Trips with Toddlers & Family Adventures
After our last post, everyone is asking… where we will take Hayden adventuring this summer?
Heather collecting firewood
He is definitely not a rookie at adventure. How many toddlers have had their own kayak from the day they were born, or spent their first winter living out of a tent in Baja? He has gone on camping trips on the San Juans, on Baker Lake, and on the Columbia River Gorge. He loves to go on hikes and bike rides. So what he isn’t is a little fellow who will sit still and enjoy the scenery passing by as Mama and Papa have all the fun.
Heather, Mom and sister, Tracy in Desolation Wilderness
So, the number one criteria is it has to be high in the fun factor for Hayden.
I began backpacking when I was four years-old. It was actually my parents first time too as they loaded my 6-year-old sister and I and an assortment of new and second-hand gear into the family adventure van and headed to Desolation Wilderness in California. We all learned together. And, it was those hikes through gorgeous snow-capped peaks, cooling off my feet in a cool mountain stream while snacking on Cheez Whiz and crackers, and sleeping under a clear star-filled sky that I found a life-time passion for the outdoors.
Tracy and Heather canoeing on Lake Tahoe
That is what I want to pass on to Hayden. It was on-foot that I first explored the wilderness and, from there, I found other ways to travel to more and more beautiful hidden nooks and crannies of the world. It is THAT simple part of life and the joy it has given me that I want to teach Hayden.
Dad, making sure we each have a safety whistle
By living our normal day-to-day existence, adventure will be a part of Hayden’s everyday life. But, back to what self-support adventures we will bring Hayden on this summer? We are having a blast dreaming up trips, and placing them in somewhat of a chronological order as to when they would be age-appropriate.
A little rain never slowed us down!
I would love to hear some of your stories or ideas for “Trips with Toddlers”! Send me your favorite toddler story and a few pics to
Happy Adventuring!!!
Heather, Brandon, Hayden and Grandma and Grandpa too!