Mesabi Outdoor Adventures has been an exciting addition to my life since moving to the Iron Range last year. The organization has connected me to so many unique and amazing people, and has given me numerous opportunities to embrace the outdoors through the advent of scheduled weekly events as well as the occurrence of special experiences and spontaneous get-togethers that pop up periodically throughout the year.
From one angle, Mesabi Outdoor Adventures (MOA) has the power to spend the money right out of your wallet, as I went from 0 bikes to 3 bikes within about 6 months. Though, from a more serious angle, MOA aims to make getting outdoors accessible to as many people in the Iron Range communities as possible. The organization has a number of high quality kayaks, bikes, and other recreation equipment available to be borrowed at its numerous calendar events. This alone speaks to the welcoming environment MOA strives for.
Within minutes of my first bike ride with the organization, I met more people than I can count on one hand, and I can now call this handful of people my friends, as well as many more that I have met in the time since that first experience. This organization brings together people from many different walks of life to explore the beauty and excitement of the vast and diverse outdoors here in Northern Minnesota. I am truly grateful for the opportunities and friendships Mesabi Outdoor Adventures has given me, and I hope that many others will also discover the joy that this organization brings to our area. As for the 3 bikes and the empty wallet, I wouldn’t want it any other way.
Mary Margaret White – known as “Mickey” to friends and family – spent the first part of her life moving across the country from big city to big city. Milwaukee, Cincinnati, Tucson, Chicago, Boston, and more.
But the place that feels most comfortable to her is the Iron Range.
Today, she lives on an old Finnish homestead in Embarrass that has been in her husband’s family for generations. Mickey can step out her front door and glide right onto cross-country ski trails that wind through the boreal forest. She and her husband, Chuck, tend a bountiful garden and spend summer and winter days bird watching, and nights listening for owls and the occasional call of the wolf.
“I’m out in the natural world, every day,” Mickey says. She loves the ethnic traditions that still have roots on the Range, from saunas to sarmas. “I have good friends, a healthy lifestyle, and all this natural beauty. I am happy to be a country girl after decades of city living,” she says.
Mickey still visits friends and family in some of those big cities. But would she ever move back? Not likely.
“I think I’m here forever,” she says. “This feels like home.”
After moving nine times in eight years, I made the very intentional decision to move to Hibbing. I knew that it was where I wanted to be and it was the best decision of my life.
Shortly after closing on my first home, I met the love of my life and the rest, they say is history. Girl meets boy, they fall in love and they choose to raise a trio of kids and a couple of dogs. Life on the Iron Range is every bit as crazy as that of my friends in metro areas, but with a few more perks.
We traded long commutes for afternoon drives to the cabin and have the luxury of walking or biking to school sporting events and city parks. Our schools are great and our kids are active and healthy. We’re able to spend more time living life than driving to events in our life.
I’m a small business owner and am thankful that I have the power to decide where my business will be located. As a graphic designer, I rely on connectivity to work with my clients from coast to coast, helping them to build their brands.
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