Search Results for: hiking

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!

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February 20, 2013

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

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

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

Time for a change of plan.

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

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

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

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

Laundress Quarters

View from San Juan Island National Historical Park

View of Griffin Bay and Mount Baker from the Redoubt

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

Whale Lime Kiln State Park San Juan Island

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

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

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

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

Whale Watching Point Lime Kiln State Park

Norman doing his best to spot a whale.

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

Info to Know:

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

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

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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:

December 31, 2012

Wild Tales of…2012: A Year of Travel and Adventure

Our first full year of travel as a family and adventure of three proved to be chock full of new experiences, and beautiful destinations both near and far from our Seattle home. As I sat down to reflect on just what we were up to in 2012, it turns out we were quite busy! Each month seemed to find us packing our bags or at least a backpack in preparation for some kind of escape.

January

A rare month of staying close to home. We explored local gardens, tromped in the snow (while it lasted), and most memorably checked out our local Roller Derby Team, the Rat City Roller Girls.

February

The wedding of a good friend from high school had us traveling across the country (Bergen’s 2nd trip back east) to the Washington, D.C. area, and my hometown. Bergen had a blast at his first wedding, and even stole a dance; ergo carrier and all. We also squeezed in a day of sight seeing around NW Montgomery County, MD, and fittingly spent President’s Day on the Mall in Washington, D.C. taking in some of the newer monuments.

March

Ready to escape the cold and rain, we traveled down to Bergen’s Gramma’s new home in the Phoenix area. We made sure to coordinate our trip with the Mariner’s Spring Training schedule, and took in a few ballgames. We went on our first true hike as a family; trying out the ergo as a backpack carrier.

April

April was another month of firsts for Bergen. Bergen’s first cold. Followed by and coinciding with Bergen’s first camping trip at Cape Disappointment on the Washington coast with a night in Astoria, Oregon thrown in. Later on in the month, Bergen tried a new mode of transportation. He went on his first train ride to visit friends in Portland, Oregon.

May

With more friends and relatives for Bergen to see and meet, we spent Memorial Day weekend in the Denver, Colorado area. We visited Slaed’s hometown of Wheat Ridge along with nearby Golden, took in a Rapids Soccer game, and squeezed in a day in the mountains. Bergen and I even got to see Red Rocks for the first time.

June

While we wish a visit to New York and Connecticut could have been under better circumstances, it was quite special for Bergen to meet so many Aunts, Uncles, and cousins at my Grandfather’s funeral. We miss Poppy so very much. Not many photographs were taken during that visit, but this one with Bergen sporting one of his Great Grandpa’s well-worn, signature hats seems fitting.

July

Along with a crowd of friends, we set out on the road for Hayden Lake, Idaho. I couldn’t stop looking at the view, and we really got the chance to practice relaxation by just enjoying our surroundings and company!

August

Summer in Seattle is the absolute best. That’s when we kick back, and enjoy the hard earned days, weeks, and months of non-stop gray and drizzle in the winter and spring. We got to explore many local and state parks in the spectacular August weather, but the most memorable was probably our gondola ride up Crystal Mountain where we were rewarded with unbelievable views of Mount Rainier.

September

By then, we were ready for another road trip. This time to the Victorian town of Port Townsend, Washington on the Olympic Peninsula. A ferry ride offered Bergen the chance to escape from his carseat for part of the journey, and once we arrived there was so much beauty to enjoy.

October

Bergen and I decided to tag along on one of Slaed’s work trips to North Central Washington. Even though it was just one day, we pretended like we were on vacation in the Bavarian town of Leavenworth, sampled local beer and wine and searched for fall colors and salmon. We even spotted a rattlesnake!

November

Getting there may have been tough, and coming home was even harder, but without a doubt, our vacation in Kauai was the highlight of 2012.

December

We braved the skies with Bergen one more time for a trip down to Truckee, California to celebrate Christmas with my whole family. Bergen loved hiking through the snow, and even more, he loved getting to spend quality time with his cousins, two of which were born just a few months apart from him.

Busy, busy, busy, but really, we wouldn’t have it any other way. We have much in store for 2013, some tickets already purchased, and some travel dreams just beginning to brew. Stay tuned as Bergen hopes to add to his growing list of states (15 so far) visited, and we try to keep up! Just what do we have in store? So far…a week in Washington’s San Juan Islands in just few weeks, a repeat trip to the Phoenix area to see Gramma and more baseball, another train adventure to Oregon, two trips to Montana, and…many more adventures in the works.

