Weekend Adventuring Made Easy

         With Summer vacay right around the corner the conversation out on the playground is turning towards vacation plans. Over the past few days I have been involved in a number of conversations with parents talking about the spontaneous mini close to home adventure- of which our family is a huge fan of. Each weekend we really try to get out and enjoy what our beautiful province has to offer- it doesn't need to be a big trip as long as we are outside and together- weekends are sacred.

            To make these short day trips successful there are a few things I have learned along the way- I thought I would share my wisdom- or at least share the things I have learned through trial and error! First and for most my biggest tip is to get up and out the door- if our family isn't out of the house by 10am then our chances for fun in the sun dwindle by the minute. Our family does not idle on the weekends- yes we sleep in and have a big hearty breakfast and then we are out the door!

         Pack lunches, drinks and loads of snacks- there is nothing worse than getting halfway to Squamish and hearing the incessant whinging of a hungry seven year old! We try and mix up our weekend picnics so our kids aren't board by yet another homemade lunch. I like to BBQ enough chicken or meat on Thursday or Friday evening to carry us through our weekend lunches. Small snacks like hummus in a jar and fresh cut up veggies on the go add novelty that they don't see during the week.

         One rule in our family is that everyone carries their own water and snacks- so we have all invested in good quality water bottles that can be filled with ice and water for warm days. A fun and healthy snack like individual trail mix or fruit salad goes into the Littles backpacks- along with their essentials.

         Everyone is responsible for their own gear- each of our Littles has a really decent backpack- into those backpacks goes all of their essentials for the day- a sweater, extra socks, hats, a small toy or drawing materials along with water and snacks. This tip means that Momma doesn't end up carrying all of the things. It also teaches each Little some self sufficiency- if something is missing from their packs there is only one person to "blame".

      Incidentally in case you are wondering these happy pictures were taken the other day out in Lion's Bay- a perfect, tiny sand beach just North of Horseshoe Bay. We headed out there on Father's day where I had an excellent nap on the beach and did some knitting while dear old Dad made sure no one drowned. We hunted for crabs, dug some holes and generally soaked up way too much sun- just the way a beach adventure should be!

Nature Babes: Admiralty Point

          Recently our family headed out to  Admiralty Point in Belcarra Regional Park- we had never explored this part of the Lower Mainland and were excited to check out a new to us area. In addition to the weather knocking it out of the park that day our Littles were in a particularly good mood- we thought to take advantage of the situation and try for some family photos worthy of our annual Christmas card. The conditions could not have been better- getting these two hooligans to co-operate was another story though as they were obviously more interested in exploring that photo taking-  and understandably so!

         With so many great spots to check out Belcarra Park is a real hidden gem- popular with crab fishers and boaters as well as picnickers- even on a freezing cold day in November the picnic shelters were booked and the park was abundant with families enjoying the non- rain weather. We first explored the pier as well as the adjacent tidal pools and beach- the water was crystal clear and we could see crabs scuttling across the floor of the ocean.

          It was soon established that the photo taking on the beach was not going to happen- it was windy and very cold so we headed for one of the many trails- we chose the Jug Island trail- which turned out to be much longer than anticipated! The Littles did it though- with plenty of flora and fauna to keep their attention we hiked the 6 kms out to the beach at Jug Island. After a short rest and some snacks we headed back towards the car- another 6 kms but the kiddos managed it under their own steam.

           Miss Lo has decided she might like to be a blogger like Momma and is now obsessed with taking pictures- I think her and I stopped every five feet to photograph the abundant mushrooms growing near the side of the trail. Side note- on my wish list is a book on mushroom identification- I had no idea what any of these were called and my answers to her questions were severely lacking!

         By the time we got back to the truck we were all totally done- the hike combined with the fresh, cold air was just what we all needed. Somewhere along the trail we all let go of our worries and just soaked in our surroundings- the quiet- the colours- each other. As our little family gets busier we need days like this desperately- like the air that we breath -we need the forest.

PS- a big thank you to Anna from Kids Unplugged for blogging about this gem of a park!

     Friends it is Friday again- if you aren't too busy Elving it up then I encourage you all to get outside and explore- adventure is out there! Much love- Happy Friday Friends!

Makers Series: Kids Unplugged

          The next local in my Makers Series is a new line of "active wear" for Little's on the go- Kids Unplugged- many local fibre folks will recognize it's creator Anna from her popular yarn shop Baaad Anna's on East Hastings. With in the past few months Anna has branched out with her latest venture Kids Unplugged- "Practical yet playful clothing for kids who like to explore". This statement in a nutshell is what attracted me to Kids Unplugged- an adventurous and wholesome view of a childhood spent outdoors- in nature- learning and exploring.

