In the fall of 2020, I started working on Cabin No. 4’s Adventure Journals. The idea was that I would launch them before the spring of 2021, then begin a trek to explore Minnesota state parks and blog about it. I thought it would be a great way to have my own adventures, share them with you, and encourage you to get out and do your own exploring.
You might recall that COVID and the related shutdowns caused supply chain issues; because of this, I found my launch delayed until May 2021. Uncertainty around traveling lingered, but at the same time, my kids’ sports resumed taking up my weekends. I decided to launch the journals anyway, but delay the travel part of the plan. Life happened, and suddenly it was the end of the summer in 2022, and I hadn’t made a move on this big idea to explore Minnesota and her many state parks.
My Cancer Era… and my AFTER.
In September 2022, I was diagnosed with stage 2 invasive ductal carcinoma. My cancer was aggressive; it was in my left breast and three lymph nodes in my left armpit. Within 2 weeks, I started chemo and the long journey to save my life. (I also started a movement with I Can Do Hard Things… but you probably already know about that!) Chemo followed by multiple surgeries, immunotherapy, and radiation wiped me out physically and emotionally. The cancer is now in remission and I wrapped up my active treatments in February 2024. I have officially begun my AFTER.
AFTER doesn’t mean healed; I’m healing. I’m celebrating beating cancer while struggling with all it took from me. I’m grateful for all I learned about myself while grieving the loss of who I was before. I am proud of what I accomplished while still angry I had to do it in the first place. My body can’t do what it could Before, but I am determined to build back.
What better place to do all this healing than in nature? I’m going to do it one step, one park at a time.
Now is the time.
I’d like to invite you on an adventure as I start a journey to heal and move on from cancer – to Explore Forward in this new chapter of my life. I plan to explore Minnesota by going to each of the State Parks (plus some side trails along the way). I’ll write about what I see and do as I check off each park.
I don’t have a timeline; my twin teenagers are just a year and a half from graduation and active in sports. I don’t want to miss a moment cheering them on. I also don’t want the pressure of a deadline. I certainly won’t be limiting my adventures to just Minnesota’s state parks or even the boundaries of the state as I work toward the goal. I want to explore, heal, and enjoy the journey – however long and wherever it takes me. I may hike alone, go with my husband (Brian) or friends, or stretch outside my comfort zone and meet up with hiking groups. The whole idea is to challenge myself and have new experiences along the way.
I’d love for you to join me… in your own way!
You don’t have to be healing from cancer, and you don’t have to do state parks. You might be healing from something else. You might just be ready for a change, want to try something new, or just want to set a new goal and have some accountability. You can choose any outdoor activity you want! Whatever your goal is, I hope you’ll take a deep breath and Explore Forward with me.
You don’t have to buy a thing to join in, and there are two ways to be involved:
1. Sign up for free! When you do, you’ll receive a free Explore Forward sticker. When you achieve your goal, whatever it is, let us know and you’ll receive a coupon code for any Cabin No. 4 tee of your choice for just $5. JOIN NOW>>
2. Simply follow along on Instagram or Facebook and use the hashtag #explore4ward when you share your adventures. If you’re not big into social media but you still want to share what you’re up to, you can do that here.
Sometimes you find the trail’s got some rocks and roots.
Because life is full of fun surprises, we’re starting with a little bump in the trail. This project started because of my Upper Midwest Adventure Journals. While I was getting ready to launch this blog, Minnesota closed a state park and the journal’s MN state park checklist became outdated. This prompted me to see if the other states (Iowa, Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, and South Dakota) have had changes to their parks… and some of them have. So while this rock in the trail is tripping me up a little bit, I’m not letting it stop or delay the whole adventure.
I don’t want the existing journals to go to waste – the journaling pages are still useful! So, until they’re sold out, they’re on sale AND include a free instant digital download of the updated state park checklists. In the meantime, I’ll be making some tweaks to it and getting a new version printed. The National Park Adventure Journal is still correct and ready to go.
If you don’t want a whole journal, we offer state park checklist PDF downloads too! They’re just $2 each, and the file will arrive in your email inbox instantly. You can print it off, or save it to your computer and digitally check off each park. We’ll continue to add more states; if we don’t offer your state, feel free to reach out and we’ll prioritize it. (If you’re looking for a national park checklist, I recommend Dirt in My Shoes.) We currently offer state park checklists for the following states:
Explore Minnesota (and beyond) with me!
Wherever your adventures take you, I hope you’ll join in and share your stories… and don’t forget to tag #explore4ward!
Happy Adventuring!
-Kate