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Kirsti Out Wandering

Out Wandering In My Hometown

I make photographs to understand what life means to us.
Kirstin Pope

Fresh Air & Photography

I needed to get outside for fresh air and some normalcy, so I went out wandering around my hometown of Dubuque, IA today. Follow along by watching the attached video of a few of my favorite places.

Julien Dubuque Monument

The Julien Dubuque Monument not only has a rich history but is located in a park called the Mines Of Spain Recreation Area. Standing on the edge of the bluff above Catfish Creek, Dubuque died in March of 1810. When he died, the Mesquakie Indians buried him with tribal honors beneath a log mausoleum at the site of the current monument. The existing tower was then built in his honor in 1897.

The Mines Of Spain Rec Area

The Mines Of Spain Rec Area is a definite must go! Experience nature in a whole new way by hiking on beautiful wooded trails, canoeing, and kayaking along the banks of Catfish Creek and there’s even an abandoned quarry with spectacular views to explore!

Dubuque River Walk

The next stop was the famous Dubuque Riverwalk. I love this area and visit here often. The Dubuque Shot Tower was built in 1856 and used for making lead shot and bullets for commercial use. The Star Brewery is a building that, for many years, made Dubuque Star beers. 

Near river mile 580, the Dubuque Rail Bridge carries a single rail line across the Mississippi River between Dubuque, Iowa, and East Dubuque, Illinois. Rebuilt in the 1890s and has five spans with a swing-span that opens to allow barges to pass through. 

Coming full circle on this adventure, the Julien Dubuque Bridge crosses the Mississippi River, joining the cities of Dubuque, Iowa, and East Dubuque, Illinois.

Leave Your Routine

When you are ready, get out of your comfort zone and leave your routine. Be curious about what is around you and see what you can see. 

You needn’t go far to have a wonderful experience. Take wandering to the next level by looking at what’s right in the backyard with a questioning mind, inquiring, “How can I experience this differently today?”

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I am an influencer of optimism, positivity & love. By acting on my dreams, I hope to inspire others to do the same. Being where my feet are means that we live in the moment with curiosity, creativity, courage & compassion. Live your happiest, best life.

You’ll find resources and stories mostly on subjects like travel, van living, exploring, yoga, and photography on this site. It’s my hope you will be inspired to do something you’ve always wanted to do too.  

Say YES, take that first step.  

Follow along! Kirsti’s vision is to enjoy life with passion and curiosity. Kirsti Out Wandering aspires to exemplify well-being in mind, body & spirit, giving unconditional love to self and others, and pursuing all of the wild possibilities life serves up while living full-time from a sprinter van. She offers a monthly roundup that includes stories and tips on travel & exploring, van living, self-care, photography and service. 

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