The 2024 season has officially kicked off for the Twin Cities River Rats—a dynamic show ski team based right here in Minneapolis, Minnesota. You know what that means? FREE water ski shows all summer long on the mighty Mississippi River. Pack a picnic, gather your friends and family, and head to the river to catch one of their mind-blowing performances.

Shows take place between the Broadway and Plymouth Bridges, where you’ll witness incredible feats like swivel skiing—ski bindings that rotate 360 degrees—and the "mic drop," where skiers drop the handle mid-performance only to pick it up again seamlessly. The grand finale features pyramids reaching three to four tiers high. At any given show, you might see anywhere from 30 to 50 skiers behind the boat, all powered by a 900-horsepower engine!

Intrigued? It gets even better. Have you ever wanted to be part of a ski team? If you can swim, you can join! The Twin Cities River Rats welcome all ages and abilities. New families and members are always encouraged to join—teamwork makes this dream work.

It's the perfect evening out, blending thrilling stunts, the beautiful Mississippi River, and perfect Midwest summer nights. Entertainment for all ages, and performances continue throughout the summer. Donations are always appreciated to keep the fun going.

Don't miss out on the Twin Cities River Rats! Check out their social media:

Facebook

Insta

Rachel Banken has forged a path that allows her to “play in the woods and call it work”. Fueled by her values and passion for tea, she crafts tea blends with organic, regenerative ingredients, foraged and harvested with love and care in Minnesota.

Tea is important. It ritualizes slowing down. Well Rooted Teas, in particular, draw upon your senses- gorgeous, colorful ingredients, aromas, flavors like maple, peppermint, white pine and lemongrass served hot or cold depending on your mood. Create indulgence and bring nature into your everyday life with these restoring and healthful infusions.

Mother’s Day is right around the corner and if you’re looking for that perfect gift, Well Rooted Teas might just be the answer. Encourage the moms in your life to slow down and take a moment for themselves, better yet, sit down with your mom and share a cup of tea. It’s a simple yet meaningful way to bond in a moment of tranquility amidst life's demands. Cheers to celebrating the remarkable moms in our lives.

Find Rachel and Well Rooted Teas

Follow Well Rooted Teas: @wellrootedteas

Meet Andrew Hughes, a very cool guy. Andrew is an explorer and seasoned mountaineer, renowned not only for expeditions, but for his charm. How many people propose from Mount Everest (the internet says he was only the second)?

His resume reads like a true adventurer. He’s completed the Seven Summits (highest mountains on each continent), six of the Seven Volcanic Summits (highest volcanoes on each continent) and the Antarctica Trifecta consecutively Skiing the Last Degree to the South Pole and reaching the summits of Mount Vinson (the highest mountain) and Mount Sidley (the highest volcano) in Antarctica.

Andrew doesn't stop at personal milestones, he holds multiple world records. He orchestrated the 'World’s Highest Tea Party' atop Mount Everest (again, charming). And most recently, he paddle boarded on the highest flatwater lake, located at Tres Cruces Norte in Chile.

Beyond the records and feats of strength, Andrew infuses purpose into his adventures. Each expedition serves as a platform to raise awareness about pressing issues like climate change. In fact, his latest endeavor nearly faced cancellation due to dwindling water levels—a stark reminder of the environmental challenges we face.

As we celebrate Earth Day 2024, let Andrew be your inspiration to forge a deeper connection with the natural world. He not only inspires awe but also underscores the importance of cherishing and safeguarding our planet.

@andrew_i_hughes

Photo: mf.terra

A discussion with Anastasia Allison, the Founder of Kula Cloth, might initially seem centered around the practicalities of outdoor bodily functions (ie. peeing and pooping in the woods), yet it swiftly transcends into profound contemplations on life philosophy, spirituality, and embracing joy and abundance. Prepare to be captivated as Anastasia effortlessly guides the conversation towards deep insights and invaluable guidance to enrich not only your connection with the natural world but also your inner self.

Have you ever asked or thought:

• As a woman, how do I pee and poop in the woods?

• What are some tips to feel clean and fresh to boost my personal outdoor hygiene?