Wishing you and yours a very happy and healthy 2013! Here’s to many wonderful travel memories!

What travel memories will you be creating in 2013?

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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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November 15, 2012

10 Things You’ll Want While Traveling in Kauai

To give you an overview of our recent trip to the garden island of Kauai, I’ve compiled a list of 10 things one would need to bring from home in order to make their trip most complete and comfortable. Sure, some of these comforts of home might seem obvious, but you’ll also get the chance to see some of the spectacular backdrops we enjoyed from our too-short week long stay.

1. Sunscreen. At the top of the list, and coming from the girl who burned her back lifeguarding at an indoor pool. Okay, I was sitting by a door the was cracked open a bit, but still! Who gets sunburned at an indoor pool? Me. Protecting your skin anywhere, even in gray Seattle, is important, but especially crucial in Kauai where the sun is very intense.

Here it comes…and it’s fast! We had to be prepared.
Sunrise: Baby Beach in Kapaa

2. Raincoat. Funny that a raincoat comes right after sunscreen, but we were happy to have these around in the event of a seemingly random shower. The showers never lasted long for us, but they did happen. Depending on the time of year, and area of the island you are staying, you may need them even more. It was also nice to just have a light jacket around for the evenings when the sun goes down as fast as it came up, leaving us a little chilly (relative to the perfect daytime conditions).

Clouds rolling in at Waimea Canyon.

3. Earplugs. Kauai has some remarkable local birds. The most abundant being “The Moa” or “Red Jungle Fowl” or this one you might have heard of: “Rooster”. The locals don’t think they are too smart as they tend to crow at all hours of the day, and night, but most notably for us at 4:30 AM! For most, earplugs are a must if you don’t want to be bothered by the local alarm clocks.

These guys were everywhere!

4. Swimsuit. Yes, we did our far share of swimming while on Kauai. It was actually a good idea to bring two suits so we had backup while the other took a break get a little cleaned up and dry. Our favorite place to swim was at Baby Beach in Kappa’a. Mostly because all we had to do was walk out our door to get there, but also because it was ideal for Bergen. With a rock wall keeping the surf at bay, it was like swimming in a beautifully calm ocean wading pool.

Bergen contemplates the surf at Poipu’s Baby Beach, and dives right in at Kapa’a’s Baby Beach.

5. Hat. Our poor little guy is still working on getting some hair at 15 months old, so we had to be extra careful in protecting his creamy white noggin. Hats also kept the sun out of our eyes, shaded our faces from more burning, and came in handy during those funny rain showers. I also liked throwing a big hat over my not-so-pretty beach hair.

Bergen shows off his hat in Po’ipu.

6. Camera + Case. Another DUH! During our 7-day stay, I could not stop snapping photos. Most were snapped using my regular camera that was strapped to me {it seemed} at all times, a few here and there using my ipod’s camera so that I could post and email quickly to friends and family. We ran into some serious photographers on our adventures. Tripods, extra gadgets, and all. I like lingering around them because sometimes they spot things I am not likely to notice with a little toddler waddling around at my feet.

Slaed taking over camera duties at Hanakapi’ai Beach.

7. Water Bottle. Bergen’s liquid intake skyrocketed during our trip. Even back in Seattle it seems like he’s still on his Kauai liquid kick. Good instincts that boy has, and we always had bottle full of water (or two) at the ready for him. We always make sure to extra hydrate when we travel, and add the heat that we aren’t used to, it becomes doubly important.

Hydrating during our hike on the Kalalau Trail.

8. Sturdy Sandals. With all the beach time, flip flops might seem like the go-to shoe choice, but I was happy that I had my chacos. I still had the luxury of an open-toed shoe, but I also hiked 4 miles with a baby on my back with no problems. Keens (Slaed’s choice) or Merrill, whatever brand you like, a sturdy sandal covers you in so many Kauai activities.

Thankful to take a little break at the beach after hiking.

9. Sunglasses. Another item we rarely took off. If only we could find a pair that Bergen would keep on his face, I think he would really see the benefit too!

If only he realized how cool he looks in those shades not to mention the relief for his eyes…

10. Your Appetite. They sure do like to feed you in Kauai! From the luau we checked out, to breakfasts spots, to the traditional plated lunch, we were not lacking in the food department. In fact, many of lunches were just leftovers from breakfast.

