Ticks And Lyme Disease | Nature For Kids

I just came across this article on Ticks and Lyme Disease from Nature for Kids that I thought I would sure. Now that the weather is warming up, we’re all - hopefully - spending heaps of time outside and need to be aware of how to spot and safely remove those pesky creepy crawlies that only live in North America. Just another reason to immigrate to Oz…

I always check the kids for ticks when I strip them down for the bath after we’ve been out in the woods.  I haven’t found one on either of them yet, but chances are, the day will come…

Ticks And Lyme Disease | Nature For Kids

doubting Punxsutawney Phil’s skills…

I know the groundhog predicted 6 more weeks of winter, but the last 6 days have been absolutely gorgeous.  A most welcome break from the the freezing temps of the last few months.  Even though I know the weather gods are going to plunge us back into a deep freeze, I’ve enjoyed every moment I possibly could of the warmth.  Probably why I have a very long to do list of all the things I’ve neglected over the past week…

Yesterday, my friend, Kim, along with her two boys, showed us a gorgeous trail in 1,800 acre Wissahickon Valley Park called Forbidden Drive.  We found plentiful street parking by taking a left off of Henry Avenue onto Monestary Drive and then making an immediate right.  While this wasn’t a the trail head, it provided us a short walk under the Henry Avenue bridge onto the trail.

We had intended to have a decent hike along the stoller-friendly Forbidden Drive to an area with easy access to the river.  But once the boys saw the river, there was no turning back.

We ended up climbing over the fence (yes, it was allowed) and straight down to the river where the boys could throw rocks into the water.

One thing Kim and I both agreed on was that when taking kids for a hike, the purpose has to be for them to enjoy nature and exploring, not for you to get in your exercise for the day.

Kim is also up for being part of the children and nature club that I want to start here in Philly - I’m thinking of calling it “PSX Philly” - any thoughts? I think Kai and Taz had a lot more fun having other kids to play and explore with.

After Kim’s eldest had stepped in the icy water a few too many times, she decided to head home for naptime.  My boys and I decided to stay on as we were so enjoying being out.  We sat together on a big rock for a while, just watching the leaves float down the river.

On our way back up the trail, Kai and I started looking for pods, acorns, pine cones and other items that had fallen out of the trees to use to make little nature people out of for an art project (inspired by the upcoming Kids Grow Expo - I’ll write about that in a future post).  It was great to have a treasure hunt - it really added to Kai’s enthusiasm and, as a result, we ended hiking the yellow/green trail for another hour or so. While not stroller-friendly, I had forgotten mine anyway, so with Taz in the front-carrier we did just fine.  It was bike and horse accessible - I would love to get day on the mountain bike without the kids this spring… Anyway, I was amazed at Kai’s endurance - all due to his having a purpose to his hike.  I was actually the one who insisted on turning around once Taz got overly fussy.  He fell asleep in my arms on the way back to the car - not the most comfortable way to walk, but we made it back to the car.

As I’ve looked over the Friends of the Wissahickon website, I am so excited about all there is to do in the park, which is part of the Fairmount Park system.  There are numerous trails, as well as volunteer activities and organized hikes.  There is even an environmental center which offers tot classes.  While the schedule currently on their website is from last fall, I am hoping to visit there soon and find out about the updated options.  The more I learn about Philly’s outdoor offerings, the more I am amazed by how nature friendly this big city is.  And the more excited I am about discovering all we can!

savoring fall…

So, now that we’ve explored Philly a bit (a very little bit - there is so much to see here…), it was time to venture beyond the city limits.  And, as fall is almost over, we had to fit in a leaf viewing day while we could.  From our place, we headed west on Kelly Drive through Fairmount Park, merged onto the I-76 and, while we just meant to meander aimlessly, we ended up  at Valley Forge. 

Much to the surprise of us Pennsylvania newbies, it’s just a 1/2 hour or so from Philly.  While we didn’t view much of the historic stuff, it was a pleasure to be there as Valley Forge is a part of my personal family history - my multi-great-grandfather, the oddly-named, Dr. Bodo Otto, served there with good ole George Washington back in the day.   So, it was a good destination for fall fun as well as to instill a sense of family pride in my boys.

After romping in the leaves, we drove around a bit exploring the national park.  And what did we come upon, but a covered bridge.

