Rock Island State Park, WI

Rock Island is the crown jewel of Wisconsin's state park system. It's also the most remote, hardest to access, and desolate.  Gray skies and cold rain couldn't dampen the smile I had hopping off the second ferry at Rock Island State Park, the 40th state park I've traveled to for the book I'm writi…

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Tested: 2018 Jeep Compass Latitude

While it may not have the same swagger its big brother the Grand Cherokee has or the off-road prowess of a Wrangler, Jeep's small Compass Latitude is an attractive crossover with all-wheel-drive and plenty of impressive features.  Jeep deserves a pat on the back for turning the Compass around. Back when the first…

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Pinnacles National Park, CA

Originally one of the first national monuments set aside to be protected by Teddy Roosevelt, Pinnacles became our 59th national park in 2013 thanks to former President Barack Obama. In all of my travels, I've never been to any national park properties west of the Rocky Mountains. But that changed when I was able …

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Tested: Outdoor Vitals StormLoft Topquilt

Once the maple leaves finish falling and days grow darker earlier, you probably keep an eye on that temperature rating when shopping for new outdoor gear. The essential magical material idolized in any form of outdoor recreation whether it be skiing, backpacking, hiking, or even fat tire biking; is goose or duck down…

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