When hiking with kids, it’s guaranteed, you’re going to win some, and lose some. On Sunday, we lost. But graciously, I hope. Continue reading “Arthur’s Rock Trail: You Win Some, You Lose Some”
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 very familiar with the first two miles of this trail.
Last year the husband and I, without children, started Blue Lake Trail with our 30 pound packs strapped to our backs for our first ever backpacking adventure.
A half-mile in his 10-year-old hiking boot broke. We stopped and tried some makeshift surgery, but after a few steps further we turned around to go back to the Land Cruiser. Not wanting to ruin our much anticipated trip, he changed into his Chaco sandals and we set forth again but a quarter mile in it was decided 12 miles in his Chacos was not going to be possible. Continue reading “Blue Lake Trail”
She hiked midway up the hill, did a spin and climbed on without missing a beat. I smiled, as I just happened to be taking video, getting my fancy hiker in action. We marched on a bit longer. Stopped for another quick snack and looked farther down the trail, looked at the time, looked back where we had come and, very anti-climatically, called the hike for the day.
The sun is shining and there’s not a cloud in the sky. You’ve parked the car, the trailhead is in sight and you look down at your very fair toddler and realize you’ve forgotten the sunscreen…
Don’t let this happen to you. Here is a list of what we pack for every hike, long or short, rain or shine. Continue reading “Day Hikes: 10 Must Have Items in Your Pack”
“We’ve been in the car forever! I hate hiking!”
“There’s too much wind on my face! ERRRRRRGGHEEFE!!” (sound made while arching back in car seat)
Not the sounds or words you want to hear from your 5 year old for whom you just purchased actual hiking boots. And it appears we are now paying for years of excellent car behavior.
It was already afternoon, and unfortunately L did not nap on our way to Lower Dadd Gulch Trail like her sleeping 18 month old sister beside her.
Maybe we’ve been pushing too hard. We’ve hiked a lot lately…
These thoughts along with her sour mood melted away after a pre-hike snack of Gorp. After getting C on my back I took a handful myself and noticed a (not surprising) disproportionate amount of peanuts and raisins to m&ms…
toddlerado 