March 21, 2013

Little Free Library: Sharing the Gift of Literacy One Neighborhood at a Time

Bergen loves books. He can’t get enough of them. It’s the one thing that will always amuse him. Everyday, at least 3 times a day, he sits down in front of his bookshelf and goes to town: Laughing, pointing, babbling to himself. The books are not always facing the right way, and sometimes he throws one aside after just a quick glance, but the wheels are turning and he’s figuring things out. We also have the routine of reading to him before bed each night, and it’s the one and only time where he’ll actually sit on our laps for an extended period of time.

We visit the public library once a week to pick out new books. Our visits are always a whirlwind. In and out, and unfortunately not a lot of time to explore because if we spend anymore than 5 minutes, every book on every shelf would be on the floor strewn about every which way.

We’ve discovered a new way for Bergen to get his little hands on even more books and he never has to step food into a building: “Little Free Library“. And it just so happens, an adorable one lives just a few blocks from our house. I decided we should pay the library a visit on our walk today, so in preparation we picked out 2 books to donate.

After browsing through the selection, we in turn chose 2 books to take away to enjoy at our house: Jingle Babies (Bergen loves “reading” books that feature real people, especially babies) and a non-fiction book all about baby animals.

These little libraries house 20-30 books. The books are “free” and people are encouraged to give and take from the collection. Most of the libraries I’ve seen are in front of a home, but apparently they can also be found by coffee shops, parks, and other public places.

We hope to make regular visits and exchanges to our neighborhood Little Free Library, and might even seek out more libraries to visit around Seattle. Who knows? Maybe one will even pop-up in our travels near and far from our home city!

Have you visited a Little Free Library? Do you have a Little Free Library in your neighborhood? Tell us about your experience!

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March 18, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

A bit of warning before your next shoulder ride:

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

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

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

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March 15, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

Info to Know:

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

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

March 13, 2013

A Rare Waterfall Viewing in Arizona’s White Tank Mountains

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Info to Know:

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

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

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

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February 7, 2013

Favorite Orcas Island Hike: Mountain Lake in Moran State Park

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

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

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

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

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

Info to Know:

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

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

More Orcas Island Hikes:

January 21, 2013

Remembering and Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“”Darkness cannot drive out darkness:

only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate:

only love can do that.”

-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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

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

What will you do today to honor Dr. King?

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January 10, 2013

A Wild Tales of…Travel and Adventure 2013

Just what does 2013 have in store for us? For this new year of travel, we’ve made some tough decisions, booked a few flights and accommodations, have a few more possible trips (though not yet finalized), and even some time where we know we’re going somewhere, but we just don’t know where yet.

Tough Decisions

Back in the late summer, we finalized plans to remodel our house. We knew there would be some days and weeks of particularly heavy construction. What better way to deal with the noise and inconvenience than to skip town? We strategically planned two trips around some of the more invasive periods. One was our Christmas trip to Truckee, CA to visit with my family. The second would have been a trip to San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua. We honeymooned in Nicaragua, and a good friend was offering up his bungalow once again. We thought we had a perfect getaway, and couldn’t wait for Bergen to use his passport for the first time.

Then we got to thinking, and agonizing, and worrying, and analyzing the travel time and distance. As we learned from our Kauai trip, and then again even for a short trip down to California, our young toddler and airplanes do not mix well. A trip to Nicaragua would have meant three-long-flights, than another 1 1/2 hours of driving. Only to stay for a week, and turn around to do a repeat trip back home. We are adventurous, but also realistic, and we finally had to draw the line in deciding it was too much for our little traveler. With Slaed only being able to take a week off from work, it just wasn’t worth the huge effort. We resolved to keep the time “in transit” to a minimum this year, and save some longer voyages for when Bergen is a little older, and has a longer attention span.

Travel Plans

Just because we’re not going to Nicaragua, doesn’t mean we’re staying home until Bergen grows up a bit. We have several trips planned that involve a more manageable itinerary.

We head to the San Juan Islands this month, and aside from taking it easy and enjoying the view off the deck of our rental house on Orcas Island, I can’t wait to explore the State Parks and tiny villages scattered throughout. I’m particularly excited to hike up to Mount Constitution in Moran State Park, and we have plans to see the Aeolian pipe organ and experience a live performance at the Rosario Resort.

In March, we’re off to the Phoenix area to visit my mother-in-law. We’ll finally get some much needed Vitamin D and Grandma time, see the Mariners face the Dodgers in Spring Training, and hopefully see some new places. A road trip to Prescott, AZ is in the works, and I also have my eye on the Desert Botanical Garden.

Bergen loved the train so much last year that we planned a repeat trip down to Oregon in April. We may stick with Portland, but are also thinking of going further south to Eugene.

Lastly, we have 2 trips to Montana on the calendar. In June we head to Paradise Valley to celebrate the wedding of two dear friends. Along with their celebration, we’ll spend some time in Yellowstone National Park. In October we’re back to Big Sky Country, but this time to Missoula for University of Montana’s homecoming (Slaed’s alma mater).

