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Travel with Baby: Why We Love Public Transportation

Bergen on his way to the NASCAR Hall of Fame in Charlotte, NC via the lightrail (the Lynx)

We’ve always found Public Transportation to be beneficial in our travels, and having a baby hasn’t stopped us from taking advantage of this great resource in various cities. Whether it’s just using the bus to get to downtown Seattle to meet friends for lunch or getting from Oakland to San Francisco on the BART, we love it all. Light rail, monorail, subway, bus, you name it, they all come in handy, and can make getting around a whole lot easier.

6 Reasons to Love Public Transportation

1. It’s simple. Well, once you figure out your route. Do a little prep work for schedules and station location, hop aboard, and it’ll take you where you need to go!

2. No Traffic. Sure maybe public transportation might take a little longer than driving by car, but who wants to run the risk of sitting in traffic while traveling or on vacation? Traffic puts you in a bad mood, and pretty soon, you won’t even want to go anywhere.

3. No parking. Yes, you might have to think about where to park the car if you drive to the station, but the real headache is once you arrive at your destination. Once you arrive at your destination, who wants to drive around looking for a parking spot, and worse who wants to PAY for an overpriced parking spot? You also get to be worry-free of when “the meter” expires or only paying for so much time in the lot.

4. Added adventure. This is especially true with kids older than Bergen (1 year). For many, just getting on this train-type vehicle is so exciting and thrilling. The kids can stand, walk around, watch out the window, and try out different seats.

5. No carseat. As you might’ve heard, Bergen is not a huge fan of his carseat, (though he’s gotten better in his old age believe it or not) so any chance we have to free him from the burden of being strapped in and still get somewhere, we take!

Bergen on the Metro in Washington, D.C.

6. Less stress. When I asked Slaed why he loves public transportation, this was his top answer. It’s so much less stressful for the driver. He can “check-out” from thinking about how to get there, and just enjoy getting there.

Happily waiting for the light rail (MAX) in Portland, OR.

What do you love about public transportation? Where’s your favorite place to use it?

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Flying with Babies: Front or Back of the Plane?

If you plan far enough in advance or you have the choice when making your reservation, where to sit on the plane will come up and be a decision you have to make.  In my opinion, there are positives to both the front and back of the plane, so when it comes down to choosing, you must think about your own priorities, and what’s best for you, your baby, & your family as a whole.

Flying with Babies: Front or Back of the Plane? | WildTalesof.com [Read more…]

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Naptime Road Trips: La Conner, WA

After brunch and exploration in Seattle’s Ballard neighborhood yesterday, we found ourselves with a sleepy Bergen, and the two of us wanting to still be out and about on a beautiful sunny Sunday. And maybe a little jealous of all the Labor Day travelers.  We knew if we drove home, Bergen would fall asleep in the car, and then not be able to fall back asleep once in his crib.  So we started to drive North.  No plan.

I had a destination in the back of my mind, but without knowing how long Bergen would sleep, I didn’t dare mention it.  Once we made it to Everett though, I started to get excited.  I told Slaed we needed to head to La Conner: One of my favorite Washington small towns.  La Conner is located in Skagit Valley between Vancouver, B.C and Seattle (North/South), and the San Juan Islands and the North Cascades National Park (West/East), and is famous for it’s Tulip Festival every spring.

Then as I was dreaming of wide-open spaces and plenty of roadside stops for fresh fruits and vegetables, we hit some heavy traffic, and Bergen’s smooth highway-driving nap was interrupted.  He woke up.  We panicked, and started scrambling to find something to do in Everett.  Slaed fiddled with the GPS map looking for a park we could explore, and I tried to look at the bright side of things.  Just as I was accepting this new plan, I was curious as to why Bergen’s fussing had stopped.  I turned around to find Bergen back peacefully snoozing, which meant we were back on the road to La Conner!

Skagit Valley

Snowgoose Produce Stand: Stop 1

Taking a ride on “Rudy” outside of Nasty Jack’s Antiques.

Swinomish Channel

Now for the real reason for our visit to the La Conner area.

Slaed’s modest “kiddie scoop” of peppermint.

A waffle cone of chocolate peanut butter is more my style. That’s a single scoop!

Info to Know:

  • La Conner, WA is a little over 60 miles Northwest of Seattle (1 1/2 hour drive).  Explore the antique shops and go to the Calico Cupboard Cafe and Bakery.
  • Snowgoose Produce Stand (Fir Island) is open roughly from March to October from about 8 am-6pm though they tend to stay open later on busy summer days.  They are known for their generous scoops of ice cream, so be careful when you order, and bring cash.
  • Mark your calendar: The Skagit Valley Tulip Festival occurs every spring during the month of April.

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Three Falls are Better than One: Wallace Falls State Park, WA

As summer in Seattle comes to a close, we felt the need to take advantage of one of our final {Saturday Perfect Weather} days.  I had my eye on Wallace Falls State Park ever since I saw the photo of the river’s fluffy cascading waters on the Washington Trails Association website.

Located in Goldbar, Washington, off of Highway 2, about 28 mile east of Everett, the drive gave us the perfect traveling distance for Bergen’s morning nap.  We took back roads to make the drive even longer, and to cut out any potential traffic situations.

When we arrived at Wallace Falls, the park was busy, but not unbearable.  We consulted the map, and made a plan to hike the 5.5 mile out and back trail to see the lower, middle, and upper falls.  Since it worked out so well on our last hike, we strapped Bergen onto my back in the Ergo.  We’re thinking he might have some enthusiasm for nature as he looks at the hanging leaves on the trees like they are mobiles, and you have to fight for his attention when he’d rather watch a waterfall.

The trek up to the lower falls was fairly easy.  We followed along the river at points, and had a good view of the rolling water at one of the large bridges.

Things were kicked up a notch in getting to the middle falls.  Steep steps had our muscles working hard, but the trail is well worn, and easy to navigate.  We took in the view of middle falls at both lookouts, and contemplated whether or not to go all the way to upper falls.  Bergen seemed to be enjoying himself, and the bagel chips and licorice had us ready for one last push.

This climb was certainly difficult, but plenty of people were conquering the trail; kids even.  Getting to the upper falls is important.  The middle falls give you a good perspective of the falls as a whole and by far the best view, but at upper falls we saw the entire Skykomish River valley, Olympics in the distance,  and close-ups of the tempting rocky pools.  Some daredevil types ventured out on rocks, others sat for a while just to experience the cascading water and be there.  I wanted so badly to jump into the perfect blue-green water.

Info to Know:

  • 14503 Wallace Lake Road
    Goldbar, WA 98251
  • The cost (if you drive in) is $10 unless you have a Discover Pass ($30).
  • It’s a difficult hike.  Make sure everyone has sturdy shoes.  I wore Keen sandals and was fine, but would have been better off in hiking boots.
  • Taking baby along? You’ll need a sturdy carrier that is comfortable and safe for trekking up steep hills.  No strollers on this trail!
  • Bring plenty of water and snack so you have enough energy to make it to the upper falls.  Water is available at the trail head.
  • If you are not up for hiking all the way to upper falls, it’s still more than worth the trip to the park.  Plenty to explore on lower and middle (the best view anyway).
  • Before you leave, cut off from the trail, and take some time to explore the river.

Looking for more Seattle Area Kid Friendly Hikes?

Grab our Seattle Area Kid Friendly Hiking Guide!

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Hike Down Crystal Mountain: Sunshine and Daisies to Dust and Rocks

The Mount Rainier Gondola took us up to 6,872 feet of elevation, but we were determined to get back down to the base of Crystal Mountain Resort all on our own.  We decided to take the slow route, and hike.

