May 9, 2013

Checking in for the Train and Checking out Seattle’s King Street Station

As you may have read, we gave train travel with a toddler a try on a recent weekend trip to Portland, Oregon. While we may still be undecided on whether or not it’s a better option for us than taking the car, we know one thing for sure: It beats flying.

While Slaed dealt with getting the car parked downtown, I was charged with getting us settled at the station. This involved checking us in for our train ride down to Portland, dropping our bags to be checked, and scoping out our seating situation because we were riding coach and didn’t yet have an assigned seat. All these great responsibilities needed to be taken care of with Bergen riding along in the backpack carrier. Sounds like an ordeal, right?

But would you have guessed getting those tasks accomplished took all of about 5 minutes?

First, I checked us in at the counter. No line. All I needed was identification and my confirmation information, and Slaed (my travel companion) didn’t even need to be present.
Next, at that same counter, the friendly gentleman took our two roller bags.
Finally, I walked over to the kiosk near our departure door and waited for the seat assignment process to start.
When it was time to board, we just simply walked through the door, and climbed into our assigned train car. No security. No scanners. No required rules about staying seated, and paying attention to this or that.

TIP: When riding coach, if you are concerned about your seating assignment, arrive at the station early to get in line. If you don’t care about your seat, I wouldn’t worry about it. If you want to know your seat assignment ahead of time, pay the extra money and ride business class.

What a breath of fresh air compared to the airport shenanigans we go through.

Since we were early, I was second in line. Waiting really didn’t matter to me though because from where I stood, I could take in the King Street Station’s new (or in fact, old) look.

The King Street Station recently went through extensive restoration to bring the station both up to date, and back to the beauty it exuded at it’s beginning in 1906. Of note, the ceiling was restored and recreated to match it’s original look, the floors were cleaned and restored, and “modernized” light fixtures were removed to make way for fixtures that fit the character of the building and architecture.

The result is quite impressive, and I felt lucky to get to experience the station in all it’s glory.

Where have you traveled by train? Share with us one of the noteworthy train stations you have experienced!

Come join the conversation! We’d love to have you join us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

This post is linked to Travel Photo Thursday at Budget Traveler’s Sandbox.

May 7, 2013

Travel by Train with a Toddler: It’s a Toss Up

In our family, we’ve made it a bit of a tradition to travel South to Oregon during the month of April. We’ve added other spots into the mix, but no matter what, Portland is always involved. The birth of Bergen hasn’t gotten in the way of our tradition, though our itineraries may have slowed down some.

Last year for our April Oregon trip, we left the car at home, and decided to give train travel with a baby a try. We were big fans, and thought we’d give it another whirl; this time with a 20 month old. I must admit, I had hesitations now that Bergen is a young toddler nearing the 2 year mark, however I was also comforted by all the “amenities” that attracted us to the train in the first place.

And you know what? After our recent experience, we really are undecided, and still given the choice again, we don’t know what we would choose for our mode of transportation! Here we give you our “pros & cons” of traveling by train vs. car:

Pros:

You don’t have to drive. No worries of navigation. No aggravating stop and go traffic to sit through. The pressure is off.
Little ones are not confined to car seats or seat belts. Bergen is on the move, and that is exactly what he is allowed to do on the train. Slaed and I took turns walking with him up and down the line of train cars. He could stop at a set of empty seats and climb around for a while, he could interact with other passengers, and check out the view from different vantage points. You can bring the car seat aboard the train, and we did that with Bergen last year, which worked out really well for napping, but it’s not necessary.
You can be social. It’s much easier to chat with your travel companions on the train, in fact some seating situations even allow you to sit across from each other. You also have the chance to meet and socialize with fellow passengers, and I see them as one more distraction tool in my “keep Bergen occupied” tool kit.
The view. The view is better on Amtrak Cascades than on I-5, and I’m guessing most train routes would be the same. Also, you actually get to enjoy the view without being concerned of driving off the road.
You don’t have to stop to eat. Whether you pack your own meals and snacks or pick something up in the bistro car, you can enjoy your food without taking time away from getting to your destination. The bistro car also just gave us something else to do with Bergen. He happily sat on my lap, and devoured a bag of pretzels while I got to take in the scenery.

Cons:

The train ride is longer than the car ride. However, if you encounter traffic on the highway or stop for a long meal or rest, the duration may even out. The duration may also even out if you need to stop frequently for a baby (nursing, diaper changes, etc.), as we would have had to do last year.
More coordination. Instead of just loading up in the car, you have to get yourself to the train station, worry about parking, check bags, and on and on. This is by far more simple than traveling by plane, but still takes time. Time that you could be logging in the car getting to your destination.
Work! It’s a lot of work to keep an active and busy toddler from disturbing everyone traveling with you on the train. Bergen did not want to sit still. In the car, we time his nap to coincide with our departure time, which gives us at least an hour of solace. We didn’t even want to risk a failed napping attempt, so he napped before the train ride.
You could get stuck. Weather, slides, and other trains can all get in the way of your train arriving at your destination on-time.

Tips for Train Travel with a Toddler:

Bring a partner! Slaed and I took turns. One of us would run off with Bergen for awhile, and the other could kick back and relax for a bit.
Do business class. It will cost you more per ticket, but with business class, you get an assigned seat ahead of time. Non-business classers have to wait in line at the station to get their seat assignment, which can take up a lot of your precious time.
Take advantage of the bistro and dining cars. We can’t emphasize this enough. On the return trip, we actually spent the majority of our time in the dining car. If you end up with a less than ideal seating assignment, it’s a great alternative.
Just like we’d suggest on the airplane, don’t be in rush to board. We enjoy and wander around the train station for as long as possible before making our way to our train car. There will be plenty of time to get settled and explore that space!
For even more general tips, see last year’s Travel by Train post.

What would you do? Train or car? We want to know what you think!

Come join the conversation! We’d love to have you join us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

This post is linked up with Travel Tips Tuesday on WalkingOn Travels and Suitcases and Sippy Cups. For tons more travel tips, check out their sites!

May 3, 2013

Portland, Oregon’s Love Affair with Fountains: Toddler Fun at Jamison Square

If we learned anything about Portland on our weekend trip there last week, it’s that they have a thing for fountains. While in the downtown area, it seemed at every corner we turned there was another park or square delightfully streaming water. You can probably imagine the soundtrack to all the water spraying everywhere: laughter, shrieks, and just plain giddiness from little ones (and adults too!).

Thanks to our friends, long-time Portland residents, we got to visit one of the best fountains that Portland has to offer. Tucked away in the Pearl District and surrounded by trees is Jamison Square.

For logistical reasons, half of our group (including me) drove from our hotel, while the other half (including Slaed and Bergen) walked. Since us drivers arrived before the walkers, we treated ourselves to coffee and ice cream, and then made our way over to the fountain.

Meanwhile Slaed and Bergen were getting settled. I didn’t get to the see the whole episode unfold, but apparently it all happened quite fast. First the shoes came off. Then Slaed rolled up Bergen’s pants. Then he lost the pants all together. When I arrived at the scene with coffee and ice cream in hand, I found my young toddler son having the time of his life. He was splashing around, climbing stairs with water cascading down, and doing a whole lot of excited screaming. He was having all this fun in nothing but his diaper.

Once I got over the initial shock and worry that this might not be the best and most sanitary choice, I kicked back a little and let him do his thing. Maybe the “diaper bag” needs to have an emergency swim suit? True-Portlanders come prepared. You might not be able to tell from the photos, but they bring pop-up chairs, picnics, big cozy beach towels, and yes, bathing suits. When the weather is slated to be nice, they make a day, or at least an afternoon, of it.

At this particular fountain, the water would fill up to about Bergen’s upper thigh, and then gradually drain to nothing. Then the process started up all over again. What a thrill!

Luckily, like most toddler activities, the fun didn’t last long, and before we knew it Bergen was shivering, and ready to head to dinner. I did at least manage to have a change of clothes for him, so it wasn’t a complete worst-mom-of-the-year moment.

Tell us about your impromptu swimming experiences! Were you as ill-prepared as we were?

