Denali National Park
• The Smell of Autumn • Healthy Lunch Ideas for Kids
Go Adventure Magazine
Fa l l 2 0 1 4
Fall 2014
Hello Adventurers!
Go Adventure officially welcomes you to fall! It’s one of our favorite times of the year! Something wonderful happens when crispness is in the air, you have a reason to sip some cider and the kids are back in school. Fall brings more than just leaves changing color. Whether your life phase allows big adventures or back yard ones, we hope the ideas, photos and articles shared here will make fall 2014 memorable for your family!
Photo by Tanya Koob, rockiesfamilyadventures.com
Happy Adventuring! Kathy Dalton and the rest of the Adventure Mom Team P.S. Use the tag #GoAdventure on Twitter, Instagram and FB for a chance to win great prizes and products from our sponsors!
Be part of raising a generation of nature-loving outdoorsy children. Adventure Mom offers easyto-replicate exploration ideas and field tested product reviews that enhance outdoor recreation. We also supply family travel tips, colorful infographics and family focused articles designed to inspire family activities and togetherness.
We want to hear about your adventures! info@goadventuremom.com 801-901-0515 Twitter twitter.com/GoAdventureMom Facebook facebook/GoAdventureMom Instagram instagram/GoAdventureMom Pinterest pinterest.com/GoAdventureMom Visit GoAdventureMom.com to sign up for our newsletter to get insider information and special offers on the latest gear and deals.
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Featured Adventure Mom Bios Our team is made up of mom’s that love the outdoors. Interested in joining our team? Email us at info@goadventuremom.com Kathy Dalton: As a former ski instructor, Go Adventure Mom’s founder is off on a new adventure adding a new baby, making her and her husband Jon the parents of three! Kathy has taken her love for outdoor recreation and through the power of social media shares her passion with the world. Kristin Sokol: I’m an early thirties mother of two and wife to a husband who is pretty much the wind beneath my wings (and the money behind my debit card). I enjoy writing and laughing at the things I write. Mary Edwards: I’m in my late 30′s and a mother of 6-year-old twin girls. We like to run, hike, camp, snow shoe, cross country ski and cozy up to a stack of books together. Christine Bowman: I am the token baby boomer in this group. The one who is stalling when it comes to elastic waistband pants and evenings in the recliner. Mae Kiggins loves the outdoors and grew up hiking and camping in the Rockies. In college she studied natural resources and worked as a park ranger, research assistant and policy intern. These days her adventures include her two children (1 and 4) and husband. Mae also blogs at Mommy Loves Trees. Jamie Moesser is a mother of two and is a blogger at HobbyMamas.com. She is a compulsive volunteer, waterskier, wakeboarder, scrapbooker, dirt biker, fiction writer, reader, flyfisher, geocacher, r/c car driver, camper, gamer, etc. etc. Ann Weaver is a mother of three kids, one husband, many chickens, and her fruit trees. Her primary outdoor passion is backpacking, but she’ll also jump at the chance to go skiing, cycling, climbing, kayaking, or canyoneering. Contributors in this issue Cover Photo: Tanya Koob, rockiesfamilyadventures.com
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Sara Wellensiek writes at Mom Endeavors where you can find great Disney crafts, recipes and tutorials, Carly Kerby writes at Living The Scream where she shares her day to day life raising four daughters. Erin Kirkland: AKontheGO is the only website dedicated to Alaska family travel. Published by Erin Kirkland, an Anchorage freelance writer, mother, and author, AKontheGO was launched in 2009 to meet the needs of families traveling in Alaska with children. Jill Collins: Blogger at Get On the Beaten Path Kate Calder: Blogger at Rock and Sun
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For once you have tasted flight you will walk the earth with your eyes turned skywards, for there you have been and there you will long to return.” Leonardo da Vinci
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Contents table of
25 S’mores ideas!
Page 28
Fall 2014
Denali National Park
6
Empowering Women of India While Helping the Environment 10 Exploring India: The Great Outdoor Playground 14 Enhancing Your Child’s Learning with Outdoor Education 18 The Smell of Autumn
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Ditching the Details: Why unplanned adventures make great family activities 26 25 Delicious Ways to Eat S’mores
28
Coca-Cola India 5by20
Page 10 Money Saving Tips to Fund your Travel Bucket List 30 Urban Homesteader: Creating Traditions Relationships 34 Healthy Lunch Ideas for Kids 36 Fall for Seasonal Kids Crafts
Fun fall crafts Page 39
39
Dream Adventure budget
Page 30
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Denali National Park What you need to know for an autumn visit By Erin Kirkland
Before you read any further, ponder this fact for a moment: Denali National Park encompasses six million acres, and there is but one road in or out. One narrow, dirt road that bisects the space, shared by thousands of eager visitors each year.
And we got to drive it. Denali National Park is by far the most popular park in Alaska, mostly due to its accessibility from the main Parks Highway heading north and south between Anchorage and Fairbanks. You can’t miss it actually, even if you tried. Summer means crowded campgrounds, park visitor centers, and ancillary services in the area known as “Glitter Gulch” where cruise lines accommodate enormous crowds and attractions fly, float, and bus guests to various activities.
