Family Camping - More Tips and Tricks (+ Giveaways)

Camping with young kids always takes a bit more thought and planning.  We've accepted the fact that the sleepless nights, dirty kids, bringing along a little potty and working hard to keep the mosquitoes at bay for our (apparently sweet) 3-year-old are just part of the game (which will change with time.)

To be perfectly honest, I dread the sleeping part of camping right now.

Laying awake I certainly spend some time daydreaming about years down the road where sleeping through the night is a possibility, even in a tent.  While it won't keep us from camping and getting out whenever we can, it certainly means built-in naps for Mama (because everyone else manages to sleep through the "struggles") in the hammock are a must if we want to do anything productive the following day(s).  I certainly won't claim to be an expert in everything, so this is my plea for anyone with tips to get a 1-year-old to be ok in a sleeping bag to send them on our way!

But, like I say often on here, the experiences are absolutely worth it and practice makes perfect.  While our summer adventures mean being open to the fact that they could be cancelled (very) last minute due to a wildfire (thanks to Mtn Papa's job) we are working hard to cram everything in we can (while still remaining sane!)  It's part of the "no excuses" motto we try to live by.

Yes, it takes more work.
Yes, it can be draining.
Yes, mistakes are made and lessons learned.
Yes, sometimes I want to bag it and head on home.
AND
Yes, it brings us closer as a family.
Yes, it is getting easier as our kids get older.
Yes, every kid is different (which means different perks AND struggles).
Yes, we will continue doing it (the big AND the little adventures.)

This past weekend we spent some time talking about our current favorite bring-alongs for camping.  The things we miss when we don't have them and may not have thought about previously.  This list is not comprehensive and is a bit random, but worth sharing.  It's the little extras (so does not cover the basics like tent and sleeping bags!)  Plus, read to the end for your chance to win some of them!

*Guest Post* Part 2: How to Choose the Right Trekking Poles

Adam Nutting from Hiking the Trail joins us again today for his second installment on his Trekking Pole series.  As always, feel free to leave him feedback in the comments! And Happy Fourth of July! I hope you are enjoying the outdoors with your family today!

In my last post The Importance of Trekking Poles I talk about the many reasons why so many people are using them these days.

When choosing the right trekking poles you need to first consider what you will be doing with them. Will they be for hiking or maybe used for snow shoeing? There are many different models out there that are for multiple sports. Once you have determined how you will be using your trekking poles you need to take a trip down to your local outdoor outfitter. Trekking poles are like shoes. Sure you can try them on at home and send them back or you can go to the store and try on lots of them and find out which ones you like and dislike.

Some of the features you will have to decide from will be:

1. Grip type
2. Shaft materials
3. Locking mechanisms
4. Shock absorbers
5. Height
6. Weight
7. Cost

Let’s take a look at each one of these items individually.

Grip type: Having a comfortable grip is very important especially if you are going to be using your trekking poles for a long duration. You do not want to end up with blisters on your feet and your hands. Plus it makes the trekking poles an extension of your body if you are not constantly nagged by your hands at how painful they are.  There are several grip types on the market. Cork, Foam, and Rubber are the most common. Cork fits to your hands better and resists moister the best. Foam absorbs moisture and is the softest. Rubber is best suited for colder weather activities by insulating hands from the cold. Rubber also has the higher chance to cause chafing or blisters.

*I'm a Runner* (Plus Backing Bia Sport and Ibex Momentum Review)

I am a runner.  I am a runner.  I am a runner.

Wearing Ibex Momentum Jacket - see running trail along the Yellowstone River behind me!

I have to continue stating that to  myself to let it sink in because, quite honestly, I am not a natural runner.  I don't have a "runner's body", I am certainly not breaking any records with speed, I would much rather be in a body of water any day, and running while pregnant (which has been a large part of my life for the last few years) is completely impossible for me.

So, why bother?

Because it makes me feel good.  It makes me stronger.  I am "addicted" to the rush of endorphins, and it is a great catalyst for keeping me in shape for other adventures.

But, more importantly, my kids see that running (which I do at 5 am so it is "me" time instead of "push the massive double stroller time") is an integrated part of my life (among other activities.)  I want to be an example of healthy living for them.  Later in life, I want it to be natural for them to turn to exercise instead of (insert questionable outlet here.)  I want them to see that anything is possible, challenge is good and hard work pays off.