Travel Possibilities

I really hope we can squeeze in a trip to Madison, Wisconsin for my cousin’s wedding in August. Maybe we can work Chicago in there too?
Growing up, as far back as I can remember, we vacationed in North Carolina’s Outer Banks. My parents loved it so much that they bought a beach house there, and it became our getaway. Many a spring break, summer break, and even Thanksgiving break were spent there from grade school to college. Over Christmas, my brother mentioned his plan to visit in early September with his family. I think we should join him!

As usual a whole lot of Seattle and the Puget Sound area is waiting to be explored by us. I even have a little Seattle project up my sleeve that I can’t wait to tell you about. We’ll continue to visit our favorite places, and make time for new discoveries. I can’t wait to get going!

Where will 2013 take you this year? What are your resolutions? What do you hope to change? What do you plan to keep the same?

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December 19, 2012

A Christmas Evening in Downtown Seattle: 3 Free Happenings

Westlake Center Christmas Tree: Seattle, WA

Westlake Center: Downtown Seattle

Since nearly all of our Christmas shopping was completed, last Sunday it was time to kick back, and finally take in some Christmas festivities without the fear of the to-do list looming over us. It turns out that all three of the sights we saw on Sunday evening were free with two of them collecting donations for very worthy children’s causes.

1. Teddy Bear Suite: Fairmont Olympic Hotel

Inside this magical hotel in Suite 342 is an adorable little hideaway full of teddy bears! When we reached the suite, we were promptly asked to set the stroller aside. I must admit, we were worried that Bergen would destroy the place since we didn’t exactly know what to expect. We were pleasantly surprised. Sure, we couldn’t just let Bergen run wild, but the place is made for kids. Teddy Bears galore to touch and hug. A big bed that you are allowed to sit on. Beautiful Christmas decorations with plenty of lights and sparkle.

The lobby of the hotel was also decked out with a gorgeous Christmas tree adorned with oversize ornaments, and their own pastry chef’s gingerbread house creation, which includes our newest addition to the “skyline”: the great wheel. And finally, the lower lobby has a lovely display with Santa by the fireside checking his list!

2. Gingerbread Village: Sheraton Hotel

Unlike the Teddy Bear Suite, this was not the first time for us to visit the Sheraton’s Gingerbread Village. It’s become an annual tradition for Slaed and I to see what the amazing architecture and culinary artists will come up with in their designs. Depending on the time of day, and day of the week, your wait will vary. On this particular Sunday evening, we waited about 20 minutes. Certainly doable for a couple of adults with plenty of people-watching, but for Bergen, he needed a little more convincing. A “snacktrap” full of cheerios did the trick.

This year’s theme is “Once Upon a Time”, so each of the creations was an elaborately made castle (6 in all) from a fairy tale. My favorite was the the “Brothers Grimm Castle of Fairy Tales”. I’m a sucker for traditional, and loved the little details like the stained glass windows and actual working drawbridge! Slaed’s favorite was the “Alice in Wonderland” castle.

3. Snow Show: Pacific Place

Our last stop before dinner was to see the snow show at Pacific Place. At 6pm each evening (11/23/12-12/31/12), snow falls throughout the atrium! The experience is complete with festive Christmas music blaring and even a visit from Santa. Bergen thought the snow was nice for a few seconds, but he was more interested in dancing, and taking laps around the 2nd floor where we were viewing the show. Certainly okay by us: What better way to wear yourself out just in time to hit the sack?

What fun holiday festivities are a part of your family’s tradition?

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December 12, 2012

Braving the Seattle Grays One Walk at a Time

Yesterday Bergen, Norman, and I found ourselves back at the Arboretum. Both guys needed a walk and some outside time, and I wanted to see what the Arboretum was up to as winter nears.

Pleasantly surprised to see a burst of purple color.

I decided to stop into the Visitor’s Center, something I’d usually skip. I could come up with a bunch of great reasons to encourage one to go inside, and explain why we decided to go in this day, but let’s be honest, the real reason is that I heard they were now selling coffee and Cougar Mountain cookies. Along with my fresh cup of coffee, I picked up a bag of the special Arboretum Blend coffee beans from Zoka Roasters. Someone on my Christmas list is very lucky. The volunteer at the desk greeted us, and said something that made me stop and think: “My…you’re brave to be out and about on a day like today…”.

It wasn’t even raining.

We’ve done some things with Bergen that others might think twice about, but a walk outside? That’s not so brave. Right? For us, it’s more of a necessity. Outside in nature, Bergen is happy. He’s calm. He’s content. The puddles. Rocks. Grass to run his hands through. It’s also the wide-space allowing him to toddle to his heart’s content. And an added bonus: Wonderful naps at home follow a good romp outside.

Where is your favorite place to roam free outdoors (with your little ones or by yourself) even in the cold, dark {almost} winter? Share.