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Denali National park • Go Adventure Magazine • Fall 2014
these are folks who chose to visit when leaves are changing, temperatures are dropping, and weather becomes unpredictable. Wildlife in Denali National Park are generally active, wanting to gather the last bits of food or fuel for a long, cold, and dark Alaskan winter. Colors are vibrant, even riotous, with reds and golds dominating the landscape, cast brilliantly against The Mountain. Ah, yes, The Mountain. Denali, Mount McKinley, The High One; whatever you call her, the 20,320foot snowy, icy rock of fame dominates everything, even if she doesn’t grace you with her presence (and often she won’t). During the summer, Denali contrasts greatly against green tundra and sometimes-blue sky; in the fall and winter, she is sharper, as if competing against the colorful landscape below her flanks. Most autumn visitors to Denali National Park prefer to attempt an annual luck-of-the-draw drive with the Denali Park Road Lottery, the application for which begins in May, with winners drawn in July. For the lucky who win a spot, a permit is issued allowing the bearer, their entourage, and a personal vehicle to drive the entire 90 miles from the entrance area to Wonder Lake in one day. It’s dusty, bumpy, and often exhausting, but for lottery winners, worth every bone-jarring, jawFor Alaskans, especially those who treasure quieter dropping moment. Curious about the lottery? ways to experience their hometown national park, Read about the process HERE. summer can be a bit much, no matter how much they appreciate the benefits of tourism to the For those not so lucky to win a permit, or who state, and this makes an autumn visit even more choose to visit after lottery weekend (generally precious. the second weekend in September), there are still Not an Alaskan? That’s okay, we’ll let you in, happily. The post-Labor Day visitor demographic is definitely hardier than summertime visitors;
plenty of opportunities to play in the greater Denali National Park area. Read on for some great options for families:
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Denali National park • Go Adventure Magazine • Fall 2014
Camping. Why not? Riley Creek Campground is open ALL YEAR, and can be a lovely, bug-free experience in the fall. Bring extra warm, weather-proof clothing, firewood, and let your kids experience Alaska from the ground up, literally. A few other Denali National Park campgrounds stay open in the fall, check out their list HERE. Visitor Centers. The experience of roaming the Denali National Park visitor centers before mid-September is simply delightful. No crowds of people, access to Junior Ranger backpacks, art kits, and guided hikes and walks; the list goes on. Park Service rangers are always thrilled to see lateseason visitors, and kids in particular. If you’ve won the Road Lottery, the main visitor center also acts as the check-in kiosk. After that week, operations for the park move to Murie Science and Learning Center across the road, and is open all winter. Dogs. Did you know Denali National Park operates the last NPS sled dog kennel in the United States? Yep, and oh, my, those pups are cute. Stop by through mid-September for a demonstration and the opportunity to walk through the kennels and give a pat to this dedicated team of park protectors. Oh, and the
current litter of puppies is usually tumbling around in their kennel. Hikes. Crazy-beautiful hiking exists in the fall. The smells, the sights, the sounds - everything is both amplified and simple during the autumn months. From August to September, leaves provide a lovely backdrop for kids to explore. Try any trail around the entrance area, Savage River, or even Polychrome Overlook further up the road. Each is unique, and each might bring more wildlife to your viewfinder! Note: After the Road Lottery Weekend, all private vehicles are allowed to drive up to 30 miles into the park, until snow shuts down the road. Take advantage of this opportunity! Wildlife. Really, that’s why most people venture into Denali National Park. Bears, moose, caribou, foxes, and even the occasional wolf can be spotted from the park road, making the experience even more special. Do heed all warnings and posted signs, however, as Denali wildlife are not the urban critters you might see wandering the streets of Anchorage. EXTRAS: Pay attention to weather in Denali National Park, as it can and does change in seconds.
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Denali National park • Go Adventure Magazine • Fall 2014
Sun to wind and rain, or even snow, can occur at any time, so call ahead 907-683-2294 for current conditions, especially after Road Lottery Weekend. Bring your own food, water, and extra snacks to last an entire day on the road. No services area available, and it’s a bummer to be stuck 30 miles up a dirt road with hungry, thirsty kids (or grownups). If camping, consider purchasing some prepared, healthy, and extremely yummy snacks from Adventure Appetites, a local company whose food beats the typical backpacker fare. We love it.
Fill the car with fuel before driving anywhere; during late fall/winter months, the closest gas station is at least 12 miles from the entrance area. If you have an infant or small child in diapers, bring enough for a few days; none are available anywhere in the entrance area.
LODGING: Visit the Denali Chamber of Commerce for a great listing of B&Bs, hotels, and cabins for rent during the fall and winter months, very helpful once the main cruise industry hotels shut down for the season.
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Empowering Women in India While helping The Environment Coca-Cola Makes It Happen
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By Mary Edwards
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Empowering Women in India While Saving the Environment • Go Adventure Magazine • Fall 2014
Monkeys swing in the treetops. Cars blare their horns. There are dirt floors beneath my feet. Women surround me in colorful clothing. I am in India. I was welcomed by the Indian people with open arms, goodwill, and gifts. I was one of eight female bloggers on a special tour of India sponsored by the Coca-Cola Company. Our mission was to witness how CocaCola’s #5by20 initiative empowered women as they built new businesses in India.
Coca Cola’s #5by20 initiatives in India It’s heartwarming to know companies like Coca-Cola are not only creating sustainable growth for themselves but are interested in the communities in which they serve. During my brief visit to India I witnessed what happens when corporations like Coca-Cola actually invest in the communities they serve. Here are just a few of the many projects Coca Cola is supporting in India: goadventuremom.com
#SupportmySchool In Bangalore there is a direct correlation between sanitation facilities and school drop-out rates for young girls. I visited a primary school and meet the students who are benefiting from CocaCola’s partnership with U.N. Habitat. The goal is to keep young girls who enter puberty in school by providing functioning sanitation facilities in semirural and rural schools. And…It’s working! Rejuvenating Village Reservoirs Soda Village: Chhavi Rajawat is an MBA grad who left her telecom job to help her village. She was elected in 2010 as the village sarpanch or mayor. Since her election, the position of women in her village has changed. Women now have a voice in community gatherings. Chhavi’s passion made Coca-Cola take notice of her village’s water issues, agreeing to restore the village’s main reservoir, the Swarn Tal, providing clean drinking water. One of the many legacies Chhavi will leave is her insistence that women aren’t left “behind the veil.” Sewing Centers: In the western Indian state of Gujarat, known as the Jewel of the West India, I witnessed 30 sewing machines buzzing and 30 women earning their
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Empowering Women in India While Saving the Environment • Go Adventure Magazine • Fall 2014
livelihoods in partnership with Coca-Cola and the Jivan Jyot Charitable Trust. Career Development Center (CDC): These centers throughout India empower rural, educated and underserved youth to acquire a skillset through training in service, retail, manufacturing, basic IT sectors etc. Once training is completed these youth are better prepared to enter the mainstream workforce and earn sustainable incomes.
