A whole lot of new adventure happened during our recent short visit to Long Beach along Washington State’s coast, but one of the most memorable happenings for me was just a simple, peaceful walk along the shore.
I’ve got the Advantage: I’m a Selfish Outdoor Mom
Maybe it’s this new life that’s developing and soon to be joining our family, or the fact that my little guy just turned three and will be starting preschool in just a couple of weeks, but lately I find myself reflecting on the choices we make on a daily basis. Questions that come to mind:
- Why do I feel the need to get outside so much?
- What’s calling us outside?
- What are we getting out of focusing our free time to be all about the outdoors?
- Why do we travel so often?
After just a little bit of thought, I came to a quick conclusion that I’m a little bit selfish. Many of the reasons and maybe the outcomes of getting outdoors with my son have to do with me, and he gets all the great benefits and rewards along the way.
North Cascades’ Thunder Knob: Ignoring the Road Blocks to Outdoor Escape
One recent Saturday, quite a few road blocks stood in our way to ultimately feeling like our time in the outdoors hiking was really worth our great effort of driving 3.5 hours both ways for just a day trip. [Read more…]
Savoring the Season with an End-of- Summer Bucket List
We still have several weeks before our little guy embarks on the brand-new adventure of life as a preschooler. I know the summer isn’t really over, not until September 22, and the fun at home doesn’t stop just because someone is in school for a couple of mornings a week.
However, I still feel like it’s necessary for me to make sure that we’re getting the most out of the summer season. After all, as much as we really don’t mind it so much, Western Washington isn’t exactly known for it’s spectacular fall, winter & spring weather.
To accomplish this savoring, I just took a few moments to jot down a quick list. I even consulted Slaed (husband) and Bergen (now 3-years old), so this list reflects all of our contributions. Also, to help with some inspiration, I referenced the The Kid’s Outdoor Adventure Book to make sure that were weren’t missing out on any quintessential summer activities.
When it was all said and done, I came up with 11 items. I made the list last week, and what do you know, we’ve already accomplished several! To see some of those in action, visit our instagram feed. I may have had a certain trip to the coast in mind when brainstorming… Just because we did something once though, doesn’t mean we have to check it off the list and move on, and yes, just because the calendar says it’s “fall” doesn’t mean the “summer” fun stops!
Exploring Golden, Colorado: 8 Family Favorites
More than ever we strive to be intentional in our travel. We want to experience all that a locale has to offer, but also make smart choices with our time. One way we achieve this is through less driving. No, not always what realistically happens (recent WA adventure), but always something we consider and work on.
Take our trip to Golden, Colorado last month. We’re proud to say that we visited Golden, not the “Denver area”. We rented a house steps from downtown Golden, and planned ahead to ensure we would spend the majority of our time in the little mining town.
Why so vigilant?
When visiting one of our old stomping grounds (this one being where Slaed grew up), activities, meet-ups, visits, and even sightseeing can get out of hand. So we made some deliberate choices to combat our prior tendency of spending so much time in the car driving all over the area.
In exchange, I really got a feel for Golden and it’s charm, without the rush, and can share a whole list of our favorite Golden to-do’s:
1. Explore Downtown.
Orcas Island’s Turtleback Mountain: Thankful for the Second Chance
When planning a return trip to Orcas Island (one of Washington State’s San Juan Islands north of Seattle), Slaed and I both made short lists. Short lists of places on the island we didn’t want to miss. Restaurants, hikes, shops, and other destinations that we loved so much the first time or didn’t get to visit because time or closure.
Neither of those lists included a visit back to the Turtleback Mountain Preserve, located west of the main town of East Sound. All Slaed could remember was the long uneventful climb along a gravel trail. Yes, if we veered off, there were a few spectacular views of the water and surrounding islands, but there were other hikes, other parks that we thought were better worth our time. We were content just visiting once.
Then I heard from one of the best local hiking experts in the state, Craig Romano. His latest book, Day Hikes in the San Juan and Gulf Islands was just released, and he was interested in having some Pacific Northwest area bloggers review it. Unfortunately the book wouldn’t arrive before we hit the road for Orcas, but I jumped at the chance to consult with him on his favorite picks, especially with a little hiker in tow.
His top recommendation and in his opinion the very best hike on the island? The Turtleback Mountain Preserve hike.
With a little more research I realized that yes, the first bit of the hike was a boring uphill climb, there was just no way around that, but if we remained patient and put in the work, we’d be rewarded.