Our journey began with an easy to navigate trail, and before we knew it, we were surrounded by wild lupines, daisies, and Indian Paintbrush.  We stopped often to take in the fields of purple, and admire the mountains in the distance.

We were happy to see Bergen content on my back in the Ergo, and I was happy to still be able to carry him this way!  While we walk quite a bit around town, our last true hike was in Arizona back in March, so we weren’t sure how he’d react to this 6-mile decent.

Magically, at about 30 minutes in, he decided to take a snooze.  I ended up pushing ahead of Slaed and his Mom, and was alone for most of the remainder of the hike.  We quietly continued on crossing streams, and circling alpine lakes.

It was right around here when the trail began to become questionable.  The lack of clear signage and markings left us (along with another group of hikers) wondering which path would be best to travel.  Even though we had a map, it was tricky to figure out, and we certainly didn’t want to take any chances of making this a longer hike with a one year old on our hands.  We decided to venture down a “road” instead of linking up with the Silver Creek Trail.  The road lead us into some rocky, dusty terrain.

Not exactly stellar hiking conditions, but fun to imagine with chairlifts filled with skiers, and the hills packed with snow in the winter.  No complaints on the view either.  I made my way down slipping and sliding, and just as the base of the resort came into view, Bergen started to put up a fuss.  I couldn’t blame him.  He was quite the trooper, and I was ready to be done too!  I relieved him from the Ergo, and we strolled the rest of the way in search of refreshment.

Info to Know:

  • We were attempting the “Crystal Mountain Trail” (#1161), which connects up with the “Silver Creek Trail” taking you back to the base.  Be sure to have a map on hand.  It would also be a good idea to talk the hike over with a guide at base to be sure of the turns!
  • Good, sturdy shoes are a must! Even if you didn’t take the road on the last part like we did, the trails are still rocky, and you are going downhill nearly the entire way.
  • 6 miles is strenuous.  Bring plenty of water, and a high energy snack.
  • Hat and sunscreen for sunny, warm, clear days.
  • The resort is located near Enumclaw, Washington
    • 33914 Crystal Mountain Blvd.
      Crystal Mountain, WA 98022
    • 1-888-754-6199 or 360-663-2265

    Now go travel the world with Sundays in my City!

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Summer Fun at Crystal Mountain Resort

A “just right” summer day, and a visit from Gramma was exactly the motivation we needed to go on a day trip to the Mount Rainier area via Crystal Mountain Resort.  The new gondola ride was calling our name, reminding me of the fun Slaed and I had riding a glass bottomed car on Whistler-Blackcomb’s Peak 2 Peak in British Columbia.  The 4 of us could enjoy the view without all the work of hiking up the mountain.

As we walked aboard, I was curious to see how Bergen would react to the ride.  I wondered if the heights would effect him.  Would he get excited? Would he even notice?

For the 10 minute ride, the view had him captivated.  As you can see, he loved pulling up on the bench or window, and looking down as we continued to climb higher and higher.  I on the other hand, became surprisingly nervous! Especially when about half way through, our car paused, and we hung motionless.  It turns out operators were just slowing down to help a car of elderly folks disembark.  I wasn’t prepared, but was put at ease when it was our turn to step off the gondola, and I witnessed one of the most beautiful views I’ve ever seen.

Though pricey, I think the experience is worth the cost, and it makes for a nice excursion with out-of-town guests.  We also splurged on lunch at the Summit House, the restaurant just off the gondola, which is actually Washington’s highest elevation restaurant (6,872 feet)!

Our Tips for a Good Mount Rainier Gondola Experience:

  • Even if you are just going up and down on the gondola, good, sturdy shoes are  a must.  The terrain can be unpredictable with steep ledges and rocky paths.
  • Be careful on the rocky ledges.  There are not any barriers, so the slightest misstep could have you in a scary situation.
  • Bring your camera and binoculars.  The binoculars will help you get an even closer view and you might even spot some wildlife.
  • Since we were with Slaed’s mom, we decided to make it really special and have lunch at the restaurant, but to save money, pack a simple picnic and enjoy one of the most breathtaking views in the world!

More info to know:

  • Cost for round trip gondola rides range from $0-$20 depending on age.
  • The resort is located near Enumclaw, Washington
    • 33914 Crystal Mountain Blvd.
      Crystal Mountain, WA 98022
    • 1-888-754-6199 or 360-663-2265
  • So much more summer fun to be had including: hiking, frisbee golf, horseback riding, biking, lawn games (like bean bag toss!), and of course, shopping.

Stay tuned for our hike down the mountain!

Come along with us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

Need some travel inspiration? Check out the travel dreaming happening over at RWeThereYetMom?

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A Year of Babywearing: Benefits & Tips

It’s hard to believe we’ve been “wearing” Bergen for a year now.  I remember like it was yesterday putting him in the Moby Wrap for the first time when he was just over a week old, walking around the house, and then walking to Breastfeeding 911 class thankfully just two blocks from our house.  I was so afraid he would fall out, so I cupped my hands around him like I was holding him anyway.  Now in what feels like 5 seconds flat, he’s buckled into the front or back of the Ergo carrier, and we are off on another adventure.

We rely on our carriers, and in no way shape or form could we continue our active lifestyle without them.  There are some places where strollers just can’t go, and places where strollers get in the way.  We also can’t just carry Bergen around all day in our arms, and he’d get into more trouble than you can imagine if left to his own devices!

Our Benefits of Carriers & Babywearing

  • When Bergen is safe and sound in a carrier, our hands are free to do other things.  These can be fun things like shopping, eating, or even wine tasting, but it’s also handy for chores like laundry, dishes, and cleaning.
  • Bergen feels secure, and thus more calm because he is close to one of his parents.  This was especially important when he was a newborn, and when he was first teething.

  • When Bergen was a newborn, (and even now that he’s older) he could nap on the go in his carrier.  Many babies will nap longer in the carrier than they would in their crib, bassinet, in your arms, etc.
  • Carriers are less bulky than strollers.  They travel well, and allow us to navigate places like festivals, farmers markets, and sporting events simply.

  • “Strangers” are less likely to touch a newborn baby when they are being worn by mom or dad as opposed to the openness of a stroller, buggy, or carriage.
  • Bergen is at our level and right there with us exploring the world.  I feel like I’m more likely to talk and interact with him on walks, hikes, and shopping trips.  And especially when he’s facing out in the bjorn with his Dad, he is able to socialize with everyone around him; something he absolutely  loves to do.

Our Tips for Babywearing

  • Start early! I can’t emphasize this enough.  From my experience with Bergen (starting at about 1 week old), and friends with little ones, the sooner you start, the more routine and “normal” being in a carrier will be for baby and parent.  Start with just wearing baby around the house, then try a short walk close to home.  Once you are comfortable, you can work up to grander adventures.
  • Practice often in short spurts.  Just because baby doesn’t like it after 15 minutes, doesn’t mean never do it again.  Try it again later for another 15 minutes.
  • Talk to other moms and dads.  Watch other moms and dads in action.  Ask questions.  For the first 5-6 months, I only carried Bergen in the front carry position with the ergo.  I was curious about carrying him on my back so I just asked other moms and dads about it when I saw them out and about.
  • Watch videos.  Do a you-tube search, and you’ll find all kinds of helpful tutorials for every type of carrier and position.
  • Enlist the help of others at first for guidance on positioning, and making sure the baby is safe.  As I was learning to carry Bergen on my back, I needed Slaed to put him into place while I concentrated on buckling.  Now with some practice, I’m able to hoist him on my back by myself from a chair or the back of the car.
  • Visit a maternity/baby store that sells several different carriers.  Have a store employee help you try a variety of carriers out to see what works best for you.  I found it helpful to try the carrier with a doll first, before getting Bergen involved.
  • Think like the little engine that could…and remember the old saying, “if at first you don’t succeed, try, try again.”  You will improve, and it will get easier, I promise!