Environmental Practices Coca-Cola’s environmental practices now in place in India were as impressive as the initiative they’ve taken to empower women. One project at a time India’s environmental landscape is changing for the better.
he’d been using flood irrigation which depressed his yields and wasted tremendous amounts of water. Since then he’s reduced his water use by 40% and increased his yield by 40%. eKOCool Solar Coolers: The coolers not only keep drinks cold but also have ports for charging lanterns and mobile phones. “We charge our lantern in the daytime so we can use it at night when we are out of electricity,” says Gupta, who often goes without power for days at a time, usually without warning. It blew my mind to witness how small investments can create a huge impact on entire communities, especially the adult women and girls who are often repressed. Simple drinking water, sanitation facilities in schools, splash bars, and career training create confidence and are turning the tide making India a better place.
Fossil-Fuel Free Plant and Water Recycling: We visited one of Coca-Cola’s largest bottling plants and learned that the plant will be fossil-fuel free by January 2015. The plant already replaces the water it uses, making it water neutral. We toured a huge water-recycling facility and the remaining waste from the water is used to make yarn for employee uniforms, or briquettes that become fuel for the plant. Bottles to Fiber Recycling Operation: In collaboration with Ganesha Ecosphere Ltd., the largest PET recycler in India, Coca Cola established India’s first bottles-to-fiber recycling operation. I received a shirt made from 6 recycled plastic bottles. Drip Irrigation Technology: I met Sohanlal Khosle whose large family of 18 live and work on a farm. Before Sohanlal implemented drip irrigation in 2011
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5by20 by the Numbers 5by20 is The Coca-Cola Company’s global commitment to enable the economic empowerment of 5 million women entrepreneurs across the company’s value chain by 2020. Specifically, that means the small businesses the company works with in over 200 countries around the world. From fruit farmers to artisans, this initiative aims to help women overcome the barriers they face to business success.
2010
year 5by20 was launched
6
550k+
women empowered by 5by20*
elements of the Coca-Cola value chain are reached
44
LOCAL STORE
producer
3
countries where we are working with UN Women: Brazil, Egypt, South Africa
countries have 5by20 programs
5M
women to be empowered by 2020
supplier
distributor
5
countries enabling women farmers: China, Haiti, India, Kenya, Uganda
retailer
recycler
artisan
7
countries providing artisans with design and marketing expertise: Austria, Brazil, Great Britain, Mexico, Philippines, Turkey, Uganda
Key Partners
The Women
21k
women retailers reached through 5by20 in the Philippines
12
weeks of business skills training are provided
4
generations of 77-year-old shopkeeper Bernardita’s family depend on the “sari-sari” store she runs
13k
47k
women reached through 5by20 in Brazil
30%
increase in income for artisans who participated in programs
700+
Families supported by Regina’s recycling business in Rio de Janeiro
24k
women reached through 5by20 in Mexico
5by20 women farmers in Kenya and Uganda have received training
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25 acres
age of Carolina’s son she is proud to put through college with earnings from her store
size of Mama Njeri’s mango farm in Kenya. After training she has increased her crop yield and mentored others
* All figures in this document are cumulative through Dec. 31, 2013.
goadventuremom.com Visit www.5by20.com | Follow
22k
women reached through 5by20 in South Africa
300%
Elizabeth’s profit increase at her food stall in Johannesburg
1k
5by20 women retailers in India now have dependable access to energy thanks to solar powered coolers
300%
approximate income increase for India shopkeeper Preeti after beginning to use a Coca-Cola cooler powered by solar energy
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By Mary Edwards
Anu’s daughters in traditional mountain outfits, Himachal Pradesh, India
exploring India
By Mary Edwards
The great outdoor playground
I recently visited India to witness Coca-Cola's initiative to economically empower 5 million women in developing countries by 2020 #5by20. Through this experience, I hope to show adventurous families the colorful culture, the amazing outdoors, and delicious cuisine. I also invite readers to consider visiting this life changing place. Favorite Outdoor Places to Take the Family: As a true adventure mom at heart, my appetite for seeing great places to bring families to never quits. I realize India seems out of reach for most families. Families who CAN afford the effort, time
and expense, should expect to be dazzled by raw untouched wonders. The exploration potential and ravishing views will leave you with lasting memories that will inspire you for a lifetime. One of my favorite day trips in India was spent traveling from Dehli to Agra to visit the Taj Mahal. This is where I met Anurag Mathur (Anu), a professional tour guide. His immense architectural knowledge about the Taj Mahal and the story behind it, made this visit a true trip highlight. In addition to being a knowledgeable tour guide, Anu is an avid sportsman and authentic voice
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Exploring India • Go Adventure Magazine • Fall 2014
for India’s great outdoors. His adventurous photography showcases some of the best outdoor activities in India.
