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February 5, 2013

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

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.

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

Solution Found.

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

A Bit of Warning.

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

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

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

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

January 24, 2013

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

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

Would you dare to take a dip?

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

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

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

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

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

January 24, 2013

Wear Your Toddler Out and Dive into Seattle History with a Visit to MOHAI

We were itching to check out the Museum of History and Industry (MOHAI) in it’s new home in Seattle’s Southlake Union neighborhood. When we decided to visit last weekend, we knew we would leave impressed and happy to have spent some time stepping back in time. We did not however, know that we’d leave the museum with one worn out toddler.

MOHAI reopened on December 29th in the former Naval Reserve Armory, and we welcomed the change. The former location will be bulldozed and demolished to make way for the new Highway 520 bridge, and the residents and visitors of Seattle will benefit from the wide open space to learn and reminisce.

We went into our visit with an open mind, and a loose plan. Bergen would start out in the stroller as we explored, and when he couldn’t tolerate the restraint anymore, we would take turns playing “follow the leader” around the museum (with Bergen always being the leader), and maybe pay a visit to the children’s play area.

We started out in the atrium and took some time to take in the space and get oriented. The first thing to catch our eye was the enormous Wawona sculpture. Made from a recycled ship’s hull, the work of art climbs it’s way to the ceiling giving us an idea of the true grandness of the space. To tie everything together even more, there is a cutout in the floor just below the sculpture to view the water of Lake Union.

With it’s wide-open space and plenty of interactive exhibits (including the Wawona), the first floor-atrium is a great place for kids:

You can actually sneak inside the sculpture, have a look down to the water and peek through the holes (or in Bergen’s case, talk through them).
Opposite of the sculpture is a unique contraption that houses Seattle icons like the Rainier “R”, a cycling Ivar’s clam, and the old “All Roads Lead to the Dog House” sign. Each icon lights up or moves in someway when you turn a crank below.
Desk-size touch screens allow kids and adults to play various “games”. Through a series of questions, your ideal Seattle neighborhood (to live in) can be chosen for you.

As we meandered upstairs via the gorgeous glass elevator, Bergen held out for just a bit longer in the stroller. We learned about the Great Northern Railroad, and checked out the exhibit where kids can hammer away on spikes that activate a screen to build railroad trestles.

At this point, he could take it no longer. Bergen needed to be set free. He was released from the stroller, wasting no time, sped up and down the hallways of the 2nd floor, toddled in and out of exhibit rooms, and showed off his signature pointing, eying all the wonders hanging in the atrium. Thankfully we found out the museum is for the most part, childproofed. Anything delicate, special, and breakable is behind glass. The railings are safe, there’s nothing to knock over, and no tiny pieces to pick-up and pop in the mouth.

When we had enough with the 2nd floor, we cruised up to the 3rd floor Maritime Gallery. Here you can take in beautiful views of Lake Union, and the surrounding Seattle neighborhoods, watch for seaplanes, and marvel at the amazingly crafted wooden boats. The star of the show is the old U.S. Navy periscope.

Instead of heading back down on the elevator though, Bergen much preferred to get his exercise and take the stairs.

We couldn’t leave without checking out the kid’s play area on the 1st floor. While Bergen and Slaed put on puppet shows, built with blocks, get to know Seattle through books, I got to sneak away and take a few extra pictures and gather more information about the exhibits.

Are you wondering just how worn out our little tot was after all this activity at MOHAI? Well, after a satisfying lunch, Bergen slept a whopping 3 HOURS. I think it’s safe to say our visit was well worth it!

Info to Know:

MOHAI is located Seattle’s Southlake Union neighborhood: 860 Terry Avenue North 98109
Hours: Daily 10 am – 5 pm (Thursdays 10 am – 8pm)
Admission
- Adults- $14 & Children under 14 (w/an adult)-Free
- Free Admission for all-Every 1st Thursday of the month
- Coupons for buy 1/get 1 admissions are available in both the Seattle Entertainment and Chinook book
If driving, bring your patience. Ongoing roadwork is taking place in the surrounding area.

Where’s the best place for you to wear out your little ones?

Share your secret spots in the comment section!

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

January 21, 2013

Remembering and Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

“”Darkness cannot drive out darkness:

only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate:

only love can do that.”

-Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

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

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

What will you do today to honor Dr. King?

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

January 16, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Sister City Resources:

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

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

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

January 15, 2013

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Solution Found.

A Bit of Warning.

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only light can do that.

only love can do that.”

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