Traveling as a family – Page 2

Waterton Lakes National Park in 1 Day.

May 16, 2020April 14, 2021 by Molly O'Rourke, posted in National Parks US and Canada, Traveling as a family, Traveling Canada

Waterton Lakes National Park is off the beaten path. It is out of the way and rustic in the most convenient and comfortable ways. The town has something for everyone!

We spent 1 night and 1 day in the park, shortly after a large fire ravaged the forest and town. Even if unable to enjoy the trails, there is plenty of reason to go and enjoy! Below is a list of what we did and we would gladly do it all again!

10 Things to do in Waterton Lakes National Park.

1. Set up camp at the Townsite Campground

Townsite Campground is a mountain paradise for weary parents and kids alike. Green grass and huge campsites are only the beginning. Hot showers, dish washing stations, common kitchen shelters, flush toilets, and lake views are among the amenities. A short stroll takes you to restaurants, boat docks, and shops.

2. Get your National Park Passport Cancellation.

A temporary visitor’s center was set up in the post office when we were there. Hiking and mountain biking trails were closed. The locals and park employees love of and concern for the park and town is obvious. We respected the trail closures and didn’t feel like we missed a beat!

3. Walk to town and window shop.

4. Get take out at Wieners of Waterton.

Trust me, you won’t be disappointed! This isn’t your average hot dog restaurant.

5. Picnic by the lake.

6. Check out the bike path.

It winds around the campground, by the lake, through a meadow, and along a river. My 5 year old and 3 year old bike better than they walk so we love a good bike path! Thank you Prevelo kids bikes!

https://ramblingfootsteps.travel.blog/2019/11/26/mountain-biking-4-in-a-sprinter-144-brief-kids-bike-review/

7. Ride your bike to Cameron Falls and take the short hike to the top.

8. Check out the view from the Prince of Whales Hotel.

The bike ride is steep on the way up and quick on the way down. The views are amazing!

9. Watch wildlife.

The park rangers seemed to know every bear and they pointed us towards a mother and two young cubs to watch from a distance. The bears didn’t mind, which was good since we were on our bikes.

The signs warn of aggressive deer. Luckily, we didn’t have a problem.

10. Plan your next trip to Waterton Lakes National Park.

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How do you know when family van life has gone off the rails?

April 16, 2020April 14, 2021 by Molly O'Rourke, posted in Traveling as a family

Here are the top three signs that life while traveling in a van with kids has gotten out of hand.

You endorse a Burger King vs McDonald’s french fry taste test.

2. You stop to buy fly strips. Yes, they still make fly strips and, yes, we needed them in the van.

3. You have a can of easy cheese in your purse.

Embarrassing as it may be, this was actually one day in our life. I can’t remember what got us to this point but I imagine it was a hot day and we drove quite a few miles. I was obviously delirious.

The day ended with a relaxing dinner at our campsite.

THEN … We woke up to this and everything was okay. As the kids would say: We were “livin’ the life”!

Spring Break 2020.

March 27, 2020 by Molly O'Rourke, posted in Miscellaneous, Traveling as a family

Spring break 2020: Like everyone else, we are home. We have a new walking route from our front door. It was carefully constructed to avoid bike paths and playgrounds. We take one walk per day but it is a good one! It has hills, wildlife, golf course views, and a well kept cemetery.

HB adopted a squirrel in the cemetery and named him Tom. We bring Tom acorns each day. I think he recognizes us.

Day four of spring break 2020 and I admit that I have started to day dream about spring breaks past. Spring breaks of my childhood, teens, and twenties were full of fun and adventure. Spring breaks of my thirties looked different. I was working at a ski resort. Long work days and weeks were spent side by side with awesome co-workers. Even work was fun.

Spring break as a mom has brought a new set of adventures. We moved to Oregon in 2016.

Here we are at the airport on our way to Oregon in 2016.

The first year, we were craving mountains, high desert, and sun. We spent the week in Sun River. Newberry Volcanic Monument was not open for the session yet but the High Desert Museum was a hit. I recommend taking a minute to look at a Sun River map before heading out on the trails. I turned a one hour run into two by not looking at a map on the first day.

The second year, we headed to Calistoga, California. We swam in hot springs, ate good food, and stopped by a local geyser. Who knew?! We made it as far south as the Golden Gate Bridge and spent an afternoon at Muir Beach.

Old Faithful Geyser of California. There is a fee to see it. I don’t know if it was worth it or not but at the time, we needed a break from the car and this did the trick!