I interviewed Anu and asked him where the best places to take family to visit in India. Here are his recommendations: Kinnaur The Land of Gods (Himachal Pradesh, India) This is a tremendously beautiful district boasting three mountains ranges i.e. Zanskar, Greater Himalayas and Dhauladhar. The slopes are covered with thick wood, orchards, fields and picturesque hamlets. The valleys leading down from the slopes are also strikingly beautiful. You have to see it to believe. The scenic wonder of this place appeals to young and old without discrimination. The lifestyles of the people, their culture, heritage, customs and traditions leave visitors with a greater appreciation about new culture and the spirit of humanity. Mukteshwar The Apple Country (Uttarakhand, India) Mukteshwar is pure magic. Set amidst the conifer forests and orchards you can see the most enchanting view of the Himalayas and its
Nainital The Lake District (Uttarakhand, India) Situated at a height of 7200 feet, Nainital is a glittering jewel in the Himalyan necklace. It’s blessed with scenic natural splendor and varied natural resources. Dotted with lakes and their accompanying ecosystems, Nainital has earned the title of the 'Lake District ' of India. The most prominent of the lakes is Naini Lake which is encircled by breathtaking hills. Nainital’s unending expense of scenic beauty is nothing short of a romance with its awe inspiring nature and pristine clarity. Mussoorie The Queen of Hill Stations (Uttarakhand, India) Mussoorie, the proverbial Queen of Hill stations. At an average altitude of 6,600 ft. its green hills and varied flora and fauna make it a fascinating hill resort. Commanding snow ranges to the northeast and glittering views of the Doon Valley and Shiwalik ranges in the south make presents a fairyland atmosphere to visiting tourists.
snow covered peaks. This place is alive with apple, plum, peach, and apricot trees. Best of all, this region is a hidden beauty and is mostly unexplored. Mukteshwar is an ideal hill station if you want to admire the panoramic beauty of the Himalayas and leisure walks through the winding paths of the hills.
Indian people count Mussoorie as the place for affairs of the heart, rightly called the Honeymoon capital of India. An idyllic stroll through any of the meandering mountain roads of the town, on a clear and sunny day will bring you to spectacular views of the Himalayas.
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Exploring India • Go Adventure Magazine • Fall 2014
Most Memorable Outdoor Experience/Best Scenery/Best Hike I have to award to Rakcham village in Sangla Valley in Kinnaur region of Himachal Pradesh, India. It’s one of the best off the beat mountain excursions in the country. Roads require four wheel drive to safely navigate. We camped in tents in remote mountain villages. It was paradise, presenting me with views I'd never seen before. The cool winds, sound of flowing water, huge rocks forming a collage. Whatever anyone imagines heaven to be, this is it. Sitting beside the cool stream, meditating, with ice-cold water from melting glaciers, was, and will remain one of my most memorable experiences of my life.
Best Places to Explore Agra has the Tajmahal, which is one of the Seven Wonders of the World and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Anu’s family at Rakcham village in Sangla Valley
Rajput Palaces Udaipur and Jodhpur, Rajasthan, India
Himachal Pradesh You’ll experience the beauty of the mountains.
Desert Safari Jaisalmer, Rajasthan, India
Rajasthan Includes the magnificent Indian rajput culture with palaces, lakes and desert.
Religious Ceremonial Culture Varanasi, Uttar Pradesh. Kerela, India for backwaters, & Munnar for mountains.
Kerela Enjoy the exotic backwaters, fantastic greenery and many short trips to huge temples that are thousands of years old.
Tiger Safaris Ranthambore National Park ~ Rajathan India and Bandhavgarh National Park ~ Madhya Pradesh, India
Best Places to Visit
Anurag Mathur (Anu) is a government approved tour guide in Agra, the land of Tajmahal. He loves the outdoors and is a passionate traveler & trekker. The mountains of India call him every summer where his family hikes and treks together. His passion for photography & music make his trips memorable in every way. Anu holds multiple degrees in Computer Engineering, Commerce & English. He's worked for various IT MNC's in India & abroad, but feels he was a born tour guide.
Exotic Mountain Beauty Kinnaur (Sangla, Rakcham, Chitkul, Kalpa, Lahaul & Spiti), Himachal Pradesh, India Sunrise Views Binsar, Uttarakhand, India Orchard Resorts Mukteshwar, Uttarakhand, India Beautiful Mountains Shoja, Manali, Himachal Pradesh, India Must See Destination Tajmahal & Agra Fort Agra, Uttar Pradesh, India Architecture Amber Fort, City Palace, Nahargarh Fort, Hawa Mahal Jaipur, Rajasthan, India
When I return to India, and if you ever decide to go, Anu would be the person to contact. He knows the best places to tour and has the right contacts.
Contact: ANURAG MATHUR email.: anurag.mathur12474@gmail.com Phone.: +91-9012082413
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Enhancing your child’s learning
with Outdoor Education By Jill Collins of On the Beaten Path
I am a huge advocate of using the great outdoors to enhance learning, no matter the age! Take any activity, any location and you will find learning opportunities galore.
My story involves biking on an island but the location and activity can easily be replaced with your activity of choice in an outdoor area close to you.
Outdoor education by definition is learning that takes place outdoors. I have said numerous times and a favourite quote of mine, “Nature is the largest classroom you or your child will ever experience.”
Every place has history. Seeing new images ignites imagination and creativity. The ground we walk on is science; natural or manmade. And you say you’re not a math person? Chances are you had to obey speed limits, purchase something or check the time during said outdoor adventure. Basic math at work.
So many times I have seen my children learn and grow through our outdoor experiences, and not just physically. The outdoors offer a wealth of education; science, social studies, English and math. The best part is learning becomes fun and exciting! Any outdoor experience has the ability to offer education. It could be a hike in a forest, a weekend camping trip, or a stroll through your local park.