Holiday Reset: Golden, CO’s Golden Gate Canyon State Park
Holidays are filled with fun and excitement. They can also be overwhelming. At least for me. Even the ones that are all about celebrating–no crazy obligations, no gifts to buy, no ceremonies to attend, just a lot of gathering with family and friends. It was a 4th of July frenzy for me this year. By late morning on the the 5th of July, I was cooked, and wait, we were actually on vacation! Yes as the cliche goes, I needed a vacation from my vacation.
Lucky for me, a quick respite in the mountains was just a short drive away. I located a state park, and we were off headed for not only a quiet hike (yes, you can have those with a toddler), but a peaceful mini road trip through a canyon inviting us to take in some of the Colorado culture as we passed ranches, trailheads, and distant peaks.
Unfortunately when we arrived at Golden Gate Canyon Park (about 30 minutes from downtown Golden), we knew we didn’t have a whole lot of time. It was already later in the morning, and we needed to get back for Bergen’s nap, and more fun that evening. We asked the ranger at the window for a short, but sweet hike recommendation, and she was more than happy to steer us in the right direction.
Yepp Maxi Child Seat: Family Bicycling Fun
The addition of the Yepp Maxi child seat into our outdoor adventure arsenal couldn’t have come at better time and season. This year’s late spring and early summer in Seattle has been one of the best yet. To be honest, I was worried that we wouldn’t have enough of an opportunity to properly test the seat out during this transitional time. Historically our Junes are gloomy; nicknamed Junuary due to the frequent rain, continued lower temperatures, and overcast skies. Not so in 2014, and we’ve got the outside memories to prove it.
Summer Camp Dreams at Orcas Island, WA’s Camp Orkila
Are your kids going to camp this summer? Our little guy (2.5 years old) is a bit too young for such fun at this point, but that doesn’t mean we aren’t already giving it some thought.
Dreaming, really, and honestly, wishing we were the ones getting to enjoy the outdoor time, arts and crafts, sports, and learning without all the everyday interruptions of regular life.
Travel and Adventure Inspiration: Just Get Out There and GO!
Being Brave: Crossing the Alexandra Bridge Near Hope, BC
This year over our Memorial Day weekend, we were spontaneous and took a chance. With just a couple of days notice, we planned a quick one-night getaway up to British Columbia to a small mountain town known for Rambo, chainsaw carvings, and countless outdoor adventure opportunities. Hope, BC, just under 100 miles (150 km) east of Vancouver is situated along the Fraser River between the Coast Mountain range and the Cascade Mountain range.
Wear Sunscreen: Exploring San Juan Puerto Rico’s Spanish Forts
If there’s one thing I remember to do religiously, it’s to WEAR SUNSCREEN. Even here in Seattle where it’s gray and gloomy more often than not, I apply at least 15 SPF via my everyday face lotion. So when it’s actually sunny here or in one of the locales of our travels, I indeed slather the good stuff (usually SPF 30) all over my exposed parts to protect my white, freckly Irish fair skin.
Recently though on one of our carefree (kidless) days in San Juan, Puerto Rico, I made a silly mistake. No, I didn’t forget to apply. In fact, I made quite a production out of getting every square inch of skin covered. I forgot to think ahead. For some reason it didn’t occur to me at the time that Puerto Rico is hot and muggy, oh, and sunny, and we’d be doing a ton of walking. What does that equation amount to? Sweat. No matter how much you try to avoid it. There goes that layer of protection.
Viewing the first of two main forts in San Juan, we were okay having been fresh from our morning application. It’s a big space though with so many nooks and crannies to explore, our tour took longer than expected. Plus, I think I lingered more than usual because I was basking in the glory of being on my own (along with my husband Slaed, of course). No one needed me to carry them (or chase them), provide them with snacks, or answer question after question.
Tale of the Traveling Sandals: Acorn Vista Wedge Review+A Chance to Win!
Shoes. Always a worry, a question, and a debate in our household when packing for a trip. No matter the distance or destination! How many pairs do we want to bring verses How many pairs do we need to bring? What’s necessary and what’s just overkill? And thinking practically, what’s going to fit in our luggage?
Thanks to the folks at Acorn, who you may recognize as that company that makes incredibly cozy slippers, packing shoes (at least for warm weather travel) just got a lot easier for me.
I was asked to give the sandals a test drive, and the opportunity couldn’t have come up at a better time. The Acorn Vista Wedge (T-Strap) Sandals arrived just before for my 10-day adventure to the Carolinas and Puerto Rico where, along with a few other wearings here and there, I tried them out on Easter Sunday (church and brunch) and for my friends’ wedding rehearsal and dinner in Old San Juan.
