The Root Beer Lady Museum

The Root Beer Lady Museum

There is a museum just outside of Ely, Minnesota that combines history amidst peaceful surroundings. The Dorothy ...
Moose Madness

Moose Madness

If it is MEA weekend, which happens the third Thursday of October, that means it is also Moose Madness weekend in ...
Girl Camper Guide - Minnesota

Girl Camper Guide - Minnesota

Dana Botz

My philosophy is that life should be an adventure. I have been camping since I turned 10 years old. My dad bought a cream and tan Volkswagen Westfalia Camper Van that had a sling bed over the front seats for my little brother, a pop-up cot on the top for my dad, and a dining area that made into a bed for me and my sister. Camping was an easy and inexpensive way for my dad to take us on a vacation.

Fast forward to 1991 when my husband and I bought a small RV from my dad. It wasn’t pretty, but we sure had fun camping with our young son. Later, we upgraded to a new Forest River 5th wheel, which we sold after our son graduated high school and left for the Navy. Our following adventures involved “camping” at hotels and buying a condo in Las Vegas.

In 2019, we lost our “bestest boy, Chopper” to heart and renal failure. I started looking for my next dog almost immediately. Unfortunately, I adopted Duke in May, 2020, at the height of the Covid-19 pandemic. This dog has all the issues related to being adopted during the pandemic when it was almost impossible to properly socialize him. He has severe separation anxiety, where he loses weight and clumps of hair when he is at a boarding facility. A 6.7-pound dog can’t afford to lose any weight! That meant we were unable to travel…until…my husband suggested buying another camper. So, because of our pup, purchased a Coachmen Beyond 22D. We all love it (including Duke)! I prefer going to campgrounds, but my husband likes boondocking—we compromise. I love that this camper van has all the comforts of home, and it can be set up and ready to leave at a moment’s notice. I would rather enjoy the scenery than spend my time setting up like we did with our 5th wheel camper.

Minnesota is one of the most beautiful states in our country and I love exploring all of it. We are fortunate to have such diverse areas such as boreal forests, prairies, caves, lakes, and rivers. There are more celebrations and events than anyone could attend in one year. What’s not to love about our beautiful state? So, join me for some Girl Camping fun as we are “going places—doing things”

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