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December 5, 2012

Gifts for the Adventure Family: $30 or Less

Gift giving for to me opens up a host of emotions. If I have figured out the perfect present to get my recipient, I’m overjoyed, and can’t wait to get out there and make the purchase or pull the trigger on the website. Sometimes, I have a great gift idea, but it’s out of my budget range. Well, that’s just disheartening. Back to the drawing board. Then there’s the frustrated and clueless feeling I get when I have no idea what to get someone. There can be so many reasons…they are picky, they have everything, or I don’t see them often enough to get a good idea of what they might want or need.

To help you out a bit and curb the emotional roller coaster, I put together a little list of ideas for the adventure families out there. When compiling, I had adventure kids, and adventure moms and dads in mind, but you may find that these gift ideas work for just about anyone! The idea is to make travel and getting out and about a little more fun and a little easier (and also not break the bank). That way, maybe you can just stick to that overjoyed feeling that is what gift giving is all about!

1. The Kiddy Platter by Smarty Parents

This is no ordinary placemat. The platter has a rubber rim making it super sticky, and thus allowing it to cling to any surface. It’s easy to clean and dishwasher safe. I love it as a gift for adventure kids because it fits easily in any bag or suitcase or in the seat-back pocket of your car. As Bergen gets older, he’ll be able to put this on his lap to do projects in the car. I’m all for making car travel more fun! The gutter is removable, and kids can draw and write with dry erase or window markers (and the surface wipes clean).

2. Annual State Park Pass

Here in Washington State a mere $30 gets you into any of our state parks and recreation lands for an entire year. Anytime your recipient wants to head to a state park, instead of paying the usual onetime $10 fee, they’ll be good to go for “free” thanks to your gift. Of course, the gift also supports our wonderful park system; making sure that future generations get to enjoy the great Washington outdoors. Think of all the awesome hiking, birding, biking, nature discovery, and all around outside activity you’ll be encouraging! I know other states have annual park passes, and from just a small sample of 1 or 2 states, I found out that the passes are much pricier in other states! Take advantage of this great deal, Washingtonians!

3. Coupon Savings Book

What adventure lover wouldn’t love to save on some of their adventures? Just make sure the person you’re thinking of doesn’t already have one! Every year, we get two books:

Chinook Book: Includes coupons for local restaurants, shops, products, and family fun entertainment (like the zoo and aquarium!). Coupons included are from local companies and businesses that do “good”. You can read all about it on their criteria page. So far, the following cities have a Chinook Book: Denver, Twin Cities, Portland, Seattle & Puget Sound, and San Francisco Bay Area & Santa Cruz.
Entertainment Book: The more well-known of the coupon books, we rely on this for 2 for 1 deals when eating out, saving on rental cars and hotels, and great 2 for 1 deals at museums and parks. Books are available in almost every state in the U.S. & are also available in 7 Canadian provinces.

4. Built Origami Wine Tote

I came upon this awesome little holder as I was figuring out gift ideas for my mom! She was looking for a good way to bring wine to parties and gatherings. I had never heard of such a thing, but thanks to some searching around in some local kitchen shops, I found the perfect wine transporter. The origami folds protect the bottle of wine, and the whole thing folds down flat for easy packing. Great to bring along in the suitcase if you think you’ll want to bring wine back from your destination too.

5. Travel Booster

Bergen was given the booster pictured on the right (fisher-price) as a gift when he was just a wee baby, and we use it often. It goes with us on road trips, picnics, parks, and friend’s houses. It’s easy to clean, and folds up for handy transport. I’ve also had my eye on the brica version (right) since it would easily fit in a suitcase for plane travel.

6. Sound Spa

You can give the gift of peaceful sleep. The sounds that come out of this machine induce a good night sleep. The pleasant sounds can also block out some not-so-pleasant sounds (or sounds you just aren’t used to) heard when traveling. A sound spa is also helpful when the little ones are sleeping, and parents are still up. Parents don’t have to worry as much about the slightest noise waking up the kids.

7. L.L.Bean Tote Bag

Such a handy tote for travel and just everyday outings. We put all of Bergen’s special plane toys in the bag, and then it fits nicely into our carry-on backpack. It’s also great for toys in the car, and can just be thrown in the backseat. We love the monogram option. When we go to activities around town like the Y, we don’t have to worry about getting bags mixed up, and teachers/helpers know where to find Bergen’s stuff!

8. Rain Suit

A must here in the Pacific Northwest, but handy anywhere it might rain. I love how we can just throw the rain suit on over Bergen’s regular clothes, and not worry about him getting sopping wet. Outside play is so much more relaxing! It also folds up small making it easy to stuff into the diaper bag without taking up too much room. The suit pictured here is from a local company out of Vancouver, Washington (Oakiwear), and is on sale right now for just over $30. Rain suits are also great for hanging out on the boat in colder weather!

9. Travel Bucket

Most recently, we took this “scrunch bucket” along with us on our trip to Kauai, but it’s gone on road trips to the lake, to the pool, and is just fun to have around the house for the bath and backyard. As the name implies it scrunches up so you can stuff into your suitcase. It’s also super light. Pack it with some fun water or beach toys, and you’ve got the perfect gift for a young adventurer!