About the Acorn Vista Wedge Sandals
The vista wedge sandals are a new line from acorn featuring a 2.5 inch heel made of EVA, leather straps, and a cozy footbed. The sandals come in both a variety of colors from neutral (black or pewter) to a little more exciting (navy/sea or fawn/crimson), and a variety of styles including the T-Strap (my choice), ankle, and 3-strap. The EVA material makes for a lightweight product without compromising stability and the footbed is layered with a leather lining (wicks moisture) and contoured arch support.
The Astoria Column: A Serendipitous Encounter on our Adventure in Oregon
After a hearty lunch at one of my favorite Oregon breweries, Bergen and I (solo mother and son travelers) were looking to explore the town just a bit more before getting back on the road to drive to our ultimate destination of Nehalem Bay State Park on the coast. I was thinking we would just wind up and down the historic streets, giving me a chance to marvel over the many Victorian homes with the hope that my little passenger might nod off, and as well as give me a bit of a break. But then, signs began to appear pointing us toward Coxcomb Hill. I was intrigued. I figured, given the fact that we were winding our way up the steep streets of Astoria, that Coxcomb Hill must be the highest point in town. 
[Read more…]
Treats on the Trail: Honey Stinger Kids’ Products and Other Snack Ideas +Giveaway
I recently shared 10 tips for hiking with toddlers and young children, and since getting out on the trail whether here in Western Washington or in our travels around the country is our favorite outdoor activity to do as a family, I wanted to dive into each tip even deeper. Over the course of the year, I will dedicate one post for each of the 10 tips to give you more depth and detail into how we put the advice into practice and what it looks like for our family.
Tip #5: Ration Snacks and Use Treats for Motivation.
There’s no denying that my son loves to hike. As I’ve mentioned before, these days, anytime he sees any kind of natural area, mountain, forest, tree, or patch of grass, he asks if we are going to go on a hike. Lucky for us at this point, he’s not picky. Even the little sections of trees around the campsite during our recent trip to the Oregon coast could be considered “hikeable” in his eyes, and he loved exploring under the guidance of his older cousin.
Even with such a great interest though, he still needs motivation, and little energy boosts here and there to keep him moving along. That motivation can come in many forms (extra verbal encouragement, playing a game, shifting his focus to something ahead), but the easiest and probably one of the most successful ways is to offer a treat.
Incidentally, in addition to moving kids along the trail and providing a necessary snack, I’ve also found treats to be a way to prevent the “turn-around meltdown”. You see, Bergen (2.5 years old) loves hiking so much that he never wants to turn around and go back. Loops are great, but not always available, so I’ve finally learned to anticipate the turn-around point, and provide the snack then!
10 Favorite Treats for the Trail
1. Trail Mix
Whether you call it “GORP” or trail mix or some other fun name (I hear that are some great variations in Europe), the basics of this combination of treats is perfect for hiking. Personally, I love a simple mix with raisins, peanuts, and some sort of chocolate. Add in other nuts like cashews, walnuts, almonds, and that’s great too! Other dried fruit (cranberries, pineapple, cherries, etc.) gives some variety, along with add-ons like granola, seeds (sunflower, pumpkin), and pretzels.
Seattle Cherry Blossoms Two Ways: University of Washington and Kobe Terrace Park
If I had to pick my favorite aspect of spring in Seattle, it would be our gorgeous cherry blossoms that pop open all over the city letting us know we made it. We made it through yet another dreary, gray winter, and it’s time to celebrate.
It’s no secret. The “quad” at the University of Washington is one of the best places to view the beautiful bloomig blossoms. The surrounding buildings add a great backdrop, the brick walkways tie it all together, and just being on a college campus brings a sense of wonder and possibility.
This spring we’ve actually made it to campus twice. The first time by bike just before the flowers were at their peak. Sure, the trees didn’t quite have the cotton candy effect of when the blossoms are truly in their prime, but I’ll take that experience any day over what happened when we returned a week or so later. Let’s just say a sunny, warm (for Seattle) Sunday isn’t the best time to enjoy a relaxing, leisurely stroll around the quad.
So my mental scrapbook of our collegiate cherry blossoms will look something like this:
Collect and Sort: A Spring Nature Walk for Kids
With spring well underway here in Seattle, new life is popping up everywhere from the flowering trees to the blooms lining the sidewalks and edges. Cherry Blossoms, magnolias, rhododendrons, daffodils, hyacinth, and more recently even tulips are making an appearance. Leaves are sprouting all over adding some much needed color to the dull backdrop of the winter months.
Wild Fun at the Phoenix Zoo: 5 Highlights for Families
Deciding to visit zoos in the towns and cities that we travel to is a no-brainer. First off, with our membership to our zoo here in Seattle (Woodland Park Zoo), our entry to other zoos is often free or discounted. Secondly, it’s one of those win-win places for kids and adults. Plenty for grown-ups to enjoy without feeling like they are missing out and sitting at the kiddie table all day, but also so engaging for children with exhibits designed just for them. It would be hard to find a kid who wasn’t interested in animals, right?