Outdoor Education: Newcastle Island near Nanaimo, B.C. Canada on beautiful Vancouver Island. Newcastle Island, located in the Nanaimo Harbour, is accessible by foot passenger ferry or with your own watercraft of choice. Once on Newcastle
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Outdoor Education • Go Adventure Magazine • Fall2014
sought after building material. Then in 1920, herring salteries were the main activity on Newcastle, until four of them burnt down. In 1931, the island was purchased and used by Canadian Pacific Steamship Co. as a pleasure resort until WWII created a decline in ships available and a decline in the islands popularity resulted. Quite the variety of historical moments on an island that is 306 hectares in size.
Island, a B.C Marine Provincial Park, visitors have over 22 km of trails to explore by foot or bike, beaches around every corner, campsites, picnic areas and endless nature. We chose to bike on Newcastle Island and it was easy to transport the bikes onboard the Nanaimo Harbour Ferry. Clearly physical education was going to play a large role throughout the day but we were here to learn! Actually, having fun was the goal.
The most interesting story and one the kids seemed to be most interested in was the story of Peter Kakua. Mr. Kakua was a Hawaiian Islander who was hanged and buried in an unmarked grave on Newcastle Island after being found guilty of murdering four persons. Science: We already learned that Newcastle Island has plenty of sandstone, which crosses over nicely from social studies to science. Natural resources, like rock and fish, are plentiful on one little island. There is a wide range of diverse habitats on Newcastle Island. Ocean, forest and lakes all come into play on Newcastle. Having the fresh water from Mallard Lake is what allowed so many different people
Social Studies: Before European discovery, the Snuneymuxw First Nation inhabited Newcastle Island, primarily from January to April, to easily access the herring that spawned in the area. In August, they would return to the island and catch salmon and shellfish. The island was named after a mining town in England, Newcastle-upon-Tyne, by the British, once coal was discovered in 1849 on the island and around Nanaimo. The coal discovery alone holds many historical stories, one being a gas explosion that claimed the lives of three miners and the tunnels that connect Newcastle to Protection Island and Gabriola Island. In 1869, sandstone and pulp stone quarries replaced coal mining. The sandstone was a highly goadventuremom.com
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Outdoor Education • Go Adventure Magazine • Fall2014
to inhabit the island. The lake provided a source of water. Today it is a wildlife sanctuary and it is beautiful. In the few hours we were on Newcastle Island we saw racoons, a pileated woodpecker, shorebirds, and waterfowl. Beachcombing added many more species to the list. Crabs, seagulls, jellyfish, barnacles, and sculpins just to name a few.
Math: The ferry boat holds 12 passengers. There were seven in our group. How many more passengers could hop onboard? Seven bikes plus seven people equals? It is pretty easy to work math into any situation. Trail maps are great opportunities to use math skills. Adding up the total distance between two points or a cumulative distance total of trails used was a neat interactive way to engage the kids. Perfect activity for primary aged kids. The learning aspect of the day was subtle. A little bit of information here and there in amongst the sunshine, the trial riding, and taking in the beautiful views.
English: Being a BC Marine Provincial Park, Newcastle has plenty of interpretive signs, information notices, trail signs and maps throughout. It starts with the welcome to Newcastle Island sign. Kids noted “Is” on the sign, short for Island. Our visit to Newcastle Island was with friends and between the two families; several of us had been to the island before. Memories of past visits were sparked with familiar sights which were followed by storytelling. New stories were developing. The outdoor experience is easily transferred back home for more language arts learning through drawings, journal writing, and storytelling.
Next time you are out enjoying the outdoors with your children, take note of a few learning opportunities. You will be pleasantly surprised with what you and your children learn. It certainly does not replace the education that kids receive in school but it does enhance their learning opportunities. And because of that, I will never leave the outdoor classroom! Jill Collins is a Canadian Blogger and KEEN Canada Ambassador. Follow Jill and her family as they learn life’s lessons through adventure on beautiful Vancouver Island. Blog: On the Beaten Path Facebook: On the Beaten Path Twitter: @Onthebeatenpath Instagram: @Getonthebeatenpath
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The Smell of Autumn By Kate Calder (aka Katherine Thayer-Calder)
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The Smell of Autumn • Go Adventure Magazine • Fall 2014
Every season has an associated sense. The taste of snow and Christmas cookies in winter, the sounds of laughter and loud music on the car radio in summer, the feel of the first warm sun and soft rain in spring, and all of the lovely smells of autumn.
Take in the smell of aspens shivering in a chilly breeze.
I enjoy the smell of crunchy leaves as I hike.
The smell of sweat and dirty climbing gear as I move through the rocks inspires me.
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The Smell of Autumn • Go Adventure Magazine • Fall 2014
The smell of happy, dusty kids after a full day of adventure makes life better.
The smell of flowering sage is magical.
The smell of chilly mornings and distant storms on the wind lets me know that change is on the horizon.
Wherever autumn adventures take you, be sure to take in the inspiring smells of autumn. The smell of campfire lit by the full moon. The smell of new mushrooms interspersed in the rocks, dirt and falling leaves. By Mary Edwards The smell of roasted peppers harvested just before the first frost. The smell of change and life and death. These are the delightful smells of autumn. goadventuremom.com
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Ditching the Details Why unplanned adventures make great family activities By Carly Kerby
My husband is a huge fan of last minute adventures. When we have time off from work and school as a family he is the first one to suggest we go outside and enjoy the scenery. I want to go along with his carefree nature, but my high strung personality does not make it easy . It’s not that I don’t enjoy doing these activities; I just worry about details and how exactly it will all work out. Will the weather cooperate? What if the baby is horribly grumpy because we are going out during nap time? Why we didn’t better prepare? Are we going to have any fun at all? Is it really worth the effort? The strangest thing happens once we arrive; we all have an amazing time! We recently had one of these last minute family adventures, driving up the canyon near our home. My husband wanted to teach our girls how to make survival bracelets with paracord in the rugged wilderness. When we arrived, it looked pretty stormy and as soon as we pulled into a small picnic area in the mountains, sure enough, it started to rain.