And, so I run.  I am a runner.

Campfire Dessert - Chocolate Orange Cakes

We are no gourmet cooks around here when it comes to camping.  Truth be told, I am often so worried about all the rest of the gear and getting ourselves there that food falls to the wayside.  We just don't get too fancy (though stepping it up a little is in the plans this summer.)

Melissa over at Adventure Tykes is linking up a bunch of us outdoor bloggers sharing some camping recipes today (so check her site for links to all of them!)  I, personally, can't wait to see what everyone else offers (maybe I'll get some great ideas!)

So when are are NOT having hot dogs and S'Mores, this is our tried and true dessert recipe. Sadly, somehow I don't have any photos of it at all, so you'll have to use your imagination for now (or check out this or this post of others doing the same/similar recipe!)

Chocolate Orange Campfire Cakes:

- Oranges for everyone (1 per serving)

- Chocolate Cake Mix

- 1 Can 7-Up or Sprite

- Tin Foil and Knife

1.  Cut off the top of the orange so that most of the orange remains in its "ball" shape.

2.  Dig out the meat of the orange without tearing the peel (just go slow and easy!)

3.  Mix the cake mix with the soda (I usually just mix them up in the plastic packaging the mix comes in to save dishes.)  

4.  Spoon the cake mix into the oranges about 1/2 full.

5.  Replace the lid on the orange and double wrap it in foil.

6.  Place the package in campfire coals for about 15 minutes (though this depends on the heat of the fire, the thickness of the peel, etc. etc. so check often!)

Yummy Yummy!  

Anyone ever tried this before?  Any great variables I should know about?

This (Yellowstone) Moment + Blog News

*No words necessary, just a precious moment from our life.*

Also, as a little bit of a side note - Tales of a Mountain Mama is in the process of being moved over to a new server that can handle the volume of readers (yea!) a bit better AND open up some more options on our end.  More about that later!  

However, it also means that Google Friend Connect is going away (which is happening all over the place, not just here!)  Please make sure to subscribe via RSS (big orange button on the right sidebar) or Like us on Facebook so you don't miss anything.  Questions?  Feel free to comment here or email me at mountainmamatales(at)gmail(dot)com.

If you haven't heard, I will be representing Stonewear Designs as one of their six chosen Ambassadors starting this fall.  I'm pretty excited about the honor of joining these other inspiring women and a company dedicated to helping women stay active!

Not to be outdone, Mtn Papa will is just starting as a JoePro Ambassador for Piggyback Rider.  More about that later, but we're excited to show off some options for when the kid is too big for a backpack and too small to keep up!

Happy Adventuring!

Braving the Boys - A Conversation with the Brave Ski Mom

Through my blog, I’ve come to meet many other moms who write about their family adventures in the outdoors. Today, the Brave Ski Mom and I share a short dialogue we recently had about camping, hiking and getting outside. We both have two sons. My boys are young, hers are both teens.  So what do we have in common? Are their some universal family experiences? Here’s a bit of what we found out. (Note - BSM will also be publishing this interview on her blog so feel free to pop over there if you have questions for her!)

How old are your children? When did you start taking them on outdoor adventures?

MM: Our boys are three and one.  They are happy, needy, BUSY and stubborn!   Our oldest was camping at about 10 weeks (and even though it was July, the nights were still freezing!) and our younger son went on his first camping trip at about 4 weeks (after 6 weeks of bed rest for me, I was desperate to get out so we didn’t wait!)  Both boys were preemies, but strong and healthy. 

Thanks to a Moby Wrap and my Boba 3G (both baby carriers) we were out hiking with both of them within three weeks.  Nothing strenuous and I was certainly checking them often, but they were out there (and so were we!)

BSM: Our boys are now 15 and 13. I am not sure how that happened, but it did and it does! Our oldest went on his first expedition when he was four weeks old. BUT, we didn’t go camping. Instead we went to the family cabin at 10,000 feet. He spent the entire weekend in a Patagonia fleece bunting, but we were out there hiking. He also slept through the night for the first time on this  (thank you high altitude air). Our younger son was born in April, so I think he probably went camping at about 8 weeks.

BSM 

When they were little, we carried them, but by about age 2, both boys were done with being carried and wanted to hike on their own. When they were little, we were very respectful of their size and stamina. As they grew, a big challenge for us was not interpreting their enthusiasm for strength and ability. We made some big mistakes talking them into “death marches.” These hikes were too long, in both distance and time, and they almost stifled our boys’ desire to hike. Just because a child CAN hike a long distance, doesn’t mean they should.