Babywearer? Give us more of  your benefits and tips in the comment section!

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Baby Wearing Adventures

Don’t let your baby hold you back from getting out and exploring the world together! Wondering what you can do with your baby in the ergo or similar baby carrier? Bergen and I are here to give you some ideas.  {Several photos have stories linked}

Walk the dog at your local park!

Go blueberry picking!

Catch up on your gardening!

Go wine tasting!

Explore a new city!

Dig for clams!

Take a hike!

Dance at a wedding!
(Bergen got stolen by the bride!)

Visit the pumpkin patch!

Travel to the White House!

Watch a roller derby bout!

Take in a baseball game. Go Mariners!

Cheer for your favorite soccer team!

Already exploring the world with baby? Share your adventures!

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Travel Tips: Inside Bergen’s {Carry-on} Toy Bag

Flying with Babies: What to Pack in the Carry-on Toy Bag | WildTalesof.com

When packing for an upcoming flight with a baby, many things come into play.  To prepare, you’ll include everything needed, within reason, to keep your baby fed, dry, comfortable, and well-rested.  After all that, there isn’t much room for anything else, but there is still one more necessity! You need to keep your baby entertained.  How do you do that? With a cleverly packed toy bag.

3 Tips for Baby’s Carry-on Toy Bag:

1. Choose toys that are easy to pack.  Toys that are small, thin, and/or breakdown easily are best.

2. Choose toys that have multiple uses.  You don’t want the toy to be a one-trick pony.  Be creative and think of all the things you could do with that toy before it gets the privilege of  traveling with you and your baby.

3. Try to stay away from toys that are too noisy.  You want your fellow passengers to like you.  True, they’ll like you worse if you have a fussy baby, but annoying squeaks and repetitive jingles, aren’t going to get you any bonus points either.

6 Bergen-Approved Items

1. An entertaining book.  Bergen’s choice is The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle (board book edition).  You can read the book.  You can look at the pictures.  You can have fun counting all the the fruits and vegetables the caterpillar consumes. You can play with the fun flaps as the items grow in number.  Other entertaining books include “lift-the-flap” books, and “Indestructibles“.

2. Nesting cups. Bergen loves his “Munchkin Bath Cups”.  They nest inside each other, can be stacked on top of each other to make a tower, and you can snap them together to make a caterpillar!  And, since they all fit so nicely together, they don’t take up a lot of space.

3. A Mirror.  Oh the fun you can have with a mirror! This particular mirror came from Bergen’s play mat, but we’ve repurposed it to be included in the travel toy bag.  Make funny faces, play around with light, have baby admire himself…and best of all? It’s super-thin, making it easy to stuff anywhere.

4. Rings.  Rings are a toy in themselves, but they can also be hooked on to other items, made into necklaces, bracelets,  leashes for lovies, and on and on.

5. The Whoozit.    With so many features, the “whoozit”, or similar baby toy, is bound to keep baby engaged (for at least minute or so).  In fact, on Bergen’s first flight to Atlanta, he laughed for the first time thanks to his whoozit!

6. Flash Cards.  Bergen likes the “Wee Gallery Art Cards for Baby“.  The black and white images are easy for him to see, and each card is two-sided giving him 2 perspectives of each masterpiece.  You can talk about each animal featured, make up stories, practice animal sounds, and then when you are all finished, baby can have at it, and “eat” them!

What’s in your Carry-On Toy Bag? Please share!

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

Come along with us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

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Learn from our Mistakes: 6 Travel {with a baby} Don’ts

We are coming up on Bergen’s first birthday, which also marks one year of being parents, and one year of traveling with a baby! From cars, to ferry boats, to planes, and trains we have continued our adventures now as family of three.  Considering we are still out gallivanting, shows that we’ve figured out a few things about the whole traveling with a baby gig (or maybe we are just a little nutty), but that’s not to say it has been smooth sailing for every trip.  We’ve definitely had our missteps.  The adventure, beautiful sights, chance to see family and friends, and all the other benefits of travel has kept us going though.

Here are 6 of our travel mistakes that will hopefully help you as you plan your journeys with kids in tow.

1. Don’t ignore time changes and don’t get the baby up too early. When Bergen was 3 months old, for Thanksgiving we traveled to my sister’s house via a flight to Atlanta, then a drive to her home in Charlotte, North Carolina.  Like typical babies, Bergen was still waking up in the night at the time.  When he woke to eat at 7:00 Atlanta time on our first morning on the east coast, it was really 4:00 in the morning for him.  Instead of putting him back in his crib to sleep a couple more hours, we packed up the rental car, and started our journey to Charlotte.  Big mistake.  He didn’t catch up on sleep in the car, and was so overtired and overstimulated by the end of the day, that we could barely calm him, let alone get him to sleep.  Make sure you factor in time changes, and pay attention to the total amount of sleep your baby is logging.

Thanksgiving’s great and all, but I wish I could have slept in.

2. Don’t travel without backup food (or don’t be forgetful).  At 4 months, we happily hopped on a quick flight to the bay area for Christmas.  Bergen was exclusively nursing, though I would also pump milk so others (and me) could feed him milk in a bottle.  You work so hard pump, and I especially did so for the flight home as B hated to nurse on the plane (too hot? too crowded? too distracted?).  What did I do? I left the milk in my sister-in-law’s refrigerator in Oakland.  Whoops.  Luckily we could still try to nurse, and it was a short flight, but still.  I didn’t bring formula as a back-up, which would have been a good idea.  FYI, they don’t sell formula anywhere in SFO.  We checked.

Don’t forget my milk!

3. Don’t arrive at your destination too late.  Sometimes this cannot be avoided as you don’t always tons of flight time options, and time changes can be tricky.  However, if you can avoid getting to your destination too late in the evening, do it. When Bergen was 6 months old, we flew to Washington, D.C., and didn’t arrive until about 10:00 at night.  We still had to gather our bags, grab the rental car, and drive another 45 minutes to our family friend’s home.  Bergen was NOT a happy camper.  He screamed the entire way.  Not so easy to navigate the George Washington Parkway under those circumstances.  It’s also not so fun to introduce an exhausted, cranky baby to friends for the first time.  To top it off, we hadn’t had much to eat, a whole other mistake in itself.  Looking back, we should have either taken an earlier flight, or booked a hotel close to the airport for just that night.

I hope I get to bed at a decent hour.

4. Don’t forget about the temperature the baby will be sleeping in.  As we all know, babies are sensitive to the cold and heat, and they can really easily get uncomfortable.  They are relying on us to help them out, and regulate their little bodies.  I didn’t think this through on a trip to the Phoenix area when Bergen was about 7 months old.  I thought, “It’s Phoenix! It will be hot, hot, hot.  Light pajamas and a light sleep sack will be just what he needs.”  Wrong.  It gets chilly at night in the spring time, and everyone (including my mother-in-law) relies on open windows and doors to cool down the house from the hot daytime temperatures.  Bergen was waking up every 2 hours at night! This may not have been all because he was cold, but it was definitely one of the reasons.  I failed to bring along warmer sleeping gear, so it was off to Goodwill for some impromptu shopping.  We made this mistake again on our trip to Colorado.  On one of the nights, we stayed up in the mountains in Evergreen, and failed to locate the thermostat.  Poor little guy was freezing.  Once we found it and started pumping warm air into his room, he was nice and cozy, and back to dreamland.

Spring in Phoenix is nice and toasty in the daytime, but those nights can get chilly!