Huge Pork Chili Verde Tamales at Kountry Kitchen in Kapa’a & the Hula Pie at Keoki’s Paradise in Po’ipu.

Have you travel to Kauai, or one of the other Hawaiian islands? What were you glad to have with you from home?

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November 6, 2012

Travel Tips: Making the Most of the Guidebook

When we are truly on vacation, as in not traveling to visit family or on a quick weekend trip, one of the first things we do to prepare for the trip is to purchase a guidebook for the destination. For many reasons we need “the book” to make our trip complete.

Just a little beach reading in Guatemala…

1. Overview of our Destination. I love reading about some of the history of the country, city, etc in which we are traveling. The background gives me perspective when I arrive. To really appreciate the new place, it’s important to have some information to base the new experience on. It also doesn’t hurt to brush-up on a few key phrases if you don’t speak the language, as well as cultural norms and customs.

2. Roughly Plan our Days. After learning all about the destination, we look at the number of days we have to spend, and configure a rough itinerary. Depending on the size of the and scope of the place, this might include booking multiple lodging spots. I’m not talking a strict hour by hour itinerary, but just knowing a little bit about what we might do each day gets me excited, and helps me prepare.

3. Find “Off the Beaten Track” Spots. On many occasions, we have found spots, we never would have found just driving around. In Iceland, it was the Turf Farm that served delicious hot cocoa and Iceland’s version of a doughnut. In Guatemala, it was the special tour of La Playa Blanca, and the hidden waterfalls. The more you read, the more you know!

A picnic on the Big Island of Hawaii? Yes! Also note the book is not too far away.

4. Orientation Upon Arrival. When I arrive, by reading the book, it’s like I’ve put a face to a name. I’ve read, then get a bit of a visual, then read some more. Sometimes it’s even easier to take in some of the history and background once you’ve arrived because you have something to base your sights on.

5. Mark it up. When we find something we really want to do, we make a note in the book. We underline, star, dog-ear, and highlight to make the book our own. When we find places to visit from other sources like the newspaper, blogs, magazines, and word of mouth, we are sure to make a note in the book too. That way, all our perspective plans are all together in one central place.

Hiking in Iceland with the trusty book by his side.

The guidebook: Just one of the many resources we use to plan a truly special travel experience!

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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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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More Arboretum Adventures:

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!

Have you “liked” our facebook page? You’ll find more photos there, and you can keep track of ALL our adventures!

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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Go visit RWeThereYetMom? and Delicious Baby for more travel fun!

Washington

5 Washington State Travel Destinations for Families
Farms, Parks & Hikes to Enjoy in the Fall
WA Coast: Cape Disappointment
- Clamming
- Camping
WA Coast: Long Beach
- Seashore Walk + Lesson in Velella Velella
- Lewis and Clark Discovery Trail
Olympia:
- Nisqually Wildlife Refuge
- Olympia’s Marriott Townplace Suites
- Olympia Children’s Museum
- Olympia Weekend Itinerary for Families
East of Seattle
Mt. Rainier
Skagit Valley:
North of Seattle
South of Seattle
- Puyallup Fair
- Ike Kinswa State Park (Lewis County)
Port Townsend, WA
North Central WA
San Juan Islands
Islands Near Seattle
Olympic National Park
- Ruby Beach
- Big Cedar Mini Hike
Seattle

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.

Looking for more Seattle Area Kid Friendly Hikes?

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!

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?

August 16, 2012

Seattle Area Adventure: Cedar River Watershed

Do you know where your water comes from? After this weekend not only do I know exactly where that stuff coming out of the shower head, faucet, and garden hose originated, but I feel pretty good about it too! I’ve always been proud to drink my Seattle water right out of the tap, and now I know I can continue to feel confident about our drinking water. Our watershed is one of only 4 major water systems in the country that does not have a special filtration system. It’s that clean. The water is also pure. I learned that the water cascading down the Cedar River Falls is so blue because the only thing coming down is water. 100% H2O.

Seattle is serious when it comes to water.

Why the sudden interest in water facts and cleanliness? Last weekend, we got to tour the Cedar River Watershed located about 30 miles east of the city near North Bend, Washington. Due to extreme safety measures all in name of good, clean, healthy water, the only way to get a glimpse of this beautiful 90,638 acre area is through a formal tour.