I was stressed. Why didn’t we check the weather forecast before we left home!? My husband and daughters ignored the rain and played in a nearby stream and storm let up quickly. As soon as I saw how much fun the girls were having, my stress melted away. We had so much fun making the bracelets and playing together in the mountains. It was beautiful! Turns out, sometimes no extensive preparation is necessary. On another recent impromptu family adventure, we went to a nearby lake on Labor Day weekend looking to rent some paddle boards. I was my usual stressed self, worrying about details and preparation. What if they were all out of paddle boards? It was a holiday weekend after all. What if it takes longer than we expect and the kids got hungry (we only packed snacks)? Well guess what…When we arrived the paddle boards were all rented out. My worst nightmare! I was right to be stressed! Or was I?
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Ditching the Details • Go Adventure Magazine • Fall 2014
We rented a canoe instead and had a blast with it. It was a new experience and my oldest child loved learning how to control the canoe with the paddle and was so proud of herself.
We’d created another successful outdoor family outing with very little planning and preparation. Here’s what I have learned from these and many other impromptu family adventures:
My five-year-old old and her cousin were thrilled making mud pies and enjoyed the morning covering themselves in squishy mud along the lakefront. It turned out that it didn’t matter that they were out of paddle board rentals. It really only mattered that we’d made the effort to be in the outdoors as a family.
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Calm down and relax. Don’t sweat the details.
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It doesn’t matter if everything turns out the way you expect. The best memories are often come as a part of plan B.
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The important part is being together enjoying new experiences in the outdoors and creating fun adventurous memories.
Carly Kerby is a stay-at-home Mom to four daughters. When she is not dealing with the daily drama they dish, she can be found writing at her blog livingthescream.com. She has been quoted on the Good Morning America, and Parents Magazine website and was a part of the Listen To your Mother Utah cast in 2013. She says chocolate keeps her sane, and naps, don’t forget naps. Photo credits: Far left & far right - Melissa Edge, AdventureTykes.com; Center - www.groundtruthtrekking.org
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By Kathy Dalton goadventuremom.com
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25 Ways to Eat S’more • Go Adventure Magazine • Fall 2014
America’s obsession, a perfectly roasted marshmallow topped with a delicious square of milk chocolate, sandwiched between two crunchy graham crackers. This…is a S’more!
We’ve found some friends
1. Frosty S'more Cups From Easybaked
around the blogosphere who’ve
2. S'mores Cupcakes From Baked Perfection
taken this delicious summer/fall
3. S'mores Brownies From Broma Bakery
obsession to the next level.
4. No-Bake S'mores Bars From The Domestic Rebel
Your mouth will water as you see some of the decadent innovative ideas that transform this simple outdoor treat into a dessert fit to serve the Queen of England.
5. Muddy Buddy S'mores Bars From Sweet Twist of Blogging 6. Nutella S'mores Tart From Baking A Moment 7. S'mores Brownies in Jars From That Skinny Chick Can Bake 8. S'mores Candy Cups From It Bakes Me Happy 9. S'mores Whoopie Pies From Lemon Sugar 10. Easy No Bake S'mores Cheesecake Mousse Pies From Love From
Take a minute to click through
The Oven
and see what our clever friends
11. S'mores Ice Cream Bars From Life Love and Sugar
have created.
12. S'more Brownies From Sew You Think You Can Cook 13. Peanut Butter S'mores Bars From 30 Seconds with A&J 14. S'mores Rice Krispie Treats From Cooking With Ruthie 15. Campfire Style Nutella S’mores Pie From Plating Pixels 16. S'mores Doughnuts From Beth Cakes 17. Quick and Easy Biscoff S'mores From Life Made Simple 18. S'mores Nutella Crepes From Sally's Baking Addiction 19. S'mores Pretzel Hand Pies From Girl Versus Dough 20. Dulce De Leche S'mores Bark From Annie's Noms 21. S'mores Pizza From Life Love and Sugar 22. S'mores Madeleines From Yummy Crumble 23. S'mores Panini From Wine & Glue 24. S'mores Pancakes From Spoonful of Flavor 25. S'mores Popsicles From Around My Family Table
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By Sara Wellensiek
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Money Saving Tips to Fund Your Travel Bucket LIst • Go Adventure Magazine • Fall 2014
Do you have a travel bucket list? We don’t have anything technically “official”, but we have talked about A LOT of places that we want to go and experience with the kids. Here are a few that top our list: • Australia – We have family living there and while Mr. Mom Endeavors and I have been, we really want to take the boys! We’re hoping for about just a few years from now. • Hawaii – We LOVED Hawaii for our honeymoon and desperately want to go back with the kids! Hopefully soon! • Costa Rica - Rainforests & beaches? Yes, please! • Disney Cruise – We’ve never been on a cruise before and with our love for Disney & 3 little kids, this seems like the way to go! • Yellowstone – I’ve never been and would love to experience this with the kids. • Europe – This is another one I would LOVE to do when the boys get older. I’ve been 3 times, but not since college. I would LOVE to do a family vacation there! Travel is something that I absolutely love and want to share with my boys. But, the problem of course is that big vacations like this aren’t cheap – especially as a family of 5! So, we look for ways to save money to help fund our fun “travel bucket list”. Here are some of our money-saving tips: • Ditch cable. (gasp) This is a big one for a lot of people. But, we actually haven’t had cable the entire time we’ve been married! We use an antennae to get the standard air-wave channels. Sure, we miss having ESPN & the Big 10 Network during College Football season and Discovery Channel during Shark Week (among other things). But, with the average cable bill in the US being over $80/month (often times over $40 even for basic packages), that adds