• How does time in nature lead to the discovery of clarity in life and its abundance?

• How and where can you find joy? (Think, the unexpected)

Anastasia is not only the founder of an outdoor gear company, she’s the violist in the heart opening, tear inducing Musical Mountaineers, shares her wisdom in the Kula Diaries, and is the Founder of the life changing, “Dance Experiment”. In her spare time (!) she coaches, hikes, backpacks and is that bad-ass woman that passes you on the the road, waving as she rides her motorcycle into the sunset.

@anastasia.allison

@kulacloth

While winter has basically been a no show in Minnesota this year, there are places where hearty Minnesotans are currently braving the elements. We Do This For Fun holds one of those people dear to our hearts- Leah Gruhn.

For the second year in a row Leah’s racing the ITI1000 Iditarod Trail Invitational, a grueling 1000 mile race. While we didn’t get a chance to chat with her before she began, we’ve been following her little dot on Trackleaders.

From the race organizers:

“Only the most experienced, rugged and intrepid competitors dare to attempt the ITI 1000, the world's longest and toughest winter race.”

As we think about Leah we wanted to revisit a podcast recorded last year with Leah and her husband Jere. 

Visit wedothisforfun.com to follow Leah’s progress in real time as she nears the end of this demanding race.

@leahgruhn, @itialaska -1000 miles by bike during the unforgiving Alaskan winter.

Today we bring you a delightful conversation with the leads from Mpls Forest Femmes. These seasoned outdoorswomen join us to delve into the art of mastering winter attire. If you've ever grappled with what to wear and when to wear it while enjoying the great outdoors, this podcast is tailor-made for you.

Consider this episode a personalized outdoor styling session. Not only will you discover their top picks for clothing suitable for various temperatures and environments, but they'll also share their preferred Icebug footwear to match each specific condition.

Lisa

Instagram: @icebug_forestfemmes

Favorite Local Trail: Any SNA especially Wood-Rill

A.K.A. Daytons Woods

Favorite Gear: 

Warm Skin Barrier Cream https://www.warmskin.com/

Favorite Icebug Shoes: 

Icebug Arcus https://icebug.com/product/arcus-w-bugrip-gtx-cloudblue

Icebug Sisu 

Wendy

Insta: @wellnesscoachwendy

Favorite Trail: Minnesota River Bottoms

Favorite Gear

Summer: Icebug Pytho6: https://icebug.com/product/pytho6-w-rb9x

CEP  base layer:

https://www.cepcompression.com/products/ski-merino-base-shirt-women

Abby

Insta: @abbyleigh22

Favorite Local Trail: Theo Wirth

Favorite Gear:

Winter Trail Icebug studded Pytho6:

https://icebug.com/product/pytho6-w-bugrip-mangoblack

Favorite Winter Pants:

https://www.sugoi.com/en_us/women-s-subzero-zap-tights-u408510f

Caroline

Favorite local Trail: Hyland 

Insta: @sweetcarolinesp

Icebug Arcus RB9X for Summer Trail: https://icebug.com/product/arcus-w-rb9x-aquaaruba

Nicole

Insta: @snbrush5

Favorite Trail: Wolsfeld Woods SNA

Favorite Gear:

Winter Trail Hike Boot the Pace3: https://icebug.com/product/pace3-w-bugrip-r-gtx

Osprey Vest: https://www.osprey.com/backpacks-bags/outdoor-packs/trail-running-packs

Willow:

Insta: @willowh

Favorite Local Trail: Lebanon Hills

Favorite Gear

https://www.hestragloves.us/womens-xc-primaloft-mitt-sand-print

Favorite Shoes:

Winter Trail Icebug studded Pytho6: https://icebug.com/product/pytho6-w-bugrip-mangoblack

Summer Trail Icebug Aura high cushion gravel runner:: https://icebug.com/product/aura-w-rb9x

Join Mpls Forest Femmes on the trails https://www.facebook.com/ForestFemmesMinneapolis/

Looking for Icebugs? Visit www.icebug.com

Who would've thought we'd crave snow this much? These snowless, gloomy days have us yearning for a snowy wonderland.

