Adventures of Chloe Rue: Fall in Fargo

It’s story time! For those who are new here, I have kept a record of Chloe’s and my adventures during our travels! I write and publish these about a year after they happen, for various reasons, but mostly per my grandma’s advice. And I don’t know about you, but you ALWAYS listen to your Grandma’s advice- they know. Here we Go! Brace yourselves, it’s time for an enticing, incredible, thrilling and heart wrenching: A Tail of Chloe Rue (I know its tale, I just can’t help it).

After the Fire

In continuation from our last story (check out pur wildfire story here), Chloe and I found ourselves back in Fargo, North Dakota staying with my sister in her basement. Her wedding was drawing near, and proved an excellent distraction from the feelings of loss I was struggling with. Instead of dwelling on giving up traveling for a while, and being stuck in North Dakota again; I found myself dwelling on her wedding flower arrangements, COVID precautions that would be reinforced at her wedding and the seating arrangements that were constantly changing due to people being sick. This time was directly before the huge surge affected Fargo, resulting in a significant loss of life and demands on the hospital systems. In hindsight, it’s incredible that my sister’s wedding (where masks were enforced along with other COVID considerations) resulted in zero COVID cases spreading. We are endlessly grateful for it!

I also found myself enjoying time at the bouldering gym in Fargo called Nature of the North! They let Chloe come right inside and laydown on the mat, while I introduced myself to the concept of rock climbing! Nature of the North was also a major reprieve from those feelings of loss; and Chloe loved spending time there!

The time after the fire was not an easy time in my life; and I have an incredible amount of respect for everyone who has experienced the loss of their home, or their dream job. It was a lot to cope with; but that didn’t mean I stopped adventuring upon my arrival to Fargo.

Hiking 40 Hours per Week

As October was unfolding in the Midwest, the leaf changes were staggering. I had been talking to a mental health counselor, who offered the best advice to help prepare for returning to work. She advised for me to hike 40 hours per week and that even if I wasn’t feeling joy while hiking anymore; the activity, the exercise, and being within nature would be more healing than I might expect. And let me just tell you- she was so absolutely right. For anyone who is struggling after a loss, joy might not come right away or it might feel a long way from your current situation. And even if we can’t find joy; sometimes taking those steps that used to make us feel it will help us walk right into it.

Hunting for Hikes

North Dakota is not well known for its hiking trails and abundance of trees. It is better known for endless prairie, fields, and extremely strong winds with unpredictable weather. Hunting for hikes is normally not too difficult; however in North Dakota it proves an extra challenge.

First, I met with one of my best friends (you might remember her from this post here) at Sibley State Park in Minnesota. We did a 3 mile loop following the lake and the hills through the trees. This loop was completely stunning with its colors, and the sunshine poking through the leaves. This was before hunting season and Chloe was happily meandering off leash.

I also found the only natural waterfall in North Dakota, located near Lisbon, on a 4 mile walk. The path was very well marked and hunting season had begun; therefore Chloe and I wrapped ourselves up in bright orange and set out toward this adventure. The walk was beautiful, and snow had begun to fall in massive wet clumps making the entire world whisper in its pure, clean white beauty. We found an abundance of deer, which resulted in me keeping Chloe attached to my hip especially since hunting season had begun. The walk to the waterfall was far more beautiful than the waterfall itself. Having gotten somewhat used to the effortless, staggering waterfalls in the Pacific North West; I was slightly unimpressed. However; the bridge crossings, the snow and the leaves made this hike absolutely staggering.

Another favorite adventure find was Tamarak National Wildlife refuge located near Detroit Lakes, Minnesota. There had been some gentle snow fall and the lake had just begun to freeze in beautiful, gorgeous ice designs; casting the sunlight into beautiful directions. Wildlife is a norm at the refuge and Chloe found bunnies, deer and even trumpeter swans! We kept our eyes peeled for owls and were graced by the brief presence of a snowy owl; who swooped directly in front of us too quickly for me to use my camera to capture the massive, white wing span. It was an incredible treat!

After some research, Chloe and I also found Fort Stevenson State Park, Lake Sakawea State Park, Buffalo River near Fargo, Turtle River near Grand Forks, Holloway Hill in Pelican Rapids, and so much more!

We used a mixture of the all-trails app, the website “only in your state”, the roadtrippers app and word of mouth to keep our feet and minds occupied for 40 hours per week. Then, we managed to score two jobs at the same time! One was an “as needed” job located in Fargo that started immediately. The second was an opportunity in Brainerd, Minnesota. Both jobs were permanent, and I had decided I would try to settle down in the Midwest for a couple of years until my savings had built back up so I could return to the traveling life.

Thank You

I don’t believe I can say enough thank yous to those who helped me through such a difficult time. My sister and family, my extended family who donated so much that I needed; my best friends who were always there; and my sister’s friends who donated clothes, bedding, and adventure supplies. I made oodles of new friends; one of whom taught me the perks of bargain shopping at the Dakota Boys Ranch thrift stores in Fargo; where I found all my kitchen needs for $200.

I found myself making friends on social media and through this very blog as well. I joined a “writers accountability group” who played a huge role in helping me finish the novel I had been plucking away at for years! I found myself taking photography and writing classes and overall savoring the time between jobs to focus on finding those pieces of joy again.

A year later it’s staggering to see how much Chloe and I have grown since the loss of the camper and since I hung up the traveling hat (temporarily). Chloe has perfected her recalls around deer, visited multiple museums (the Airplane museum AND Fargo visitor center are pet friendly) was introduced to rock climbing and an entire outdoor culture within the Fargo area. One thing is for certain; there is more pet friendly activities in the Midwest than meets the eye! No matter where you are located or where you are taking your next dogventure; I would dare to say there are 40 hours per week of hiking nearby; begging for some attention with your adventure pet!

Has anyone else here found hiking to be incredibly healing after experiencing a loss of some sort? Do you guys know other tips for finding little known dog friendly secrets in your town? I hope you all have many happy trails and happy tails today ♡

Barking Embarkers