Great Outdoors Food: Fuel for Your Next Adventure
We usually straddle our meals for before and after our adventures on the trail and just stick to snacking for a little energy boost. However, seeing some of my fellow hikers’ delicious looking fare and enjoying that downtime in nature, I was curious to see how a full serving of food would impact our hiking experience.
Great Outdoors Food gave us a chance to ease into the idea of packing a trail lunch.
Hiking Lake Pleasant Regional Park: Typical Arizona with a Few Surprises
We packed a whole lot of Arizona into one excursion during our visit to the state a couple of weeks ago.
A whole lot of typical Arizona was involved. You know…
- Saguaro cactus (among other varieties) towering over us, waving
Investigate and Appreciate Nature with S is for Salmon: A Pacific Northwest Alphabet
How does your child typically interact with a picture book during a read aloud?
The process of our nightly reading sessions can be fairly predictable. Things usually go the same way: One parent selects books (from the shelf or library bag) along with the help of 2.5 year old Bergen, we read the pages, Bergen remarks here and there, and we move on to brushing teeth and getting into bed. An extremely important routine, yes, but not necessarily anything remarkable or amazing happening in the day to day.
When I cracked open the new book by Hannah Viano, S is for Salmon: A Pacific Northwest Alphabet, Bergen’s reaction to the illustrations and interaction with the pages was slightly different though. It made me stop to observe.
Image courtesy of Sasquatch Books
Western Washington Respites: Padilla Bay’s Breazeale Interpretive Center
I hate to say this after two back to back gloriously sunny spring days, but here in the Pacific Northwest, the weather isn’t always on our side. Sure, we don’t often have to endure the cold-hard bone chilling days like our neighbors to the north, but it rains here. A LOT. And it’s grey and dark.
Even when it’s not raining heavily, it’s misty and damp. Moisture is everywhere and we get wet. I’ll be the first to say none of that matters if we have the proper gear and clothing layers. At times though, we just need a break.
Places like the Padilla Bay’s Breazeale Interpretive Center, located in the tiny town of Bayview, Washington, are perfect for when we want to explore in nature, but need a little respite from the elements.
5 Tips for a Great Visit to Padilla Bay’s Breazeale Interpretive Center:
1. Explore and Take a Hike.
The trails were the first thing we discovered and explored upon arriving at the Interpretive Center. Since our dog, Norman was along for the ride, we wanted to give him a chance to sniff around and get some exercise before had to leave him to go inside the center. Unlike the indoors portion, the trails (as well as the parking lot) are always open to the public.
Hiking with Toddlers: 10 Tips to Keep Everyone Happy on the Trail
We’ve come to the point where we can’t go to (or even drive past) any natural area without Bergen (2.5 years old) yelling out in question and excitement: “HIKE???”.
He knows what he likes and that’s getting to be outside on the trail exploring. Whether it’s among the towering cedar trees at home in the Pacific Northwest or the giant saguaro cactus waving from the dusty Arizona desert, on the trail seems to be where he’s most content.
Stuck in Defeat: Moving Past Trail Running Excuses
My run had barely started, and I was already feeling defeated.
On my last trail run after just a mile or so climbing, my mind was out of the game. It wasn’t that my body couldn’t continue. That would have made more sense. My head was the one telling me to stop running, and just hike for a while. I started making excuses. Not enough sleep. I must not have properly fueled even though I’d enjoyed 2 big pieces of toast, an egg, orange juice, and coffee before heading out. Maybe that beer after the soccer game the day before was too much.
I just wasn’t that into it.
Good Eats in Bow-Edison, Washington
What kind of compromises to do you make while traveling?
To make travel with a child more simple and convenient, we’ll stay in a more central location even when we’d really rather stay off the beaten path a bit. At times we splurge on our destination, when just flying to the place is a huge expense, and then stick to a tight budget on food. Other times, when we know the accommodations are going to expensive, we’ll make sure that all of our activities and excursions are free or very low cost.
While we love to experience a locale’s culture through their food, we’d don’t often overdo it in this category of travel. We specifically seek out ways to save on our meals. However our trip to Skagit County Washington’s Bow-Edison was different. This agricultural community that we’d only been able to enjoy in quick passing was calling us to take part in their farm-to-table, slow food, eat local (insert newfangled foodie term here) movement. And by going the budget route of staying in a state park cabin, we had some room for a little indulging!
- « Previous Page
- 1
- 2
- 3
- 4
- 5
- …
- 7
- Next Page »