phone just doesn't stay connected without a reset on both ends. Frustrating, but not deal breaking things here. Starlink is still better than whatever my Jeep Patriot had in 2014.
Rattle - I had a rattle in my passenger side dash develop recently. It's intermittent, but I'll have them check it out at my next service.

The climate control, display, and everything else is just fine. The leather is holding up, even with a dog constantly drooling on the seat in front of him, the rubber floor mats are a big bonus, and the sunshade really helps here in Texas. The Outback is utilitarian in design, but comfortable and nice to look at. I love that the mirrors have turn signal indicators in them and I love that the taillights are LED with YELLOW turn signal lights. I think all turn signal lights should be yellow, in all cars, but that's just me.

At just over six months of ownership, with 13,300 miles, I'm already looking forward to the next 10 years. I truly love this car enough to want to keep it until it doesn't want to go anymore. Looking ahead, I hope to get a cargo rack or box for the roof, possibly upgrade the fog lights to match the headlights, and get a set of better tires when these stock tires wear down.

Michael Nowak 1/8/18 Michael Nowak 1/8/18

New Year, New Look.

I've created a website, if you haven't noticed, and it's pretty fun so far. I loved having blogs on WordPress, but for the money I was going to spend to increase my storage there, I thought why not spend a few bucks more and get an entire website that could host both blogs, various other content, and have my own domain name. So, here we are all fresh and new. Forgive me as continue to learn how to do this and as I continue to make it as easy as possible to navigate.

I thought about just using this website to share my hiking journey with anyone who wants to follow along, but figured adding other topics would be more fun for me. As with my WordPress blogs, I am doing this for me. I don't hate the attention (let's be real), but this is for my own documentation and record keeping more than anything else. I wanted an organized way to look back at the things I do so I can reflect, plan ahead, and just plain remember things that slip my brain.

Bookmark me if you'd like, and if not, that's okay too. I'll share all hiking and writing updates via my social media pages, so they'll always be floating around out there somewhere. I have a year to see how this works, and if it doesn't feel enjoyable or feasible anymore, it'll end as it should in a fireball of destruction. Kidding, I'll just lose the domain and life will carry on.

I'm working on migrating some more important writings and travel posts, so they'll appear but I will not share them on Twitter as they've been shared before. Look for them in the next week or so, if you want to look back. Most things have been migrated over, and are already on here.

If you enjoy this site, don't hesitate to let me know. If you think it needs work, keep it to yourself - just kidding, I don't mind constructive criticism. I'm not looking to use this platform to make money (yet) or become famous on Twitter, I'm just documenting my journey and sharing things I find entertaining, useful, and inspiring.

If you want to hike with me, find me on Twitter or use the Contact Me form I created. I'd love to connect with people interested in the outdoors or people that may know great spots here in Texas to take a hike. I'm working on a tentative schedule for 2018, though spontaneity is usually more my style. I'll share some ideas once I've done a little more research, so stay tuned!

If you've read this, I wish you well and invite you to check back soon!

Michael Nowak 1/5/18 Michael Nowak 1/5/18

No Resolutions

Things I'm going to accomplish or adjust in 2018:

Since I've discovered podcasts, my audio book obsession has dwindled so I'm going to read more. I have a stack of books and a few more on the Kindle waiting, here we go!
I'm going to make sure my Subaru Outback is in every adventure photo I can so I can prove to them I deserve to be a Subaru Ambassador. I was rejected in 2017, but here's to hoping for acceptance in 2018.
I'm going to increase my overall hiking distance to 300+ miles from the 212 last year. Check out more at 52 Hikes With Mike.
I'm going backpacking for a long weekend.
I will climb a peak - hopefully Guadalupe Peak at Guadalupe Mountains National Park.
I will visit more National Parks, Monuments, and Preserves here in Texas this year. I'm hoping to include Big Thicket National Preserve, Padre Island National Seashore, Guadalupe Mountains National Park, San Antonio Missions National Historical Park, and maybe even a return trip to Big Bend National Park.
I will be moving this year, in March, and the new place will have a room to store my gear so it's not disorganized and cramped into a tiny closet.

If you'd like to follow along as I attempt to get healthy, see my intro here and check back weekly for updates. Here's to a healthy, happy, and prosperous year ahead. If you'd like to hike with me in 2018, contact me through my about page or find me on Twitter!

Michael Nowak 11/9/17 Michael Nowak 11/9/17

Seeing can mean believing.

**Seeing can mean believing... more of my opinions on inclusiveness in the parks.**

I know some people who have gone to National Parks. They have seen the majestic beauty, right along side me, and have proclaimed how beautiful it was aloud. These same friends, they don't really go to National Parks that often or at all anymore which is okay. These people saw the beauty, believe in the beauty, and will remember the beauty of these wonderful places forever. THIS IS IMPORTANT.

A National Park may not be their family vacation destination every time, but they may return someday. These people understand the importance, value, and impact these places have on the general population. They get it - because they've been there. Because these people have been there, they get why it's important to protect and fund these places. These people then connect National Parks and the preservation ideals to other natural areas that need preservation. It can build.

Visiting a National Park, once or twice, has left an impression on these people. Will they return? Maybe. Will they remember the good times there and what those parks stand for? Definitely. It just takes one time, even if nature isn't their thing, for someone to fall in love with the idea of National Parks, Monuments, Forests, etc.

Plant the seed and see what grows. We need to continue to get people of all areas of life/status/etc to these place to see for themselves - maybe only once. Maybe it isn't their thing, but maybe it is. Even if it isn't their thing, they'll remember the trip and could see how important these places are for our country.