“You must do the things you think you cannot do.” ~ Eleanor Roosevelt

Adventures and experiences make for stories to tell and write about. That’s what I do.

In the fall of 2014 I was on horseback riding a trail in Big Sky, Montana. It was by far the most beautiful place I’ve ever seen. The sky was flawlessly blue and in a 360 degree landscape, there was no other sign of human existence. The trail guide was the epitome of an adventurer and outdoorswoman, a beautiful fun-loving blond cowgirl who moved to Montana looking for a cowboy to partner with who could keep up with her.  We talked and laughed about everything under the sun. I told her my story and eventually my idea. She stopped, turned herself around on her horse, faced me and said, “You have to do it. NO one else is doing it.” 

Not too many years prior to that I began pushing myself to overcome fears and do things I swore I would never do.  I hated running, so I started running half marathons. I was afraid of being in or near water where I couldn’t see the bottom. So, I took up rowing on a crew, paddling and got my boaters’ safety certification.  I had never held a gun and was afraid to shoot one.  So, I bought a gun, went target shooting and started turkey hunting. From then on I sought out people to take me fishing and hunting.  I found out firsthand how “misguided” I was trying to find reputable teachers.  I didn’t let it stop me then and don’t now.

In creating this business service, I was concerned that my lack of outdoors experience would work against me, but as it turns out, it’s to my advantage.  Between family, friends, and strangers, the acceptance to it has been 100% positive. People are enthusiastic, curious, and generally I can raise an eyebrow or two with the stories I tell.

In short, I work with guides on marketing and setting goals to make their business more successful and enjoyable for both the guides and their clients. 

This is only the first phase of Miss Guided Adventures. To fully accomplish my goals, it takes a team. I am looking for coaches, trainers, teammates, cheerleaders and fans in the crowd.  And right now, there’s no competition!

If you would like to learn more and be a part of a fun adventure, call or email me. NO texts please.   

 “Many men go fishing all of their lives without knowing that it is not fish they are after.” ~Henry David Thoreau

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There is a story to Miss Guided Adventures, and a purpose as well.

My Father died in 1992 from complications with Multiple Myeloma, cancer of the bone marrow.  My Dad was the symbol of strength and courage. He played hockey in college, worked on the Manhattan Project as a Boston University graduate while waiting for his Armed Air Forces service to begin where he flew a bomber in WWII. He fathered 8 children with my Mother and the guy who was an athlete, loved sailing, was a master gardener, and did everything he could to provide for his large family succumbed to a cancer that crumpled his spine.  Throughout his illness, he managed a sense of humor, a positive outlook, and he got strong enough for a brief period before his death  to swim, bike, walk, and skate again.

I dedicate this adventure to my parents and will donate 10% of proceeds on services and products to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS).

Lures 4 Cures: Partnering with lure manufacturers to design custom lure colors to sell as a fundraiser for LLS.  10% of every sale will go to LLS.

Heart Felt Fishes: A community project with local artists to design and market collectors’ gift items and décor, with 10% of the proceeds going to select charities.

Miss Guided Apparel: T-shirts, running, cycling, and fishing jerseys, and other apparel in fun designs. 10% of the proceeds will be donated to LLS.

In addition to training for a triathlon, I am committing to LLS’s Team in Training and will be doing a marathon either in 2016 or 2017.  In that time frame I also plan to Ride the Rockies with my brother as a fundraiser for MS.

   Kris Neilson, Wausau, WI

   608-575-6903

   missguidedkris@gmail.com