It was one of those serendipity finds that make an afternoon outing so memorable.  And, best of all, the covered bridge sat on the edge of a lovely hiking path that ran along the river.  The moment I was on that trail, I felt renewed.  It was as though all other thoughts instantly melted away.  I felt alive.  I love the excitement of our city living experience, but it’s in the woods that I really feel at home. And I was glad to hear that Kai felt the same way when exclaimed, “you’re right mom, I do like hiking!”.

As I cuddled Kai on my lap later that night, I could still smell the smokey fagrance of fall in his air - ah, breathe deep, there are only a few weeks of it left.

Save the date…

for the first annual National Wildlife Federation’s Family Trail Weekend (11-13 October 2008)!! So make plans to get out there and explore a new trail with the little ones. Hopefully we’ll be settled in Philly by then and exploring up there… We drove up there today to check some places out.  I have my fingers crossed that one of them will work out. I’m feeling so ready to start this new adventure - and end this time of transition…

In the wise words of Curious George…

or should it be thoughts? - George doesn’t actually talk does he… Anyway, they’re wise regardless: “Hiking is exciting. George didn’t know why more people don’t do it.” My thoughts exactly! Not that I mind having the trails to myself… but I often wonder if people make it more complicated than it needs to be - you don’t have to go far and you don’t need any special equipment - that’s why hiking is such an easy way to access nature in our busy lives.  And it’s amazing how many places there are to hike close to home - you just have to do a bit of looking for them…

As I mentioned in my last post, we’ve been exploring the nearby nature centers in Maryland. And I’ve fallen in love with Meadowside in Rock Creek Regional Park - it’s not the nature center itself, though it is pretty cool and even has a small caving tunnel for kids (and me) to explore - but it’s the short hikes that are perfect for kids.  While there are about 25 miles worth of trails throughout the park, we’ve just plotted out a mile or so loop that I know Kai can handle.  It starts at the nature center, meanders down to and along the river and then back up ending at the nature center. Kai loves to carry the map which can be picked up at the head of the trail - that way he feels official and I can show him where we are.  He also loves to have a job - usually it’s to find the next trail marker on a tree to make sure we’re still going in the right direction or to look for cool bugs to collect in his bug catcher.

And it’s great that we get to take a break in the middle to play in the water.  I keep thinking we should bring a picnic to eat on the nice flat rock, but if I try to be that organized, I probably wouldn’t get out of the door…

Kai does get a bit tired on the small incline at the end, but I just have to give a bit of extra encouragement and he pushes through.

There are caged birds of prey (due to permanent injuries which prevent them from being safe in the wild) right at the end of the trail that he enjoys visiting - especially Orion, the bald eagle - how often do you get to see one of those up close (though the dead mice all over his cage do gross me out - I am so not a rodent person, dead or alive - blaah!). But just knowing the birds are ahead is motivation enough - thank goodness as carrying one kid and a backpack are enough for me!

Before I had kids, going hiking was a way for me to escape from the world and reconnect with my thoughts - it was the one place I could make clear decisions and always felt renewed. It’s a totally different experience now - for one thing, it’s not quiet so I can’t just get lost in my thoughts anymore… - but it is a place to reconnect with my kids. I can focus on them without any of the distractions at home - cleaning, making dinner, working, trying to write in my blog… and we can just enjoy exploring together.

So, I was excited to see that the Curious George episode this morning was on hiking - he was a bit reticent at first - which I can empathize with based on Kai’s attitude at times - but by the end he was all over it. How I love that little monkey.

Tips for hiking safely with kids…

as promised:

1. Train with your child: practice carrying your child in the carrier backpack. This will help you adjust to carrying the pack and your child will acclimate to the routine. Take your older children (4 and up) on weekly walks.
2. Choose a trail that offers easy access to domesticated amenities. Having a base camp or prearranged lodging allows you to be a parent, not a Sherpa. Check into transportation options. You should have a plan if you need to get off the trail. Inquire about grocery amenities. Since you’re traveling on food, it’s good to know what’s available before you arrive so you know what to pack.
3. Research the area you plan to trek: obtain maps & guidebooks of the area; check with local travel experts on hiking - rangers, guides, etc; determine if the water is safe for drinking; find out what type of wildlife you can expect to see; research the weather and terrain - avoid hiking in freezing temps, lightening storms and extreme heat.
4. Dress your child in proper clothing. No cotton - choose synthetics, fleece, wool and waterproof breathable clothing instead.
5. Be prepared for trail emergencies. Carry a first aid kit and brush up on your children first aid and CPR. Learn about the dangers of hypothermia and monitor children for signs.
6. Keep the journey fun!! Make your trek a child directed event. Whatever animal or rock your child takes interest in, stop and let them play. Talk to your child about what you’re seeing. Label the animals, rocks, trees & flowers. Bring along some trail toys: harmonica, flute, bells, books, stuffed animals. Tone down your mileage goals to the comfort level of your child.