Camping in the Backyard IS Camping!

I'm going to let you in on a little secret: I wasn't too psyched about camping out in our backyard this weekend for the Great American Backyard Campout.

I would have preferred to have been camping somewhere secluded with excellent views and no distractions.  However, our summers are dictated by the wildland fire season and we simply have to make the most of the time we have.  Mtn Papa was working late yesterday so instead of bailing, we decided to embrace the opportunity.  Nothing happens when you wait around for the perfect situation to come together.  Nothing.

And while we are being honest.... I figured this Mama would be MUCH too tempted to sneak back in her bed when the going got rough (AKA Mr. Horrible Sleeper not sleeping.)

It went much better than I expected.

Ready to head out to the backyard

This Moment...Yellowstone: Edition 2

*No words necessary, just a moment from our life.*

And don't forget about the Great American Backyard (or anywhere!) Campout tomorrow night!  Will you be participating???  Check out this article of mine published over at Seattle Backpackers Magazine this week with some more family camping tips.  And please feel free to post your photos/comments here or on our Facebook page about how it went!  

*Guest Post* Genesis of a Climbing Family

Adam Nutting had something come up and will continue his Trekking Pole series in a couple of weeks! Stay tuned for that!


However, I am very excited to have Alyssa from The Kid Project on the blog today guesting about climbing.  Previously, we had Justin on the blog with his own tips about taking your kids rock climbing.  Alyssa now adds her own twist and personal family experience.  Again, climbing is not something we have done (yet) with our own kids, so I am learning here too (which is what I LOVE about having guest posters on the blog!)  As always, check out her bio at the end and feel free to leave her feedback in the comments.

People ask us when we started climbing. They ask us when our kids started climbing. Sometimes they don’t ask, they say rather emphatically, “you cannot rock climb AND have  young kids. It doesn’t work.” And if I take a good hard look at having young kids and I am honest, then I will openly admit it is really hard. Draining, exhausting, astonishing, confusing, and abundant in dysfunction. I can see why they told us “it cannot happen.”

When our first baby was born, I was told over and over, “get ready for some major life change, honey!” Vomit. While it was true, the lie hidden underneath their exasperated tone was that all I loved and enjoyed was about to be slayed on the proverbial altar. And I believed them. And my life was a like a self full-filled prophecy.

But as the joy ebbed out of our lives, my husband and I decided to make a change. We needed a breath of fresh air, both literally and figuratively. For us it was climbing, camping, skiing- the active things that reminded us of the beauty of creation and the fun of having a family. It was “sink or swim” time. You either figure out how to bring the kids along, or you don’t. Simple as that.

So...back to those original questions:

Light up the Night with the Great American Backyard Campout

This coming Saturday, June 23rd, The National Wildlife Federation, REI and Coleman are sponsoring a huge event called the Great American Backyard Campout.  Designed to help encourage families to go camping, even if it just in your backyard, they are setting-up camp across the country.

We are honored to be participating in a blogger link-up to help encourage families to get out there.  We, too, will be setting up camp in our backyard (and hopefully later that weekend in Yellowstone National Park.)  Watch for our report of how it went next week.  We highly encourage you to get out camping with your family (this weekend, or whenever you can squeeze it in.)  Your family is worth it!

Light up the Night
When we are out camping/hiking/skiing, headlamps are something we just don't leave without.  They serve their practical function of helping us see in the dark AND are a great source of entertainment for the kids (err...and adults.)
They also....
- Help watch for wildlife in the night (you know, when you hear "that sound".)
- Provide a catalyst for shadow puppets on tent walls
- Can be used to play Flashlight Tag
- Come in handy for middle-of-the-night bathroom emergencies
- Are used to help find missing items as the light from the campfire dies down before bed
- Provide light when Burn Bans are in effect and campfires can't happen (SAD as that is!)
- Help with reading in the dark (or under the covers)

I asked around (other bloggers, my boy-scout nephews, the general public) and got a wide range of answers for favorite camping light sources.  Here's what I found between those experts and our own first-hand knowledge:

Headlamps:  A family favorite, we all have them.  Because we think they are the most multifunctional light out there, it is what we will focus on here.  Besides for camping, we use them for biking at night, backyard campfires, Moon-Lit (when the moon is a bit weak) Skis, and happily welcome any other uses.