10. Portable Speaker

Adventurers can bring their tunes along no matter the destination. We have a similar product, the Memorex Portable Travel Speaker, but if I could go back on my purchase, I’d definitely go with the candy-bar speaker pictured. I like that you don’t have to dock your ipod or iphone, and the smaller size can’t be beat. Can you picture a fun impromptu dance party at the beach, park, rental house…?

Got a great gift idea for under $30 (or two or a whole list) for an adventurer ? Go ahead & add by leaving a comment!

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December 3, 2012

Playdate with Dad: Seattle’s International Children’s Park

While I put my eyes through the ringer at the eye doctor, Bergen and his Dad got to spend a beautiful afternoon toddling around Seattle’s Chinatown/International District. Much to our surprise, Bergen sometimes insists on walking these days. We don’t get very far, very fast, but at least he’s learned how to wear himself out.

One of the highlights of their adventure was the International Children’s Park. The park has been around since the early 1980’s, but was recently redesigned and renovated to improve visibility, safety, and just generally bring the park up-to-date.

A visit here would be a great addition to any International District outing. Uwajimaya’s (our Pacific Northwest Asian Grocery store chain) Seattle location is located just 2 blocks North, the Wing Luke Museum is 2 blocks East, and there are countless restaurants to enjoy delicious Asian cuisine.

It seemed to be a perfect little park for Bergen. Great for wandering around, and good opportunities for climbing. Slaed thought the best feature was the drums of various sizes and colors just outside the play structure area.

In addition to the dragon sculpture (pictured below) that was kept from the original park design, three more art pieces, created by Stuart Nakamura and inspired by the neighborhood’s culture and community, were installed: a bronze ball, mosaic top, and metal coin.

I look forward to exploring the space myself. For more information, check out the Friends of the International Children’s Park blog, and the Seattle Parks and Recreation page.

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November 28, 2012

It’s for the Birds: Kilauea Point Lighthouse, Kauai

Kilauea Point Lighthouse

Never wanting to miss a lighthouse in our travels, after a nice hike in the Northwestern part of Kauai, we stopped over at the Kilauea Lighthouse on the way home to our rental. Due to the title of the blog post, you might be thinking that it was a terrible experience with a less than noteworthy lighthouse to view. Thankfully this was not the case! Right along side the Kilauea Lighthouse is a National Wildlife Refuge, and happens to be one of the best places to view nesting seabirds among the Hawaiian Islands, so it really is…For the Birds! We were delighted to see and learn about the birds native to the area. We also happily realized that our entrance to the lighthouse and refuge would be free in celebration of Veteran’s Day.

Aside from the usual jungle fowl, we saw and learned about three birds in particular.

The NeNe (Hawaiian Goose)

Protected under the endangered species act, this Hawaiian State Bird was actually the easiest to spot. We were able to get up close, and they didn’t mind (too much) being harassed by our overly-friendly toddler. We often saw them in pairs. Thanks to some more observant visiting photographers, I got to see one hiding in the bushes below the visitor’s center.

The ‘Iwa (Great Frigate Birds)

To see the ‘Iwa, we just had to look up. We spotted them soaring above probably in search of food, but they also seemed to go wherever the wind took them. We learned that their Hawaiian name (‘Iwa) actually translates to thief! While they can get their food from grabbing fish and squid from the surface of the water, they also are known to snatch food away from other birds, probably due to their inadequacies at fishing blamed on their short legs and large wing span. This body structure makes it hard for them to take off from the water.

The ‘A (Red-Footed Boobie)

Can you spot some red feet in the second picture?

We saw these guys from afar roosting in the trees across the bay. If we looked closely (or just used the provided telescope), we could just barely make out the signature red feet. They are the smallest of all the “boobie” birds, are great at flying, and are also pretty good at fishing.

Our short and sweet visit to Kilauea Point Lighthouse & Wildlife Refuge proved to be the perfect little stopover. It was easy and safe for Bergen to run around, and we got to see and learn all about some very special natural features of Hawaii. Inside the visitor’s center is a 3-D map of all of the Hawaiian Islands, and gives a great perspective of the island chain as a whole. We also used it to help us decide which island to visit next!

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October 31, 2012

Seward Park’s Tales and Trails

Soon after Bergen’s first birthday this past summer, we took advantage of a warm, sunny day, and his new status as a “one- year old”, and tried out the Tales and Trails program at Seward Park’s Environmental and Audubon Center. The center provides a program specifically geared towards young toddlers (ages 1-3 years).

Exploring the Audubon and Environmental Center

Our experience began with a welcome from the friendly guide. She read stories featuring aspects of nature that we might see on our upcoming hike. She allowed the tots to explore with found nests, and lifelike stuffed animals including birds, turtles, and other woodland creatures.

Sharing a real bird!

Next we hit the trail just outside the Audubon Center, and hiked (s-l-o-w-l-y, think, toddler pace) in search of “animals”. The guide uncovered various logs and rocks to reveal insects of all kinds, and we also kept our eye out for spider webs. Some of the webs she sprayed lightly with water for the little ones to catch a better glimpse.