Last year, our trip to California was side lined due to illness so we waited a few days and drove to the Coast. We spent a couple of nights at a hotel on Cannon Beach. It rained and rained and the kids loved it. They ran out into the waves in rain jackets and pants and we carried them inside and warmed them up in the bathtub. At night we ate frozen pizza and played cards. They were happy.

The week was topped off by a stop in Newport. If you find yourself in Newport looking for something to do, here are my top three.

3. Old Town. Check out the sea lions. They are loud and sometimes they spit. Watching them doesn’t get old!

2. Oregon Coast Aquarium. As far as aquariums go, this is a nice one. Take note that much of it is outside so dress accordingly.

Aquarium Touch Tank. Remember at the tide pools: Don’t touch the sea stars!

Yaquina Head Outstanding Natural Area. Bring your inter-agency pass and your tide table. Tide pools are easy to access and somewhat popular. Sea stars, urchins, anemones, barnacles, chitons, and tons of other creatures are easy to find! If you have a question, there are usually volunteers nearby.

Spring break 2020 has been different but not so bad. We are healthy and happy and finding something fun to do each day. We watched Star Wars: A New Hope, with the kids for the first time. We have a much better understanding walking route options through every adjacent neighborhood. We painted dozens of rocks, hid them, found them, hid them again. One day we even slept until nearly 8:00. I find myself not knowing what else to do besides hope for the best during the next weeks and months. Stay home and stay healthy everyone. If you so us out walking, don’t worry, we will switch sides of the street before our paths cross but we will still say “hello”, smile, and wave.

Social distancing and disconnecting on a bluebird day.

March 13, 2020March 22, 2020 by Molly O'Rourke, posted in Traveling as a family

The insulation is mostly installed but the paneling has not been put back.

I requested the day off. The kids are out of school and today is “Thrifty Thursday” at our nearest ski area. I really needed to clear my mind and couldn’t think of a better way than heading over the pass and making some turns.

I am happy to report that despite the exposed insulation and last minute packing, the Sprinter’s first ski trip was a huge success!

Not only did we use the Sprinter as a dressing room for changing our clothes but we also used it as a gym for stretching, a cafeteria for snacking, a restroom for washing our hands, a laundromat for drying our gloves, and an apres ski lodge for putting up our feet.

Bluebird days with spring snow conditions are some of my favorite days. Today did not disappoint!

For five hours, I didn’t have a cell signal. I didn’t get phone calls, emails, or see the news. As a health care provider, I feel that we acted responsibly in the face of the Covid-19.

This was social distancing at its best! We didn’t get closer than six feet to anyone; we wore PPE (gloves and eye shields) the entire time! My kids washed their hands like they have a million times before and they didn’t mention scary rumors from school or tales of a virus.

I wish them clear minds. I wish them minds that are free from fear and anxiety that is even difficult for adults to process.

I hope our next few weeks are filled more Sprinter assisted social distancing.

We made it! Hoo Doo, Oregon. – and a great parking spot! Sprinter DIY

Spring conditions at Hoo Doo. A bluebird day.

Cape Perpetua, Oregon Coast Day-Trip.

February 17, 2020April 14, 2021 by Molly O'Rourke, posted in Oregon, Traveling as a family

The Oregon coast offers views and endless access to the ocean. There are so many options that it is hard to decide where to go next. The coast is one of our favorite winter day-trips.

What to pack for a winter day-trip to the Oregon Coast?

Hats, gloves, rain pants, spare socks, spare clothes, winter jackets, sunglasses, and rain jackets.

Our van stays stocked with food and kitchen supplies but I usually make sure that I have plenty of hot cocoa and a fast way to boil water!

You will also need your Interagency Pass and your National Parks Passport book if you have one.

What does Cape Perpetua and the Oregon Coast have to offer?

Cape Perpetua Scenic Area includes 2700 arces of Oregon’s coast. There are views from 800 feet above the shore.

There is a trail system, visitor’s center, ranger programs, and amazing views. Bring your inter-agency pass and settle in for the day.

A paved trail, with a tunnel under 101, leads from the visitor’s center to places with names like Devil’s churn and Thor’s well.

Are There Tide Pools?

There are tide pools. It is worth noting that these are not nearly as robust as the ones a few miles north at Yaquina Head, but none the less, the kids enjoy them.

Where Should We Eat Lunch?

As usual, we are always on the look out for places to park our van and enjoy a good meal. Cape Perpetua does not disappoint!

Head approximately one mile south to Neptune South. It is sure not to disappoint!

The kids love checking out the beach, running through water, splashing in puddles, discovering beach creatures, skipping stones, making dams, and they will continue this all day if I let them!

The pics do not do it justice!

Please like our blog for more fun!

Cape Perpetua. A sunny Oregon day.