In Anna's own words:

Kids Unplugged is a locally made line of outdoor wear and accessories. Inspired by my two young sons and our adventures in the forests, parks and beaches of British Columbia. The practical was inspired by the type of clothing I wanted for my kids during adventures in the forest. The playful was inspired by my boys who always want to 'choose' the fabric, be it mushrooms, astronauts or superheroes. All items are handmade in Vancouver, BC. Every order is custom made, you can choose your canvas colour, your interior fabric and zippers or snaps! 

        Over on the Kids Unplugged blog you will not only find links to all the wonderful products in the online store but you can also follow along on fantastical forest adventures- learn about local mushrooms and witness Littles doing what Littles are naturally inclined to do- explore and learn as they go. seeing the Littles in Kids Unplugged using and wearing their gear is the greatest testimony possible- all set against the best possible backdrop ever- our beautiful BC countryside!
     

          I know a couple of Littles on my Holiday shopping list that would love the Nature Tracker Bag- perfect for all those rocks and treasures that kids are constantly collecting! My Boy has already clearly let me know he would love an Adventure Vest- it's on his wish list- buying well made, locally sourced gifts makes shopping easy for me. Even better is when those gifts aid in my children's active- outdoor life- simple and easy- just the way childhood should be!

-Be sure to check out the Kids Unplugged Instagram feed as well- so much goodness there! @kids_unplugged

-Also be sure to check out the Kids Unplugged blog- follow along on their adventures and see all the great gear in action! http://kidsunplugged.ca

-Finally shop locally at the Kids Unplugged Big Cartel shop!   kidsunplugged.bigcartel.com

End of Summer Visit to Deep Cove

      A collective sigh of relief was heard across British Columbia yesterday morning- upon waking parent's and students alike learned we will most likely be headed back to the classrooms early next week. The labour dispute between government and teachers has reached an agreement and our wonderful teachers will be at the front of the classroom and ready to teach. With that said I am so happy we took a final little day trip this week- with Momo and Poppa who are visiting- we headed out to one of our favourite spots- Deep Cove.

        The weather these past few weeks has been nothing short of spectacular- perfect for a dip in the ocean- water so clear the kids could spot crabs scurrying across the ocean floor from up on their perch. Of course many rocks were thrown and it took bribes of doughnuts to get the Littles to leave the beach- I'm sure they could sense the change in the air- see the trees tinged with orange. This summer has been idyllic- one adventure after the other- I am so grateful for all our wonderful hikes, beach days, forest exploring and park play. My heart is full. 

         Back to our Deep Cove visit- my parents had never been out to this spot and so we thought we would share it with them- a hidden gem on Indian Arm. Our day spent out in the Cove was the perfect way to wrap up summer- fall officially starts this weekend- this seemed an appropriate way to say goodbye! I am content with knowing our Littles are headed back to school full of wonderful memories and a few new skills- a little more well rounded than before. Thank you summer- see you next year!

Day Dreaming on Bowen Island

         Sometimes I have to pinch myself and ask is it really possible that we live in such a beautiful place? My love affair with our beautiful province knows no bounds and so chances are if the weather is fine our family can be found adventuring outside- after twelve years life on the coast still amazes me. It's only natural that with our extended summer break the Littles and I are adventuring- further afield on our own than ever before- including but not limited to day trips to some of our favourite spots. Last week we hopped a bus downtown Vancouver and were quickly deposited at the Horseshoe Bay ferry terminal- we were Bowen Island Bound.

          For my kids education does not need to be complicated- we find learning in even the most mundane of exercises and adventures- a ride of the ferry for example quickly turns into a conversation about tides, weather and whales. The boy is fascinated with how the ferry works and what all the ship hands are doing- where the captain is sitting and why all the ropes! Miss Lo gets excited being on whale duty- they know if we spot one on this short trip it would be nothing short of extra special. It's little things that I may take for granted like a short ferry ride that get the kids excited and learning- get them thinking and asking questions.

           Once we land at our favourite little town Snug Cove we quickly hustle over to the candy store- Bowen Island boasts the worlds smallest candy shop- a tiny little nook which unfortunately was closed mid week. Up to the Co-op we go for lunch supplies as well as to check out the candy situation- which P.S. does not disappoint! Supplies in hand we headed to one of our favourite short trails in Crippen Park- I feel so comfortable hiking on my own with the kids here as there are no bears or cougars on the island.

        Turning our feet back towards the water we head to our favourite sandy little beach- complete with hidden tire swing- we meet up with another little friend for lunch and play time. Plenty to entertain and engage the kids on this short strip of beach- everything from catching crabs in the shallows to collecting shells for our shell chart. Our day could not be more bucolic as we sit there- the Littles playing and the Mommas chatting- commiserating on the lack of public school and learning more about the fantastic home school network on the island- looking into options and laying plans for the future.