Our search for bugs, and other woodland creatures…

Our short journey ended in a wide open meadow. The guide whipped her net through the tall grass a few times, laid out a white sheet, and emptied the net. Tons of tiny creatures magically appeared, and the kids used special bug houses with magnifiers to study each and every one. At this point, Slaed was taking notes, and asking questions! He did not want to forget this special trick. It was amazing how many insects she was able to capture in just a few swipes of the net. She said the key to the whole thing is the white sheet.

Getting an close-up look of some bugs!

In retrospect, Bergen may have been a little too young to really take full advantage of the activities. There were other “babies”, but they were accompanied by their older sibling. It was hard to keep his attention during the classroom/storytelling portion even though the guide was very engaging. He was much more interested in tearing down the library of books. However, we do not at all regret taking him. We learned a lot ourselves (like the net & sheet trick), and enjoyed watching the other kids at different stages of toddlerdom. It was interesting to see how they reacted to the activities. We’re constantly amazed at how fast they change, from month to month even!

Bergen also got to be outside in the thick of things, which more and more we’re thinking is at the top of his list of things he loves to do, aside from eating, of course.

Info to Know:

Seward Park (5895 Lake Washington Blvd. South Seattle, 98118) is open from 6 am to 11 pm.
Check out the Seward Park Environmental & Audubon Centerfor programs, hikes, tours, and much more.
- As of now (Fall 2012), they are offering Tales and Trails for toddlers on Wednesdays from 10am-11am.
  - Cost for the program: $2
  - The hike was slow and leisurely enough for us to just carry Bergen though I also had the ergo just in case. Strollers would not have worked on the trail we went on, but are perfect for the 2.4 mile loop around the park!
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October 22, 2012

5 Reasons to Love Seattle’s Washington Park Arborteum this Fall

As you might already know, we’re frequenters of the Washington Park Arboretum. We’re lucky that this 230 acre park is practically in our backyard. With so many visits you’d think we would be sick of going, but instead we’re just finding more reasons to appreciate the place. Every season brings something unique and special, but here’s what we’re loving this fall:

1. The Fall Colors

The oranges, yellows, and reds are here. Against the evergreen trees, the colors just pop.

2. The Sounds of Fall.

This month brings a special art installation to the Arboretum called Paths II: The Music of Trees. There are 7 sites each with it’s own unique soundtrack to listen to via a speaker high above. Take a look and listen at Site 5. The sound you’ll hear (aside from crows, camera noise, and an airplane) is actually the feet of flies flittering about on a special microphone that picks up sound by touch!

3. The Fall Weather.

Sure, the rains have returned, but we’ve also had some gorgeous sunshiny crisp weather creating the perfect conditions for hiking the trails of the arboretum.

4. The Smells of Fall.

Fresh air.
That telltale Seattle rain
Smoke spilling out of the Stone Cottage’s chimney.

5. Little Surprises.

Due to our exceptionally warm September and early October, you’ll still find flowers in bloom!

How and where are you enjoying fall?

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October 8, 2012

Learning our Limits at Seattle’s Discovery Park

When an outing with your little one goes well, you feel like a rock star. You’re thinking, I know my kid, I planned everything perfectly, I did everything right. Even if maybe you didn’t put that much thought or planning into it at all. On the other hand, when an outing goes wrong or you have a few hiccups, you can feel like a complete failure. You’re thinking, I don’t know my kid, I didn’t plan anything right, what was I thinking?

We’ve had some less than rock star outings, where Bergen has been too tired, too hungry, or just too darn uncomfortable for things to go well. Sure we could have planned for a better outcome, but sometimes things just happen. Most importantly, we don’t let the “failures” stop us from leaving the house again because the more we do venture out, the more we learn about what’s best for our family.

This past weekend, our trip to Discovery Park in the Magnolia neighborhood of Seattle was a little bit of both. We did a lot of things right, and a few things wrong. We’ll start with some of our missteps so that we can end on a good note.

The Bad

Based on our starting time in the late afternoon, we hiked for too long. We could have stuck to the Loop Trail even with our addition of the South Beach Trail to the lighthouse, and been fine. We were over adventurous, and also added the Hidden Valley Trail. Too much.
Bergen never got a break. When we realized, he probably needed a chance to stretch and get out of the carrier, it was too late. There is in fact a playground at Discovery Park, and we should have incorporated a stop there into our hike.
Again because of our late afternoon start time, and too long of a hike, we were getting dangerously close to dinner time. Not a good thing for a growing boy whose number one pastime is eating.

West Point

West Point Lighthouse

On the Hidden Valley Trail: Where things got a bit dicey.