Well, fear not! Claire Wilson, the powerhouse leading the Loppet Foundation, is here to wipe away those tears and tell you to put on your snow pants. Her team has transformed Theodore Wirth Park into a winter paradise. You heard that right—snow in Minnesota, right now!

They've meticulously covered the trails, so grab those cross-country skis and glide through the winter wonderland. Or maybe indulge in some adrenaline with your family—zooming down snowy slopes.

The Loppet isn't just about snow; they're bringing us the World Cup (the skiing one, not the soccer showdown), the enchanting Luminary Loppet (it's practically pure magic), plus a mix of artsy and nature-centric programs that'll keep your winter calendar jam-packed.

Finally, a request from We Do This For Fun. Unseasonably warm weather has thrown a curveball at the Loppet Foundation, especially in preparing for this year's World Cup. If your family is thinking about end-of-year charitable contributions, I urge you to consider making a tax-deductible donation to The Loppet Foundation. Your support will directly help them tackle the hurdles posed by the weather and ensure both a successful World Cup and a fantastic 2024 season.

Your generosity won't just impact The Loppet; it'll ripple through our community. These humans support youth development programs in Mountain Biking, Nordic sports, and Running.

To chip in or discover more about The Loppet Foundation, hop over to https://www.loppet.org and hit "Make a Donation."

Now, go summon your snow angels, and dive into winter at Theodore Wirth Park, courtesy of the Loppet Foundation.

Luminary Loppet, SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 3, 2024 (Tickets are available at https://www.loppet.org/events/luminary).

COOP FIS Cross-Country World Cup Minneapolis (Loppet Cup), Saturday, February 17- Monday, February 19, 2024 (Check out: https://loppetcup.com for the details)

For all things Loppet visit: https://www.loppet.org/

Facebook: @loppet

Insta: @loppetfoundation

Expert paddler Devin Brown takes over We Do This For Fun to lead a conversation with her pal and fellow river enthusiast Scott Miller. Far from your average paddling conversation, this one’s about the adventure towards setting records, world records to be exact. Scott led the team who set the 2023 Mississippi Speed Record (the record is recognized by the Guinness World Records under the title “Fastest Time to Row the Length of the Mississippi River by a Team”). Devon gets the dirt on traveling 2300 miles in less than 17 days by canoe, learns about his team of angels and how his pursuit of the record was a move “towards joy”.

Scott shares the best place to paddle (the answer might surprise you) and tips for Devin as she pursues her dream of being the first African American woman on record to paddle the Mississippi source to sea. These endeavors not only take an enormous number of hours of training and planning, but a lot of fundraising. We Do This For Fun is dedicated to helping Devin reach this goal. Won’t you help?  

Go Fund Me for Devin: https://www.gofundme.com/f/get-er-down-the-river

Follow Scott: @mississippispeedrecord

https://www.mississippispeedrecord.com/

Watch for the forthcoming documentary on the trip.

Scott organizes the incredible Two Paddle Kayak and Canoe Races (with something for experts and novices alike). Get June 7th-9th, 2024 on the calendar and follow @twopaddlesMN on Facebook for updates.

Two Paddles Races:https://twopaddles.org/

https://twopaddles.org/

https://www.facebook.com/TwoPaddlesMN/

Follow Devin: @afrodiskayak

Scott suggested, Will to Wild, a book by @shelbystanger (who seems like a person we all need to know!).

Did you know that aligning your life to the seasons can stretch your adaptability? Jovan Speller Rebollar, Executive Director of The Great Northern, offers her advice challenging notions of what is possible in our perpetually moving seasons. Our journeys are personal and constantly evolving but embracing her tips can help you expand, nurture your soul, wake up, and evolve. Strengthening your character and your emotional ability to handle extremes and difficult times can be as simple as changing your patterns to match the seasons.

And a chance to embrace seasonal living is upon you. Jovan and her team bring us The Great Northern, offering more than 50 events in Minneapolis and St. Paul in late January and early February, including a Sauna Village at Malcolm Yards, the Climate Solutions Series at American Swedish Institute, outdoor activities that embrace the cold, seasonal food and drink, and inspired live music and artistic performances.

