ALASKA + MOTHERHOOD

⛰️ keep a gear tote in your car – this one has saved me so many times! Living in Alaska means it’s cloudy at home raining on the drive and bright beautiful skies 20 minutes away in the mountains (or visa versa) so keeping a change of clothing, jacket, hat, and rain boots in the car can make or break an adventure! Nobody likes to be cold and wet or hot and over dressed! 

⛰️ start small – don’t immediately try to do that 5 mile 1k elevation gain with some rock scrambles on the first go! Start with a nice trail around a lake, a walk through the forest, or a explore down the beach. As their confidence grows so with their abilities! 

⛰️don’t be discouraged if you don’t complete the trail – again getting kiddos to love hiking comes largely from building confidence! If everyone is starting to gas out turn around and a call it a day before you hit the meltdown. They’ll be more likely to get pumped for the next time if the hike ends on a high note. 

⛰️ know that kids can do hard things – kinda contradicting my previous tip but some gentle pushing can help little hikers grow! You know them best if you think they can push through then go for it but don’t forget to celebrate their efforts! 

⛰️ SNACKS  &  WATER- if you get nothing else from this remember SNACKS & WATER! Keeping hydrated and fueled will keep everyone’s moods positive and energy levels high! 

⛰️ Bring a treat – we usually share a chocolate or I pack a special lunch to eat. I try to bring something special for the hike up and for when we are back at the car. If you are doing a loop, just a little walk, or a beach cruise you could stop at your half way point for a little “we did it!” treat. 

⛰️ take your time on the way back but focus on the way up – okay so not everyone agrees with this one but I don’t let my kids dilly dally on the way up. We are in go mode but on the way down we slow down and take the time to check out the plants, rocks, or water. 

⛰️ be present – don’t worry about getting the epic photo of your kids hiking or the video of them completing the trail. Yes I have lots of these videos and pictures but when I’m out with my kids I really try to keep my phone away and be present. They love the focused attention and I love our trail talks! Bonus tip – if you want to get more videos or pictures of your kids try buying a cheap tripod and set it up to record while you take your snack break. You’ll get videos of real moments with your kids without pulling your phone out a ton mid hike.