Info to Know:

Jamison Square is located in Portland’s Pearl District
- 810 NW 11th Avenue
- Hours: 5:00 am to Midnight
Don’t get caught like us! Bring bathing suits, towels, and sunscreen!
Cool off with an ice cream cone from Cool Moon, located just outside the square, and cool down or warm up with coffee from Nossa Familia, also just a block or two away.

Come join the conversation! We’d love to have you join us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

This post is part of Friday Daydreamin’ at R We There Yet Mom? and Photo Friday at Delicious Baby.

More adventures in Portland:

May 2, 2013

Food Carts of Downtown Portland, Oregon: 3 Tasty Choices

Knowing our train would be rolling into Portland at about 6 pm, right smack-dab at Bergen’s dinnertime, we knew we needed a plan. A loose plan, at least. We needed to grab something quick for him and didn’t really have time to sit down. We also needed to check into our hotel and get him to bed. Given that he had an early nap and walked up and down the line of train cars for most of the duration of our trip, he was more than ready to hit the hay.

With food carts being all the rage and definitely a kid-friendly way to go, we thought we’d give it a try. A little bit of research is recommended as hours can be unexpected and locations can change. In general our plan was to “wing it” and see what caught our eye on our walk from the train station to the hotel. Just in case, ahead of time, I jotted down a couple of options that I knew would be open.

It turns out, that the three of us got our dinners from three different places. Each cart served us delicious food, made to order, and extremely fresh. Each “chef” took their time, in a good way; a way that let us know they were serious about their creation.

Piñata Takos: SW 3rd & Ash (Downtown Portland)

Just a block from our Embassy Suites hotel, we decided this Mexican joint would be perfect for Bergen’s dinner. We ordered him up a quesadilla with carnitas: Something we knew he was sure to enjoy. I started to worry when the guy who ordered tacos, and then the guy who ordered a burrito got their food before us, but it was worth the wait. The tortilla was light and flaky, the carnitas flavorful, and the cheese melted just right. The portion was of course more than enough for Bergen, and actually gave us (Slaed and me) a bit of an appetizer before Slaed ran out in search of dinner for the two of us.

As I settled Bergen into bed, Slaed went out on his mission, and came home with two winners.

Elmasry: SW 3rd Between Stark & Washington (Downtown Portland)

Elmasry was the one cart that I had my heart set on. I knew it had late hours, unlike many of the trucks and carts that are only open for lunch. I also knew it served one of my new favorite foods: Shawarmas. I’m just beginning to learn about the shawarma, but from what I understand, it’s a middle eastern specialty similar to a gyro. It did not disappoint, and in fact as Slaed walked back to deliver it to me, passersby commented on how tasty it looked, and asked where they could get one! A great combination of well-spiced chicken, fresh cut veggies, and a cool yogurt sauce, all wrapped up in a warm pita, I devoured every last bite.

Taste of Korea: SW 3rd Between Stark & Washington (Downtown Portland)

Just a couple of carts away from Elmasry was a Korean BBQ cart where Slaed found his meal. He chose spicy barbeque chicken, which was served with rice and kimchi. I can attest to it’s spiciness as I watched Slaed sweat across the table from me. He was a fan but determined that he might be a bit of a wimp, because it was just a little too much for him. Nevertheless, he still highly recommends the cart.

For all of our meals, along with taste, the price was also right. Each dinner was $6 or less.

Tell us about your street food experiences. Where in the world is your favorite spot? Have you every tried something completely new to you? What did you think?

Come join the conversation! We’d love to have you join us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

This post is linked with Budget Travelers Sandbox Travel Photo Thursday.

More adventures in Portland:

April 25, 2013

Family’s Favorites for a Springtime Visit to Phoenix’ Desert Botanical Garden

Based on our incident with poor Bergen, you’d think we would have ill feelings (or that we’d want to forget the place all together) toward Phoenix’ Desert Botanical Garden. Despite the mishap however, our only wish is that we’d had more time to explore both the gardens and the surrounding sites within Papago Park as a whole, which includes the Phoenix Zoo, The Hall of Flame, and Hole-in-the-Rock, just to name a few.

We started off the morning being greeted by blown glass art sculptures among beautiful desert plants thanks to Dale Chihuly. We felt right at home (aside from the sunny, dry weather) as there are very similar pieces back home at his new garden and glass museum at the Seattle Center.

Once inside, we learned that essentially the garden is made up of 5 loop trails with other little pathways and diversions in between. Upon entering, to the South is the Desert Discovery Loop, which allows for access to the Center for Desert Living Trail, Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail, and Plants & People of the Sonoran Desert Loop Trail. West of the entrance is the Desert Wildflower Loop Trail.

We explored 4 of the 5 loops with our left-out loop being the Center for Desert Living Trail (no particular reason why, we just ran out of time), and want to pass along our favorites.

Desert Botanical: 10 Family Favorites

1. Cactus

It’s quite obvious that you’ll see cactus at a botanical garden in Phoenix, but what I didn’t expect was to acquire such an affinity toward the desert plants. Coupled with the hike we took in the White Tank Mountains, I really got to know and appreciate all the varieties and little unique characteristics of each.

2. Blooms

We were a little early for full on cactus blooms in their glory, but we were lucky enough to see the beginnings of a few. Peak blooming season is from mid-March to late-April.

3. Cute Furry Friends

Stay put for a little while, or in our case just look for people who look very intent in their photo snapping, and you’re sure to run into one of these ground squirrels. This one in a particular must be used to the lime light because he/she waited so patiently and stayed so still.

4. Art

Check the garden’s website for the latest in events and exhibitions. I loved the way Escobar’s sculptures blended into the landscape, but at the same time added pops of unexpected color. Haas’ exhibit has 3 other sculptures (along with the one pictured below) to depict the 4 Seasons. Each portrait is at least 15 feet tall, and is composed of painted fruits, vegetables, and other plant related accoutrements.

Carolina Escobar: Desert Botanical Garden--wildtalesof.com

Whispers of a New World by Carolina Escobar

Philip Haas: Desert Botanical Garden--www.wildtalesof.com

The Four Seasons by Philip Haas

5. Butterflies

The butterfly pavilion is just East of the main Desert Discovery loop, and holds a spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) exhibit. Note that there is an additional charge for non-members of the garden. The pavilion is small, and even though a certain number of guests are allowed in at a time the area get crowded. It was on the “cooler” side for Phoenix standards on the morning we visited, so I’m told there were fewer visible butterflies than usual. We still managed to see some beauties.

6. Plants and People of the Sonoran Desert

This was my husband Slaed’s favorite loop, and I think older kids would particularly enjoy the hands-on aspects of the many displays. We learned on this trip that when people talk about “Ramadas”, they probably are not talking about a “Ramada Inn”, but instead an open porch, trellis or shelter.

7. Birds

I should have guessed (but didn’t) that this would be a birdwatcher’s dream! There are so many perfect perches for our feathered friends, and it was a lot of fun to watch their antics, particularly in the holes that some create in the Saguaros.

8. Agave Yucca Forest

For much of our visit, Bergen sat tight in the stroller. I hate to say it but, we were dreading him getting out because we knew there would be a lot of chasing involved and worry for the plants and his fingers. We finally set him free here and the great boardwalk was a perfect place for him to toddle around and explore.

9. Wildflowers

As you may have read, our visit to this loop was cut short, but what a fantastic contrast to the usual greens of the cacti to see the bright bursting colors of the desert wildflowers. A great place to scope out butterflies and hummingbirds too. Flowers do bloom all year long, but the peak seasons is March-April.

10. Views

Some of the best views of the distant landscape can be seen from the Sonoran Desert Nature Loop Trail. I’m hoping to actually get to hike Camelback Mountain (pictured here) on our next visit to Phoenix.

Info to Know:

Desert Botanical Garden is located in Phoenix’ Papago Park.
- 1201 N. Galvin Parkway Phoenix, AZ 85008
- Hours: Daily 8am-8pm
- Fees: Adults $18, Seniors (60+) $15, Students $10 (13-18), Children $8 (3-12), Under 3 years FREE
We purchased our tickets through Groupon, so it wouldn’t hurt to be on the look out for the deal if you plan to go.
Picnicking is not allowed. The garden has two dining options: Gertrude’s Restaurant, and the smaller Patio Cafe.