        Once our play time winds down we head back towards town and over to the infamous pie shop down on the wharf- chocolate banana cream pie is obviously called for- the perfect way to wrap up such an excellent day! Down on the wharf a few changes have taken place- most noticeably Shika Provisions- a yummy little sushi and gift shop- it's the obvious spot to play a game of hopscotch while we wait for our boat- lingering as long as we can.

         Bowen Island is officially my happy place- I feel relaxed- it feels like home- small town B.C.- just the way Peachland used to be. Given the chance I would move here in a heart beat- open my studio and call it a life. Until the day comes that my pay check matches up with my dreams lots of visits are called for- island living is for me and I can't wait to head back!

P.S. if we ever move to Bowen we could have chickens!!!

Silver Spurs Trails: A Horse Adventure

        Last week- while still on our Okanagan vacation- my Father In Law came to us with one of his plans- he had booked the Littles their very first riding lesson. So we packed up snacks an headed out past Lumby towards Mable Lake to Silver Spurs Trails- a slice of paradise just outside the city! Silver Spurs is a full on working Dude ranch- the property includes two tee pees which can be rented out for a weekend or a week. Other activities- besides horses- include hiking, fishing and in the winter snow shoeing through the pristine wilderness of the BC back country.

          Upon arrival the Littles were introduced to Starling- the ranch's quietest and easiest horse- they were shown how to say hello- brushed her coat and then learned about putting the blanket and saddle on. This very gradual introduction to the horse helped the kids get comfortable around the big animal-  when the time came to go for their first ride both kids were relaxed and excited at the same time. The staff were so in tuned with the horses and engaged in what they were doing that it naturally drew the kids in and got them interested- although The Boy might have been more interested in the barn cats!

         As much as I was watching my kids I also had an eye on my Father In Law- in his youth he worked extensively with horses- in Germany he was an Olympic Equestrian rider- so it was only natural that he was having a really proud Opa moment watching his kids take their first ride. Both kids were so blown away by being up on the horse- they really loved everything about the ranch though- from the ranch dog Trapper to helping feed the other horses and pick cherries!

        Silver Spurs is such a beautiful spot- fields of daisies surround the property- making everything all the more magical. Surrounded by mountains and close to Mable Lake this would be the ideal spot for a family getaway. The Boy has requested we return and stay in the tee pees and Miss Lo wants to visit her friend Starling again.

Thrifted Thursday & A Southern Adventure

           There is something so special about the perfect sundress- lightweight and not stiff at all- moves in the breeze- dreamy and cool. Today's Thrifted Thursday is just that- although technically not thrifted at all-but vintage- bought from an Insta-seller on Instagram- my favourite @bonjourmoon! This sweet little gauzy dress is just what I needed for my visit to the Okanagan and it arrived on my parent's doorstep with excellent timing. It was the perfect, lightweight dress for heading South down Hwy 97- into the desert yesterday!

        The Mr. was gathering shots for a project he is on at work and so our entire family of course went along for the ride- excellent sandwiches were procured by my Dad from Il Vechio's in Penticton- to be enjoyed later on in the warm shade at Nk'Mip winery. We caravanned down the valley- enjoying the scenery and taking note of all the various wineries we would like to come back and visit- Blasted Church I'm looking at you!

       After exploring up Anarchist Mountain to Bridesville- Population 30- we headed back down to Osoyoos for a dip in the lake- always the warmest lake in the valley thanks to it's super shallow depths. A few more stops along the way to get interesting shots- including the old Hayne's Ranch in Osoyoos- which was amazing.

          Smart footwear is called for in places like this- not Birkenstocks like I was sporting- after stepping on a few cactus I decided to take my chance with the spiders and headed for higher ground. This ramshackle old farmhouse was once the home to the "Father of Osoyoos" and his family- sadly left to the elements- what once was a beautiful family home is now returning to the earth.

          As the Mr. wrapped up his photo shoot I sat and just watched the landscape in front of me- barren hills covered in scrub brush transitioning into verdant orchards and vineyards- truly a testament to the pioneers who carved out a life in this valley- turning it from desert to irrigated paradise.

Thrifted Thursday

          Of course this Thrifted Thursday has a story to go along with it- a story of a sunny day at the beach with my girly- but of course the story runs much longer than that. This Thrifted Thursday is all about this wee little leather purse that a friend spotted at a vintage store and said "hey you need that"- I had been looking for a bag like this for months- just barely big enough to fit my wallet, phone and keys- with a long cross body strap- perfect for everything I need to keep close.

     I bought this week leather purse on a crummy day in February- I remember my friend and I had just had the best lunch of poached eggs on toast- we left the warm comfort of the cafe and spontaneously dipped into a oft visited vintage store. On this day in February it was struggling to snow- raining for sure- it was cold and dark-  when I saw this wee little bag I thought "this is perfect for summer adventures"- a little bright spot on a grey winter day.

