Sometimes the stars align. Literally. Sitting around the fire while the kids slept soundly, we were able to enjoy some adult time with good friends while catching glimpses of the Perseids meteor shower overhead. It just doesn’t get much better- great conversation and shooting stars. Continue reading “Starry Nights and a Relaxing Day at Steamboat Lake State Park Campground and Recreation Area”
Three years ago I joined the ranks of the Monday through Friday, 8-5 crowd. I was giddy at the prospect of having summer weekends off- all the camping, all the hiking, all the family time. And it has been wonderful.
But there is a dark side…
Continue reading ““Site Taken” – Campsite Reservations in the Poudre Canyon”
Camping: to live temporarily in a camp or outdoors. This is a broad term and means many things to many people. And these people usually feel strongly about their preference in their respective camps. Camps: Groups engaged in promoting or defending a theory, doctrine, position, or person.
There are backpakers, car campers, overlanders, glampers, dispersed site campers and campground campers. And then there are those family adventurers who sell all their personal belongings and travel the world in a van. So when someone asks me, “Where should my family go camping?” I have a lot questions.
Continue reading “Mountain Park: The Perfect “Starter” Campground”
We climbed out, and when the truck door shut, I realized this was the darkest dark I had ever been in. Funny, you think you know dark. But then there is the dark that you can’t see your hand inches in front of your face. This dark is heavy and accompanied by the creepy gurgle of a nearby geyser. And this is bear country. We turned on our flashlights and pointed in the direction of the geyser. Continue reading “Celebrating our National Parks’ 100-Year Anniversary Part III: Yellowstone”
Rocky Mountain National Park has been an amazing backdrop for the making of many Colorado memories. All the great visits with our Texas family who vacations in Estes Park weeks at a time each year who we would not see very often otherwise. Or the time (pre-kids) after an “off season” snowshoe with visitors from back home, we discovered it’s darn near impossible to get dinner after 9pm in Estes Park. Forcing us to survive on beer and rationed granola bars…
It’s also the place one of my favorite family traditions was born. Continue reading “Celebrating our National Parks’ 100 Year Anniversary Part II: RMNP’s West Horseshoe Park”
We headed up Big Thompson Canyon to Rocky Mountain National Park, choosing Alberta Falls for L’s first real hike on her own and C’s first hike in the kid carrier. And as always, coming around that final bend out of the canyon, we are reminded of the grandeur that is Rocky Mountain National Park. As much as we love our Poudre Canyon, the majesty of RMNP is undeniable. Continue reading “Celebrating our National Parks’ 100 Year Anniversary Part 1: RMNP’s Alberta Falls Trail”
I gripped my trekking pole tighter, the animal was definitely right outside the tent, snorting. Only a thin piece of nylon separated us from a giant beast. As I lay, heart racing, in our two-man tent, I decided a moose was definitely better than a bear or a mountain lion since it wouldn’t eat us. But it could definitely trample us to death still orphaning our two young girls at home… so I elbowed my sleeping husband, deciding fear of imminent death was better shared.
Changing from hiking boots to river sandals with a kid carrier on the back isn’t the easiest task but with a shoulder to lean on it’s doable. And crossing the creek- and the cold feet that follow- are definitely worth it. We brought our Chacos so we wouldn’t have to go barefoot over the slippery rocks like we did last time. Once across the first creek crossing, the trail opens to a gorgeous meadow with breathtaking views of Iron and Flat Top Mountains. The Neota Wilderness is on either side with plenty of willows, or as L calls it, moose food. We did not see any moose this time but they are in abundance in this area so be on the lookout. Continue reading “Trap Park Trail”
I am not crafty. I admire those who see an old piece of furniture and can remake it into something I then want to buy for too much money. Or scrapbookers who get the fancy sheets and the stickers and document their kids’ childhoods one theme at a time. I see stuff on Pinterest and think, “oooh that’s nice” but never think to do it myself. It’s good to know your limits. Continue reading “The Making of a Hiking Journal”
toddlerado 