Fun and Functional 
LEGO Minifigure LED Headlamp ($15)
These aren't going to last under super harsh conditions (ours got too cold camping this past winter and had to warm up before they started working again,) but they are fun, provide a good light output, and convince kids to actually wear a headlamp.  Both our boys wear them and love them.

Playvisions Zoo Light Frog Headlamp ($15)
Also an LED light, this one apparently makes sounds too (good fun for the kids, annoying in the tent at night..)  We have NOT tried this one, but another fun option for smaller tykes.

Cyclops Hat Clip Light ($12.99)

Highly recommended by those Expert Boy-Scout Nephews of mine, these are new to me.  However, they say they "are small, practical, and a good price for the light."  Great for those campers that love to wear hats!

For the Love of Dads

Father's Day is fast approaching this weekend, and we wanted to take a moment to honor a couple of dads around here and link you up to some fabulous "Outdoor Dad" posts.

For Mtn Papa who works hard to make sure we continue getting outdoors and staying active as a family as you love us so very well.  

And for the Grandpas that helped shape us into the Outdoor Enthusiasts that we are!

We love you!

Great Outdoor Dad Blog Posts:

Dads Who Blog About Getting Kids Outside - Go Explore Nature

Reasons to Love Camping Dads - The Campy Mom

Handy Dad in the Great Outdoors  (giveaway ended yesterday, but book suggestion is great!!)

Father's Day Gift Ideas for the Outdoorsy Dad - Great Wild Outdoors
Thoughts on Adventure and Fatherhood - Adventure Parents
Father's Day Recipes for Every Dad - Pocket Ranger Blog
What's a Dad to do in Alaska? Everything - AK on the Go
Friday's Gift -Dads - Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies

Bloggers - please feel free to link up any Father's Day posts you have in the comments! Thank you!!!

Move Those Kids! (+ Onya and Tula Baby Carrier Reviews)

We're in a brand new town, discovering new mountains around us and spending a lot of time tromping (or riding) through the ground to get a feel for the area.  We truly believe the best way to get to know a new place is by experiencing it.  That means leaving the house every day by foot, bike or carrier/stroller (if walking isn't your forte yet....)  It means talking to every local you can find (and weeding through a lot of tourists to get to them), dodging Bison dung (and keeping an inquisitive almost-toddler with an oral fixation from tasting it), braving the rain and snow and just getting out there.  

Both Mtn Papa and I have lived a lot of places where you really have to work to get to know the community.  It requires engaging in whatever happenings are out there, being ok with the fact that you may have to (gasp!) make your own fun, and just being ok with where you are at.  I find it a great tragedy to run into people who HATE the small town they are in, and yet choose to not go out and discover, explore and BE a part of the community.

As a family, we have a variety of ways to cart around our kids.  We justify the strollers, kid carrier backpacks, wagons, bikes, trailers, and soft structured baby carriers by the fact that they are helping us move as a family and enjoy the great outdoors.

Previously on the blog, I reviewed our Chariot, Osprey Poco Plus, Kelty Pathfinder, Deuter Kid Carrier III, Boba 3G and today I am happy to introduce you to the Onya Baby carrier and Tula Toddler Carrier.  Both are unique in their own respects and have opened up new elements of freedom for us.  Don't get me wrong - I don't think every family needs 100 baby carriers, every framed kid carrier backpack and a variety of bike trailers.  You do what works for your family.  I just take it as my "job" to help you know what is out there!

*Guest Post* The Importance of Trekking Poles!

Please welcome Adam Nutting of Hiking the Trail to the blog today.  Adam is a avid hiker and backpacker working toward his dream of hiking the Appalachian Trail.  He also happens to be a Cancer survivor, an Eagle scout and a self-proclaimed "tech geek."  He has some great tips and I am pleased to have him on the blog sharing them.  This is a two-part series.  Check in next week for the rest!

When I think of walking sticks I think of all of the old guys at scout camp with the wooden walking sticks with the metal emblems embedded into the stick.  Never mind the fact that I think they have always been cool but who wants to look old walking around with a walking stick.

Over the years technology has allowed the trekking pole industry to explode with lots of different styles, materials, and weights. As the technology has grown so has the comfort level of the trekking poles.