Via the family tour, we traveled by bus past the secure gates, and into the old town of Cedar Falls. The town of Cedar Falls is no longer a town, but a place for watershed employees. Many of the original homes now house offices for the protectors of our watershed. It was spooky {in a good way} to visit, like stepping back in time. The mystery of it all was intriguing. We saw where the tennis courts used to be, where the coveted heated swimming pool was located, noticed fixtures still intact. The street lights, for example, are still there, and look similar to those you’d see in Pioneer Square (just South of downtown Seattle). Unfortunately, since we didn’t get off the bus at this point, I couldn’t snap any photos.

Moving on from town, we were taken to the plant where some of Seattle gets it’s electricity (just 1%) through a hydroelectric power facility. Meandering along through the trees we arrived at the highlight of the tour, the Cedar River Falls. The flow varies depending on how much water is being released. Within the watershed, 17% of the trees are old growth; mostly reserved to steep hillsides, and the tops of mountains where loggers couldn’t get easily.

After viewing the falls for a few minutes, it was back on the bus, and back to the Education Center. A quick one hour tour perfect for little legs (and little attention spans). There were several other families on the tour with us, and everyone really seemed to enjoy themselves, kids and grown-ups alike. The Education Center features several hands-on exhibits helping children (and adults) learn all about: where their water comes from, the water cycle, and the plants and animals of the watershed (among other things). Bergen is of course too young to really appreciate and learn from these great exhibits, but I look forward to bringing him her when he is a bit older. The 5 year-olds checking out the exhibits with us had a blast; completely engaged.

My favorite part of the education center though is the sound garden. Water trickles through tiny pipes and tubes that are hidden in the trees, and then drops like rain on various types of drums providing you with an amazing musical experience! Have a look and a listen:

Info to Know:

Cedar River Watershed Information and Tours
- The “Tap Water Tour” is for adults and kids 10 years old+
- The “Family Waterfall Tour” is all ages. Kids 5 & under are free.
The Rattlesnake Ledge Recreation Area has a relatively “easy” 4 mile round trip hike. The views provided once you get to the top make it to the ledge are worth the hard work of the hike. You can also walk around the lake, fish, swim, and picnic.

Looking for more Seattle Area Kid Friendly Hikes?

Grab our Seattle Area Kid Friendly Hiking Guide!

July 27, 2012

Seattle Area Adventure: Play & Eat in Seward Park

Summer is back in Seattle! At least it was on this particular day. Wanting to take advantage of the sunny, warm weather, and not wanting to heat up our non-air conditioned house anymore by turning on the oven, we recently headed over to our neighborhood to the southeast, Seward Park.

The first order of business was dinner. Always after a good deal, we decided to check out a {new-to-us} burger joint that I discovered in our entertainment book: Bent Burgers. After driving and walking by dozens of times, I was curious about the place. Also, the coupon was “buy one burger, get one free”. I was obviously sold.

With plenty of room on the back patio, we scoped out a spot, and headed to the counter to order. There are plenty of choices, but it’s not overwhelming. I went with the old standby: the cheeseburger, and Slaed ordered his go-to: the mushroom swiss. We rounded out the meal with 2 beers, and an order to yam fries.

Bergen brought his own goodies, and chowed down while we waited for our burgers to arrive.

Bent Burger is family-friendly. They had a highchair for Bergen, plenty of parking space for strollers, and even a special kids menu. The patio is a perfect place to enjoy the sun, but provided us with plenty of shade at the same time. We are still Seattlites after all, right? We saw many happy kids coming in and out with their parents, and what I really loved was that they didn’t arrive in their cars. Truly a neighborhood hangout.

Wondering about those burgers? Bergen was too.

These babies were served to us by friendly staff, were made to order, and came out promptly. Mine was piled with fixings including perfectly melted cheese, crispy lettuce, juicy tomatoes, and their tangy “bent sauce”. The burgers are not super fancy, and not super greasy like a typical fast food joint. They’re just right.

Pleasantly pleased, and full of burger goodness, we ventured down the hill to the park. This park makes me feel lucky to live in Seattle surrounded by such natural beauty.

What I love about Seward Park:

It’s a peninsula bounded by Lake Washington
Old Growth Forest
Stunning views of Mount Rainier
2.4 mile multi-use trail
Plenty of space for swimming & “beach” play
Hiking trails
Playground complete with smaller scale play structure and zipline

On this particular evening, Bergen had just one thing in mind. With no line at the baby swings, he hopped aboard, and took in the view of Lake Washington. Mount Rainier was not making an appearance, unfortunately too hazy, but when we are given clear skies, it’s quite a sight.

