Where it All Began...

Loreen Niewenhuis is an author, adventurer, and dynamic speaker. 

She has completed a trilogy of 1,000-mile adventures exploring the Great Lakes and has authored three books about these adventures. 

To learn more about her work, or to engage her as a speaker, go to 

http://www.laketrek.com/great-lakes-speaker/

It was on this date 

TEN YEARS AGO

that I began my trek around Lake Michigan.

I am amazed that it has been a decade since this all began.

Standing on Chicago's Navy Pier for the beginning of this 1,000-mile hike, I didn't know if I could do it, had never done anything of this magnitude before. 

I would hike along the edge of my favorite place and get to know it completely...

all its many moods...

...the many creatures living along the edge of this Great Lake...

...the beauty along the way.

I arrived back in Chicago after 64 days of hiking (averaging 16 miles/day).

 And I got to celebrate with friends and family and followers of this amazing journey.

This adventure led to my first book:

It went on to be a Heartland Indie Bestseller!

[Available wherever books are sold -- support your local INDIE bookstore!]

Also available as an audiobook HERE.

This first adventure led to two more:

I have given over 200 presentations about my Great Lakes adventures! 

Learn more about me and my dynamic presentations about our magnificent Great Lakes HERE. 

Isle Royale Sunrise

Sunrise on Isle Royale begins with a glow on the horizon, then a wash of color.

It spreads and builds as the sun creeps up over the horizon.

This sunrise was reflected in Feldtmann Lake on the island's SW corner. I could hear a moose splashing along the edge of the trees in the distance. And a beaver swam past taking inventory of his trees.

Next year, I will lead an all-women team of hikers searching for moose bones and gathering scientific data on the island. 
If you are interested, please email me at:  LakeTrek@gmail.com

More info about Moosewatch Expeditions

HERE.

Moose of Isle Royale

Moose are abundant on Isle Royale. Conservative estimates put the island population at 1,500 moose, but it may be much higher.

Isle Royale moose (and video below)

There are only 2 remaining wolves on the island and the National Parks Service plans to introduce more wolves this fall.

Over the winter, the island will change as wolves form packs and claim territory. Then they will begin to cull the weaker moose from the population. 

Next year's Moosewatch Expedition will track the changes new wolves bring to this rugged island.

The bull moose skull I found this year 

In 2019, I will lead an ALL-WOMEN TEAM on a Moosewatch Expedition. We will hike a portion of the island looking for moose bones and gathering data on wildlife.

Mark Kanitz with the skull he found (above) and his original art work (below)

One hiker, Mark Kanitz (above with the antlered skull he found this year) is an accomplished wildlife artist. Check out the Isle Royale scene he painted on a moose antler (above). See more of his artwork HERE.

If you'd like more information on the Moosewatch Expedition, go HERE.

And if you'd like information on hiking on the women's team with me next May, shoot me an email at:  LakeTrek@gmail.com

Skulls gathered from the field and brought back to scientists