Have you visited the Desert Botanical Garden? What was at the top of your viewing list? Got a great botanical garden to add to our list? Please share in the comments!

Come join the conversation! We’d love to have you join us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

This post is linked with Budget Travelers Sandbox Travel Photo Thursday.

April 18, 2013

Phoenix, AZ Rainy Day Adventure: Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium

When planning the trip we took to the Phoenix area last month, we had a few things in mind. Sun, heat, shorts, t-shirts, flip flops, and good times with family were all on the list. On the other hand, while dreaming away of our visit, COLD and RAIN were very far from our minds. The rain of course did have it’s benefits, but it also meant shifts in plans.

With precipitation in the forecast, we needed to be careful in our activity choices, and we certainly weren’t about to take the day off from exploring the area to hunker down at home. Bergen wouldn’t allow that anyway.

The day before this adventure, while Bergen was tucked away for the night and Slaed and his Mom tried their luck at bingo, I scoured handouts, magazines and newspaper clippings (all bundled together by my mother-in-law) for a proper outing given the circumstances. The Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium seemed to be our best bet.

With it’s location in Litchfield Park, AZ (Northwest of Phoenix), the attraction is not too far from where we were staying in Sun City. Given that the facility now has the addition of an aquarium, I knew that along with a few other indoor exhibits, we’d have enough coverage in the event of a downpour. Also, zoos are fun for all ages and not just adult or kid focused.

Not such a sunny city on this day…

As we arrived, we were faced with a few negatives. The first: A hoard of middle school students. I don’t know about you, but middle school students by the dozen terrify me, even with a background as a school teacher. The noise level alone sends me running for the hills. One on one, and in small groups, however, the 12-14 year old set can be quite lovely. The second negative: The price. At $30 dollars per adult, I thought the cost was quite steep for the zoo’s size and offerings.

Cautiously optimistic, we charged ahead (in the opposite direction of the middle schoolers), and began to explore some exhibits starting with birds and monkeys near the entrance. While the creatures were beautiful, I couldn’t help but notice the tight quarters of their living space. It was also hard to overlook the employees smoking right outside the animal’s home. My hope is that their time in these enclosures is temporary for purposes of people to view them, but I’m afraid this is probably not the case.

We moved on to the petting zoo area where there are a variety of animals for kids and adults to interact with. Tortoises, goat, chickens, and even small deer were waiting for us to spend time with them. You could of course buy a handful of pellets for 50 cents to feed some of the animals. Unfortunately, we learned that Bergen is absolutely terrified of petting zoos, or possibly goats? He was not comfortable walking around the fenced area, and screamed and cried, so needless to say, we made a quick exit. This was fine by me as it was difficult to find a clear spot to step in the mess of goat droppings.

As we traveled up past the porcupine and meerkats, things started to look up. Bergen enjoyed seeing many of the African animals at a distance, and we were surprised at how many creatures we saw that we have actually never seen before. We marveled at large groups of hoofed animals like gazelles, antelopes, and addax. We also had the chance to see many animals that we see from afar (or hiding) at our zoo, quite close. One particular favorite of our group was a trio of lovely warthogs who certainly lived up to their name!

Our funniest encounter had to be the New Guinea Singing Dog. If we hadn’t read the sign, we honestly would have thought they plucked a little mutt from the Humane Society, and put him in the zoo. I now know that the singing K-9’s are a true species of dog. Their howl really does sound like singing, but they seem to run around just like any other dog would in their backyard. We couldn’t help but think of Norman, our pup back home.

With the rains headed our way and lunchtime approaching, we squeezed in our inside visit with the baby white tiger, hurried past the flamingos, and took some time to explore the aquarium areas. Just outside the indoor portion, by the log flume ride, of the aquarium is a family of river otters. These guys are adorable, and always my favorite at all the zoos and aquariums we visit. They just know how to have a good time swimming, sliding, and standing up on their hind legs to check something out.

We got to see some beautiful fish, and there is one station where kids can touch (and sternly enforced not pick up) starfish, urchins, and even feed stingrays.

Would I go back? Absolutely not.

Do I feel like it was a complete waste of time? Of course not. Together we laughed, got to see animals we’ve never seen before, and learned a few things along the way.

Info to Know:

Wildlife World Zoo and Aquarium is located about 40 minutes Northwest of Phoenix.
- 16501 W. Northern Ave., Litchfield Park, AZ 85340, (623)-935-WILD (9453)
- Hours:
  - Zoo: 9am-6pm Daily
  - Aquarium: 9am-9pm Daily
- Fees: Adults $29 + tax, Kids (3-12 years) $14.25, Children (3 and under) FREE
Check local newspapers and websites for a possible $4-off coupon.
For lunch, we dined at Dillon’s Barbeque, which is located on the zoo and aquarium premises. We were more impressed with the location (visited last year) in Peoria food-wise, but here we got to sit right next the shark tank, which was quite an experience.

Visited a great zoo or aquarium? Tell us about it in the comments! Visited a not-so-great one? We want to hear about that too!

Come join the conversation! Join us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

This post is linked with RWeThereYetMom?’s Friday Daydreamin’! and Delicious Baby.

April 15, 2013

Colds Happen: Traveler’s Tool Kit for Helping Sick Babies and Toddlers on the Road

Babies get colds. For us, every time we turn around, it seems like Bergen has picked up some sort of bug. It’s not often at home though. It always seems that the little guy gets sick when we travel. You’d think we’d call it quits. We’re not about to give it up, even though colds and other sicknesses actually feel so much worse when we’re away from the comforts of home.

With all these colds and just the fact that we are parents of a toddler, you’d also think our tool kit would be pretty obvious, but I’ve added to it in the 18 months or so we have been traveling with Bergen. I just didn’t think of these things or think we’d need them in the beginning.

I’ve learned the hard way that it’s much easier to be prepared, than to scramble at our destination. We can tell you first hand that these tools are readily available (at least where we’ve traveled so far), but who wants to run out to the store at 9, 10, 11 o’clock in the evening?

1. Tylenol/Acetaminophen

In the event of a higher than normal temperature, tylenol/acetaminophen is often a necessary remedy. We also now keep it handy to help with possible ear pain on the airplane.

2. Snot Sucker

Whether you use an aspirator or one of those “nose fridas”, it’s nice to be able to help your little one out with the endless spicket of mucus that comes out of the nose during a cold. I always feel so bad that they don’t know how to blow their nose! Even just a few months ago we weren’t traveling with this tool. Since we had to go out and buy a new one on Christmas day while traveling in California, I find room for it in your bag!

3. Saline

Another recent addition. The little bottles of baby saline that gently depress a moisturizing salt and water mixture into the nasal passages really help clear up Bergen’s stuffy nose. Also, with so few remedies out there that are appropriate for babies, I can at least feel like I’m doing something!

4. Thermometer

Yet another tool that I didn’t instinctively pack. Thankfully Bergen really hasn’t had any worrisome temperature spikes, but it’s nice to be able to rule out a fever when faced with the sick baby.

5. Anti-bacterial Wipes

I’m thinking some of you out there can think of endless possibilities for these, some might think they are overkill. For me, I’m not one to go crazy cleaning every surface my little guy might possibly touch. Some germs are good, right? However, a few wipes do come in handy when noses are running all over the place, and Bergen is spreading his sickness everywhere.

6. Tissues

It’s nice to have a little travel-size pack for obvious reasons, but again I didn’t always intuitively take these along. The softer, the better to save their poor little noses.

7. Vaseline/Petroleum Jelly

We now carry along a little tube and find it quite useful. For us, it’s particularly helpful for when Bergen’s runny nose has been wiped too many times for us to count and it’s red, irritated, and sometimes even dry and cracked. I also hear vaseline is necessary for use of some types of thermometers.

Traveler’s Tool Kit for Helping Sick Babies and Toddlers on the Road: WildTalesOf.com

Poor guy spent a sleepless Christmas Eve…now we’re more prepared.

Note: I’m in no way a health professional. For advice on treating colds and other sicknesses, consult your physician.

