• NW Kid Chaser
  • At Home
  • On the Go
  • In the Stacks
  • Contact
  • Subscribe
  • Search

  NW Kid Chaser

Marvelous Mary's Peak...

1/25/2015

0 Comments

 
    Yesterday's clear skies were the only motivation our family needed to visit Mary's Peak, just outside Corvallis. The views from the 4,097 feet summit (the highest point in Oregon’s Coast Range) were absolutely amazing! Looking across the valley we could see snow capped Mt. Hood, Mt. Jefferson, Three Sisters, and even Mt. Bachelor.
Picture
Picture
    There are a variety of "paths" to the summit. We traveled the "Meadowedge Trail" and found it perfect for families. Not too long/not too short (1.8 mile loop), includes both forest and meadow, picnic tables at the ready for snacks at both trail head and summit: Ideal for young explorers and parents.

    To get there:
From Salem, travel time is approx. 1 hour 15 minutes.  Take I-5 South to Hwy 34 (through Corvallis and Philomath). After passing through Philomath, follow the brown information signs north onto Mary's Peak Road. Once driving up the mountain, you'll come upon Conner’s Camp (5.5 mile loop hiking trail to summit from this point). Keep going another 3 miles and you'll see a paved road to your right that leads to the Mary's Peak campground. Once you've entered the campground, take the left loop and you'll see a place to park and a picnic table just right of the trailhead map. 50 feet after entering the forest, you'll see the sign (below).
Picture
Picture
        Once on the trail, it is easy to navigate. Take water, snacks, a camera to capture the view and give yourself plenty of time to explore the beautiful trees along the path and the joy of the summit. This trail is a highlight of the mid-Willamette Valley.
0 Comments

Summer in Seattle...

10/11/2014

1 Comment

 
A little more than 14 years ago, my husband and I spent a long weekend in Seattle. It was fabulously fun.
This August we returned, we our two favorite companions.
Picture
Our boys loved the big city as much as we do. Going by train makes it a super easy, close-to-home, family adventure that can't be beat.
Here's a few of our favorite activities:

Love that train ride...

We played cards, read books, ate in the dining car, and didn't worry a bit about traffic. Check the Amtrak website regularly for discounts/deals.
Picture

Fremont District Fun...

The walking tour with superheroes, community art, and heart. Worth every penny to get an insider-view of this uniquely Seattle neighborhood. Great eats nearby too!
Picture

Space Needle...

Buy tickets online to avoid the long lines and dedicate at least an hour up at the top, as there are several interactive displays as well as a great view. Employees will take your picture and email it to you for free, so even Mom gets in the skyline shot!
Picture

International Fountain...

The challenge of this amazing fountain is to touch the center globe without getting wet.
I double dog dare you to try it.
I also advise that you bring a towel. It makes for a perfect way to unwind after a long day and was a favorite location for our boys.
Picture

Glass Museum...

Amazing sculpture displays and garden: Ask about their summer special that gives you access both day and night. Tickets can be purchased with Space Needle tix at a discount. Be sure to watch the movie that shows the artist's process and vision.
Picture

Go Seahawks!

I never, ever expected to attend an NFL game - but my boy loves football! That said, the Seahawks put on a great party. Touchdown City was free and great fun for the kids. Contact Seattle's Children's Home for ticket sales that support a good cause.
Picture

Pacific Science Center...

This museum offers kid friendly fun in the middle of it all. Use your local children's museum membership to get in for free.
DO NOT MISS the high-rail bike.

Picture

Pike Place Market...

The Free Walking Tour was fabulous and family friendly. Our guide was funny, informed, and hooked us up with food samples throughout the market. Hooray!
Picture

Monorail...

Soooo touristy; Soooo fun! There really is no need to use a car in Seattle. You can get everywhere you need to go with trains, the monorail, light rail, and buses. Use the Transit app for automatic updates.
Picture

Klondike Museum...

Just a block from the Amtrak Station, this historical park is totally worth a quick visit. Check out the movie telling of the journey north. Junior Rangers welcome!

Picture
1 Comment

Salem Sunday Streets...

8/26/2014

0 Comments

 
Salem Sunday Streets is coming to
downtown Salem in September!


Picture

Open to all ages.... Salem Sunday Streets
is a fun, free, community event designed to promote healthy and active living by opening up city streets for people to play and explore together. This year’s event will feature: food carts, farmer’s market, music on a pedal-powered stage, interactive art projects, hula hooping, disc golf, yoga, and more...
       
Picture
Bonus: You can join a neighborhood bike caravan and get to Salem Sunday Streets in a healthy, fun, sustainable way!
Bike caravan routes lead from four Salem locations.
Routes can be found at http://goo.gl/0QIvXT.
Picture

Join your neighbors and enjoy the ride, Salem!


0 Comments

Valley of the Giants...

8/16/2014

0 Comments

 
For years, we've heard about the Valley of the Giants outside of Falls City, Oregon. This summer, we finally dedicated one of our days to visit this close (but oh-so-far location) and found that the adventure had mixed reviews
Picture
Pros:
1) Big trees. Huge trees. Place-your-child-next-to-it-and-wowza trees.

2) Crystal, clear, beautiful water.
3) 387 shades of green: Moss, Ferns, Lichen, Ground Cover, Trees...
4) A well marked, easy to hike trail.
5) The middle of nowhere: No traffic sounds. Lots of bird songs.


Cons-
1) The
same beauty found in other (easier to find) Oregon locations.
2) Very muddy path (for approx. 50 yards in June).
3) Seriously long drive on a very bumpy gravel road.
4) The middle of nowhere: Come prepared.