5. Don’t bring a stroller if you really won’t use or need it.   We were in the Denver area for Memorial Day weekend visiting friends and family.  We brought along our Baby Jogger City Mini since it easily folds up into it’s own storage bag.  We carted that puppy around in our rental car from Aurora to Stapleton to Golden to Evergreen and back to Aurora, and never even took it out of it’s bag.  Between the ergo and bjorn, we just never needed it.  Since that trip, we’ve thought twice about packing a stroller as it can be a waste of space and money if it doesn’t get used.  I didn’t miss it on our trip to New York last month, or even our road trip to Hayden Lake last week.  It’s best to think through the activities you have planned, and determine what you’ll really need.

Stroller? What stroller?

6. Don’t board the plane too soon. Bergen is an active little guy, and that’s putting it mildly.  He likes to move.  A lap baby he is not.  It’s nice of the airlines to allow families with small children to board first, and we did this the first few times we flew with Bergen.  Then we realized we were stuck on board waiting for everyone else to find their seats.  No more!  We now try to board close to the end in order to give Bergen as much active time as possible before he is confined to tight quarters of an airplane.  If all three of us are traveling together (luckily, this is most of the time), Slaed will board first to get things situated.

Always on the go…

I know this is by no means an exhausted list, and I also know it is not the end of our travel mishaps in general, and with a little one.  We’ll keep living and learning though.  In the meantime, I want to hear your stories.  Share your travel don’ts in our comment section!

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

Come along with us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

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10 Road Trip Tips in Action: Seattle, WA to Hayden Lake, ID

Before our last road trip, I jotted down a list of road trip tips in my handy-dandy travel notebook.  The tips were essentials for making everyone in our family happy on the road.  As anyone with kids knows, your “baby” is constantly changing, and what worked for him or her 2 months ago may not work in the present moment or vice-versa.  That being said, it’s always been important for us to reflect and plan before every trip depending on the chosen mode of transportation.  We even analyze the situation before we go on a walk (ergo? bjorn? stroller?) so you can imagine what goes into a 300 mile drive or a flight across the country.

Today you’ll find the general trip tip (something essential to all of our sanity), and how it worked on our road trip from Seattle to Hayden Lake.

1. Time your departure.  It’s not always possible, sometimes you don’t have a choice, but if you are able to, think about the time that would be best for your kids to travel.  On the way to Hayden Lake, and on way back home, we hit the road right before Bergen’s first nap.  We took advantage of those 2+ hours of quiet time (break time for mom and dad).

2. Make a plan/research where to stop for food.  It’s not at all fun when you are hungry with no idea where to go.  You end up frustrated, and stuck with something mediocre at best.  It’s a good idea to know of a few possibilities along your route.  I knew that Ellensburg, WA would be a good pit stop on our journey so I did a little research, and found a highly recommended and rated Taco Truck: Tacos Chalitos.  We didn’t end up stopping in Ellensburg on the way to Hayden Lake (see #10), but we did stop on the way home to Seattle, and boy were we glad we did! $7.50 = 2 plates of 3 delicious pork tacos.

3. Research small “attractions”along your route that your kids will like and/or enjoy. These attractions (landmarks, interesting small town claim to fames, famous buildings, etc.) will depend on the age of your children, of course.  At this point, Bergen’s favorite attraction is any playground with a swing. He loved the one we found in Moses Lake, WA:

4. Pack “easy-to-eat” food.  In between the amazing food stops you plan, you and your kids are bound to need something to snack on.  Choose foods that aren’t too messy or complicated to eat.  In our “snack-pack” we had swedish fish, red vines, crackers, and raisins.  We made the mistake of bringing sunflower seeds! Those didn’t get touched as both Slaed and I looked at the bag, and realized sunflower seeds were way too much trouble to eat on the road! For Bergen (11 months) we packed “puffs” and “pouches“, and little pieces of bread and cheese.

5. Make thoughtful TOY choices.  With the age of your child in mind, think about what will keep them occupied in the a car with limited space.  For Bergen, I packed a few old stand-by’s that he really likes including a special jingle bell rattle, his 4th of July light-up stick, and his favorite wooden teether keys.  I searched around his room, and found some new toys that we hadn’t brought out yet, and those turned out to be a real hit, partly because of the novelty.  One of the toys was a little fabric house that carries 4 pets (a dog, cat, bird & bunny) that all make sounds when you squeeze them.

6. Bring along some rockin’ tunes.  Whether it’s in your ipod, phone, CD’s, or even cassette tapes (yes, I have a cassette player in my car!) don’t forget the music, and make sure it’s music that your kids like!  Even if you are not a huge fan of their music choices, you’ll become a fan once you see what a great time they are having listening and singing along. For our trip to Hayden Lake, Casper Babypants had us dancing in our seats.

7. Take advantage of “rest stops”.  You know..those convenient ones right off the side of the highway? Those are great for in & out quick stops, but they also have grassy areas for kids to crawl & run around, picnic tables, and vending machines.  You could even make a deal with your kids, and (gasp!) allow them to pick something out as a reward for good behavior! Bergen was quite restless on the way home to Seattle so we took full advantage of the rest stops along I-90.  It gave him a chance to stretch his legs, get a diaper change, have a snack, etc. We saw many families doing just the same.

8. Sit in the back seat.  This depends on the space you have available of course, but if there is room, get back there, and play, talk, read, sing, and feed! I certainly didn’t do this the whole time we were road tripping, but for various stretches of time, I sat next to Bergen, and entertained him.  I now have The Very Hungry Caterpillar board book memorized (he loves to turn each page as they grow in size).

9. Organize bags so supplies are easy to reach.  We packed a food bag, diaper bag (of course), and toy bag.  Each were placed strategically in the back seat so we could grab what we needed with out any injuries or swerving.  Bags or supplies that we knew we didn’t need were packed in the trunk.  That way, we weren’t confused with a sea of luggage.

10. Be flexible!  As you know, with kids in tow, things will not always go as planned.  Expect that, anticipate it, and roll with it. Case in point: I spent lots of time researching where we would stop in Ellensburg, and found the perfect taco truck for us, and park for Bergen .  In my mind we would take our tacos to the park, sit down at a lovely picnic table, and enjoy.  I was so excited!  Well, guess who was still sleeping as we were approaching Ellensburg? Do you think we were going to wake him up? Absolutely not.  Instead we were able to continue on to Moses Lake where grabbed Subway, and found a school with a playground via Slaed’s phone.  It all worked out as you read in #2 because I got to have my taco stop on the way home!

Info to Know:

What are your road trip tips in action?  Share your tip and/or story by leaving a comment!

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How to Enjoy a Lake Weekend

We had the pleasure of traveling to Hayden Lake, Idaho over the weekend.  While the drive was over 300 miles, once we arrived at the lake, we stayed put and learned all about the art of enjoying a lake.

Things You’ll Need:

Essentials…

  • bathing suits
  • towels
  • sunscreen
  • life jackets
  • sunglasses
  • drinks
  • snacks
  • music
  • cards/games
  • water toys
  • boat

Non-Essentials (but fun to have)…

  • jet ski
  • dock
  • lounge chair
  • hammock

1. Cook up some nice, warm, sunny weather.  A little rain and clouds are okay at times; it helps cool things down a bit.  Thunder and lightning are also okay (as long as everyone is safe ashore), especially when they put on a show at night.