February 17, 2020April 16, 2020 by Molly O'Rourke, posted in Traveling as a family

The Oregon coast offers beautiful views and an occasional picture perfect sun shiny day. Today was one of those days.

I packed hats, gloves, rain pants, spare clothes, winter jackets, hot chocolate, sunglasses, and rain jackets. We took the long way between the Willamette Valley and Waldport.

We stopped for a snack at Mill Creek Park in Alsea. There were fisherman and empty boat trailers everywhere. It turns out that the Steelhead fishing was hot. I filed this away for next weekend and we continued on our way.

Cape Perpetua is a must – see when driving the coast South from Yachats. It offers a trail system, visitor’s center, interpretive programs, and awesome views. Bring your inter-agency pass and settle in for the day.

A paved trail, including a tunnel under 101, leads from the visitor’s center to places with names like Devil’s churn and Thor’s well.

These tide pools offer far fewer treasures than the ones at Yaquina Head but, none the less, the kids were thrilled to find barnacles, anemones, and one small sea star. We spent at least two hours there but we could have spent much more.

We dragged the kids back to the visitor’s center with promises of Junior Ranger badges and a hot lunch.

As far as picnic locations go, we hit the jackpot. A mile or so South is a parking lot with sandy beach access. Neptune South.

The pictures don’t do it justice but I will leave them here for you to enjoy.

This is crazy multi-colored sand. Sprinter DIY

It had been a while since I had cooked beside the van. This was a good day to get back at it!

There was hardly a breath of wind. The stove was just where I had left it. The dry food was also where I had left it. It was fun to sort through and decide what to cook. I went with a rice dish with fresh fruit and Valentine’s Day candy on the side.

The kids were soaked and gladly changed in to dry clothes before dinner. HB took a rest up on the bed and Grace sat on the step to wash the sand off of her feet.

Even in mid-February, #vanlife was like riding a bike.

The day left me with a smile, a feeling of excitement, and also a bit of self-recognized impatience with the profoundly slow pace of our Sprinter camping conversion. I could have really used some additional storage today. With that being said, if additional storage never comes, a day with the Sprinter is still better than many other days!

Sunny February Weekend: Van Stay-cation.

February 3, 2020April 17, 2020 by Molly O'Rourke, posted in Traveling as a family

Here we are. The first weekend in February. The sun is shining. It is nearly fifty degrees. We are waist deep in home projects and paperwork.

Despite all of that, we squeezed in small scale van adventures.

Saturday afternoon and evening was spent celebrating a 50th birthday at our friend’s farm. It is 10 miles from town and we have threatened to sleep there in our van more than once.

We didn’t sleep there this time either but we enjoyed the ride. Our after dinner hike ended up with wet pants and socks so we took advantage of the van changing room option.

Sunday morning started off lazily but the sun was too tempting. We dashed out to the forest before the Superbowl.

McDonald – Dunn Forest Lewisburg Saddle is a fifteen minute drive from our house. I packed a light lunch and spare socks.

Sitting in the van is like a breath of fresh air. There is something comfortable and simple and wonderful about it. I think we all feel it.

We took the Vineyard loop and enjoyed the view from the old cement foundation at the top. The kids pretended to be planning a Superbowl party for cats and dogs. They walked and talked the whole way.

We spent ninety minutes walking and thirty minutes sitting the van.

They took theirs shoes off and hopped up on the bed. With the door open, the sun was shining right in. I got the snacks out but they didn’t eat. CD and I finished the cheese and crackers and eventually let them know that it was time to go. I think they would have stayed up there looking out the window all day.

The Sprinter requires a different life pace. It is good to be reminded that a slower pace is just fine too.

Sprinter Camping Conversion: Our stagnant progress.

January 18, 2020April 17, 2020 by Molly O'Rourke, posted in Traveling as a family

I imagined our biggest debate would be which color wood to install or where to put the overhead lighting.

We planned to begin the next phase of our camping conversation in January. It is January. Our progress has stalled.

CD was halfway to Eugene to pick up the roof rails when he changed course. He dropped by to chat with the fellow Sprinter owner that we met a few weeks ago. They shared thier visions and ideas.

CD turned around and drove home. His hesitated to spend money on factory roof rails. Our friend endorsed a much less expensive option.

So here we are, along with many other Sprinter owners. Part of our dream is financial sustainability.

When should we get the factory products? When should we improvise? How much extra work and time are we willing to put in to each step in order to save a few dollars?

It wasn’t hard for us to answer these questions. We are on board to save money if the alternate plan provides the same result in the end.

What is holding us up now?

Our Sprinter works well for us. We are happy. In just a few weeks last spring, CD pounded together a camping conversion far superior to any other way we have traveled.

