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Growing up in a world of adventure.

Walk Portland

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Grilled Pear and Goat Cheese

Elk Burger with Guyere

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

A view from Wallace Park

So many folks out and about enjoy the warm sunshine

Cherry Blossoms along 23rd.

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

Working hard to climb the slide

Bergen’s buddies

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

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

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

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Half Marathon Adventure: Rundown and Week 4

A quick rundown & plan for week for as I am already late in posting both!

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

Monday: Stretch & Strengthen: Plan to do the strength routine from “another mother runner“, then the yoga pose sequences from “My Yoga Life“.  I’m hoping if I keep it simple, then I’ll actually do what I planned!

Did the strength routine & the yoga poses!  Both are just the thing for this “stretch & strengthen” day.  The strength routine (just 6 exercises) provides exercises that can easily be done in your home, but  they are super challenging.  One of the 6 is the plank pose, which you are encouraged to increase by 5 seconds each time. Tough stuff.

Tuesday: 3.5 mile run: Plan to run 3. 5 miles with Bergen (and hopefully Norman) mid-morning.  Will better align the run with nap time.

Ran 3.5 miles with B & Norm.  Not a peep from Bergen.  He was much happier today, and took a nice snooze as Norman and I ran our “Madison Park” loop.

Wednesday: 2 mile run or cross-training: What else? Total Strength cardio class at the Y.

Another great cardio/strength class at the Y.

Thursday: 3.5 mile run: Plan to run 3.5 with early-morning run with B & again, hopefully Norman. Strength routine in the afternoon.

Ran 3. 5 in the rain with just Norman while B took a nap & hung out with Dad.  He was NOT happy even with his cute doggie rain jacket. Guess I need to think twice before inviting him to come along in the rain again. I was practically dragging him home.

Friday: Rest!

Plenty of rest as I packed and prepared for Portland.

Saturday: 40 minute cross training: We are off to Portland for a quick trip via train, and I expect to do lots of walking around the city as we will be car-less.

Definitely more than 40 minutes of walking as we packed as much as we could into a quick Portland weekend.  We walked from Downtown to the Pearl, to the Alphabet District, and then up to Washington Park.  Then back downtown.

75 degree temperatures & Blue Skies

Sunday: 5 mile run: 5 mile run! Can’t wait! Will do this after we return from Portland.

With Slaed’s encouragement, I actually did an early morning run along the Waterfront Park/Esplanade.  This turned out to be a great decision because the train left the station 45 minutes later than schedule, and we were delayed due to bridge difficulties along the way. This was the first time in a long time that I actually ran by myself.  No Bergen. No Norman. Just me and the trail.

Plan for Week 4!

Monday: Stretch & Strength: Did the strength routine from “another mother runner“, then the yoga pose sequences from “My Yoga Life“.

Tuesday:3.5 mile run: Ran 3.5 with Norman.  He seems to be back in his running shape & it wasn’t raining, so he was happy!

Wednesday: 2 mile run or cross-training: Plan to do the Cardio Strength class at the Y.

Thursday: 3.5 mile run +strength: Plan to do an afternoon run.  This will be a busy day, so I’ll need to schedule carefully to make sure I fit it in. I also want to map out a new route as I’ve down the same 3.5 mile run 3 times in a row!

Friday: Rest: Hurray!

Saturday: 40 minute cross: Family walk around the neighborhood.

Sunday: 5 mile run: Running the Top Pot Doughnut Dash 5K! Here’s where I’m torn.  After the race, should I continue on, and complete my 5 miles, or should I just stop and bask in my 5 K glory, and enjoy the post-race doughnuts provided by top pot? Tell me what I should do!

Your thoughts:

5 miles vs. 5K?

What has been your experience with the plank challenge? I want to hear about it!

All my Running Adventures

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

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

Portland Train Station

10 Reasons Why We Love Traveling by Train

1. You don’t have to drive!

2. No Traffic.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

10. The price is right.

A Few Tips for Train Travel

Based on our experience with Amtrak Cascades.

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

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

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

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

What other tips do you have?

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

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Healthy Baked Burritos

Burrito Night is popular in our house.  Something our family looks forward to all week.  I think Slaed’s burrito’s are pretty tasty, and they’re good for you too.  Like his other famous recipes, he’s been making these burritos for years, and his recipe has became more and more sophisticated over the years.  The very first “burritos” he made were tortillas filled with just green chillies, black beans, and Monterrey Jack cheese.   He now has a repertoire of many more additional ingredients.