2. Grab your swimsuit, towel, sunglasses, and sunscreen, and try one (or more):

  • Lounge & Read (book, magazine, kindle, newspaper…all are great choices)
  • Play cards
  • Have a ball with water toys
  • Take a nap

3. Jump in!

  • Float
  • Challenge your friends to swimming competition
  • Dive
  • Strap on some goggles or a snorkel mask & look for treasures

4. Enjoy delicious food with good company.  Here are some suggestions:

  •  Homemade fried chicken, brats, and wings
  • Fresh Halibut Tacos

5. Take a boat ride.  Optional: At Sunset.

6. Reminisce, catch-up, and laugh (best done around a fire).

“A day at the lake is worth a month in town”

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

Come along with us on all of our adventures by “liking” our facebook page and following us on twitter!

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{Vashon Island, WA} Getting There is Half the Fun

We recently got to step back in time to beautiful, peaceful Vashon Island, Washington.  Vashon has something for everyone: fresh fruits and veggies from the local farms, beaches, hiking, boating, art galleries, delicious food, famous coffee, and all the wonderful things that go into island life.

One of our favorite parts of day though? Traveling by ferry boat on this sunny spring day!

Info to Know:

  • Vashon can be reached only by ferry boat (unless of course you take your own boat or private plane) with the main choices being  from the Fauntleroy ferry terminal in West Seattle, WA, the Southworth terminal in Port Orchard, WA, or from Point Defiance in Tacoma, WA. Ferry information: http://www.wsdot.wa.gov/ferries/
  • Cyclists find the island “bicycle-friendly”, which allows you to be a “walk-on” ferry passenger with your bike.
  • It’s not quite the same as a ferry boat ride, but another option for access to Vashon is by water-taxi from Downtown Seattle.  Details on times and schedules

This post is part of “Photo Friday” on Delicious Baby.  Click the link to check out all the other beautiful and inspirational travel photos!

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Our Red Rocks Surprise

After a night in beautiful Evergreen, Colorado over Memorial Day weekend, as we began to make our way back to the Denver area, we came up on the well-known Red Rocks, and amphitheater.  This was much to my surprise as I wasn’t expecting we would get to see this landmark, but little did I know, I would be even more surprised as we decided to turn in and venture up to the venue.  Slaed being a Colorado native (growing up near Golden) has been to numerous concerts at the Red Rocks.  For me, it was a travel wish list item.  Curious to see what we’d find since the road was open, we crept our way to the top, popped Bergen out of his car seat and into the Bjorn, and walked to the entrance.  They actually let us in!

Later that evening there would be a concert, but for now we were free to explore.  Once we traveled the walkway to the stage and seating, we discovered dozens of people.  Some were like us: snapping photos of the view and beautiful rocks.  (Not only can you see the obvious (red rocks), you can also see the Denver skyline.)

The others were actually using the amphitheater as their health club/gym! Serious runners, stairclimbers, and fitness junkies were using the steps for their workout.  I was so impressed.

Besides admiring the exercisers, we were also able to walk around inside where there is information and history about the venue along with a gift shop, of course.  Slaed’s favorite part though was the huge listing of each and every concert held at the Red Rocks complete with dates.  He couldn’t help but go through and list off all that he’d attended.  It was quite a list.  He should be proud, and it brought back a lot of fun memories and stories for him to share.

I hope my next visit to the Red Rocks is for a concert, but I also wouldn’t mind getting to explore the amphitheater more as a park too.  Maybe I’ll even act like a native and bring my running shoes next time.

Info to Know:

  • For information on exercising at the Red Rocks Amphitheater check out this link.
  • Admission to the park is free, and hours vary depending on the seasons.  Check here for more info including maps and directions.
  • Elevation is 6,450 feet so plan accordingly!
  • Guided tours happen everyday at 10am.
  • Looking for lunch or dinner before or after your visit? Check out The Morrison Inn (in Morrison, CO), and sit on the back deck.

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Walk Portland

Walking continues to be a favorite pastime for our family, and is (obviously) one of the best ways to explore a place, new or old. While this was months ago, we had quite an adventurous walk in Portland, Oregon after getting off the train from Seattle.

First, we ditched the stroller for the ergo.  This was an easy choice after initially trying to navigate the crowded outdoor market.  The stroller can be great.  It gives you a place for your little one, and a place for all your stuff too.  However, it’s not so great when it actually slows you down waiting for gaps to appear in the mass of people.  It also makes it difficult to get in and out of places.  Opening doors while attempting to push the stroller inside…I just can’t make it look graceful.

To fuel our journey, we braved the line (not too bad, just a block long) to visit the world famous Voo Doo Doughnut shop.

Slaed went with the classic Voo Doo Doll Doughnut (filled with raspberry jelly), while I stuck to my favorite flavor combination (chocolate and peanut butter), and chose the Old Dirty Bastard.  The Old Dirty Bastard features chocolate frosting piled with oreos, then drizzled with peanut butter sauce.

Filled with Voo Doo goodness, it was on to the waterfront to take in the views of the Willamette River. As I learned the following day, walkers, joggers, runners (me), cyclists, etc. can enjoy the trails that run along the river on either side.

After exploring Old Town/Chinatown just for a bit, we were ready for lunch.  Sticking with our love of breweries (see another Oregon favorite), we wandered into Deschutes and found ourselves yet another kid & adult-friendly establishment.

In addition to making everyone happy with the atmosphere, we landed two delicious beers, and another perfect food combination.

Grilled Pear and Goat Cheese

Elk Burger with Guyere

Continuing to enjoy this amazingly beautiful and warm day, we crossed over the freeway, we made our way to the Northwest District (or Alphabet District or Nob Hill, also home to “trendy third”).

A view from Wallace Park

So many folks out and about enjoy the warm sunshine

Cherry Blossoms along 23rd.

Back at Wallace Park, we met up with friends (Portland residents), and decided to let them take over our walking tour. They led us to the not far, Washington Park where we explored the Rose Garden, Amphitheater area, and of course indulged Bergen in his favorite past time these days: swinging.

Working hard to climb the slide

Bergen’s buddies

No blooms in April, but come summer, I’m sure it’s glorious.

Having worked up an appetite for yet another meal.  The 7 of us headed to McMenamin’s Tavern & Pool.  Another great family choice.  Food was good.  Beer was better. The best though was capping the night off with a delicious truffle at Moonstruck Chocolate Cafe.

Finally…a quiet walk back “home” to our hotel with Bergen nodding off in the ergo.  Portland.  Our lovely neighbor to the South.

Info to Know:

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Forget the Plane and Leave the Car at Home: Tips for Family Train Travel

This past weekend, we skipped the traffic, and frequent stops for eating, diapering and restlessness relief on I-5.  We did away with the crammed quarters, long lines, and endless rules of airplane travel.  No, we didn’t stay at home this weekend.  We went to Portland, OR.  How did we get there? We took the train!

Portland Train Station

10 Reasons Why We Love Traveling by Train

1. You don’t have to drive!

2. No Traffic.

3. You can really enjoy the beautiful views.  No worries of veering off the road while you catch a glimpse of a majestic mountain or serene lake.

4. No need to stop every time Bergen needs to eat, get his diaper changed, or just a break from the carseat.

5. Bergen is not strapped into his carseat. He is free to move (within reason), which is what he loves to do.

6. You can chat and mingle with our passengers in a more relaxed environment than on an airplane.

7. Bored in your seat? Take a walk from car to car. The wide aisles and vestibules provide lots of space to roam.

8. The bistro car has food, drink, and additional seating.

9. Plenty of time to relax & do something you love to do.  Just a few of the things we saw other passengers doing: reading, knitting, crocheting, playing cards, catching up on emails, & enjoying the company of traveling companions.

10. The price is right.

A Few Tips for Train Travel

Based on our experience with Amtrak Cascades.

