*Guest Post* Fall is Better Than Spring + Book Review

We were out backpacking this fall when a friend of mine asked a question. “What do you like better? Spring or fall?” I looked around me. Birch trees, cottonwood trees, fireweed, and cranberry bushes, all shining their best fall colors. The air smelled sweet of berries and felt crisp on our faces. What could be better? “Fall”, I shouted out, “fall is my favorite.” Then a kid piped up, “I like spring better because then I know summer is coming.” Touché. Leave it to a kid to be logical about the matter. But to say spring is better than fall because summer follows spring implies that winter is the lesser of the seasons. This is where I beg to differ.

Winter is the most amazing season. Overnight, the world is transformed into a winter wonderland of white and every possible shade of blue. No two days are the same in winter as changing temperatures, winds and snow re-paint the landscape daily. Winter brings new activities to our house as well. Snow forts and snow caves replace tree forts. Ice luminary building replaces side walk chalk. And we trade in bikes for skis, skates, and sleds. Trails that were inaccessible in summer due to swampy terrain, are fair game in winter. Rivers that turned you away on a hike become a highway for skiers and skaters.

“But is too cold”, says my mother in law from California. True, you do have to spend a bit more time preparing to go out in the winter, but not that much more! Toddlers as young as fifteen months can learn to put on their own snow gear. And with so many companies making such wonderful cold weather gear for everyone in the family, there really isn’t an excuse for being too cold to go out. 

Winter is 6 months long in the far north. Embrace it!

Jennifer Aist is an avid outdoor enthusiast in Alaska.  She is passionate about exploring the backcountry with her husband and four children and is an expert at making adventures work with kids.  She is also the author of Babes in the Woods, available at The Mountaineers Books (Paperback $16.95, e-book $12.95 and a discount if you buy both!)

You can find Jennifer at her site here, on Facebook and twitter.

Thank you to Mountaineers Books for providing me with a copy of the book, per my request!

Published in 2010, this book truly is a comprehensive guide for families wanting to get outside (hiking, camping and boating) with their babies and young children.  I was super impressed with the organization of the book and the ability to find the information you need quickly.  Jennifer covers topics such as the gear you need, safety (including sick kids) and how to get some SLEEP while camping (we are totally still working on this one!)  The book is broken up into for parts: Taking Care of the Basics, Transporting Little Ones on the Trail, Having Adventures and Connecting with Nature.  

As a family, I consider us fairly knowledgeable about getting outside with kids.  However, I learned a bunch of tricks reading through her book.  For example, especially with young children, it is sometimes a good idea to pick backpacking trails that can accommodate a jogging stroller.  The stroller can double as a kid carrier AND be backed full of gear (and covered with a net to keep it all in if needed!)  I would recommend this to both newbies and families that are accustomed to taking on adventures with their kids.  Jennifer (and her husband and 4 kids) have tested these tips and know what they are talking about and will certainly inspire you to get out there! 

I also hear a rumor that she is coming out with a second book soon which focuses more on winter activities.  I will keep you updated here!