You must have additions of easy-to-pack remedies and tools for the cold kit. Please add your ideas for tools and products that will help all of our little ones. Leave a comment!

Come join the conversation! Join us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

This post is part of Travel Tips Tuesday on WalkingOn Travels and Suitcases and Sippy Cups.

More on traveling with babies and toddlers:

April 4, 2013

A Visit to Arizona’s Biltmore Hotel: Mom & Toddler’s Takeaways

While in the Phoenix area we managed to squeeze in a visit to the Arizona Biltmore Hotel. Between Bergen’s nap schedule, Mariner Spring Training games, and vital family time, we were busy, and taking your toddler to a luxury hotel was a bit of a hard sell to my travel companions. I was curious about the design. I heard raves about the Frank Lloyd Wright-inspired architecture, and on the other hand, I heard others say it reminded them of a jail.

This adventure needed to be quick and focused. We still managed to enjoy ourselves though as we toured the grounds with drinks in hand.

I had to takeaways from the experience:

Look Up
Look Out

When looking up, the details in the ceiling and in the lighting are incredible. I learned that Frank Lloyd Wright is known for his use of low ceilings, and this was especially evident to me in the bathroom of all places. My favorite though was the lighting in Wright’s Restaurant.

Wander out to the courtyard, look out, and you’ll notice all the little touches that make this space an architectural marvel. The landscaping, the placement of artwork, and the structure of the hotel itself all come together and was quite pleasing to my eye. I also feel like Camelback Mountain in the distance is necessary for all of these elements to work.

Bergen (18 months) also had two takeaways from the experience:

Throw oranges
Try to take a swim in those lovely fountains

Ever since he found out that balls were for throwing, he’s found all sorts of round shaped objects to practice his skill. The abundance of oranges in the Phoenix area was perfect for his new hobby and worked wonders on the his accuracy.

Bergen is a water baby. He seems to think any water, whether an ice cold lake, murky swamp, or gorgeous fountain, would be a great place to take a dip. In fact we quickly had to whisk him away from the pool because he started throwing a fit not being able to get in and enjoy a swim.

Needless to say, I’m a fan of the hotel and the hotel’s design even though I may never get chance to actually spend the night!

Are you a fan of Frank Lloyd Wright? What structures of his design have you visited?

Come join the conversation! Join us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

This post is linked up with Budget Traveler’s Sandbox Travel Photo Thursday!

March 28, 2013

Escape the Ordinary and Experience the Magic of Orcas Island Pottery

If you spend even just a couple hours on Orcas Island, a San Juan Island North of Seattle, you’d really need to be out of it not to notice art sprinkled all around in nooks and crannies and in places you wouldn’t necessary expect. Many art installations, like the sparkly mobile hanging on the side of the road going into town essentially became landmarks for me, reminding us of an upcoming turn or destination.

Unfortunately, many of the galleries and museums are closed during the winter months (we visited the island this past January). If places were actually open, they often had limited hours, so some of my choices for outings, like the Howe Sculpture Garden, had to wait for another visit.

One truly special place stays open year round though, with hours that easily worked into our schedule. Orcas Island Pottery is no ordinary pottery studio. It’s been around for generations. In fact, it’s the oldest existing craft shop on the island and the oldest pottery studio in the entire Northwest!

You might think it would be quite foolish to bring a young, energetic, rambunctious toddler to a place that sells, makes and displays pottery, but it turns out Orcas Island Pottery is great for kids and adults alike. That’s not to say we could kick back and relax, we still had to watch Bergen like a hawk. The difference is that he had diversions and he was welcome.

For one, the grounds are spacious with lots of room to run around and little paths to take. Plenty of recognizable (and some not) ornaments and fascinating objects to point at and wonder about. Did I mention we were visiting in January? We had the place to ourselves.

Once Bergen was tired of wandering around, he climbed up and explored an incredibly built tree house. From the top, we were able to view the property as a whole and I took some time to look out onto the President’s Channel with other islands and even Canada in the distance.

Later, the friendly potters invited Bergen and Slaed in to learn about how all this beautiful work is crafted. Bergen even got to touch the clay and watch real live students try their hand at the art. Syd Exton, the owner of Orcas Island Pottery gave them a personal tour, and helped us to pick out a set of glasses; perfect for sipping wine.

And finally, our visit was capped off with a good old-fashioned swing. Bergen’s definitely done some swinging in his little life and has enjoyed some nice views, but this one has to be at the top of his list.

Info to Know:

Orcas Island Pottery:
- 338 Old Pottery Road Eastsound, Washington 98245 (follow signs)
- 360-376-2813
- Open Everyday (except Christmas and Easter) 10am-5pm
With so much to explore, plan to stay for an hour or so.
Owners are welcoming. On a nice day or evening, feel free to pack a picnic and enjoy it on their grounds.

What’s been your experience with toddlers and art studios, galleries and museums? Share your stories and tips.

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March 24, 2013

“Free Time” at the Orcas Island Ferry Terminal

Waiting is tough and ferry lines can be boring.

On our way home from Orcas Island back in January we arrived at the ferry terminal at least an hour and a half early to ensure we’d depart at the time we wanted. Instead of dreading the wait though, we took advantage of the “free time” and did some exploring. We found out there’s really lots to do!

Take in the View

Walk the Docks

Hunt for Sea Creatures

Walk over to the hill and look for bunny rabbits.

Say “Hello” to the pony that lives near by!

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March 22, 2013

Arizona’s White Tank Mountains: A Lesson in Native Cacti

While hiking along the Waterfall Trail and later the Black Rock long loop in Arizona’s White Tank Mountain Regional Park, for whatever reason, I really took notice of the native cacti. Maybe it was the sheer abundance of different species, some that I may have seen before, but never really thought twice about. Another possible reason is that we were on full-cactus-alert for the first part of the hike as Bergen was off and running on his own. Also many were just quite a spectacle to look at and appreciate.

It was after this hike that I not only became better at identifying types of cacti, but I came away with a favorite type of cactus species. There certainly may be other types of cactus lurking around White Tank Mountain Regional Park, but we came away with being able to identify four common species.

Saguaro Cactus

The Saguaro to me is the stereotypical cactus. It’s the cactus that I think of when someone brings up the subject. Beautiful, fragrant flowers bloom from this cactus, and it just so happens that they are the Arizona State flower. Interestingly enough, the number of branches on a Saguaro do not correspond with the it’s age.

Barrel Cactus

Tucked away amongst the ocotillo plants, is the Barrel cactus. I’ve definitely seen larger barrel cacti on other Arizona hikes, but I’m always struck by the visible hints of red that show through. What also stands out to me is that they are just one singular structure as opposed to so many of the cacti that have branches and various pieces sticking out every which way.

Hedgehog Cactus

The hedgehog cacti was a newer one to me in terms of identification. It’s true, the long wispy spikes do remind me of a hedgehog (as well as a porcupine!). Many feel that the hedgehog produces some of the most spectacular flowers. I have yet to see this in person, but maybe I should plan trip in the later spring months to see for myself!

Teddy Bear Cholla Cactus

The Teddy Bear Cholla comes away as my absolute favorite cactus. The’re something about the thick, straw-colored spines that make me just want to give it a squeeze, though I know that would definitely NOT be a wise thing to do! From my research, and clearly from the photo, these cacti seem to exist in groves, which I think really adds to their appeal.

Thankfully on this hike (unlike our visit to the Desert Botanical Gardens), we came away with zero cactus-spine related incidents. We were left only with a new appreciate for this beautiful and fascinating species!

Info to Know:

The White Tank Mountain Regional Park is located about 30 miles Northeast of Phoenix in Waddell, AZ.
- 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road
  Waddell, AZ 85355
- Park Hours: Sun-Thu: 6 am – 8 pm, Fri-Sat: 6 am – 10 pm
- Park Entry Fee: $6/vehicle for day use
Strollers: While it wouldn’t be my first choice for transporting little ones, it is possible and doable on the Waterfall Trail & Black Rock Long Loop. We saw a family navigating with a regular stroller just fine.
We really didn’t need water or snacks for such a short hike given the weather conditions, but on a regular hot, sunny Arizona day, you’ll want plenty of water to keep you hydrated.