You begin with the basic ingredients, then depending on what you have on hand, and what sounds good or might be seasonal, choose your add-ons.  Finally, garnish with your favorite burrito toppings.

Basic Ingredients

  • 5 soft taco tortillas*
  • 1 can black beans (drained, NOT rinsed)
  • 1 small can diced green chillies
  • 3/4 cup pepper jack cheese
  • 2-3 cups cooked rice (1 cup uncooked)

Delicious Add-ons

  • broccoli
  • spinach
  • chicken
  • avocado
  • salsa
  • whatever sounds good to you!

Toppings

  • sour cream
  • salsa
  • red taco sauce
  • green taco sauce

In a medium-sized bowl, combine black beans, chillies, and cooked rice.  Divide mixture between the 5 tortillas, and sprinkle each with cheese.  Then on top each burrito’s mixture, place your choice of add-ons.  This week we added chicken and broccoli.  Fold the sides of the tortillas over, and  *squeeze* into a 8 x 8 baking dish (we use glass & prep lightly with cooking spray).

Bake your burrito masterpieces at 375 degrees F for about 25 minutes. Tortillas should be crispy.  Finally, choose your favorite toppings, and as always, enjoy!

Check out more of Slaed’s famous recipes on the recipe adventure page.

*Slaed’s Notes:

  • The choice of tortilla is important.  Make sure to use the soft taco tortillas.  They are thicker, and won’t break when you roll them.
  • If you’re not into spice, regular old Monterrey jack cheese is just fine.

We’re looking for suggestions for more delicious burrito add-ons! Please share your favorites by leaving a comment!

You should follow Wild Tales of… on facebook! Click the “like” button on the bottom right corner of the blog. 

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Maryland Love

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

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

Potomac River

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

Looking down as I climb Sugar Loaf Mountain

A view through the bare trees...

Elevation: 1,282 ft

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

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

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

Sugarloaf Mountain Vineyard

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

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

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

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

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Savory Spinach Pine Nut Muffins

Time to celebrate (:::kool & the gang in the background:::)! It’s a “Wild Tales of…” first! My first {no recipe} baking adventure, and it was a success! I’m the only judge so far, but I think you’ll agree that these savory muffins are delicious.

A huge bag of pine nuts has been staring us in the face for a few months now.  We borrowed a friend’s costco card, and ended up buying pine nuts; overestimating just how many pine nuts were actually inside.  We also bought way too much spinach recently, and ended up freezing some of it.  Food waste is a big “no-no” in our house, so we have been adding pine nuts and spinach to everything! Pizza, pasta dishes, homemade pesto, of course, and now…savory spinach pine nut muffins.

Ingredients:

  • 1 cup whole wheat flour
  • 1 cup all-purpose flour
  • 3 tablespoons melted butter
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 12/ teaspoon salt
  • 3 teaspoons baking powder
  • 1 egg
  • 1 cup milk (I used 2%)
  • 1 generous handful of spinach
  • 1/4 cup (or more) pine nuts
  • 1/4 cup parmesan cheese

Here’s what I did:

1. Preheat oven for 400 degrees F, and grease 12-cup muffin tin.

2. In a bowl, mix together both kinds of flour, sugar, salt, and baking powder.

3. Beat together the egg, milk, and butter.

4. Make a well in the center of your dry ingredients, and pour your wet mixture into it. Use a wooden spoon or spatula to combine ingredients.  Don’t over mix.  Mix until just combined.  If it seems like the mixture is too dry, add a little more milk.  I ran out of milk, so added water, and it was just fine!

5. Stir in spinach, then pine nuts, then cheese.

6. Divide the batter among the greased muffin tins.  I use an ice cream scoop.  For more pine nut fun, sprinkle some on top just before putting into the oven.  Bake 20-30 minutes (mine were perfect at 25 minutes).  They should be slightly brown, and you can of course do the toothpick test!

7. Let cool in the tin for 5 minutes.  Pop them out & enjoy! They are best warm.

As you can see from the ingredient list, I only used up 1/4 cup of pine nuts.  We STILL have an abundance of pine nuts.

I need your help!  Have any great recipes that involve pine nuts? Please share by leaving a comment!

For more fun, check out the recipe adventures page. 

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