Recently, the girls and I went camping for a couple of nights in a scenic state park, with a 15-mile canoe trip marking the highlight of the weekend. I had envisioned us leisurely paddling down the quiet river, maybe spotting some bald eagles, turtles and other wildlife on the way, but mostly just … [Read more...]
What to Bring When Solo Backpacking with Kids (the Ultimate Check List)
I recently came across a story about a woman who hiked 33 miles through Alaska bear country carrying not only a 50-pound backpack but also her 20-pound, 10-month-old baby. More power to her. I'm the first one to admit that I was NOT quite that brave (or strong!) when my girls were little, but since … [Read more...]
When Family Camping Goes Wrong
I love family camping. LOVE it. The fresh air, the simplicity, the mindfulness that comes from unplugging and worrying about nothing but where to pitch your tent and make the perfect campfire. But let's be honest, sometimes family camping doesn't exactly go the way you had planned. When we … [Read more...]
The Truth About Backpacking Solo with Kids
Last weekend I did something I hadn't done for ten years. I packed up my sleeping bag, a small camping stove, a lightweight tent, food, water and some other essentials, and ventured into the forest on a local, 11-mile backpacking trail. With me, I had my 7-year-old daughter who, although she has … [Read more...]
What (Nearly) Three Weeks Without Wi-Fi Looks Like
It's been quiet around here, and with good reason. Every year, the girls and I go to my native Sweden for almost a month to visit with family and friends. I usually take this time to unplug and get away from the constant distractions of social media. As I stated on my bucket list for 2015, my goal … [Read more...]