Do you have a favorite type of cactus? Share your thoughts and feel free to add more to our list!

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This post is linked-up with R We There Yet Mom?’s Friday Daydreamin’!

March 19, 2013

Dwellable’s New Vacation Rental App: So Fresh and So Clean

A sampling of views from some of our vacation rentals.

It’s probably not news to you if you follow the blog, especially on facebook, that I’m a big fan of staying in vacation rentals as opposed to hotels while traveling. With so many amenities, hotels definitely have their place for us, but even before Bergen came along, I was singing the praises of these “homes away from home”. Rentals offer flexibility, give us a chance to get away from the crowds, and allow for peace of mind when someone might wake up screaming in the middle of the night (no worries of those fellow hotel-stayers next door). Often they also save us a lot of money, particularly with longer stays, and I recently discovered a vacation rental search engine (website & now a handy new mobile app): Dwellable.

So Fresh

Dwellable recently rolled out their newest version of the app (2.0) making it even easier to search for properties on the go. With the app available on iphone (and ipod touch), everything is literally at your finger tips. You’ll see freshness from the very start as you open the app and see waves crashing on a beach: What a way to set the mood for vacation planning! At this point, simply enter your destination, and then you can browse the rentals available depending on your organizational preference:

List
Photos
Map

My favorite is the map setting. Pins drop all over the area of your destination. Click on the pin you’re interested in and up pops a picture with price information, name, and number of beds and baths. Click on the actual picture, and you’re taken to even more detailed information including, most importantly, owner contact or website of the property.

So Clean

Even though this is the latest and greatest version of the Dwellable app, it doesn’t mean there is information flying at you in every which way. Presentation is clean and easy to follow. I love how concise each listing is shown. What you need to know in order to make a good decision on your vacation rental including price, dates available, features, and more photos is all there, but it’s not overwhelming. I should also point out that the photos are a breeze to view. Click on one and you can then swipe through just like you would your own photos on your device.

Lastly in terms of clean design, when your chosen destination has neighborhoods or geographic areas (and most likely a large volume of rentals), Dwellable breaks the listings down and organizes them making it even easier to search. For example, when I searched Kauai, my results are broken down into East, North, South and West. Much simpler for my cluttered brain to follow!

All In All

I love what Dwellable has come up with, and I find myself opening up the app just as an excuse to explore new places, daydream, and get lost in my future travel plans. Have you discovered Dwellable? What do you think?

Leave your favorite travel app as of late here in the comment section. I’d love to check it out!

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Note: I was not compensated for my review of the new Dwellable app. Just excited to share a new travel tool with you, reader!

March 18, 2013

Quick Travel Tip from a Dad (#5): Shoulder Riders Beware!

My husband Slaed, a seasoned traveler, has no shortage of advice when it comes to hitting the roads, rails, skies, and even waterways. Fatherhood did throw him for a loop, but with almost a year and a half of travel with a little one under his belt, he’s got some creative ideas and some gems of advice he wants to pass along to you fellow travelers out there.

Show of hands. Do you throw your kids onto your shoulders when out and about? It’s a great option for so many reasons: kid gets to be taller, kid gets a fun ride, kid is with you and thus not running amok or getting lost in a crowd, tired kid legs get a break. I could go on and on!

Accidents happen though, and while I’m certainly not going to tell you to stop putting your kids on your shoulders, I do want you to be careful. While at the beautiful Desert Botanical Gardens on our recent trip to Phoenix, Slaed learned his lesson the hard way. After 2 1/2 hours of happy roaming, we had one more loop to complete.

To speed Bergen along, Slaed put him atop his shoulders and continued on the path to enjoy the wildflowers. It wasn’t a minute later before he felt a tug followed a cry from not only Bergen, but the other concerned garden patrons nearby. He walked Bergen right into a prickly tree. It was a bit of a frenzy wiping up blood and pulling thorns out of his head, but we did get the poor guy to the first aid station where he was cleaned up by a kind park ranger (who is a dad himself).

A bit of warning before your next shoulder ride:

Think about your trip (from point a to point b) before you start walking. Entering any buildings? Have your wits about you and anticipate what’s coming ahead (and above).
Remember how much taller you actually are with a kid on your shoulders. Your clearance levels will be different now that you have a tot along for the ride.
Be careful everywhere, but be especially vigilant if you choose to give a ride while walking up or down stairs.

Have you had any accidents or close calls with a tot on your shoulders? What happened?

Need more? Go visit Travel Tips Tuesday on WalkingOn Travels and Suitcases and Sippy Cups. For tons of great travel tips, check out their sites!

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March 15, 2013

Obstruction Pass State Park: Our Bright and Sunny Gem on Orcas Island

Moran State Park on Orcas Island seems to get all the attention, as well it should, from visitors and locals alike. However, there’s another little park on the island that is worth a stop, and would also be an amazing place to set up camp for a few days.

Obstruction Pass State Park is located on the South end of the island, South of Moran State Park and the town of Olga. If you don’t have a lot of time, it’s a great place to take in much of the island’s natural beauty in one small package. After a quick hike on it’s forested trail with moss covered trees like Douglas Fir, Cedars and Hemlocks, we reached the camp site area and dreamed about which spot we would choose.

Then we walked down some stairs and arrived at the beach! I’m so glad we saved this visit for the one sunny day we had in our week long stay. Once we hit the sand, we were actually hot all bundled up in sweaters, jackets, and hats.

The park is one of just a few places with public beach access on Orcas Island, and Bergen was more than happy to get out of the carrier and do some beachcombing.

From the beach, we looked out on Obstruction Pass with Obstruction Island and the Salish Sea in the distance.

Info to Know:

Obstruction Pass State Park is located on the Southeast side of Orcas Island. Orcas Island is part of the San Juan Islands, an amazing group of islands in Washington State.
- Hours: Winter- 8 am to dusk, Summer-6:30 am to dusk
- Open year-round for camping
Fee: $10 day-use fee or “free” with Discover Pass (Annual Washington State Park Pass)
If you aren’t visiting in the dead of winter like we were, head to the near by Olga Cafe for a great meal!

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Looking for more travel fun and inspiration? Go visit RWeThereYetMom? where you’ll find amazing posts from around the world!

March 13, 2013

A Rare Waterfall Viewing in Arizona’s White Tank Mountains

We like to think we are pretty good travel planners. Now that Slaed’s mom lives in the Phoenix area, we’ve carefully selected the month of March to be our time to visit for a few days. It’s about that time where we just can’t stand the doom and gloom of Seattle, and it’s nice and warm and sunny in Phoenix in a perfect way, not a 113 degree way. It worked out so well last year. This year’s visit was another story.

For 2 out of our 4 (full) days, we were busting out the raincoats and pants instead of slathering on sunscreen and traipsing around in flip flops. You’ll be happy to know though that we didn’t retreat and spend all of our time indoors. We just altered our plans a bit, and it turns out we were able to experience something that rarely comes around in the hot, dry desert of Arizona: A waterfall. We also got to experience another Phoenix area rarity: Cool hiking temperatures.

The White Tank Mountains are located about 30 miles Northwest of Phoenix. The park is part of Maricopa County Parks and Recreation and has about 25 miles of multi-use trails. Since it was our first visit, it was getting late, and we only had a limited amount of time, we chose the short Waterfall Trail (.9 miles out to the waterfall), and instead of going straight back, we hiked part of the Black Rock long loop.

The beginning of the trail is paved, and then the path eventually turns to gravel. Bergen (18 months) hiked for a while, and when we wanted to speed up (and stop worrying about his fingers getting pricked by cactus thorns) we threw him on my back in the ergo.

We viewed petroglyphs all along the trail, and I found them fascinating. It’s believed that they are at least 700 years old and the work of the Hohokam Indians who abandoned the area around 1100 A.D. There are placards throughout attempting to explain some of the designs though no one truly knows the meaning of the various images.

After few easy steps up, we entered a box canyon that is completely dry almost 100 percent of the time. Because of all the previous day’s rain, there was a small pool of water along with a tiny trickle of a waterfall seen once we bouldered over a few rocks.