After Bergen had had enough swinging, he cruised over to the play area that is just his size, well almost just his size. This mini play structure is designed for kids ages 2 to 5 years. The ground here is the new bouncy material. We love this because there is nothing he can put in his mouth, which is the case with mulch and gravel at many other playgrounds. We started to notice though that Bergen was crab walking instead of his usual full speed ahead crawling style. When I got down on his level for a closer look, I realize he was avoiding the rough texture on this soft little knees. Smart guy.

After some climbing and sliding, we gave the knees a break, and wandered over to the big open field, and beach front area. I loved watching the kids jumping in and out of the water, diving off the platform, and just being happy and free. Once Slaed let Bergen off of his shoulders, he made a beeline for the water’s edge. Seriously, if I hadn’t stopped him (by the end of his shirt), he would have crawled right into the water! He was so determined. We were wishing we had packed swimming gear.

We were hoping to top this beautiful evening off perfectly with an “Obama” cone (chocolate and vanilla twist) from the ice cream truck that frequents the park. Unfortunately for us, he was no where to be found! Must have had a busy day, and I’m okay with that because I know we’ll be back very soon…

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 Center for programs, hikes, tours, and much more. I know we will be attending the next Toddler Tales and Trails program. There are plenty of options for bigger kids and adults too! I’m thinking a birding hike is in our near future too.
The park has great picnic shelters that can be reserved for a small fee. Fun option for birthday parties and family gatherings!
More highlights include a clay studio, tennis courts, and 2 active bald eagle nests!

This post is part of “Photo Friday” on Delicious Baby. Click the link to check out all the other beautiful and inspirational travel photos! After that, travel the world through Sundays in my City!

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

July 12, 2012

{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!

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

Vashon Island on Dwellable

April 13, 2012

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)

April 5, 2012

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.

seattle area adventures

A growing list of Seattle Adventures:

Travel Guide to Seattle (Activities, Restaurant & Hotel Recommendations)
Seattle Scavenger Hunt for Kids
Seattle Area Hiking Resource
Seattle Area Hikes with Kids
Fremont Neighborhood
A Run from Madison Valley to Pioneer Square
A Seattle Sounders Soccer Game
Free Outings Around Seattle
A Ferry Ride to Vashon Island
A Ferry Ride to Bainbridge Island
Road Trip: Seattle to Hayden Lake, Idaho
Woodland Park Zoo: Zoo Tunes
The Bite of Seattle
Seward Park
- Seward Park Tales and Trails
Larsen Lake Blueberry Farm
Seafair’s Blue Angels
Gas Works Park
Washington Park Arboretum Waterfront Trail
- Wild Sightings in the Arboretum
- Arboretum in Fall
- Arboretum in Winter
- Arboretum in Spring
- Treasure Walk
Downtown Seattle with a Baby/Toddler
Volunteer Park Dahlia Garden (2012)
- Dahlia Garden (2013)
- Dahlia Garden (2015)

Pioneer Square Waterfall Garden Park
Discovery Park (hike with baby)
Discovery Park Hike with Preschooler
International Children’s Park (International District)
Olympic Sculpture Park
Christmas in Downtown Seattle
Seattle’s 21 Sister Cities
Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI)
West Seattle’s Schmitz Preserve Park
Seattle Aquarium
University of Washington
- Cherry Blossoms in Spring
- Cherry Blossoms (Part 2)
Green Lake: Play and Eat
South Seattle’s Kubota Garden
Ballard Neighborhood:
King Street Train Station
Farms, Parks, and Hikes near Seattle to Enjoy in Fall

February 12, 2012

Thoughts on Napping: Places & Accessories for Helping Babies Sleep

Naps and sleep in general are frequently the topic of conversation in my “mom’s group”, and often come up in conversation when friends, family, and people we meet ask about how B is doing. Some of the moms in my group are struggling to “get their baby to nap”. For some, it’s never been a worry. In fact as we were all chatting around the circle the other day with the little ones on the floor in front of us, I looked over in surprise to see one of the babies sound asleep amidst all this activity! Amazing. Even though B’s naps range in length from 30 minutes to a 2 1/2 hours, naps have always been an important part of his day. Without them, he’s a mess. Not able to function. So in response to this, we take the nap very seriously.