Get out there- embrace the the season- see what really, really LIVING in winter in Minnesota can be about.

The Great Northern’s Sauna Village runs Fri, Jan 19–Sun, Feb 4 at The Market at Malcolm Yards

Tickets: $40-55

Use code: sauna4fun for 15% off 60 and 90 minute sessions. Code good thru 12/31/23. Share and attend!

The Great Northern Sauna Village info, schedule and tickets. https://thegreatnorthern.swoogo.com/2024/sauna-village

Great Northern Insta: @thegreatnorthernfestival

Jovan’s Insta: @jovancspeller

Polar explorer, Eric Larsen, believes diversity and equity are important. He hopes to break down barriers to polar travel by offering six BIPOC scholarships to his annual Polar Academy, equipping participants with the knowledge, safety gear, and necessary toolkits to survive modern polar travel. Eric, a record breaking polar adventurer (think North Pole, South Pole and summiting Everest in ONE YEAR), has selected a committee of advocates for inclusivity within the outdoor industry, polar travelers and recreationalists to help make the selection of scholarship winners and collaborate on the training.

Emily Ford - an influencer and athlete advocating for a more inclusive outdoor space

Erick Cedeno - a professional explorer well-known for traveling the globe by bike

Danica Carey - Recreation planner, social artist, and researcher with focus on public health and equity.

Rohan Freeman - the first African American to climb the Seven Summits

Everyone should have the chance to follow their cold, icy and big winter dreams- spread the word! The deadline is coming up FAST-December 1st and selections will be made by December 8th.

Eric’s Insta: @elexplore

Scholarship Application: https://www.ericlarsenexplore.com/scholarship/

For scholarship recipients, all the necessary gear, equipment, travel costs, and course fees will be provided, thanks to a generous donation from Jack Wolfskin.

Fun fact from Eric: 98% of polar explorers come from Minnesota.

Do you believe everyone deserves a living wage and clean water, air and food? Then please, listen to this podcast.

“Food is the single strongest lever to optimize human health and environmental sustainability on Earth.”  EAT- Lancet Commission.

Isais Hernandez of Queer Brown Vegan, is passionate about environmental education and has been featured in the New York Times, Vogue, Huffington Post, Aspen Ideas, Pink News, to name a few. He could get all doom and gloom about about the environment and our food system, but instead, his focus is “evidence-based hope”. This is where we focus on things that are moving in a positive direction and worth amplifying. Optimism will solve the climate crisis not bad news.Tips to connect with the food system and build a relationship with the land along with a bounty of resources found on his TikTok, instagram and YouTube.

Speaking of amplifying good things… there are people out there that want to help you reduce your carbon “foodprint”. If you live in Minnesota, you’ll find many of those people at Twin Cities Veg Fest coming up on Sunday, September 17, 2023.

We’ll be there too. Find our company Borealle exhibiting, co-leading the “Let’s Beat (the drum for) Breast Cancer” Rally and speaking at the MainStage at 1:30 pm.

Documentaries mentioned: Overheated, The Smell of Money

Tool mentioned: EJ screening tool (this is fascinating!)

Stoke your sense of adventure with the mysteries of a Secret Supper. Jacob Firle joins us to talk about a dining experience that requires faith and patience to experience a gathering like no other.

Attendees buy a ticket to dine knowing the only the closest metropolitan area and don’t discover the final destination until 24 hours before the event. Atmosphere, design and food are seamlessly blended. Locations embrace nature and its natural beauty. Menus are rooted in sustainability celebrating the land and local culture of each location.

If this sounds like the stuff of dreams, it’s your lucky day. The Secret Supper Series 2024 dates are being released.

-Circle Members only | Friday, 9/8/23 Noon EST | Learn more and JOIN

-Mailing list only | Thursday, 9/14/23 Noon EST | Join their mailing list for this honor

-General public | Friday, 9/15/23 Noon EST| Just go to the website and roll the dice.

As you’ll hear, Secret Suppers fill up fast. Don’t miss your moment!