Unfortunately, I felt the footwork was a little too tricky to take Bergen along on my back, so he stayed back with Grandma while Slaed and I enjoyed the experience. The view was unexpected, and I was really surprised at the true whiteness of the canyon. The rock almost looks fabricated, but is actually white granite.

As we walked away from the canyon with the view of the valley looking towards Phoenix in the distance, we were no longer disappointed with the less than perfect weather conditions. How could we be disappointed, really. The weather played a huge factor in our unique experience, and that was just the first half of our hike! Stay turned for part two where we learned all about the native cacti of Arizona!

Info to Know:

The White Tank Mountain Regional Park is located about 30 miles Northwest of Phoenix in Waddell, AZ.
- 20304 W. White Tank Mountain Road
  Waddell, AZ 85355
- Park Hours: Sun-Thu: 6 am – 8 pm, Fri-Sat: 6 am – 10 pm
- Park Entry Fee: $6/vehicle for day use
Strollers: While it wouldn’t be my first choice for transporting little ones, it is possible and doable on the Waterfall Trail. We saw a family navigating with a regular stroller just fine.
We really didn’t need water or snacks for such a short hike given the weather conditions, but on a regular hot, sunny Arizona day, you’ll want plenty of water to keep you hydrated.

Where have you hiked in Arizona? Tell us about your experience!

For more travel and photo inspiration, go visit Budget Travelers Sandbox.

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March 5, 2013

Date Night on the Road: Tips for Securing Child Care and Babysitters while Traveling

My husband Slaed, a seasoned traveler, has no shortage of advice when it comes to hitting the roads, rails, skies, and even waterways. Fatherhood did throw him for a loop, but since become a dad in 2011, he’s come up with some creative ideas and some gems of advice he wants to pass along to you fellow travelers out there.

Sometimes parents need a break…even on vacation.

Who doesn’t love a good date night or time away from the kids? I sure love them as much as the next gal, but Slaed is always the one reminding me to set them up when we travel, and has played a part in securing each and every caretaker. It might be a little bit of a hassle to prepare, but once you’re out the door, the relaxing, “take-a-breather” benefits are worth the extra coordination.

Don’t feel guilty. When we travel, just by nature, there is so much more hands-on, quality time with the kids, so it’s okay to get away for a bit. Most likely, they’ll be asleep for the majority of the time you’re away anyway!

There are certainly others, but here are three (plus a bonus) ways that we have incorporated a date (or two) into our vacations and travels:

1. Family. Bring the grandparents, aunts, uncles, etc along with you or include a visit to family in your trip. This is our best and cheapest option. We try to make it easy on our family members by sneaking out for a couple of hours while Bergen is taking a nap, or after he goes down for the night. Note: No, we aren’t paying our family members an hourly rate for watching over our precious little one, but we do try to repay them in other ways with little gifts, tokens of appreciation, and of course, many, many thanks!

2. Nanny or Babysitting Service. Before we left on our trip to Kauai last November, we researched well-respected and reasonably priced nanny/babysitting services. We found a great company that fit our needs, and reserved a caretaker for two nights during our stay. It was nice to have this lined up ahead of time so that we were not scrambling (or just putting it off) once we arrived, away from the comforts of home.

3. Local Sitters. Probably the most time consuming of methods, unless you get lucky right of the bat. However if you find someone you trust, it’s often the more cost effective option than going with a service. We found a local sitter during our recent visit to Orcas Island through the island’s community center, but it’s also helpful to talk to fellow travelers or consult your local mom/parent network. Ask around! You never know who might have a few connections up their sleeve!

Bonus Tip: Never underestimate the power of a good baby monitor. While on Kauai, our rental house was just steps away from Kapa’a’s Baby Beach. We did some investigating and discovered we were still able to hear Bergen from the beach (and if he needed us, we could get back in a flash)! We weren’t truly “out on a date”, but it sure felt like it! We were able to spend quality together over lunch and dinner while Bergen slept. On another trip quite by accident, we booked a room directly across from the spa area of the hotel. We took advantage of the location, and, thanks to the baby monitor, kept an ear on Bergen while we soaked away in the hot tub.

Have you used childcare while traveling? Please share your experience and tips!

Need more? Go visit Travel Tips Tuesday on WalkingOn Travels and Suitcases and Sippy Cups. For tons of great travel tips, check out their sites!

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March 1, 2013

Lake Chelan Wine Tasting with Toddler in Tow

When my husband, Slaed, mentioned he’d need to travel to Lake Chelan for work last weekend, I jumped at the chance for Bergen and I to tag along. Being just a little over 3 hours, in North Central Washington, by the car makes it the perfect roadtrip, and a good opportunity to get away, even if it would only be for a couple days. I was also hoping to take advantage of the 300 days of sunshine that Lake Chelan boasts.

The weekend had it’s ups and downs. Thankfully more ups than downs, but the downs had us questioning why we were traveling with our rambunctious toddler yet again. Were we pushing it? Should we have just stayed home where he’s comfortable and has a routine?

Our first full day greeted with a sky full of clouds and a forecast for rain after a rough night of little sleep, but we were determined to make the most of it. Slaed worked in the morning while Bergen and I went on a nice long walk (despite the weather) and explored town. During Bergen’s nap, we hatched a wine tasting plan. Thanks to Chelan’s Chamber of Commerce, we were armed with a map of Chelan Wine Country and a slew of recommendations with our unique needs in mind. The wineries need to be open, family-friendly, and not too terribly far away.

Lake Chelan and the surrounding area has long been famous for it’s apples, but only in the last 5 years or so has it’s wine scene picked up, and become quite a destination for tasters. According to the chamber of commerce, in 2009 it was designated as an American Viticulture Area (AVA), and now has over 20 wineries to explore.

Our tour started at Vin du Lac just outside of the town of Chelan. Upon arrival we immediately noticed the view and the spacious patio area. We were also put at ease when we spotted another couple with their older toddler enjoying a glass of wine inside. After sampling a red and a couple whites, we decided it was best to choose a full glass, and enjoy it outside where Bergen was free to explore. We settled on the Les Amis (75 % Riesling, 10% Gewurztraminer, 15% Muscat). Fresh, not too sweet, not too dry, perfect for sipping as we soaked in the Vitamin D and took in the view.

For our next destination, we were torn. We knew we would continue around the lake towards the town of Manson, but with our limited time and toddler patience, we couldn’t make any mistakes! Luckily, we quickly found out one of two choices was closed making our decision easy: Benson’s Vineyards. This time, we put Bergen on my back in the ergo. Again, we sampled just a couple wines, and then noticed the nice back deck. The two of us decided on another full glass so we could enjoy the sunset as Bergen meandered around the fully enclosed area. Their 2009 Sangiovese was the right choice. I liked it’s balance with just a touch of raspberry fruitiness. We loved not worrying about him wandering off, discovering stairs, or some other way out. Sure it was a little chilly, but we were prepared, and the view made it all okay.

We were ready and looking forward to our last winery: Wapato Point Cellars. We heard from multiple sources that not only was it a great place to taste wine, but a great (and family-friendly) place to have dinner. There’s even a playground on the property! After one or two samples, we quickly realized we needed to move on to our meal for Bergen’s sake. I knew exactly what to order and was not disappointed with their burger. Flavorful and cooked just right with just the right amount of melted cheese. We went home with a bottle of 2011 Harmony: a refreshing blend of Pinto Grigio and Riesling.

We appreciated the laid back atmosphere of the Lake Chelan wineries, and while winter may not be ideal for most visitors, I was thankful for the lack of crowds, and blown away by the pleasant, family-friendly experience. And as for those questions above about traveling once again with our young toddler…I think we made the right choice, don’t you?

Where is your favorite wine region? What makes it the best?

Info to Know:

Before starting your wine tasting journey, take some of the guess work out of it, and head to the Lake Chelan Chamber of Commerce for a winery map and recommendations that suit your needs. Up-to-date information on hours and tasting times are available as well.
- 102 East Johnson Ave Chelan, WA 98816
- Monday-Saturday 9am-5pm
Vin du Lac of Chelan
- 105 Highway 150 Chelan, WA 98816
Benson Vineyards
- 754 Winesap Ave. Manson, WA 98831
Wapato Point Cellars
- 200 Quetilquasoon Road Manson, WA 98831

Also read about wine adventures in Sonoma County, plus 9 Tips for Wine Tasting with Kids!