Places to B likes to nap (aside from his crib):

Carriers: The Ergo and the Moby have been the two that work for him. As of late, the hood attachment for the ergo has been very important in helping to shield him from distracting lights and activity going on around him. The key to these carriers for B is to keep moving, especially when he is initially getting to sleep.

napping at the roller derby

Stroller Rides: It may take 15 or 20 minutes, but getting in the stroller, and going for a walk whether that is around the neighborhood, “hiking” a flat trail in a park, or cruising the mall, is almost a guaranteed ticket to a good nap.

napping on a walk around Lake Sammamish Park

Car/Bus/Light Rail Rides: Like most kids (and some adults!), the car sends off sleeping vibrations to B. The movement, the music, the white noise that is created all help to lull him to sleep.

napping on the light rail in Charlotte, NC

Accessories and other things that help B nap:

White noise: This could be created from the car, the sleep sheep, or a loud, busy restaurant.
Temperature: No too warm, not too cold…when traveling in the ergo, B can get overheated, so we are careful with what he wears. This can be tricky when you are going in and out of places! When in the stroller, we pack him up with blankets (hats & mittens in the winter) like a little baby burrito.
Pats and bounces: For some reason, pats on the back and bouncing up and down allow B to settle down and get into his sleep zone.
A full belly: Of course, right? How could you focus on sleeping if you are hungry?! We always make sure B is well fed before helping him get to sleep.
ACTIVE TIME: This is actually the original reason for my post. B started going to a wonderful music and movement class on Fridays. It’s called Nurturing Pathways, and he has absolutely the best time. In class we dance, play, and move to music in many different ways. Just to give a snap shot of class last week…I pulled him around on a sheet, we had tummy time while reciting nursery rhymes, we waltzed around the room with scarves, the babies took a ride on a parachute, and then enjoyed more tummy time surrounded by fun musical instruments. I’ve realized that all of this excitement and activity wears him out! After class, he will snooze for an average of 2 hours. This got me thinking. I can and need to mimic some of the parts of class throughout our days and adventures. We can’t just cart him around from stroller to car to carrier, and back again, and expect sleep (and a happy baby). Taking the time to talk, sing, dance, play, and move are important. He also needs time to explore his own space rolling, creeping, grabbing for toys, etc.

Some fun shots of his class:

I wonder when and if his ability to nap in various places such as restaurants, outside, and just generally on the go will stop? Will we be more bound to home as he gets older, and needs a defined sleep space?

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All About {Wild Tales of…}

Kate Spiller | WildTalesof.com Welcome! I’m Kate, former elementary school teacher, turned stay-at-home mom, writer and blogger. {Wild tales of} is all about outdoor adventure and travel with kids. I want to pass along little tidbits that I have gathered in my short life as a mom, wife, and adventurer. Inspiration, tips, helpful hints, how-to’s, are shared…all to make family a touch easier, a touch wilder, and a touch more adventurous. BE BRAVE!

My husband Slaed and I love traveling and adventuring near and far, and feel so lucky to get to share these special experiences with our children, Bergen (born August 2011) & Georgia (born December 2014).

Why “Wild Tales of…”?

It originates from our family Christmas card. Well, first it was just, my husband, Slaed’s Christmas card “featuring” me. Then it became our Christmas card as a couple, and with Bergen and Georgia around, it’s now a family Christmas card. Each issue has the same theme, “Wild tales of…” whatever overriding, exciting adventure we were up to that year. It’s designed like a comic book cover, and lovingly created by our wonderful friend, Meg, every year.

Year 1 2007: Wild Tales of Crossing Rivers in Guatemala

Year 2 2008: Wild Tales of Getting Engaged Maui Style!

Year 3 2009: Wild Tales of Tying the Knot!

Year 4 2010: Wild Tales of Iceland

Year 5 2011: Wild Tales of the Arrival of Bergen

Year 6 2012: Wild Tales of Kauai

Year 7 2013: Wild Tales of Sports
Year 8 2014: Wild Tales of Preparing for Baby No.2

Year 9 2015: Wild Tales of Road Tripping USA

Wild Tales of...Road Tripping USA | WildTalesof.com

Year 10 2016: Wild Tales of…East Coast vs. West Coast

I wanted to document and share more of our wild tales, so “Wild Tales of…” was born! I hope to inspire other moms, dads, grandmas, grandpas, and caregivers to live a brave and adventurous life with their little ones. Our manifesto ties it all together:

Family Manifesto | WildTalesof.com

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