     This little leather bag travels everywhere with me these days- including to the beach of course- across my body- freeing my hands up for important work like shell collecting and hand holding. In what might be it's second or even third life it is collecting so many more unspoken stories- tucking places away in the folds of leather- secreted away. One of the things I love best about pre-loved items are the past lives lived- this little bag travelled all the way from India to a vintage shop in Vancouver - I wonder where it went in between!

A Peek At Our Weekend

         Our weekend was predominantly a grey and soggy one- typical of "Wet" Coast weather- the bonus is that things are warming up considerably- enough so that layers are being shed and adventures are happening outside again! This weekend we chose to explore a piece of Pacific Spirit Park that we had never been to before but had driven by many times and it was so worth the stop! Just past our favourite stomping grounds- Spanish Banks- is a small parking lot at the top of Acacia Beach- the trail runs through the trees beside the water and on to Wreck Beach.

         The trail was quite mucky after a solid week of rain but we were all properly attired for a stroll in the rain forest- after a season of heavy use both the Littles are sporting duct tape on their gum boots but they are still holding up and doing the job- keeping little feet dry for a few more weeks! Very few people were out on this section of the trail- definitely no nude sun bathers at Wreck Beach- just a pair of eagles, a dog walker and us.

   
         The eagles were by far the coolest part of our hike and I am sorry I didn't have my big girl camera with me- we saw a nesting pair- one caught a fish and flew with it right over our heads up into the trees where it sat and feasted. We walked quietly along the trail hoping to not disturb it but when we got under the eagle's chosen roost we were obviously too close for comfort and off it flew to a higher perch. While we are lucky to see eagles on a regular basis I had never seen this before- it was quite the sighting!

        The thing about hiking with the kiddos is as they get older they feel free to express their opinion- so the opinion was expressed yesterday that perhaps not all of us wished to be hiking. After a week spent hopping from friend's house to friend's house I felt it was important to have a little quiet family time with just the four of us- outside- in nature. Trying to find that balance we are striving for in our life- trying to explain that to a six year old is tricky- they have no need of balance in their opinion- why not just stay inside another day and play Legos! Does it need to be said that a fair amount of complaining was issued the entire two hours we were out?

          Being at the edge of the forest and the sea soothes my soul- even if the busy city is not too far away- the beauty of Pacific Spirit Park is that the hustle and bustle seem words away. While I do love a visit to more standard beaches designed for swimming I never find that calming- it is only on deserted stretches of rocky shore that a level of quietude is reached- which until we can get out of town and sit by a camp fire will have to do!

Sometimes Enough is Good Enough

         Spring Break is winding down- today is that last official day- already we are starting to think about practicing printing and our French home reading- it has sat in The Boy's back pack for the past two weeks. We have kept things pretty simple these last couple of weeks- a trip to the Okanagan to visit our families and loads of visits with our friends in town- a play date a day for the past two weeks- this Mama is tiered! The occasional sunny day meant trips to the beach and park- our favourite Summer time haunts. Rainy days meant lots of Lego play and short walks in our own neighbourhood- in between the rain drops- just enough to stretch growing legs.

       These past two weeks we were given ample opportunities to enroll our Littles in a variety of exciting camps and activities- everything from art classes to soccer camps- due to one thing or another- mostly travelling we opted out. As we head towards Summer we are already being bombarded with similar opportunities to fill the Little's days- it gives me pause to wonder when is enough good enough?

      My days with these little creatures of mine are not infinite- the days can feel at times far too short and at others far too long- but I see Kindergarten is just a few months off (sob) and Grade one just around the corner. These Littles will not be so little for much longer- I hate the thought of filling their days with classes and activities when they could be connecting with friends and cousins- playing and doing other important work of childhood. In the same breath I wonder if I am doing them a disservice- what if that pottery class unlocks the passion of a lifetime? Parenting is difficult business I tells yah! Finding that balance is tricky- especially when all these opportunities present themselves to you right on your very doorstep!

   While Summer vacation is still a few months away I am thoroughly going to enjoy our last few days of Spring Break- our first BBQ of the season- a hike in the rain- definitely a visit to Honey's Donuts! Childhood is fleeting- more so than ever these days- I am content to give my Littles just enough- enough to fill their souls up with happy memories and hugs from friends. Finding contentment in all the lovely humans in our lives.

    Friends it is Friday once again- as mentioned our weekend is going to be full of adventures spent close to home- personally I am excited for the first Hot dog Friday of the season! I hope your weekends are filled with peace and love dear Friends- Happy Friday!

PS- fine boxed wine goes very well with hot dogs!

** I would also like to share that my very first post is up over at Modern Mama! I am so excited to be a part of this team and add my voice to a new audience! Today I am talking all about our portable art kit- art on the go! Click here to read!