The Good

We did our best to provide ideal circumstances for the outing. We left for our hike right after Bergen’s nap (and snack, of course).
We had perfect hiking weather. I know we didn’t have anything to do with the weather, but at least we planned something to do! We had clear skies, and cool temperatures. Not too hot, not too cold.
Before we left the car in the parking lot, I stashed a fruit bar in the ergo, just in case. This little snack saved us as we scrambled through the forest when Bergen was more than finished with hiking.
At the last stretch, I moved the hood to my sweatshirt. Who knew this would ensue the biggest laughing fit in history? It must have looked like a puppet to Bergen because he was absolutely beside himself thinking my hood was the most hilarious thing in the world. I flung the drawstring of the hood back for him to gnaw on, and that was the icing on the cake. We made it back to the parking lot without anymore fusses or cries. You just never know.

North Beach with Shilshole Marina in the distance.

South Beach along the bluff.

Hiking down to the beach via the Loop Trail

We all have our ups and downs even if you don’t have a 13 month old little one along for the ride. Share a tip, unexpected (a hood) or not (a snack bar), that has saved you in the past!

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October 2, 2012

Seattle’s Volunteer Park Dahlia Garden

Here in Seattle we really can’t believe it’s fall. I keep waiting for things to change (and the rains to come), but here we are again with sunny skies, and 70 degree temperatures. I’m honestly worried. Am I overreacting? Nevertheless, we are certainly enjoying ourselves.

Our parks are still hanging on to summer as well. Just a few days ago on one of our afternoon walks, we visited Volunteer Park in the Capitol Hill neighborhood (just East of Downtown). We love Volunteer Park for it’s beautiful conservatory, water tower giving you unique views of the city, and wide open space. New to me this summer is Volunteer Park’s Dahlia Garden. The Dahlia Garden has been around for many years though, and given the fact that dahlias just happen to be my most favorite flower, I can’t believe I’ve missed the garden all this time! Where have I been? Why hadn’t anyone told me about it?

So many colors, shapes, sizes, and styles are represented in this modest garden located across from the conservatory and in front of the rhododendrons. I could have stayed for hours inspecting each and everyone. Lucky for Slaed and Bergen, who were not so fascinated, there is a playground hidden among the trees just a short distance away. So when they were bored of looking at flowers, they escaped to slide, swing, and climb. Norman and I were left alone to admire.

Info to Know

The Volunteer Park Dahlia Garden is located in Volunteer Park (near the conservatory), and maintained by the Puget Sound Dahlia Association.
- 1247 15th Ave East Seattle, WA 98112
- Hours: 6 am-10pm
The dahlias are planted every May, and dug up the following October. Peak viewing is in the month of August, though the season is July-September.
A visit to Volunteer Park makes a great outing. Some of the other features include, the Seattle Asian Art Museum (SAAM), the water tower, wading pool, playground, and conservatory.

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September 27, 2012

Fort Worden State Park, WA in Fast Forward

You must have places you wish to return to for another visit. Everyone, even the busiest of travelers has to have at least a few spots. Maybe the site was so spectacular that it’s more than worth a second (or third…) look. Maybe you want to show it off to friend or family member. Or maybe, in our case recently, you just didn’t get enough time there in the first place.

By the time we reached Fort Worden State Park in Port Townsend, Washington, we’d already had quite an eventful morning. We enjoyed a big breakfast at Sweet Laurette, checked out of our hotel, cruised the shops and galleries along Water Street, and even had a peek into the Maritime Center. The Fort was unfortunately our last stop before we headed home to Seattle, and we were working around Bergen’s nap schedule.

After checking in at the Visitors Center for a map and a lay of the land, we raced over to the closest battery. With Bergen in the stroller and not yet walking, there wasn’t much for him to discover safely, so I took Norman through some agility exercises via the stairs and various elements of the battery. In the meantime, Slaed and Bergen located a trail that would take us down toward the beach and lighthouse. I can’t wait to take Bergen back here when he’s a little older. What a perfect place for little guys and girls to run around and explore with their family!

We would hook up with the trail, but not without taking a look inside this spooky bunker.

This is where we really picked up the pace, and kicked it into high gear. We wanted to actually get to the shore, see the Point Wilson Lighthouse, and make our way back to the car. There was little time to linger, and take in the views as Norman and I literally chased after Slaed and Bergen.

Can you see Mount Baker in the distance?

Once off the trail, we caught a glimpse of the many camp sites available, and the Battery Kinzie. Fort Worden was one of three forts that protected the Puget Sound area, specifically the Bremerton Naval Yard, and the cities of Everett, Seattle and Tacoma from 1900 to the early 1950s. Interestingly enough, not one of the three forts (Fort Casey on Whidbey Island & Fort Flagler in Nordland are the other two) ever had to fire a hostile shot.

Battery Kinzie

Needless to say, there was no time for close-up exploration of the lighthouse, which as it turns out is okay as this lighthouse is not open to the public. We breezed past it, and caught up with the main road taking us back towards the car.

Point Wilson Lighthouse

Fort Worden has so much more to offer than what we were able to see during our quick visit. Miles of hiking trails are available, some ADA, making them a good choice for kids in strollers. The beaches are known for being kid-friendly, there are kayaks available to rent, and several museums to learn about the history of Fort Worden.