  • If you want your seating assignment ahead of time, check out “business class“.  It will cost more money, but may be worth it if you don’t want to wait in line at the station for your seat, want more leg room, fewer passengers in your train car, and priority boarding (among other things).  We didn’t opt for business class for this trip, but may do so in the future.
  • If you decide to travel coach, get to the station as early as possible to get in line for your seating assignment.  When traveling South, the views are best on the right side of the train.
  • Children under 2 ride free with an accompanied adult.  They do not get an assigned seat, BUT it doesn’t hurt to ask when checking-in as there may be extra seats.  We asked at the Seattle station on our way down to Portland, and were given 4 seats: “family style”– 2 sets of seats facing each other with a table in the middle!
  • The PCC offers a free companion coupon for travel on Amtrak Cascades.  This year the deal was for trips between November 1, 2011 and April 30, 2012.
  • Be prepared! Bring items with you to make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable.  Binoculars, laptops, smart phones, ipods, books, e-readers, playing cards, crayons & paper, &  maps are just some of the things we saw other passengers using to keep themselves amused.  There is free wi-fi access on the train.
  • The Amtrak Cascades line runs from Vancouver, B.C. to Eugene, OR with  many stops in between!

Slaed and I both agreed: Train travel is actually relaxing, and fairly stress-free.  We enjoyed a beautiful weekend in Portland, and Bergen was as happy as can be!  The train station in Portland is close to Downtown & the Pearl district (definitely walkable), and the lightrail makes for easy transportation to points further out.

If you’ve traveled by train, share a little bit about your experience!

What did you like (or not like) about it? 

What other tips do you have?

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

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Maryland Love

Back in February, we ventured “back East” to my home state of Maryland, and Washington, D.C. ended up getting all the attention.  Washington, D.C. is a great city, and all, but we we actually spent most of our time exploring the beauty of the Northwest part of Montgomery County, MD. From Gaithersburg to Darnestown to Poolsville to Beallsville to Barnsville (that’s a lot of villes) with our little baby adventurer in tow, I got the chance to really appreciate where I grew up.  With our dear family friend as our guide, and babysitter at times, we were able to pack a lot into our quick weekend visit.

First stop, Seneca Creek Aqueduct along the C & O canal.

Potomac River

After a brief history lesson, it was back in the car for a well-deserved breakfast at Bassett’s in Poolsville.  Then we rode through farm land and rolling hills not yet hit with sprawl, and found ourselves at a mountain.  Yes, a mountain in Maryland.  Maybe not as big and glorious as the mountains back at home in Western Washington, but beautiful nonetheless.

Looking down as I climb Sugar Loaf Mountain

A view through the bare trees...

Elevation: 1,282 ft

Even though Bergen would have loved to take in this view, he had more important things to do: nap.  While Slaed and I were scrambling up and down the mountain, he was snoozing away in the car with our tour guide, Julie.  She’s seen Sugar Loaf a million times, and was perfectly content to take a break.  What a luxury for us to get to explore at “normal…before baby pace”!

In thanks for her babysitting, we treated Julie to another thing you might not expect in Maryland: a wine tasting.

Bergen rallied from his nap to take part in the festivities.

Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard

We enjoyed  our sampling as Bergen kicked away in his baby bjorn.  The winery is just outside of the Sugarloaf Mountain Natural Area, and grows the 5 bordeaux grapes, and 2 white grapes.

Traveling back to your hometown can often turn into a whirlwind experience with so many people to see and visit.  I’m glad we were able to take it slow on this day, and really soak up the loveliness of Maryland.

Where is your hometown & why do you love it? And, if you’ve posted about your hometown, share your link!

For more fun “Photo Friday” travel photos, visit Delicious Baby!

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Travel Tips Tuesday: Sleep for your Baby Adventurer

An amazing destination awaits you, or maybe you are taking baby to meet family, and friends in your hometown, or both! In any case, you want to be able to enjoy this adventure.  You don’t want to end up dragging yourself, and a tired, cranky baby from place to place, or worse not getting out at all because your just too darn exhausted.  Baby, Mom, and Dad adventurers need sleep, and memorable adventures can’t happen without it.

Our little baby adventurer is now 8 months old, and took his first plane trip at about 3 months.  Since then he’s traveled with us via plane about a half dozen more times, taken several car trips, and is even gearing up to take the train this weekend.  Along the way, we’ve picked up little tricks that help him in the sleep department.  Once we get to our destination, be it a hotel or family member’s home, the following have made a difference for us.

  • As long as your baby is old enough, if you haven’t already,  begin introducing a comfort item.  These are also called transitional objects and lovies.  We introduced Bergen’s comfort item (a frog/blanket) at about 5 months as he had good head control, and was rolling over, back to stomach, stomach to back.  We gave him this comfort item each night before bed and with each nap, and he began associating it with sleep.  To an extent, he’s able to self-sooth with the help of his frog blanket.  Once your baby’s comfort item is introduced and established, make sure to bring it on your trip! We make sure it’s packed in one of our carry-on bags as it helps with plane sleep too.
  • Your travel destinations can be filled with unfamiliar, unpredictable, and uncontrollable noises.  White noise will help create a barrier between your baby’s sleep space, and those noises.  And if your baby is already used to white noise while sleeping, like Bergen is, it will act like another comfort item or sleep association.  At home Bergen’s white noise is actually a static radio station turned up fairly loud.  On the road, we pack our “sound spa“, and give him exclusive rights to it.
  • When planning your trip, think about the space your baby will actually be sleeping in.  Maybe you co-sleep, have a bassinet close to your bed, or your baby sleeps in a crib in his or her own room.  Whatever their sleep space might be, carefully plan what it will be like at your destination.  Many hotels allow you to reserve a crib, but make sure to take care of the reservation ahead of time.  There are also several types of travel cribs that are portable and easy to assemble.  We chose the “Go Crib” because it’s super easy to use, light, and most importantly folds up into a backpack, making it easy to carry around.  There are others out there, find the one that works best for you.  If you do choose a travel crib, it also wouldn’t hurt to set it up at home, and have your little one try it out for a nap or two.  You also want to be familiar with how it’s assembled, so that you are not stuck figuring it all out with a tired baby waiting for you.
  • Make sure your baby will be warm enough in their sleep space.  This may seem like a no brainer, but we overlooked it on our last trip to Phoenix.  Thinking of the warm daytime temperatures of the desert, I packed light pajamas, and a light sleep sack for Bergen to sleep in at “Grandma’s house”.  I didn’t realize that it gets chilly at night (at least in March), and the little guy was freezing! Maybe an exaggeration, but he definitely wasn’t completely comfortable.  Off to the Goodwill we went to purchase some fleece PJ’s.  While we haven’t experienced it, I’m sure the same goes for the other side of the temperature spectrum.  If it is truly warm, try to not to overdress baby so that they are sweating through the sheets.
  • Do you have a bed time routine at home? Does it work well for you? If the answer is yes, then mimic this routine as best you can at your destination.  Even if you are putting baby down at a different time than at home, still try to, more or less, follow the same routine.   This is comforting for baby, and baby will associate this routine with drifting off to the land of sleep.  Think about your routine as you are packing for your trip.  Do you have everything you’ll need, within reason, to make it happen?
  • Even after we do all of the above, Bergen still does not sleep as well when traveling as he does at home.  It’s tough to sleep in a different environment.  We’ve had to shift our expectations.  I know to expect Bergen to wake up during the night, which makes it easier to bear the 1:00 (& 3:00 & 5:00) calls for help.  Then if he does have a “great night” of sleeping, I wake-up feeling like a million bucks!

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

Have great (or not so great) baby sleep experience? What works for you and your baby on the road? Please share by leaving a comment below!

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Camping at Cape Disappointment State Park (with a baby)

Clamming may have been a disappointment, but camping at Cape Disappointment State Park on the Washington coast certainly was not.