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February 20, 2013

A Visit to San Juan Island: When a Day Turns into a Morning

We planned a whole day on San Juan Island as an excursion for us from our week-long stay on Orcas. However, we quickly realized that while we might like touring around the island by car getting in and out to look at various natural awes and historic sites, Bergen was not such a fan. He made this glaringly obvious.

By our first stop after a ferry ride and breakfast, he’d had it with the car seat. Even though he never had to be confined for all that long, just having to go back again and again was frustrating him. I was also used to the nice schedule we had going on days previous: one hike or exploration in the morning, back to the cabin for lunch and nap, back out for more exploring & dinner. Nap time had become just as relaxing for me as it was for Bergen, and I wasn’t ready to give it up.

Time for a change of plan.

Instead of taking the 5:00 pm ferry back to Orcas, we would scrap the day for a morning, and take the 11:30 am. We’d only see a couple of sites, but we were okay with that sacrifice, and Bergen could get his usual 2 hour nap as opposed to a 45 minute (at best) car nap. Changing plans is not easy for me. I get so excited about the upcoming events, I get my heart set on what I’ll see and experience. This was necessary though, and it paid off in the long run.

With our day whittled down to just a couple of hours, we chose what was most important for us to see.

First a bit of history to get us oriented. At the San Juan Island National Historical Park on the Southeast end of the island, we learned how the islands that belong to the United States were acquired. Back in the 1800’s there was joint occupation between the Americans and the British with both sides believing they had a right to the land. Two camps were established with the American Camp at this location, and the English Camp about 13 miles away on the Northwest side of the island.

The disagreement was eventually settled through third party, Kaiser Wilhelm I of Germany. Many call it the Pig War because, though there were no other casualties, the hostility between the two parties began after an American shot and killed a British pig who was digging around in his garden.

Laundress Quarters

View from San Juan Island National Historical Park

View of Griffin Bay and Mount Baker from the Redoubt

Following our history lesson, we could only make one more stop before we had head back to Friday Harbor to catch our ferry. Lime Kiln State Park was at the top of my list. It’s noted as one of the best whale watching spots in the world (though we were unfortunately off-season), has a beautiful lighthouse, and of course an actual Lime Kiln.

Whale Lime Kiln State Park San Juan Island

Closest to a whale sighting as we were going to get!

Lime Kiln: Lime Kiln State Park (San Juan Island, WA)

This Lime Kiln was renovated after the parks acquired it in 1996.

Lime Kiln Lighthouse: Still operational today though the inside is used for Orca Whale research.

Whale Watching Point Lime Kiln State Park

Norman doing his best to spot a whale.

No, not what we planned. There were more harbors, a lavender farm, the English Camp, a whale museum, restaurants, wineries and shops to check out, but we had a nap to get home to.

Info to Know:

Breakfast: We recommend the Bakery San Juan. It’s a bit out of town (about a mile away from Friday Harbor), but worth the drive for the cinnamon rolls! They also serve the best brewed coffee (no espresso) on the island.
- 775 Mullis Street Friday Harbor WA 98250
San Juan Island National Historical Park is located on the Southwest part of the island. It’s American Camp visitor center is open year round though hours are limited in the winter.
- 4668 Cattle Point Road Friday Harbor WA 98250
Lime Kiln State Park on the West side of the island is 36 acres and and features whale watching, the lighthouse, lime kiln, and about 1 1/2 miles of hiking trails.
- 1567 Westside Road Friday Harbor, WA 98250

Have you visited Washington’s San Juan Islands? How did you spend your time?

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For more travel inspiration, check out Budget Travelers Sandbox.

February 14, 2013

Orcas Island in a Song: The World Is Big, The World Is Small

Bergen and I visited the library today, something we do often, but not often enough. I’m thankful for the various board books that each branch offers as unfortunately, our little reader can get a little carried away, and ripped pages in a book is just tragic to me. Along with our board books, and a few select paper books that we are “extra careful” with, we also picked up a couple of CD’s.

One of them in particular really caught my eye: “Songs and Rhythms from Near and Far” by Ella Jenkins. The very first song on the album is titled, “The World Is Big, The World Is Small“. As I listened to the lyrics, I was brought back to our recent week on Orcas Island…

What music has inspired you in your travels? Has a song brought back memories for you? Share.

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February 7, 2013

Favorite Orcas Island Hike: Mountain Lake in Moran State Park

During our week-long stay on Orcas Island we hiked nearly everyday. That is a dream come true for me. The majority of our hiking adventures took place in Moran State Park, which is located on the East side of the island, and boasts over 30 miles of trails. It’s probably most famous for Mount Constitution and the amazing views (spanning from Vancouver, B.C. to Mount Rainier) complete with the look-out tower. While we hiked to the top (not to miss), and also saw lovely waterfalls, lakes and lush forests, the hike that sticks out the most was the Mountain Lake Loop. Despite the drizzle and moderately chilly temperatures, everything just fell into place for some reason.

For one, the distance was just about perfect: Almost 4 miles.

Next, the terrain had just a slight elevation gain and loss making it quite easy to traipse around with Bergen on my back in the ergo.

Now, we weren’t hiking to the top of something for a hard-earned view, but instead we had picturesque views nearly every step of the way. The pristine Mountain Lake was always by our side, old growth Douglas Fir trees towered above us, and the forest floor was blanketed with bright green moss. To top it off, we got to cross a little stream with a dam creating a waterfall. We also had the trail to ourselves just seeing one fellow hiker along the way.

One last reason for this hike being our favorite. Not a moan, groan, cry, protest or meltdown from Bergen (almost 1.5 years). He was just happy to be along for the nature-filled ride.

Info to Know:

The Mountain Lake Loop is located in Moran State Park on Orcas Island, WA. Parking, restrooms, boat launch, and even camping are all available at the trailhead.
Hike is 3.9 miles, designated as easy, and has just a slight elevation gain and loss. Other hikes linked to the trail include the Twin Lakes Trail & the Mount Constitution Summit trail.
Hiking boots are a good idea, though not completely necessary. Running shoes would work just fine.

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A little trail hiking fun courtesy of our super-sniffer dog, Norman!

More Orcas Island Hikes:

February 5, 2013

Quick Travel Tip from a Dad (#3): Smile for the Camera

I’ve said it before, and I’ll say it again, toddlers are unpredictable. Smiling and laughing one minute. Laying on the ground and screaming the next. Even when you catch them in a good mood, capturing a great shot with the camera can be extra challenging and tricky to pull off. Sometimes Bergen (17 months) sees the camera, and walks in the other direction while other times, we wants to grab it out of my hands. No standing still for this guy, so holding him for a posed shot doesn’t always work out. Even if he’s strapped to my back in the ergo, he’s more likely to check out the scenery than look in the direction of the photographer. Times are tough around here.

Solution Found.

While scrambling along the trails, beaches, and sidewalks of Orcas Island, Washington, Slaed discovered a great new trick to get our little guy grinning, and as a result we got some pretty sweet snapshots of him on our adventures. The trick was discovered quite by accident when Slaed lost his footing at the top of Mount Constitution. He slid in the gravel, and Bergen just thought this was hilarious. Of course we tried it again to see if these pretend falls and clumsy maneuvers would get him going again. It did indeed work! We realized we were on to something.

A Bit of Warning.

Now that you know this great trick, don’t go falling all over the place all the time. You can have too much of a good thing, and if you try the trick too many times, the novelty will be sure to wear off. Keep the idea in your back pocket and only bring it out when you really need it! Also, the trick is best if you work as a team. One person tripping and flailing around, and one person at the ready with the camera so you don’t miss an adorable crack-up.

What are your tips and tricks for taking great photographs of your kids? Share with us.

Need more? Go visit Travel Tips Tuesday on WalkingOn Travels and Suitcases and Sippy Cups. For tons of great travel tips, check out their sites!

