About Me

Life as an Outdoor Adventure Leader

I’m Karen. I’ve been an outdoor adventure leader and educator for almost a half-century.  In that time I’ve helped thousands of people kindle a love of nature and outdoor adventure. I’ve also designed and led outdoor trips with college students across the globe. As a result, I have been blessed with a lifetime of amazing outdoor travel. 

I retired from active outdoor trip leading in 2019 and decided to start a blog for outdoor adventurers. I want to help you live your outdoor adventure dreams. Recently, I’ve ventured worldwide in pursuit of outdoor activity ideas and itineraries to share with you. I believe everyone can find an outdoor experience that will enhance their life. I’m excited to help you find your outdoor passion.

Trips I’ve Led:

• canyoneering in Utah and Arizona
• backcountry skiing and winter camping in Yellowstone
• downhill skiing in Quebec
• sea kayaking in New Zealand, Belize, Costa Rica, the Bahamas
• canoeing rivers from northern Canada to the Rio Grande
• studying natural history in Hawaii
• backpacking in the Grand Canyon, Canyonlands, New Zealand
• hiking pilgrimage on the Camino de Santiago
• climbing Kilimanjaro
• trekking in the Peru Andes, the Rockies, the Alps, and the highlands of Vietnam
• sailing schooner trips on the coast of Maine
• biking trips in New England
• wild edible walks
• camping in my own backyard wilderness 

The Blog

Outdoor Adventure Sampler is for people who want to continue enjoying the benefits of being active in the outdoors even with the constraints of time, money, and aging. Therefore, I’ll use my years of experience as an outdoor adventure leader to provide inspiration, trip ideas, outdoor pro tips, itineraries, and equipment recommendations.

Popular Blog Posts

25 Best Kayaking Day Trips in the US

18 Best Bike Trails in the United States

Kayaking Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend in Arizona

In Search of Three Pines: A Fascinating Tour of Louise Penny’s Inspirations

The Best Paddling Spots in Western Massachusetts

Ultimate Guide to Gifts for the Outdoor Adventurer

Ultimate Guide to Wild Edibles: Fiddleheads

Proven Winter Hiking Tips

Join Me on the Outdoor Adventure Journey

Please subscribe and join me on this journey. I’ll send you a non-spammy newsletter every now and then. You will find outdoor pro tips and inspiration for outdoor adventures. You’ll stay up on new posts. You will also see some pretty pictures of outdoor beauty.

Contact me at karen@outdooradventuresampler.com with any questions or feedback.