Now some of you are saying that you would never use them because they are a pain and you would trip over them. Sure they do take some time to get used to and they can be rather cumbersome at times. The main purpose of the trekking poles is to help remove the stress of hiking / backpacking on your hips, knees, and ankles. This is done by transferring some of the weight from the pack through your arms down the poles. It also allows you to use them as leverage for those ups and downs of the trail. They can also help give you better balance while going up or down hills and rock scrambles.

Osprey Poco Plus Kid Carrier *Gear Review*

As a family, we have had the opportunity to check out a number of different kid carriers.  We have had kids only a few months old up to kids over 3 years old in them.  Wearers have ranged in size and shape and conditions on the trail have varied from rocky terrain to easy paths to back country ski slopes.  While testing continues on our end, we have definitely put a few of them through the ringer.

Loading up the Poco with Kid + Gear for our Packraft Adventure

Previously, we reviewed both the Deuter Kid Carrier III and the 2012 Kelty Pathfinder 3.0 and then compared them side to side on our blog.  Both are excellent packs and come highly recommended by us.  Please note that we recommend trying on any kid carrier before purchasing to test for comfort to your own body.  It’s a pretty personal decision!  However, thanks to Osprey’s new Poco line just released this spring, our family has a new favorite.

The Osprey Poco comes in three different models – the Poco, the Poco Plus and the Poco Premium.  Osprey seldom disappoints with their packs and this is no exception.  Engineered to work for younger children AND older children and with a variety of different sized wearers, it’s an ideal all-around-pack.  Features we thought were missing on the Deuter and Kelty all seem to come together fairly well with the Poco.  The market for kid carriers is definitely becoming more competitive and companies are rising to the need of active families.

We tested the Poco Plus so this review is based on that pack.  However, I try have pointed out features on the Plus that are different on the other models so you can easily see the differences.

What we love:

- Integrated Sunshade (which works for rain and sticks to an extent too!) **The Poco does not come with a Sunshade, but can be purchased separately.**

- Stirrups for bigger kid comfort (A HUGE plus for taller/older kids)

- Incredible Torso Length Adjustment (15.5” – 21.5”) that is easy to change from wearer to wearer. Grandma is just under 5 feet tall and about 100 pounds and comfortable wearing the Poco.

- Wide range of size for the hip belt (26” - 48”) which is SO crucial because that is where most of the load is supported.  Also, the padded part of the hipbelt itself extends in length for greater comfort for bigger hips.

- Easy to adjust to different heights for children in the pack.  The shoulder straps are adjusted at their shoulder (instead of near their crotch or sternum like the Deuter Kid Comfort III) which makes getting kids in much easier (especially when they are bundled up!)

- Mesh back panel for the wearer leaves room for air and plenty of comfort.

- Removable droll pad (our kids dirty this up pretty quick when eating snacks on the trail.)

- Vertical hydration sleeve means better placement for the wearer and better functionality of the hydration bladder.

- Rail-based adjustments on the wearers’ sternum strap mean easy movement.

Double Rainbow! + Shameless Request

*No words necessary, just a spectacular view from our life!*

And a little shameless request...

If you didn't know this, I applied to be an Ambassador for Stonewear Designs which makes clothes for active women.  They are looking for 6 active and inspiring women who also make their community (in "real" life and online) a priority.  Ambassadors will be given $1500 worth of clothing and tons of exposure as they help inspire others and show off Stonewear Designs.

In case you missed it, I wrote a review of some of their clothing here: http://www.talesofamountainmama.com/2012/05/gear-review-stonewear-designs-giveaway.html

Hiking in my Stonewear Designs Liberty Pants

The application is done, but for the next few days they want to hear from friends, family and readers showing support online as they narrow down their winners.  They want to know that people are listening to what I have to say.  They had over 65 applications from some amazing women, so the competition is tough and your vote/support/comments could really help me rise somewhere near the top.

If you have Facebook and/or Twitter, would you mind putting in a short good word for me?  It could even be "I vote for Amelia Mayer of Tales of a Mountain Mama!" or "Amelia is a great inspiration to me" or something similar.