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up REALLY quickly. By not having cable, we’ve saved almost $10,000 over the last 10 years — think about the AWESOME vacation you could take with that! Quit the coffee run/fast food drink stops. Sure, many of us love a special Starbucks coffee or Sonic drink, but at $2-$5 a drink that can really add up quickly! Cut back and put the money you would have spent there right into your trip bucket! Then, splurge on a special treat on your vacation! Buy kids’ clothes second hand. I’m ALL for cute clothes on the boys – and matching is even better. But, quite a few of their clothes are actually second hand. You can save SO much money this way! Shop garage sales, hit the children’s consignment stores, or even swap with friends. Use coupons. I’m not couponing like I used to a few years ago, but I still use coupons quite often. Before ordering anything online, search to see if there is a coupon code! Download the coupon apps to your phone or anything else that makes it easy for you to remember! A dollar here, 40% off there– it really does make a difference! Have a change jar. We put almost all of our change in a large jar – a family piggy bank of sorts. It’s a great visual for the kids to see the money adding up in there. Before big vacations, take the jar to your bank or credit union and cash the change in. My parents just did this with a large bottle and it had over $500 in it!! Get a rewards card. We don’t carry a credit card balance, but using credit cards that have travel rewards (like airline miles) or cashback rewards can really be helpful. Just be sure to investigate the fees associated and make sure you’re getting the best deal!
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Money Saving Tips to Fund Your Travel Bucket LIst • Go Adventure Magazine • Fall 2014
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Start a travel savings account. Open a separate savings account just for travel or your dream trip! Put in the money that you’re saving by giving up your drink habit, cable, or eating out. Then, add in just an extra $1 or $2 each day! Over the course of just one year, you could see a good amount of money in that account! Eat out less. This is one area that we really need to improve on! Feeding our family of 5 at a fast food restaurant is totaling around $30 and eating at a sit down restaurant can easily be $40-$60 for our family! Doing that a couple of times a week adds up to A LOT of money! But, shaving just $20 off your weekly food bill can save you over $1000 a year!
So, do some investigating and see where you might be able to save some money. Sit down, review your budget and challenge yourself to find $20, $50, $100, (really, any amount) that you can save monthly. To help you do that, SunTrust Bank has an awesome Budget Spreadsheet! It can help you with your goals and planning for whatever bucket list(s) you might have! To get started visit suntrust.com/getorganized This is a sponsored conversation written by me on behalf of SunTrust Bank. The opinions and text are all mine. What would you give up to save money towards scratching off something on your bucket list?
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Urban Homesteader:
Creating Traditions Strengthens Relationships
By Ann Weaver
cider (she has an apple tree she hates too). We always decide this is the year we’re not going to do it, we’re just going to chuck them all without any guilt, and then inevitably the perfect day presents itself and we all come together to chat and press. Why it’s Important to Create Traditions Whatever tradition you choose everyone in the family can be involved and it’s one of the few opportunities you have to work together.
And it really doesn’t have to because as an Urban Homesteader (a trend that’s been growing in response to the depressed economy and increase interest in organic food) we find plenty of opportunities to be outside. We live on an acre and a half of an old orchard with 40 pear trees, 4 apple trees, 2 peach trees, 10 plum trees, chickens, rabbits, and a garden full of veggies.
While I wish for more time to hike and camp, I’ve witnessed our children learning about the natural world simply by helping me raise food. Many of our harvest time chores have even turned into family traditions Tradition: Making Cider Each October, after several 100 pounds of produce have been canned, dried, or frozen, the last two apple trees come on. By this time, I pretty much hate the sight of all fruit and do a pretty good job of ignoring the newest ever growing mess on the ground. But eventually my sister-in-law calls and asks when we’re going to make
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Whatever your tradition involve the entire family - it’s one of the few opportunities you have to work together.
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My husband’s on the road much of time for work, so often (due to my own exhaustion) my children’s outdoor adventures don’t extend outside of the parameters of our own property.
When we press apples for cider, I sort the apples to find those good enough to go in whole, letting far too many wormy ones go in for everyone else’s liking but saving a few hours of time. Then it’s all hands on deck cutting and removing damage from the remaining apples.
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Urban Homesteader • Go Adventure Magazine • Fall 2014
My little ones believe they are doing an important job transporting bowls of cut apples from the cutting crew to the grinding crew, loading them on skateboards and scooters since they can’t quite manage to carry the heavy load yet. A few people man the press itself while everyone chucks the apples in, turning the heavy crank until each batch of apples has been ground to pulp and pressed. The Best Part: Memories The best part is sticking a cup into that first stream of juice to taste this year’s version. By the time we finish hours later, I usually have to strip a couple of kids naked and hose them off before
we all share a meal to ward off any stomachaches from drinking too many raw apples. This year we processed around 450 apples, which at 60-80 apples a gallon makes only six gallons. It’s a lot of work for everyone and the cider doesn’t last very long but the memories we create will last a lifetime. Ann Gates Weaver is mamma to three kids, one husband, many chickens, and her fruit trees. She has a Master’s Degree in Communication. Her primary outdoor passion is backpacking,
Adve nture
but she’ll also jump at the chance to go skiing, cycling, climbing, kayaking, or canyoneering. Although she has traveled all over the world, her favorite place for outdoor recreation continues to be be the mountains and deserts of Utah.
m o M
Holiday Gift guide Look for our 2014 Holiday Gift Guide November 15 the best gear for active families You won't want to miss our 12 days of Christmas where we'll be giving away prizes each day!