In order to move forward, the current conversion needs to be dismantled. Not only will we not be able to camp in our Sprinter, we will not be able to use our Sprinter.

Our garage will be full of dismantled food boxes and beds.

Nothing in an Oregon winter is free of rain and mud. I can’t guarentee the wood will be safe.

So, here we are. I anticipate that one day we will just get up and start tearing the Sprinter apart. It will be both sad and exciting. I will be impatient and restless. It will be worth it.

Until then, here is a bit about Sprinter life in Oregon in the winter.

The Hackleman Old Growth forest is easy to drive past. It can be found on the South side of Highway 20 between Corvallis and Sisters. The parking lot is paved and easy to access. A sign marks the trail.

After driving past it dozens of times, stopping there this year was an obvious choice. When driving the Sprinter, it seems like trail heads and parks pop up everywhere!

Short trails or boardswalks are an excuse to make hot chocolate and play a game of cards or two.

It is about the journey; we stop often

Our afternoon base camp at the old growth. It is raining but we were warm and happy

This is a slug. The slugs are one of a handful of things that I found amazing when I moved here. This isn’t the biggest we have seen.

Are you looking for a hike in the high country? Colorado Winter Hikes.

January 16, 2020April 16, 2020 by Molly O'Rourke, posted in Traveling as a family

Some places are so great that it doesn’t seem right to put them out there on the internet for everyone to see.

Most places are already fully accessible online. They are all likely more crowded than before the internet existed. The crowds are not because of my little blog. In the interest of sharing some great spots, I will start will a great one.

Mayflower Gulch is the sort of hike that you see in magazines or on television. It is picturesque.

It was a weekday afternoon type of hike for us when we lived in Summit County. According to the internet it is a 5.9 mile loop. It didn’t seem that far. The trail head is less than 10 miles towards Leadville from I-70. The road is well traveled.

As with many hikes in the high country, I recommend it in the winter. With snow it is quiet and light. There will likely be a few other people there but they will all be smiling.

Skis with climbing skins, Nordic skis, snow shoes, or boots will all typically work well for this trek. Old mining cabins mark the end of the trail and offer a good place for lunch with a side of inspiration.

The stops that were soon forgotten. I-80 Westbound to the Manitou Incline. Sprinter DIY.

January 15, 2020April 16, 2020 by Molly O'Rourke, posted in Traveling as a family

I was flipping through my phone when I found a series of brief videos chronicling last years mad-dash for Colorado.

As per our usual, we hit the road at a moment’s notice. Our goal was Colorado by afternoon the next day in order to cross paths with a cousin that CD hadn’t seen in years.

Here are a few videos from Sprinter stops soon forgotten.

We conquered I-80 again. CD’s cousin was still there and this was the reward.

If you haven’t heard of the Manitou Incline, this is for you. Here is a picture from the top.

The incline: Manitou Springs, CO. Sprinter DIY

Back in the day the challenge was to hike to the top in the same number of minutes as your age. I was thirty something. My record time was 42 minutes and that was before they improved the steps. I like to think I would have easily broken 40 minutes if it was like it is today but who knows.

This year I forgot to start my watch. I have had the same watch for fifteen years and I have never forgotten to start it.

It turns out that in 2019 I still made it to the top. It was not as pretty and not as fast. I still felt successful and healthy and tired and thirsty.

In my younger days, it had been said that one of my main motivations for exercising and recreating was to “apres”. I still believe that “apres” is meant for more than just skiing.

We hiked down and headed to town. After a light lunch and a cold cocktail, I almost felt thirty again!

Manitou Incline Info and Stats:

The Incline is made from the remains of a narrow gauge railway that was built in 1907. It was destroyed in a rock slide in 1990. The rails were removed and the rail road ties remain.

Until 2013 locals and fitness enthusiasts would walk past “no trespassing” signs to hike up the disorganized and unmaintained remains. CD and I were among the people that had the privilege of doing so. I am happy to report that we did so without injury.

It has since been repaired and opened to the public. The obvious results of this have been fees for parking, greater crowds, and evenly spaced railway ties without raged metal edges. We still love it.

Altitude at the base: 6600 ft
Ascent: 2011 ft
Distance: 0.88 miles
Steps: 2744
Grade: up to 68%

What to bring:

Sunscreen
Hat
Hiking poles (Seriously – you will thank me later!)
Water (Enough water to dump some on your head if you need; Shade is sparse)
Snacks
A friendly smile (To encourage other hikers and let them know you are doing okay.)
Hiking poles (Trust me on this!)

Disclaimer

Category: Traveling as a family