You can find their Facebook page here: https://www.facebook.com/StonewearDesigns?ref=ts

And follow them on twitter here: https://twitter.com/#!/Stonewear (feel free to tag me with @mtnmamatales)  

If you DON'T have either facebook or twitter, you could also leave a comment on this blog post: http://www.livestonewear.com/2012/05/03/stonewear-designs-grassroots-ambassador-application/

Thank you so very much.  I appreciate any way you can help!  Believe me, I will be thrilled when this is all over - oh the pressure! :)  And it is NEVER comfortable asking people to give a good recommendation, especially when you don't know the outcome! :)

Have a great weekend and Happy Adventuring!

Mazama Bar Company Introduction + Giveaway

Energy bars are certainly something we depend on as a family (I don't go ANYWHERE without food or the kids rise up against me... :))  We have tried a bunch of them and I have to say this up-and-coming new company has something BIG going for them!  Created and perfected by Derek and Brittany Manwill, Mazama Bars are giving the "Big Guys" a run for their...bars....(or money!)??  I got a chance to taste them months ago and have been eagerly awaiting their site to get up and running to be able to introduce them to you all.

Just like they claim, they are fresh, tasty and nutrient-rich, and something I have to hide and save for the outdoor adventures (or we would eat them every day!)  They come in 3 different flavors (chocolate banana, wild berry and hazelnut mocha).  I personally detest the taste of coffee, and think the hazelnut mocha ones are my favorite (though they are all truly delicious.)  They go for $42 for a box of 12 or $22 for a variety box of 6 bars.  Yes, a bit more expensive, but their size and ingredients definitely warrant the cost.

I managed to corner Britt long enough to ask her a few questions - I really think sometimes this is the very best way to get to know a company, especially a new one!  Make sure you read all the way to the end for a chance to win some bars for yourself!

1. So excited for you to finally have Mazama Bar up and running.  I must say I am super impressed with what you guys have come up with.  The bars are excellent!  Tell me a little about you, why energy bars are a passion of yours and how Mazama Bar started.

It’s not really that energy bars are my passion. It’s more that living is a passion. I wasn’t satisfied with my job, and I really needed a change. I love being active, being outside, and eating good food, so I started a company that combined those things into something I’m way more excited about.

I always found backcountry trail food options lacking. Everything was either too heavy, unhealthy, inconvenient, or just plain gross. So, I set out to make the best tasting, compact, healthy, meal replacement for our adventures. Fast forward to now, and Mazama Bars are fueling all types of adventures all around the world! They’re headed to Everest next year!

Outfitting the Kids for Summer + iPlay giveaway

While it always takes longer that I expect it to, we have finally REALLY made it to summer around here. Days (entire days....) are spent outdoors and naps come easily (for all of us!)

Staying safe while playing outside is top priority for us, and we work hard to make sure we are protected from the sun.  Our higher elevation means skin burns come easier and quicker.  While there are plenty of incredible sun-protective clothing lines out there for kids, here are some of our must-have favorites:

Patagonia Sun-Lite Top ($29)

Available in sizes 3M - 5T in blue, green and pink

Both of our boys have these shirts and we wear them almost daily.  They are a quick alternative to sunscreen and comfortable for them!

What we love:

- Certainly light and cool

- They cover the back of their neck well

Not so crazy about:

- While they are not necessarily designed for water-use, the boys wear them for time in the kiddie pool. They DO dry fairly quickly, but not as quickly as I had hoped.  They also tend to stretch out when wet.  

- Like most Patagonia infant/baby/toddler clothing, they run big!  Plan on sizing down or buy their normal size (what we did) and know they will have room to grow.

Explore: No Agenda, No Destination, No Rules.

Adventures happen every day. 

They aren’t necessarily an “event” that requires a lot of planning or foresight to make happen.  Granted, some camping trips, backpacking trips or longer hikes certainly require thinking ahead a little (or a lot), BUT we easily forget about those moments of discovery and exploration that are so crucial to connecting with the world around us.

Helping foster exploration, creativity and wonder in kids is as important as it is easy, because they LOVE to discover.  My boys can sit in front of a pile of dirt and be content for hours. 

As a family, we make it a habit to get into the woods and just do some exploring as often as we can. 

No agenda.  No destination.  No rules.   And more often than not, no trails.  Just eyes-open, ears in-tune and taking in the beauty of nature with each breath. 

This Yellowstone Moment....

*No words necessary, just a precious moment from our life!*

Camping with Kids (Book Review, Author Interview and Giveaway!)