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Healthy Lunch ideas for kids
By Kathy Dalton
Getting a healthy breakfast on the table before school can be a challenge for families. Making sure there is enough food and nutrition in little bellies to last until lunch time is always an accomplishment, but what about lunch? How do we ensure our kids are eating healthy foods at school?
If you don’t trust your school’s menu, the other option is to pack a homemade lunch. Sure it’s easier to let the school lunch ladies take care of it for you, but you give up some control about what your child is eating and the nutrition they receive midday.
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Healthy Lunch Ideas for Kids • Go Adventure Magazine • Fall 2014
Sending a homemade lunch means knowing exactly what’s in all the foods they’re eating. At least you’ll know if there is a bad food choice that it’s on you! Below are a few ideas to take the stress out of packing healthy homemade lunches every day.
1. Plan Plan Plan. There’s just no substitute for having what you need on hand when packing lunches at home the night before or in the morning before school. Plan your lunches and make a list of everything you’ll need from the store for the week. You’ll find your grocery shopping goes faster and easier with a list. You’ll also see that you come home with less junk food.
2. Bright Colors Rock! You’ll find your kids enjoy lunches more when they are filled with a variety of colors. Whether it’s bright colored food like red or yellow peppers, red berries or blue corn chips, shoot for a rainbow of colors. Kids who are exposed to a variety of foods are more accepting of new foods as adults. Also pick right-sized colorful containers and reusable lunch bags. Your kids will be the envy of the lunch table. Kids love colors!
3. Get Creative. Show them that mom or dad is a little nutty sometimes. Cut a sandwich into bite sized pieces and pack tooth picks for serving. Use a cookie cutter to make a cute sandwich shape. Creativity in lunches can go a long way.
you have an insulated lunch container, don’t overlook less popular options like Egg Salad, Sushi Rolls, Turkey Wraps or even homemade Lunchables. Creativity knows no bounds. Don’t limit your kids lunches based on old-school lunch traditions. Your kids will look forward to lunch and appreciate what you’ve done on a daily basis. If you’re struggling to come up with a creative lunch menu, we’ve done the work for you.
See our online list with our favorite Top 15 list of unique, fun, healthy homemade lunch options.
Also get creative with entre options. The old standard of PB&J is fine in the rotation, but if
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National Geographic Photography Contest
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‘Fall’ for seasonal kids crafts
By Kathy Dalton
Ten simple fall crafts for an afternoon inside
A chill in the air along with pine cones and pumpkins on porches can only mean one thing. Fall has arrived! Fall often brings unpredictable weather. One day you’re enjoying in the cooler temperatures and autumn outdoor activities and the next day an unpleasant windy rainstorm sogs away your afternoon. If you’re looking for a season-inspired family activity, here’s an idea to keep busy no matter what the weather holds. On lovely fall day, take a trip up the canyon and go on a short hike to gather must-have fall items to decorate and craft with. It will turn your hike into a treasure hunt! Choose lovely red and gold leaves and whatever nature treasures look golden to you! Enjoy the canyon together and all it has to offer. Then, bring home a small sampling of the natural treasures you found. Since we’re not super focused on crafts and decorating, we’ve compiled a list of our favorite nature-inspired crafts created by some of our crafty friends in the blogosphere. Your canyon treasures really become valuable as you incorporate them into the crafts you’re making! Dress up your home or simply entertain yourselves with some of our favorite fall themed crafts listed here:
1. Decoupage Pumpkin- Kudos Kitchen by Renee
6. Fall Felt Flowers-Simply Kelly Designs
2. 3D Paper Pumpkin-Crafts by Amanda
7. Paper Mache Acorn Boxes-Pet Scribbles
3. Fall Mantel Inspiration-A Cultivated Nest
8. Fall Table Centerpiece-Carolyn’s Homework
4. Glitter Pumpkins- Passion for Savings
9. Corny Containers-Yesterday on Tuesday
5. Fall Table Runner-Bombshell Bling
10. Fall Scented Pumpkins-Practically Functional
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Resources Here are a few of our favorite resources. Do you have a favorite resource or site not listed? Please let us know! info@goadventuremom.com
Sites worth checking out
Photo by Melissa Edge, adventuretykes.com
American Hiking Society Coca-Cola #5by20 Get Away Today International Bird Rescue and Research Center Outdoor Foundation Outdoor Industry Women’s Coalition Outdoor Industry Outdoor Industry Jobs Outdoor Nation National Geographic Kids National Park Conservation National Park Foundation National Park Service Splore The Marine Mammal Center Trip Advisor Utah Outdoor Recreation Office Visit Salt Lake
Blogs you should follow A Little Campy A Nature Mom Active Kids Active Family Adventure Tykes Adventurous Parents AKontheGO.com
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Backcountry Parenting Big Grey Rocks Brave Ski Mom Bring The Kids Climb With Kids Chasquimom Crag Mama Family Adventures iN Nature Family On Bikes Fun Orange Country Parks Get on The Beaten Path Go Explore Nature Ground Truth Trekking Kid Project Moose Fish Mommy Hiker Mommy Loves Trees Nature For Kids Rain or Shine Mama Rocks and Sun Rockies Family Adventures Tales of a Mountain Mama The Active Explorer TravelingMel Tropic of Candy Corn Val In Real Life Velomom Walk Simply Wild Tales Of
Photo: adventurousmoms.com
Photo: Melissa Edge, AdventureTykes.com
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Photo: www.familyonbikes.org
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