Dubois is 70 miles from the nearest real town of any size (one that goes beyond a gas station and a bar.) It is one of the most secluded towns in the entire country. It boasts a population of about 1000 people, and residents are proud to call it home. Nestled in a valley and surrounded by mountains, this "Valley of the Warm Winds" is a gem in its own right and a stop-off point for travelers on their way to Yellowstone and Teton Parks.
Yes, I miss having some of the conveniences close to home (a trip to Wal-Mart is an all-day affair and the nearest Sam's Club, Costco or Target are 3+ hours away.) But, there is something about it here - the people, the striking beauty of the mountains and the opportunity for tons of community events that lure people in to stay....
We also have one of the best gear shops around :) Wind River Gear is most definitely "a cool outdoor store in a small mountain town." Margo is incredibly knowledgeable and super generous... She believes whole-heartedly in getting families outside and has put together a prize package for one of my readers to win. Margo and I had a conversation about how it really is important to have GOOD and QUALITY gear to get outside, especially with kids, or it can get pretty miserable pretty fast (we know this as a family first-hand...)
I know I sound like an advertisement here, but we really and truly love our SmartWool socks for ALL of us (kids included) and wear them year-round (unless we are not wearing socks at all!) So, one lucky winner is going to get some Happy Mail in their mailbox that includes a pair of "Mommy" Smart Wool socks + a pair of kid socks AND a hat/glove set that matches (available up to size 3T.) Here are images of what the choices will be (socks will match)...
Don't have kids this age? Feel free to pass on the Mountain Love to someone that can use them!!
I also ask that when you "like" Tales of a Mountain Mama and Wind River Gear Shop on Facebook for extra entries (this is not required!) that you leave us a comment saying that you entered the giveaway and/or Mountain Mama sent you!
We will keep this open until October 10th at 8am Mountain Time and then I will choose a winner randomly. The winner will be posted on here and contacted by email. They will then have their choice of colors and Margo will send it on your way! YEA!
**Sorry, this giveaway is only open to US residents....but don't worry - we will have others open to other countries too in the future!**
The item that supports our outdoor needs most often is a Sigg water bottle! Although our outside adventures don't usually involve mountains, we still get out to explore!
ReplyDeleteThis is me posting a comment! I'm already in a pair of homemade socks and can always use more now that the weather has turned colder. Wooden floors mean cold toes without them!
ReplyDeleteSnacks! A must for wanting to do anything outdoors with our toddler!
ReplyDeleteMy Ergo for sure. Being able to strap a baby/toddler on has streamlined the process of getting myself and my kids outside easily. :)
ReplyDeleteMy go-to is a prepacked bag that's easy to grab. In the fall/winter it has a blanket, snacks, a small towel (to wipe off any water at the park) and extra clothes and all I throw in is water and a couple things for me and we are good to go!
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ReplyDelete'd have to say our kelty carrier, our klean kanteen water bottles and rain jackets are our go to adventure stuff since we live in the pacific northwest.
ReplyDeleteNext time I'm up in Dubois, I'll have to check it out.
ReplyDeleteWe never leave home without the Ergo carrier, rain jackets, and some snacks! Those things keep us going for hours!
ReplyDeleteI'm ineligible for the contest, living north of the border and all, but I just wanted to say we love our Smartwools on the Atlantic coast, too! In fact, Baby and I were both wearing them today - her in her rubber boots and me my "fancy" pair to work! :)
ReplyDeleteLooking forward to writing my guest-post for you next week, all about a toddler's first-time camping!
Laura B.
Jessica posting a comment here...I'll have to go with snacks and water, no matter the season, FOOD and plenty of it keeps the kids happier longer than anything!
ReplyDeleteGo to gear is my headlamp! You never know when you'll be getting back home!! Kathleen Rock
ReplyDeletelove socks! Ergo!
ReplyDeleteNeat idea! I love the smart wool socks for my son, niece, and nephew, all under 3 years old and been wearing them since newborns (hard to find, but great to have)! They're so nice in cold Minnesota winters.
ReplyDeleteI must say my outdoor play go-to items are my Kelty carrier or jogging stroller and snacks, lots and lots of snacks can get a toddler through almost anything!
I always bring 3 bottles of water and 3 bottles of a sport drink. Then make my sister carry the back pack!
ReplyDeleteMy favorite is probably one of my two Camelbaks. Whether it is the standard water bottle or the backpack version, I like the straw that keeps me from spilling all over myself! ;)
ReplyDeleteRight now it's the Boba carrier, I love that thing!
ReplyDeleteMy go to gear item is a bag of stuff that is always in our car - diaper, wipes, water, and a first aid kit. Anything else is nice but these are the essentials. If I forget any of these things we are almost guarenteed to have someone get a cut, poop his pants, and start "dying" of thirst.
ReplyDeleteI am always willing to try something new that will allow me to keep warm. I am known to always have freezing cold feet and hardly ever take off my socks. Living in a new area is going to be a great adventure that hopefully I get to experience in this wonderful area, that feels like home.
ReplyDeleteI am known for always having cold feet and hardly seen without socks. This is great for a giveaway. I am so excited to be here in this new town. I have really felt accepted and really enjoy it here.
ReplyDeleteGotta love warm feet and head!
ReplyDeleteOur outdoor adventures are usually just the backyard or the park, but I love my Moby wrap so I can carry the baby and still keep up with the 3 year old!
ReplyDeleteWe have to have our little camper chairs wherever we go. They are perfect for sitting around a fire pit in the summer or setting up at a football game in the fall. And the ones we have are super cute so the kids love to use them.
ReplyDeleteLove Smartwool!
ReplyDeleteI came across your blog today and recognized the mountains in the background- but was trying to figure out where you lived. I am in Lander WY, and my aunt and uncle from IL have a summer home in Dubois- they absolutely love it!! I have been there many, many times in my life and am jealous that you get to be there full time lol. Loving your blog!
ReplyDeleteA small world, isn't it?!?! We are in Lander often (especially now doing swim lessons....if the drive doesn't kill me 2x a week!) Thanks for commenting!
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