First of all, we had beautiful weather: always a plus when camping. Temperatures in the 60’s and sunny for the most part. I was nervous about camping in the spring, and this made things a whole lot easier.  I have to confess though.  Instead of reserving a campground to pitch our tent, like we would normally do, we reserved a yurt! And conveniently, this yurt was equipped with beds and heat.

Welcome to our Yurt!

Highlights from our attempt at camping with a baby:

Berg’s high chair/booster seat worked perfectly with one of our camping chairs!

Berg’s play area: huge tarp + huge blanket…still managed to be off it with a pine cone in his mouth in a flash!

Slaed heating up Bergen’s lentils on the camp stove.

What we liked about the Park:

  • Cape Disappointment is on the Washington Coast.  It’s actually Washington’s most Southwestern point.  From the camp sites, you can easily access the beach where you can then enjoy two miles of sand, surf, and if you’re lucky some sun.  The entrances to the beach are lined with driftwood and branches so take care as you navigate down.

the beautiful beach

The Camping Crew…no one sleeping situation was alike…including a yurt, a tear-drop trailer, an RV, a truck tent, and oh yeah, one regular old tent.

  • On either side of the beach, you can view two different lighthouses: North Head Lighthouse and Cape Disappointment Lighthouse.  North Head Lighthouse has a regular tour schedule, but while you are able to visit the lighthouse itself, the inside of Cape Disappointment Lighthouse is not open to the public. Norman and I ran along the 2 mile beach stretch (out and back), and saw spectacular views of both.

North Head Lighthouse

  • While we did not get to take advantage of them this time, the park also features beautiful hiking trails. Some of the destinations include both lighthouses, the Lewis & Clark Interpretive Center, the Pacific Ocean, and the Columbia River.

Info to Know:

  • The park is about 2 miles from the town of Illwaco, WA.
  • The park is open year round for camping.  For reservations, and all the information you need to know, check out the park’s website.
  • For day use, you’ll need the Discover Pass ($30/annual or $10/day pass) if you plan to enter the park in your motor vehicle.

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!

More Washington State Parks:

Saint Edwards State Park (Kenmore, WA)
Wallace Falls State Park (Goldbar, WA)
Fort Worden State Park (Port Townsend, WA)
Peshastin Pinnacles State Park (Peshastin, WA)
Moran State Park (Orcas Island, WA) Obstruction Pass State Park (Orcas Island, WA)
Olallie State Park (North Bend, WA)

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All Work and No Clams: Cape Disappointment, WA

After a perfect evening in Astoria, OR, we headed across the bridge and back to the great state of Washington for an Easter weekend of clamming and camping {or so we thought}.  The clamming actually took place in Long Beach & Oceanside, and the camping in Cape Disappointment State Park.  You’ll see why Cape Disappointment fits this blog title.

We met up with our friends, loaded up in their truck, and hit the beach.  We watched as successful clammers walked away with their catch, and got excited.  As long as you have a clamming license (obtained at various sporting goods & fishing shops), you are allowed 15 clams.  The rule is, you get what you get.  If you dig up a small clam, and think, “I can do better than that…”, you are out of luck, you’re stuck with it as part of your 15.

With clam guns in hand, off they go to catch dinner…

After a few practice digs (Slaed doing most of the digging as I was carrying B in the ergo), we started to get the hang of the technique.  However the clams were not showing up. Maybe this part of the beach has already been clammed enough? So, we loaded back into the truck, and drove North. We tried again…

No clams.

Back into the truck a third time.  Maybe just a little further North will do the trick.  Along the way, we ran into a fish and wildlife police officer, and we asked him for advice.  His advice was the come back the next day, bright and early.  Disappointing.  We stayed positive though.  We wouldn’t have clams that we dug up ourselves for dinner back at the campsite, but at least we’d have clams to cook up in our own homes when we got back.

On Day 2 of our clamming adventure weekend, we did like the wildlife officer said, we were up at the crack of dawn, and drove much further North this time with high hopes.  Apparently, everyone in the entire state of Washington was thinking the same thing.

Washington’s Easter Egg Hunt

We found what looked like a good spot for digging, kept our eye on some experts (in my mind, an expert is anyone who actually has clams in their bags), and got down to work.

Our friends Tim and Alina working hard.

We searched and searched for the clams to “show”, supposedly a small dimple in the sand indicates their presence, but little was revealed.  We dug in spots where we thought a clam might be showing.  We observed experts, and even asked them for advice.  There were 6 of us, which means if everyone got their allotted 15 clams, we’d have a grand total of 90 clams.

Wondering how many we were able to dig up? 2.  Yes. 2.  Better luck next year, I guess.

Despite our lack of clams, we still enjoyed a beautiful weekend.  We couldn’t have asked for better spring weather, our friends got to really bond with Baby B, and we learned that we can camp with a baby! {sort of…more on that in another post.}

The Clam Digging Family

Who had the best time clamming?

Norman, of course! So much fun that I couldn’t even get a good picture of him.

Info to Know:

  • To find out all there is to know about razor clamming in Washington, check out the WA Dept. of Fish & Wildlife’s website.
  • Cape Disappointment State Park is a great choice for camping.
  • Not a camper? Check out the Sou’Wester in Long Beach, WA. Stay in their funky lodge, one of their cabins or “tch! tchs! (trailer classic hodgepodge).  You can even hook up your RV there.  We stayed in the lodge a few years back and loved it, and you’ll be just steps from the beach!
  • Don’t forget all your clamming tools & necessities: a clam gun, rubber boots, clamming license, gloves, bucket or net to hold your clams & lots of patience.
  • Check the tides; clamming is best at low tide.

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A Perfect Evening in Astoria, Oregon

Perfect weather. Perfect food.  Perfect drinks. Perfect transportation. Perfect company.

This lovely evening in Astoria started out with a chauffeured ride in a 1945 Cadillac to our chosen restaurant: The Fort George brewery.  It felt like we were stepping back in time.  We stayed at the Cannery Pier Hotel, and one of their luxury accommodations includes complementary chauffeur service in one of their vintage cars.

Dinners out are a bit different now that Little B can {more or less} sit in a high chair.  I love that he can now be a part of it all.  We bring along food for him to keep him occupied (and fed, of course), and usually even manage to steal bits from our plates for him.

As soon as we arrived at Fort George, we knew we had made the right choice for dinner. Beers were chosen: a lager for Slaed, and the Rye Pale Ale for me, and with a quick glance at the menu, I was ready with my order.  Slaed on the other hand needed more time.  Does this happen with any one else…? He often insists on each of our dinners adding up to be the perfect combination.  The two can’t be too similar or it just won’t work. The reason I tell you this is because when it came down to it, thanks to our server, we really did order the perfect combination! House-made sausage with peppers, onions, and sauerkraut AND fish and chips.  Not just any fish and chips though.  Albacore fish and chips.  The best fish and chips you’ve ever tasted.  Like butter.  I was so busy eating that I neglected to take a picture of the food.

mr. black bean face

yes, the beer is served in mason jars. one of my favorite things.

We could have had the Cadillac come to take us back to the hotel, but we wanted to see more of Astoria, and take advantage of the beautiful night.  Off we went exploring…via the the Astoria River Walk.

an “old fashioned” phone booth

Astoria-Megler bridge at sunset

connecting Oregon and Washington…

I called these “pier graveyards”…they were everywhere.

There is so much more to Astoria.  Interesting museums, Victorian-style houses, Lewis & Clark… This was just a quick trip.  I’m already planning our next adventure.