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/secret_supper/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/secretsupperpdx

Picture this – sound of footsteps hitting the trail at a pace that feels comfortable to you, the crisp scent of the forest air, the sun casting golden rays across on your face and laughter, lots and lots of laughter.

Sounds like something you’d be into right?

Forest Femmes Mpls, an open trail group in MN with a focus on having fun, meeting new friends and enjoying nature. Lisa Terrell joins us to chat about the power of women in the woods and the myriad of benefits the Forest Femmes Minneapolis group provides- think friendship, personal growth, healing and so much more.

Lisa gets real sharing her personal reasons why women need to take back the trail and how her own experiences fuel her to empower women to get out into the forest. She and her team provide a safe and welcoming space to help women get out there and enjoy nature whatever their fitness ability.

Forest Femmes is for everyone- all paces welcome and 100% appreciated.

What are you doing at 8am on September 9, 2023?

We Do The For Fun will be joining the Forest Femmes trail group (hike or run) on September 9 - let’s try something new together! Forest Femmes will release the trail location on Wednesday, September 6th- check their Facebook page for details or watch WDTFF social media for all the info you need.

Let’s go have some fun out there!

Photo credit: Abby Leigh @abbyleigh22

Forest Femmes Minneapolis

Facebook: @forestfemmesminneapolis, #forestfemmesminneapolis, #forestfemmesmpls

Forest Femmes International:

@forestfemmes

Icebug

Facebook: @icebugusa; Instagram: @icebugofficial, @icebugusa;

Website: https://icebug.com

Today we talk about about healing and transformation,,,,we embark on a journey into the realm of holistic healing and nature’s incredible power as a healer.

We also explore the power of “chance meetings” and “divine timing”- this particular podcast is the result of both. Energy Healer, Caprina Brown unlocked this idea exchange by simply stopping and asking me a question.

For ideas to intersect, people have to intersect.

If you believe people come into your life for a reason, listen up- this podcast might be specifically for you. Caprina may have come into MY life for YOU.

Learn more about Caprina on her website. (https://www.caprinabrown.com)

Interested in becoming a healer or learning more about Caprina’s studies? Check out the Barbara Brennan School of Healing (https://barbarabrennan.com).

Foraging is HOT. Cast any doubts aside- you too get out there and give it a try! Jaime Rockney, a.k.a. Chick of the Woods is a foraging expert with a welcoming smile and energy will melt any doubt you have about your place in the woods.

Tips and tricks to get out there, candid comments on the DNR’s proposed limits (check out Jaime’s interview with KARE 11 on this topic) and apps, books and other resources to up your identification game.

She readily admits she’s “obsessed” with mushrooms- the fungi itself, but also the process and all the things you discover along the way…. which could just be yourself.

Join Jaime and We Do This For Fun for a “Chicks Only” foraging event August 12. Details:

https://chickofthewoods.com/event/chicks-only-mushroom-hunt-and-lunch/

Follow Jaime

Website: https://chickofthewoods.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChickOfTheWoods

Insta: https://www.instagram.com/chick.of.the.woods

Minnesota Mycological Society:

Website: https://minnesotamycologicalsociety.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/minnesotamushrooms/

“Life is so boring staying in the same place.” -Anna Herby

Tips from Registered Dietitian Anna Herby of Physicians for Responsible Medicine (PCRM) for maintaining health on the road. How she prioritizes health whiled nomadic van life and how the rest of us road trippers can commit to health in our travels to cabins, camping, and cross country trips. Anna lives her values by embracing a plant-based lifestyle to for health, animals and our natural world (eating less meat is key to protecting our natural world).

Additional tips on how to have a professional job, be safe, securing good wifi, dog momming and testing out van life.