Info to Know:

Fort Worden State Parkis located in Port Townsend, Washington on the Northeast side of the Olympic Peninsula.
- 200 Battery Way
  
  Port Townsend, Washington 98368
  
  (360) 344-4400
Several lodging choices are available within the park ,which include campgrounds, officer’s housing, dormitories, and even a castle!
Check ahead of time to find out the hours of the park’s various establishments.
Cost: $10 for a day pass OR annual Discover Pass ($30)

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September 26, 2012

Wild Sightings: Washington Park Arboretum

There we were on one of our usual walks in the Washington Park Arboretum catching up on the days activities. Bergen babbling away in his stroller. Norman wishing he was off his leash chasing the squirrels scurrying about in the grass and trees.

All of a sudden, we were stopped in our tracks.

We listened for several minutes trying to locate where the sound was coming from.

Once we were able to hone in on one particular tree, we inspected each and every branch and limb until finally…I spotted the creature who was talking to us!

Beautiful Barred Owl

The owl stayed very still, high up in the tree allowing us to watch in awe, and even allowed us to point out our discovery to others passing by on their walk. I’ve seen an owl once before, but this was Slaed’s first “owl in the wild” spotting. Not such a usual day after all.

Ever spot an owl in it’s natural habitat? Or any share-worthy animal in it’s natural habitat?

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September 24, 2012

Baby Adventure Gear

We’ve had a wonderfully adventurous year thanks to some high-quality gear. Here are a few of the items that have made travel and adventure easier, enhanced our experiences, and made new things possible!

1. The Go Crib by Guava Family

The “Go-crib” is extremely portable, light-weight, and easy to assemble. The crib is equipped with a manual pump, and along with the thin fold-up mattress, it is stored in it’s own backpack. It’s been essential for sleep at all of our usual travel destinations, and really comes in handy for camping trips.

*While the Go Crib is no longer available, the company (Guava Family) has designed a new product called the Lotus Travel Crib. Learn more about the Lotus Everywhere Travel Crib in our set-up post!

2. Yepp Mini Front Child Seat

A recent addition to our adventure gear line-up, the Yepp Mini allows us to take Bergen on bike rides! He has a blast riding around with his Dad, and it really opens up the possibilities for outings around the city. According to Yepp, babies can start using the seat when they are 9-months old and sitting up independently. It accommodates kids up to 33 pounds or about 3 years old.

3. Baby Jogger Summit XC

We purchased the Baby Jogger Summit XC before Bergen was born, and really only expected to use it on trails, and of course for jogging. Boy did we underestimate how difficult it is to navigate the steep hills of our neighborhood, and our worn out city sidewalks. When we tried to take Bergen out for a walk in the “city mini” (also by Baby Jogger), we turned right back around, and grabbed the Summit. We’re thankful for the handbrake, the sunshade that provides plenty of cover, it’s durability, option for fixed or unfixed front wheel, easy fold-up, and it’s beautiful black color.

4. Rugged Idea Waterproof Blanket

This blanket doesn’t just come in handy, it’s a necessity in Seattle. Bergen is kept warm, cozy, and dry, and we feel great supporting a local company! After being out and about for a walk in the rain, it’s amazing how fast this blanket dries. Each corner of the blanket has 2 Velcro straps for easy stroller attachment.

5. Ergobaby Performance Carrier

Our ergo goes everywhere with us from the airport, to the zoo, to the mall, or to a state park for hike. We chose the performance line because it breathes well, dries quickly, and is made for those who are a bit more active. I started using the carrier with the infant insert when Bergen was about 2 weeks old. Now you’ll most often find him in the back carry position enjoying the view.

What helps you and your family get out and about for adventures?

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September 19, 2012

Explore Port Townsend, WA: Chetzemoka Park

We try to balance our food intake when traveling by walking to places in the towns and cities we visit. It also gives us a better sense of the area allowing us to notice more about the charm and character of the locale. This time, Chezemoka Park was our destination, but we had the chance to explore downtown Port Townsend on the way to the park, and uptown Port Townsend on the way back.

Chetzemoka Park really has something for everyone. Bergen immediately noticed the swings, Slaed had his eye on the water front, Norman appreciated the wide open meadow, and I was curious to explore the pretty garden walk. Developed in 1904, it’s Port Townsend’s first city park and was created with the help of some 200 residents volunteering their time. The park is named for a well-known Klallam Indian leader who was friendly with the original settlers of Port Townsend.

Our Chetzemoka Park Favorites

Slaed (the Dad): Giving Bergen a tour of the shore with views of the Puget Sound, Whidbey Island, the Point Wilson Lighthouse, and the Cascade Mountains.

Kate (the Mom): Taking Norman on a stroll through the gardens.

Bergen (the baby(ish): Guess? The swings

Norman (the dog): Palling around with his buddies.

Info to Know:

Chetzemoka Park is located a little less than a mile from downtown Port Townsend. To walk to uptown Port Townsend from the park, it’s about half a mile.
- 900 Jackson St
  Port Townsend, WA 98368
If you choose to drive, there is parking available.
It’s a great picnic spot & is equipped with tables!

