We Do This For Fun

You may have just celebrated U.S. independence, others are beginning a different celebration of freedom—the joy of recreating in the nude! July 8-12, International Week of Nude Recreation is observed, culminating in International Skinny Dipping Day on July 13.

Our recent conversation with Jeff Baldsarre, Marketing Director of the American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR), offered valuable insights into this liberating lifestyle. Jeff shared tips and tricks for getting comfortable in your own skin, how to try nude recreation, and apps you can use to find places for nude hiking, biking, camping, and more!

Consider this episode your primer to help you embrace the freedom and joy of being in your natural state either publicly or privately. Like most experiences in nature, nudism it is said to be life-changing.

Facebook: American Association for Nude Recreation (AANR) Facebook

Insta: American Association for Nude Recreation

Find places for nude hiking, camping and more: Gaia

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!

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

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

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@tcriverrats

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

📸: @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 your personal outdoor hygiene? (Hint, Kula Cloth!)

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 who 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

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? www.icebug.com and check out the store locator to find them near you.

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 is about the adventure towards setting records, world records in fact. 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/

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.

@thegreatnorthernfestival

@jovancspeller