Tips courtesy of Jeff Alt.

Trekking with Toddlers…

at Big Meadows in Shenandoah National Park - what better way to spend National Trails Day and the day before my birthday. And what better way to escape the intense heat and humidity that we’ve had all weekend then to be up in the mountains hiking on a shady path.

So, I didn’t know quite what to expect from this Trekking with Toddlers seminar, but it was fabulous - with snacks and all. It started with a lecture by Jeff Alt who provided us with useful advice on the how-to’s for hiking with kids as well as a hands on gear demonstration. (okay, so he provided great notes, but I can’t look at them because it’s really late and Kaleo is sleeping - but when else do I have time to write??? - I promise to pass on all the tips ASAP.) During the gear portion, I asked how old Taz needed to be to graduate from a front carrier to a backpack - Jeff thought 9 months, his wife, Beth, estimated 6 months, but when we took Taz for a test ride, he looked quite content back there already… and so I’m pining after the Kelty FC 3.0 Child Carrier…

With our new found knowledge, we took a short nature hike with the kids to a stream and back.

One of my favorite parts was all of the rangers that accompanied our little group - a couple of them had kids on the hike as well and all were more than patient. They had obviously been trained to provide educational programs to kids so were easygoing and engaging. My one question through this whole thing was how to really motivate kids and encourage them to enjoy hiking. Because, of course, my kid was the one complaining loudly through the first part of the hike about how he didn’t like hiking, it was boring, he wanted to go back, it was hot, he was tired, he wanted binoculars like one of the other kids… But once Regina, one of the very patient rangers, brought out magnifying glasses and bug boxes - Kai was enthralled and I heard no further complaints (except for when I had to carry him on my back - yes, with Taz also on my front - up a couple of hills on the way back - luckily Nana (aka my mom) joined us and could carry my backpack). He was at the back of the group still throughout the hike but it was because he was curious about everything and was looking for bugs everywhere.

When it was all said and done, we sat in the shade and chatted with the other families. It was so nice to hike in a group - it’s usually just me and the kids, so I enjoyed the company and will definitely be on the lookout for more family hiking opportunities — or maybe organizing some of my own - anyone interested??

And I have to say thanks to my mom for the best birthday present this year (well, besides the marbles from Kai) - a National Parks Annual Pass. Let the adventures continue…

A change in my National Trails Day Plans…

So, while I had it all set up to go on a trail clean up, I couldn’t resist changing plans when I came across an event at Shenandoah National Park entitled “Trekking with Toddlers“. It’s a ranger-led program that includes a lecture on “how to’s” and a short hike - it sounds like the perfect way to commemorate National Trails Day with kids. Besides I figure it will be a lot easier than trying to clean up trails with an infant in a front carrier - picking strawberries today with Taz was just so not easy, but I’ll get to that soon…

Mark your calendars…

for National Trails Day!! Next Saturday, 7 June, seek out your favorite trails to discover, learn about, and celebrate trails while participating in educational exhibits, trail dedications, gear demonstrations, instructional workshops and trail work projects. There are heaps of events going on all around the country.

I’m taking the kids to an REI work project in Rockville, Maryland. We’re going to work on the Croydon Creek Nature Center. And as we’ve never been there, it will be a new place to explore. So check out an REI event in your area!

And so it begins…

After living for two years in Tasmania, Australia, I find myself back in the Washington, D.C. metro area as a stay-at-home mom with two boys. I’m determined to instill in Kai and Taz my love for the outdoors - a challenge with the big city so close by. While hiking with my kids last week, I decided it would be fun to chronicle our adventures as we explore the area - seeking out all of the outdoor attractions we can find - from trails to farmers’ markets. Perhaps I can pass on a few tips for outdoor fun with kids, gear reviews and links to places I’ve sought out. Here’s to all the adventures yet to come!!