This spring break has been glorious- 20 degree weather filled with bike rides and hikes... I'm loving it. Mostly. The kids are relearning how to get along 24/7, but that's part and parcel of childhood, right?

Well, I get lots of questions of where to take your kids hiking so today's post will feature a popular, child (and dog) friendly hike close-ish to home.

The locals are all pretty familiar with the Heart Creek trail. It is a short, easy (and I mean easy for everyone, not just for me) hike following a small creek. The total distance is just under three kilometers, so it can make a nice stop on the way home from a longer mountain excursion.

The trail was drastically changed in the flood of 2013. It's fun to see how powerful water can be.

All in all, a great, short hike for kids... And a pleasant diversion in the middle of spring break. Make sure you follow up with a stop at mackay's ice cream in Cochrane.

Happy hiking.

~Sarah

Winter is finally over and spring is ... (Wait for it)... Just around the corner!! I love how often I can throw that little gem in! :)

This post is all about hiking season prep. Spring is that awkward time of year when the weather isn't sure if it's going to be naughty or nice - kind of like Mother Nature's version of puberty. With the variability in temperature, it's hard to plan consistent hikes-- especially those at higher elevations. So, to make the most of this unpredictability, I'm going to talk spring training.

Specifically, quad strengthening! Who wants to run down a mountain, only to find they can't actually walk - or, heaven forbid - go down a flight of stairs ((this happened to me. And I speak from a very excruciatingly, painful memory! I assure you, that you do not -REPEAT: DO NOT! - want the ability to sympathize with me!!))

On Monday, Cory and I are going to start a 30 day quad challenge... And in invite you to join in. This challenge actually seems reasonable to me (I once did 1000 squats in 45 minutes... And you guessed it-- I couldn't walk the rest of the week). We are thinking to start off somewhat milder and work our way up! It should be fun, and build our lower body strength at the same time! And everytime we feel the burn, we will visualize those glorious mountain peaks. Well, at least I will be. I guess I can't technically speak for her. :)

So, with that in mind, here is a short photo essay of what we are planning to do!

Also- reminder! Our snowshoe is this Sunday!! Penstock loop in kananaskis. Registration is now closed, but talk to us if you're interested in coming along in the future.

Have a happy, spring-like, day!

S

As a snow lover, this is tough for me to say.... So, I'll whisper it {I am liking our warm, chinooky winter}.

*sigh* the warm walks; the smell of spring in the air; the sound of the birds chirping *sigh*

In view of this warm weather, I was blessed to do a few February hikes! What?! I'm still shocked! Anyways, the kids had the week off school and we had an absolute blast.

So, if you are able to get out and about in February, here are some of my tips for hiking with kids.

1. Take friends--- this is alllll about positive peer pressure. They can hold each other's hands and look über cute in miniature backpacks.

2. Go somewhere fun. This may seem obvious, but kids get excited about water way more than a long, uninspiring trek up a forest filled hill. Seriously, water attractions are a must.

3. Big rocks to climb on also score high on the "cool" factor for kids.

(Incidentally, grown ups like big rocks too)

4. Play games, race, tell stories, sing silly songs... It can all help get everyone through a rough bout of grumpiness.

5. Plan breaks -- frequent, but well timed breaks can give those small muscles a much needed rest.

6. Have realistic expectations. At this stage, the point is to get outside and have fun. Bagging peak after peak may leave a sour taste in a child's mind. However, turning around when you sense the day is done can leave the kids with a happy sense of accomplishment (they don't often realize -or care- where the trail officially leads).

7. On the flip side, push them to go on! There is a time to push a kid further than they feel they can go. Standing on a mountain is empowering to grown ups and children alike, and can lead to many positive teaching moments.

8. Food. That's right: dangle that carrot (or chocolate, or trail mix, or muffin, or beef jerky... Or all of the above) in front of their noses!! And feed them often. I'm sure they are burning an insane amount of calories propelling their small legs up a trail.

9. Water. Quite obvious, but dehydration is nasty and can lead to fatigue and grumpiness... Usually both!

10. Have fun. Hiking is a great bonding time for families and friends. Keep things in perspective. While there may be tears and whining...there will be more moments of laughter, awe and joy.

Conclusion: it's a beautiful world we live in. Let's get out there and enjoy it!

And on that note, now that winter has returned, what are you planning on doing this weekend? :)

~sarah~