Camping with kids is not the same as camping in college with a bunch of buddies.  No secret there!  It requires more stuff, more patience, more planning AND results in a whole lot of fun.  I get emails all the time from people asking for our own camping tips with babies/toddlers.  Some posts in response to those are in the works, but in the meantime I am SO excited to introduce a fabulous book to you all that I think is currently THE handbook for family camping (if I may be so bold in saying so!)  

The Down and Dirty Guide to Camping with Kids by Helen Olsson encompasses a whole range of aspects of camping as a family.  And yep, there is a WHOLE lot more to think about than just sleeping and eating!  The book is an easy read with cute vintage pictures, tons of check-lists (which I happen to be a sucker for!) and sprinkled throughout with "Smart Tips" to highlight the really important stuff.  Helen's writing is humorous, informative and will draw you right in saying "that's us!" if you are a parent!  I truly feel like she wrote the book I just haven't gotten around to yet. :)  And be sure to read her introduction - we're kindred spirits on the importance of having some Family Screen-Free time!

Photo by Julia Vandenoever

Because I wanted you to hear a little more about her book from her own witty words, I was thrilled to be able to track Helen down for a little interview (and um, I am still laughing about #4.....):

psssttt..... read to the very end for a chance to win a copy of the book for yourself!

1.  So very honored to have you on the blog, Helen.  I am a huge fan of your book and think your wisdom reaches out to a full spectrum of camping families.  Can you tell me, first of all, a little about yourself for people that don't "know" you? (yourself, your family, your blog, your passions, etc.)

 I’m a freelance writer and former executive editor at Skiing Magazine. As of this spring, I can add “author” to my resume. But first and foremost, I’m a mom. I have three small children, ages 6, 8, and 11. They run me ragged! We are passionate about skiing. I grew up ski racing in Buffalo, NY, and my kids are following in my footsteps. Although my 11-year-old is already faster than me (by 3/10ths of a second, which is truly galling.) In summer, we love to camp. We bike, hike, and paddle, but our favorite thing to do as a family is to camp.

2.  Loving your S'more section in the book.  It's a personal camping favorite of mine (and no trip seems complete without them!)  So, I have to ask- how do YOU like your 'Mallows/S'mores??  Traditional or fancy?

S’mores are the quintessential camp dessert, to be sure. But personally, I find graham crackers to be overly sweet and they stick in my back molars, so I prefer to make chocolate cherry bombs. You poke a hole in your marshmallow, stuff it with semi-sweet chocolate chips and dried cherries, and roast. Super yum.

The Big Move

For the first time since our family was established (all of 4 years ago) we made the life-changing decision to pack up everything we owned, switch jobs, change cities and move on.

Not an easy decision, not an easy change.

We have been surrounded by this:

We are looking forward to digging through this:

We have been exploring this:

This Moment....

*No words necessary, just a precious moment from our life.*

Jackson Hole Packrafts and Rentals Review + Giveaway

Despite the fact that Mtn Papa and I both grew up on lakes, so far we have not been a boating family.  We both LOVE water and spent many hours growing up water skiing, boating, canoeing, paddle-boating and ice skating (on lakes, so it's relevent. :))  The simple truth right now is that we live in an area where water is just not easily accessible.  The wind (which I find myself mentioning often) is also a factor when you have children and white-caps are fairly common.


Long story short, when a friend of a friend contacted me about doing a review of her Packrafts, I was psyched!  (in case you missed it, Amy did a guest post last week.)   Located 70 miles away from us, Jackson Hole Packrafts and Rentals not only rents boats locally, but also has a program where they will send you a Packraft for rent and include a prepackaged return label and box.  The perks?  Not having to buy a raft with the ability to keep it long-term (the rates drop dramatically with time.) 


A great list from the Packraft Site about what the rafts are good for (besides the obvious):

A packraft can…

1. Easily fit into a backpack, small plane, boat, or the trunk of your car.
2. Be used to cross a river that would otherwise be impassable on foot
3. Provide shelter during a heavy down poor or during an all night rain
4. Serve as a heavenly, soft ground pad for an afternoon nap or full night’s sleep
5. Facilitate travel during endurance races
6. Get you to that hot fishing hole on the other side of the creek
7. Haul your bike or skis during a multisport adventure
8. Be paddled around a pristine alpine lake9. Carry your sheep or caribou as you float out from a seldom visited hunting spot
10. Be filled with water and let to sit in the warm sun – voila, your very own hot tub
11. Our addition: They are REALLY fun coming down a hill on snow! :)