More on Port Townsend:

Good Eats

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Port Ludlow on Dwellable

September 14, 2012

An Afternoon at the Fair: Baby’s Top 5

Last year at less than a month old, Bergen missed the Puyallup Fair, our Western Washington State fair held every September. Even for us, that would have been a little too adventurous. So as the fair rolled around again this year, we were more than ready to check it out with the little guy.

In order to avoid the weekend crowds, Slaed went to work even earlier than usual so he could leave earlier and we could get a head start on the trip down. We timed Bergen’s nap to coincide with the drive, and took a longer route to buy him some more time.

While the fair is a whole different experience with a baby in tow, we still managed to introduce Bergen to almost all of our favorite fair amusements. He was quite content with just about everything, but there were some that really stood out.

Baby’s Top 5 at the Fair

5. Ride Watching. The lights, the music, the movement. Bergen isn’t a fan of just standing around so I was surprised at how content he was as we waited for Slaed to ride the roller coaster. Then I realized that he was totally mesmerized by the overload of sensory stimulation.

4. Looking through cut-outs. Who knew this could be so much fun for a baby? Bergen just loved looking through and waving to the people he saw “on the other side”. And to think we actually hesitated to get him out of the ergo for this!

3. Checking out the animals. This one’s a no-brainer. Ducks and goats seemed to be favorites, but we saw it all: pigs & piglets, chickens, horses, cows, rabbits, dogs, and even pigeons.

2. People Watching. Bergen has a reputation of being a “noisy-rosy” & a “rubber-necker”, and these traits were out in full force at the fair. Endless interesting people to look at everywhere we went!

1. Taking in all in on the Sky Ride. Manufactured in Switzerland, and originally installed at the 1962 Seattle World’s Fair, this piece of history took us up a whopping 55 feet in the air for a bird’s eye view of all the action! Believe it or not, this was the only ride Bergen was allowed on, so we rode it twice: once at the beginning of the afternoon, once at the end. We thought for sure he’d be able to get on the carousel. No luck, but that was just fine with him.

Info to Know:

The Puyallup Fair (September 7-23 ’12) is located in Puyallup, Washington, about 40 minutes South of Seattle.
We drove so that Bergen could nap in the car, but our friends offered a great tip of taking the Sounder Train to avoid traffic & parking hassles. More info on alternative transportation here.
We used the ergo to transport Bergen around, but many were navigating the fair with strollers easily.
It’s a good idea to check exhibit schedules before you go (or talk about what you’ll see with the kids) to avoid disappointment as certain barns can be closed.

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September 7, 2012

Washington Park Arboretum Waterfront Trail

Here in Seattle, we are coming close to setting a record, and this time it doesn’t have to do with coffee, grunge bands or precipitation. It actually has to do with the lack of precipitation! 46 days (and counting) with NO RAIN to be exact, and we’re not complaining.

Slaed, Bergen, and I (and Norman: the dog, too) walk after Slaed gets home from work nearly everyday. We enjoy all of our neighborhood walk routes, but our most favorite is our Arboretum loop. We’re lucky enough to live just a few blocks from the entrance. Most of the time when we visit, we take the paved route, and then circle back home through the neighborhood. On rare, special days however, we continue past the visitors center, under the 520 highway, and on the Arboretum Waterfront Trail.

This walk is rare and special because 90% of the time, it’s too soggy and wet to get through without hip waders, rain gear, or no care in the world about getting completely muddy and gross. We also need a little more time than our usual walks as the trail adds 30-45 minutes to our adventure.

So when Slaed got home early one afternoon this week, and I recalled our rain record, we jumped at the chance to introduce the trail to Bergen for the first time! Upon reminiscing, it turns out we probably hadn’t visited for at least 2 years.

The trail first has you walking on a wood-chipped path, which ends after a few hundred feet leading you to a series of boardwalks, and the real highlight of the experience. The first island is Foster Island, followed by Marsh Island. These wetlands are some of the last in Seattle.

From the boardwalks, we actually took our time for a change noticing the construction to the University of Washington Husky Stadium, chatting with canoers, and trying our hardest to spot wildlife. If we are lucky, we’ll catch a glimpse of blue heron, muskrats, and turtles, but this time ducks were the only creatures hanging around in our view.

Info to Know:

Washington Park Arboretum is located near the Montlake and Madison Park/Madison Valley neighborhoods in Seattle.
- 2300 Arboretum Drive E
  Seattle, WA 98112
- Map
If venturing onto the Waterfront Trail think about the weather conditions (past and present), and plan accordingly. Bring your camera, sturdy shoes as you won’t want to hurt your feet on the holes in the boardwalk, and maybe even binoculars to help you spot the many species of birds that can be found within the area.
Strollers are fine for many of the trails within the arboretum, but you’ll need a baby carrier for the Waterfront Trail.

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August 27, 2012

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.

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Grab our Seattle Area Kid Friendly Hiking Guide!

August 25, 2012

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!

Crystal Mountain Greenwater on Dwellable

August 23, 2012

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.
- Rates and schedules
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!

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