Follow Anna:

https://www.instagram.com/a_herbz/

Follow Physicians Committee: https://www.instagram.com/physicianscommittee/

https://www.facebook.com/PCRM.org

Physicians for Responsible Medicine (PCRM): www.pcrm.org

What happens when a feminist logroller comes to your town? Naturally, the next generation of logrolling champions are produced. Born into a family of world-champion log rollers (mom, Judy Scheer-Hoeschler see wikipedia), Abby Hoeschler Delaney, continues the tradition of paying it forward. Not only does she compete professionally and teach others this unique sport, she’s making it more accessible to all of us with the invention of the Key Log. Keenly aware that transporting and storing a 500-pound cedar wood log is a major hindrance for expanding the sport, Abby decided it was time for a technological advancement in the sport. She worked with engineers to design and manufacture a portable synthetic log. Today, Key Log Rolling has sold almost 2000 Key Logs and helped start nearly 500 log rolling programs in all 50 states and 9 countries—all with the goal to make log rolling an Olympic sport.

Rent one! Buy one for your recreation program! Try it out at your local Rec Center- if they don’t have one, ask them to buy one. Logrolling is a great compliment to any sport- balance, stability and strategy!

Check out the Key Log:

https://keylogrolling.com/

Follow Key Log Rolling:

https://www.instagram.com/keylogrolling

https://www.facebook.com/KeyLogRolling

Check out Abby’s Insta:

https://www.instagram.com/keylogabby

Lumberjack World Championships: https://lumberjackworldchampionships.com/

https://www.facebook.com/lumberjackworldchampionships

https://www.instagram.com/lumberjackchamps/

Fitness, the outdoors and fun is for everyone, but the reality is, if you have a disability, this trifecta isn’t always available to you —- enter our guest Megan Welty. Megan is an Adaptive Sports & Recreation professional with Courage Kenny Rehabilitation Institute. Megan helps breaks down barriers to make access to movement (and often movement in the outdoors) a reality for people who have traditionally been excluded. Passionate about recreation, inclusion, excellence and empowering others, she finds joy in creating meaningful experiences for each participant that helps them meet their personal goals. 

The result? Some of the happiest people we’ve seen on the trails are with someone in Courage Kenny gear. This quote from a Courage Kenny athlete says it best, “To be active is to breathe- it’s to be in the world”.

Call to action: Courage Kenny Waterski Program is looking for a few new boat driving volunteers who can provide a waterskiing boat on Lake Owasso in Shoreview. Courage Kenny needs you! There’s a waitlist for the program and an open house on Lake Owasso- drivers are needed July 19, 5:30-8:30pm Contact Meagan via the Facebook group below if you can be of service.

Check out the Courage Kenny Facebook Group referenced by Megan: https://www.facebook.com/groups/200447193587/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CourageKennyRehabilitationInstitute/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/couragekennysportsrec/

Learn more about Courage Kenny: https://account.allinahealth.org/servicelines/815

Paddle Bridge Kayak Tours is not your average tour company. Their motto: Access. Stewardship. Excellence. is infused into every offering. Guide, Amber Lynum (Sparky) and Founder/Guide Kaylen Keir (Beaver) entertain as much as they educate while giving guests a front row seat to the history, wildlife and surroundings of the iconic Mississippi or Minneapolis Lakes. Thanks to these guardians of history, social justice champions, environmental stewards and really, really fun people, the waters of the Twin Cities are becoming more accessible to EVERYONE.

PB Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Paddlebridge/

PB Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paddle_bridge/

Amber Insta: https://www.instagram.com/amb_leslie/

Kalen Insta: https://www.instagram.com/goodnightrainbow/

Mentions: 

Devin 'Afrodiskayak' Brown Insta: https://www.instagram.com/afrodiskayak/

Two Paddles Canoe and Kayak Races Insta: https://www.instagram.com/twopaddlesmn/

Two Paddles Fb: https://www.facebook.com/TwoPaddlesMN

Migizi Insta: https://www.instagram.com/migizimn/ 

Migizi Fb: https://www.facebook.com/MIGIZIMN

1 Mississippi Insta: https://www.instagram.com/1.mississippi/

1 Mississippi Fb: https://www.facebook.com/1Mississippi

Mississippi National River and Recreation Area Insta: https://www.instagram.com/mississippinps/

Miss National Park Fb: https://www.facebook.com/MississippiRiverNPS

Saint Paul Adaptive Recreation: https://www.stpaul.gov/departments/parks-and-recreation/recreation-centers/parks-recreation-programs/adaptive-recreation

Mississippi Watershed Management Organization: https://www.mwmo.org/