Don’t miss a thing from Wild Tales of…in 2013: Follow us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

January 24, 2013

Queen’s Bath on North Shore of Kauai: Fit for Royalty or Daredevil?

While on the North Shore of Kauai back in November as we meandered around Princeville in awe of the streaming fountains and finely manicured lawns, we went off the beaten path and took a short but treacherous hike down to the Queen’s Bath.

Would you dare to take a dip?

The Queen’s Bath is essentially a rock pool carved out by the ocean’s waves. It’s a legendary snorkeling spot though highly discouraged, especially in the winter months. At any moment one of those waves can come in and sweep bathers or even bystanders into the ocean.

We did not see any bathers while we explored the area, but one brave sole did stand right at the edge of the pool, and just happened to begin walking back when a huge wave crashed into the pool refreshing the water.

What would you do? Is it worth the risk to experience this natural beauty or would you rather admire from afar?

*Now go visit RWeThereYetMom? and Delicious Baby for more travel fun!

Don’t miss a thing from Wild Tales of…in 2013: Follow us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

January 21, 2013

Remembering and Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“”Darkness cannot drive out darkness:

only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate:

only love can do that.”

-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Last year, for President’s Day weekend we traveled to the Washington, D.C area, and spent one of our days on the Mall with specific intentions to see the newest monument addition: the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial. Today, on President Obama’s 2nd inauguration, the President will actually face the memorial when he gives his speech.

We will honor Dr. King today by walking along his street here in Seattle, which just happens to be in our neighborhood. We’ll stop at some significant spots, like the location of a beautiful mural and one of our local pools, which is named for another civil rights activist who was assassinated, Medgar Evars. Evars’ widow Myrlie Evers-Williams will speak today at the inauguration. You can follow our journey on instagram: http://instagram.com/katespiller/.

What will you do today to honor Dr. King?

Don’t miss a thing from Wild Tales of…in 2013: Follow us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

January 16, 2013

Travel the World in Your Own Backyard: Seattle’s 21 International Sister Cities

Did you know that Seattle currently has sister city relationships with 21 cities throughout the world? Up until recently, I certainly did not. The establishment of sister cities fosters relationships between two locales thus creating greater understanding of their respective cultures. The exchange program began in 1956 thanks to President Dwight Eisenhower. His intention was essentially one of world peace and less conflict; or at least more peaceful relationships between the United States and other countries of the world.

My interest in sister cities began about three years ago. Upon researching our trip to Bergen, Norway we found out about the sister city relationship with Seattle. We made a point to visit the park in Bergen that is home to a totem pole given to the city of Bergen from the city of Seattle. It was neat to experience a little piece of home so far away. In fact, we were so touched by the experience that we chose to name our son after the city that holds such a special place in our hearts.

My plan is to honor as many Seattle Sister Cities as I can in 2013 with the ultimate goal being to highlight all 21 cities. Some of the ways that we can “travel” to the cities will be fairly easy, like visiting local Seattle parks created to showcase the sister city relationship or taking in an exhibit at a local museum that highlights the city. Attending festivals representing the country of the sister city is also a possibility, but with many others, I’ll have to get quite creative, and really keep my eyes out for events and activities that will allow us to experience the city.

Are you curious about Seattle’s 21 Sister Cities? Here they are in alphabetical order:

Beer Sheva, Israel
Bergen, Norway
Cebu, Philippines
Chongqing, China
Christchurch, New Zealand
Daejeon, Korea
Galway, Ireland
Gdynia, Poland
Haiphong, Vietnam
Kaohsiung, Taiwan
Kobe, Japan
Limbe, Carmeroon
Mazatlan, Mexico
Mombasa, Kenya
Nantes, France
Pecs, Hungary:
Perugia, Italy
Reykjavik, Iceland
Sihanoukville, Cambodia
Surabaya, Indonesia
Tashkent, Uzbekistan

I myself have actually traveled to a grand total of 3 Seattle Sister Cities: Galway, Reykjavik, and of course, Bergen. I’m hoping to add to that total, but in the meantime I’m happy to take some time to enjoy the various cultures right here in Seattle. Besides, it’ll keep us busy since you as you may have read, we are holding off on international travel (aside from maybe British Columbia) with Bergen this year.

Stay tuned as we Travel the World in Our Own Backyard!

Sister City Resources:

List of sister cities from City of Seattle (includes links to information for each city)
Sister Cities International

Have you traveled to any of the Seattle Sister Cities? Tell us a little tidbit about your experience! We want to learn more.

Don’t miss a thing from Wild Tales of…in 2013: Follow us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

January 15, 2013

Experience Kauai’s Na Pali Coast: Tips for Hiking the Kalalau Trail to Hanakapi’ai Beach

Out of all of our adventures while on Kauai, hiking the Kalalau Trail is at the top of both of our lists of best memories from our week-long stay on the Garden Isle.

The trail head begins at the end of the road; the furthest you can drive from the North end of the island. There are no roads for motor vehicles on this part of the island, so if a helicopter ride, kayak trip, or swim isn’t in the cards for you and your family, this hike is your chance to see the treasured Na Pali coast.

Though we would have loved to go further (the entire Kalalau Trail is just under 11 miles out), we only had time and baby-patience for the 4-mile round trip hike to Hanakapi’ai Beach. Despite the low mileage, the terrain is quite treacherous. It varies in steepness, and elements from dry rocks, to slippery rocks, to puddles, and streams. We came prepared, and also picked up a few tips along the way.

1. Arrive Early. Since the trail is the only land access to the Na Pali coast, the destination can be quite popular, and parking is an issue. If you’re like me, you’ll also want to avoid a crowded trail. Getting to the parking lot at least before 8 am will ensure you of both.

2. Bring a few hiking comforts. If you have hiking poles, it’s smart to bring them along. Slaed brought his, and I borrowed one on the way back. Hiking with a toddler on your back can throw off your balance, and the pole helped give me some extra stability. Other comforts include the obvious: water and a little snack for when you arrive at the beach.

3. Hiking Shoes. Wear hiking shoes that work for you. With the slippery and rocky areas of the trail, you want to be comfortable to explore, and not constantly concerned about your feet. Chaco sandals worked (loved being able to walk across the stream with out worrying about drenched shoes) for me while Slaed wore trail running shoes. On the way back we saw many a’hiker sporting flip flops. Maybe they made the trek, but I bet it wasn’t easy or comfortable.

4. Enjoy the view. We needed this reminder for some reason! I guess we got so focused on the hike, that we would forget to stop, and take some time to cherish the experience. Leave it to Bergen to help us out. On our way back, he would not stop fussing. I whizzed through the trail thinking we needed to get out of there as soon as possible. After some full on screaming, we decided to just stop and take a break. We all drank some water, had a few crackers, and just checked out the amazing Na Pali coastline. Once back in the ergo, Bergen was good to go the rest of the way.

5. Extra clothes for kids. While we certainly were not swimming at Hanakapi’ai beach (much too dangerous), Bergen still managed to the get pretty wet and sandy playing and romping around. We were glad to have packed an extra outfit for him to change into for the hike back.

6. Check Ahead. Closures for maintenance can occur. Also beware and respectful of the ocean. It not advised to swim Hanakapi’ai beach, and especially dangerous from September – April due to treacherous surf conditions.

What are your tips for hiking with kids? Have you traveled to Kauai? What was at the top of your “best memories” list?

Don’t miss a thing from Wild Tales of…in 2013: Follow us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

Need more? Go visit Travel Tips Tuesday on WalkingOn Travels and Suitcases and Sippy Cups. For tons of great travel tips, check out their sites!

Desert Botanical: 10 Family Favorites

You must have additions of easy-to-pack remedies and tools for the cold kit. Please add your ideas for tools and products that will help all of our little ones. Leave a comment!

So Fresh

So Clean

All In All

Where is your favorite wine region? What makes it the best?

Also read about wine adventures in Sonoma County, plus 9 Tips for Wine Tasting with Kids!

Time for a change of plan.

Info to Know:

More Orcas Island Hikes:

Solution Found.

A Bit of Warning.

only light can do that.

only love can do that.”

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