Info to Know:

  • Astoria is in Northwestern Oregon; situated near the mouth of the Columbia River.
  • It was the setting for the movie, “The Goonies”, filmed in 1985.
  • The Cannery Pier Hotel where we stayed is pet friendly.  It’s located just below the Astoria-Megler bridge on Basin Street.
  • Fort George Brewery is in “downtown” Astoria: 1483 Duane Street.
  • The Astoria River Walk follows the Columbia River.  About 4 miles are paved.  The riverfront trolley runs along 2 of those miles. Find out more here.

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A Spring Visit to Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge

The Nisqually River

On our way out to the coast last weekend, we planned a quick excursion to Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge.  Since it’s restoration in 2009, Slaed has wanted to visit, and this trip provided the perfect opportunity for us to check it out.

The refuge, where the Nisqually River meets the Puget Sound,  is in Olympia, WA; about an hour’s drive from Seattle.  The meeting of the Nisqually River and the Puget Sound, make the area very diverse with fresh and salt water habitats.   As we pulled up and entered the park, we were bombarded with signs prohibiting dogs.  No dogs allowed, and they mean it! Poor Norm had to stay in the car.  We made our way to the visitors center and decided that all we had time for was the quick “Twin Barns Loop Trail”.  This didn’t give us much to explore, but we’d get to a taste, and know exactly what to do on our next visit.

As we walked along the boardwalk of the loop trail, I asked Slaed to guess the first animal we would see or encounter.  He went with a safe guess: “a bird”. He was exactly right! The first animals viewed were a couple of geese.  The wildlife spotting did not stop there.  Along the way, we saw several robin, more geese, squirrels, a black bird, and a deer.

With spring in full swing, there was also plenty of flora to view.  We learned that Skunk Cabbage is out in full force as well as these beautiful pink blooms.  I will need to do some research to find out their actual name!

About halfway around the trail, we came upon the loop’s namesake.

Twin Barns

There were several overlooks providing wide spaces to observe.  They often were accompanied with interpretive signs and even mounted scopes.  Baby B took full advantage.

Taking a closer look.

It turns out, the 1-mile loop trail was just the right hike for us.  We were able to enjoy the beauty of the refuge with a happy baby, and it was a great way to stretch our legs before the remainder of our journey.  That’s not to say, we don’t want to see more next time.  For our next Nisqually adventure, I’d like to hike the Nisqually Estuary Trail and Boardwalk; a 4 mile round trip route.

Next stop, Astoria, Oregon!

Info to Know:

  • From I-5 take exit 114.  There will be clearly marked signs guiding you to the refuge.
  • Open daily from sunrise to sunset with the Visitor Center open Wednesday – Sunday 9:00 am to 4:00 pm
  • There is an entrance fee of $3.00 per four adults.  Children 16 & under are free
  • Hungry? Stop at Norma’s for a tasty hamburger.  You can see it from the freeway.  Staff is friendly, loves kids and babies, and even let us take a refill of our drinks to go!

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the rundown: week 1!

Last week, I shared my training plan for week 1 of my preparation for the Seattle Rock n’ Roll Half Marathon.  I’m excited to share my “rundown” with you.  I must say, blogging my training plan proved to be hugely motivating.  Whenever any thoughts of veering away from my goals came to mind, I was able to quickly refocus because I knew I had to stay true to the plan.  I also knew that any excuse I came up with would seem silly.

Goal is in bold.  What I actually accomplished is below.

Tuesday: 3 mile run: I ran with Norman.

Ran 3 miles with Norman! A fairly straight forward out and back run. Pretty flat with just one small hill.

Wednesday: 2 mile run or cross training: Plan to do a cardio class tonight at the Y.

“Total Strength” class at the Y.  It’s a mix of cardio and strength training.  This class makes me so happy. I love the  mix of people (men, women, young, old(er), etc.) who come, the music puts a smile on my face, and the instructor is so upbeat and positive.

Thursday: 3 mile run +strength: Plan to do an early morning run with B & Norman + push-ups & hand weight exercises.

Ran 3 miles with B & Norman! Same run as Tuesday.

Friday: Rest!: Perfect timing as we’ll be traveling to the coast for razor clamming.

Did lots of resting in the car. We had such a fun day of traveling to the coast. I’ll share more of our adventures later this week.

Saturday: 30 minute cross-training: It will be more than 30 minutes, but my cross training will be clam digging on the beach! I’ve heard using those “clam guns” is hard work.

Digging clams is hard work.  It’s also discouraging.  We caught very few clams…a combination of bad timing, and the clams not “showing” themselves. Lots of beach walking though!

Family of clammers

Sunday: 4 mile run: Plan do any early morning trail run with Norman around Cape Disappointment.

Ran {at least} 4 miles with Norman on the beach at Cape Disappointment State Park!  It felt great to take a break from “camp life” to run along side the ocean.  Beautiful views of the mountains too, and two lighthouses.

One of the two...

Norm's view

11 weeks to go.  I’m feeling great.  Look for my week 2 training plan tomorrow!

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Easy Hike: Thunderbird Park in Glendale, AZ

While in the Phoenix area for a visit with Gramma, and Spring Training, we discovered a perfect, family-friendly hike.  Yes, we do a ton of walking; nearly everyday.  But it’s been a while since we’ve been on an actual hike, and this was probably our first “real hike” as a family.  To make this hike happen, I also discovered something else: how to wear Baby B on my back with the Ergo.  I love this option as a way to get around with B, and I think he really likes it too.  He is able to see more of the world, than in the front carry, and he’s also able to sleep if he should get tired on one of our outings.

Thunderbird Park, the location of our hike, is in Glendale, a suburb of Phoenix.  Instead of our usual green of Western Washington, we experienced the brown of the Arizona desert.  We traded moisture for extreme dryness, and cool temperatures for what felt like scorching heat.  Being short on time and unsure of what Baby B would bring to the table, we made up our own route, cutting off from the original hike.  Looking at the park map, we entered by the amphitheater, took H-4 out, crossed over on H-4b, and made our way back on H-1.  Short, sweet, and just right given our conditions.

Our Journey:

Thunderbird Park

Gramma points out a bird’s nest.

beautiful (barrel?) cactus with hints of red…

I love the way the cactus’ sprinkle the scene

Judy (aka “Gramma”) and I with B in the Ergo!

Slaed and I…can you spot any signs of Baby B?

Ouch! Be careful…

beautiful shade of green on the branches of these trees.

bright yellow blooms

a thirsty guy after all that tough hiking!

Info to know:

  • The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset.
  • The main entrance to the park is on 59th Avenue (between Deer Valley & Pinnacle Peak)
  • For trail information, visit the park website here.  There is good information about choosing the hike best for you (and your fellow hikers).
  • Be sure wear light clothing & SUNSCREEN, bring water, and have a hat to shade you from the sun.

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Spring Training in Scottsdale, AZ

A week of fun and sun was just what we needed to break up the days of rain and cold here in Seattle.  One of our first stops on our sunny adventure was Scottsdale, AZ to see the Mariners take on the San Francisco Giants at the Giants’ “home field”.  We made a day of it; first checking out downtown Scottsdale, finding a spot for lunch, and finally heading to the game.

We didn’t have a lot of time to explore, but we took in some noteworthy sights.

I highly recommend breakfast, lunch, brunch, etc… at Distrito.  I had the Torta de Huevos.  Excellent.

Now on to the main event: the baseball game.  I have to shift my focus when attending sporting events with Bergen.  The overall experience is still a whole lot of fun, but there is a lot more focus on exploring the venue rather than actually paying attention to the game. We spent very little time in our seats, so I wouldn’t recommend spending a lot of money on those.  With B strapped into the ergo, we did several laps around the park; stopping for a beer, taking in the game at all angles, checking in on the practicing pitchers, and of course lots of people watching.

A great ballpark, super family-friendly, everyone was having a good time…AND the Mariners won!

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