Submitted by Melissa Edge
I’m so excited for my first post here at the Women’s Adventure blog. Every month I will be sharing with you tips and ideas to motivate and inspire you to get outside with your kids. We have been adventuring with our son since he was only 6 weeks old and we haven’t stopped yet.
Hiking in Glacier
The piney scent of evergreen trees, a gentle breeze in your hair, the warm sun kissing your skin, the sound of trickling water and the sting of being eaten alive by mosquitoes – yes, that is what the outdoors are all about. Becoming a mosquito buffet certainly isn’t a highlight, but you deal with it for the relaxation, the escape from the hustle and bustle of city life, a slower pace and the scenery you just can’t get anywhere but from a trail.
This is what we have to explain to our non-outdoor adventuring friends when they make fun of us for walking miles on a trail, sleeping in a tent or not bathing for days. We just can’t understand how they could not want to get outside and enjoy the beautiful natural surroundings. We have seen things miles into the woods that we would never see driving down the road or walking into our backyard.
There is something very rewarding about hiking through a mountain wonderland and stopping to enjoy lunch alongside a crystal clear alpine lake. Spotting a moose browsing on spring willows or hearing the chirp of a diminutive pika are but a couple of the charms one may experience while trekking to the summit of a peak – all the while exposing your child to the joy and wonder of nature.
This is why we enjoy adventuring outdoors with our son, J-Man. We hit the trail for his first hike when he was only 6 weeks old, took him camping at 3 months and backpacking in Grizzly country at 1 1/2. J-Man is now 2 1/2 years old and he asks to go hiking and camping all the time. It makes us proud parents for sure. I guess our efforts are paying off!
How old was your tyke when you took them on their first outdoor adventure and what was it?
Loved the article and look forward to many more! It’s always great seeing parents with their little ones on the trails.
We hiked and climbed with our girls since they were infants, but an overnight was a bit too much to undertake because of all the gear. We did try car camping once when they were toddlers, but it requires so much attention to make sure they don’t get into trouble or eat something they shouldn’t. They had to be big enough to carry some of their gear on backpacking trips. But all these outings, whether day trips or overnight, helped to educate them in the wonders of nature, and despite growing up in a NYC suburban mall culture, they turned into teens that love the outdoors, camping and rock climbing. I just started a blog on my website about outdoor adventures and climbing with kids as well – I look forward to reading your blogs and hope you get a chance to look at mine.
Our baby girl was inside Great Smoky Mountains National Park when she was 8 days old. We’ve taken her on several hikes, but hope to get her on more soon. Haven’t trying camping yet, but it’s on our 2012 bucket list. She’s a year and a half now, and I hope she’s asking to hiking/camping when she’s two and half. Thanks for the inspiration and the tips!
Thanks for the comments everyone! It is so great to hear other parents are venturing out with their young tykes and having a great time. I look forward to sharing more posts with you and hearing about your adventures and experiences. Thanks again!