You have several options, several which have been mentioned above.
You could also purchase a hiking GPS unit (Garmin and Magellan are the top two brands in Canada for hiking GPS). With "tracking" on, the GPS will track your hike/walk as long as it does not lose satellite signal (ideally, GPS should be outside of backpack to work best - may lose signal indoors). You can then use a website/software like
http://www.gpsvisualizer.com/ to create your map showing your track. Down side to this system is that you need to connect your GPS via USB cable and I believe you mentioned bringing an iPad mini.
I've never tried to connect my Garmin Oregon 300 GPS to an iPad - I don't have one. I've always connect with my Notebook laptop. My understanding is that it is possible to download tracks if you have an SD card in the GPS via the SD card reader adapter, however, it's just not very easy (you need some serious iPad skills to do so apparently - I would suggest to speak to someone at a Mac store if possible, should this be the route you are considering).
Hiking GPS units take AA or AAA batteries, which can be found in any store. However, you will be replacing batteries every other day if you keep the unit on all day - could be costly. I use Enaloop rechargable batteries and I love them. Been recharging them almost weekly for the last year and they are still a good as the day I bought them. Advantage of hiking unit is that you can load maps, complete with road/addresses, as well as Points of Interest files (search the web, there are free maps and free POI files for the taking).
A smaller option would be to get a the Garmin 410 or 610 might be good for what you need - it's the size of a very large watch. If you get without the heart rate monitor (which you won't need), the battery can last up to 18 hours, then it will need to be plug it in for about an hour. The saved tracks would work exactly the same as the "hiking" type units, it's just much small/lighter. My husband used the website
http://www.runkeeper.com to track his runs with his unit, which also can post directly to Facebook, Garmin has a similar site to upload track files or you can use the website listed above. Disadvantage, you will have to plug in to recharge and you wont have access to maps. Again, you will need to connect via USB cable to download your tracks.
It is possible to track your "Way" and post to your blog, you just need to find the equipment that will suit you needs.
Good luck,
Renee