Once on site, my family enjoyed the hike and marveled at the large trees. The path winds among the Douglas Fir trees - sometimes over fallen logs, sometimes under, and (at one point) squeezing right between two sawed-halves. It really was a fun path. However, the momma in me shuddered when my youngest asked (for the 2nd time) why it took two hours to get to this coast-range location, when it usually takes us just over an hour to drive all the way to the beach.  One good look at the map answered that question and confirmed that my boys continue to like the "doing" more than the "seeing". We won't be making a return trip - but I'm glad we took the adventure.


You can receive driving directions to the Valley by calling the BLM (503-375-5646). I see now that they discourage "passenger cars" on the road. Oops! The area is certainly remote, so I would definitely recommend having a spare, being very clear about your return route, and not relying on cell phone service.

0 Comments

Odell Lake ...

8/4/2014

0 Comments

 
I'm woefully behind in blogging about Spring Break 2014.
It really was great fun. We traveled to Odell Lake
and learned why so many Oregonians love the area for recreation.
Picture
Here's the gang - looking out over the Lake early one morning.
We traveled to Odell Lake Lodge & Resort with our neighbors and enjoyed canoeing, hiking, and cross country skiing. One large cabin was just the right size for three families of adults & children. The kids piled into one room with bunk beds. Families took turns preparing the evening meal. We all stayed up late playing games & talking.
Boat and ski rental is available from the Lodge. A number of trails depart from the lodge into the forest. Sadly, when we were there, there wasn't enough snow to ski. However, just a short drive down the road, we found plenty of snow (and a great family trail) at nearby Gold Lake Sno-Park.
The main trail at Gold Lake is a straight road lined with beautiful trees. Best part: The kids can ski ahead and still stay within sight. Half a mile from the gate is a gentle slope: easy to climb and fun to descend. Turn right at the top of the slope and you'll make a medium-sized loop back to the road. This is a great location for those new to cross country skiing and learning to glide.
Picture
We'll be back!
0 Comments

Terrific Track Meets...

7/10/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Awards for July 9th Track Meet Participation
Attention Salem Kids (Age 1-13):
Don't miss the summer All-Comer Track & Field Meets!


These annual Wednesday nights in July are a fun evening outing.  Plan on bringing water, hats, sunscreen, and a blanket to sit on (between races). Many families also bring a cooler with picnic dinners - to enjoy as the evening goes on.

0 Comments

First Day of Summer Vacation...

6/9/2014

0 Comments

 
Today was my youngest son's first day of summer vacation.
I promised him a day of mom-and-son-time
dedicated  to his every wish!
So...
we slept in,
watched old home movies,
had pancakes for LUNCH,
rode bikes,
played tennis,
AND
went bowling!
It was truly a fabulous kick-off to Summer 2014.


 BONUS: While at our favorite bowling alley,
we also learned that bowling is free for kids this summer!
Picture
This is a national program, so check for a location near you.
It promises to be a perfect air-conditioned activity for hot days.
0 Comments

Kayak Kailua...

1/12/2014

0 Comments

 
Another great experience in Hawaii: Sea Kayaking!
Picture
      Our family loves a good canoe ride, but sea kayaking was a new adventure. Like a good hike, I wanted our outing to have a destination. A bit of research led me to Kailua Sailboards and Kayaks.  Just a few blocks from the beach, this outfit was able to supply everything we needed to hit the sea water safely.

      Kailua is located on the east side of Oahu and is a cutie of a beach town. We rented kayaks and then rolled them to the water’s edge with use of a handcart. I saw some folks complain about this process in online reviews, but we didn’t find it a problem. You can launch right on the beach or in a small, side stream. We chose the side stream so that we could ‘practice’ in the calm waters. This allowed my 8 year-old to get a feel for the boat and understand our plan for the day.

    Then, we headed out to Flat Island. The half-mile trip was quick and completely safe. The island is a bird sanctuary, so visitors need to purchase a day-permit to land. The $3 purchase was totally worth it, as my boys enjoyed exploring the rocky landscape all around the island. My youngest and I took photos of the nearby islands, beach, and waves, while my oldest son and husband paddled out a bit further to catch some waves and ride their kayak in the surf.

     Mokulua Island is nearby (an additional mile away), but we decided instead to head back to Kailua Beach Park to have lunch and then return to Flat Island a second time. The boys were more relaxed the second time, as the trip was familiar. Then, after returning the kayaks, we enjoyed the calm waters at Kailua for the rest of the day. Soft sand, calm waves, and shade. Hooray!

0 Comments

Surf's up!

1/7/2014

0 Comments

 
Picture
Our family had the great fortune of celebrating the end of 2013 in the great state of Hawaii. The amazing trip was filled with non-stop water sports and I was in constant amazement of how eager the boys were to take on each new challenge.  I’ll blog about some of our highlights over the next few weeks, but want to start here with one of our best experiences: Surfing!

Picture
The picture from above is of boogie boards that the boys enjoyed at Waimanalo Beach. We rented a home just down the block and so were able to ride the waves almost every day we were on Oahu. For bigger waves and bigger boards, we had the help of the Hawaiian Fire Surf School. 

In planning this trip, our whole family was eager to try surfing, but (as a mother) pretty much every fiber of my being was anxious. I expected my uber-athletic husband to excel. I was fairly certain I could catch-on with some practice. I was hopeful my eleven year old (a fairly good swimmer) would enjoy the challenge. I was terribly worried my eight year old (beginning swimmer) would be in danger.

While my husband teases me for having the uncanny ability to evaluate any situation and immediately find all the possible ways it could kill us, I just like to think of myself as being prepared. I mean... it’s not that I think the worst case scenario will happen. I just think it’s wise to be completely prepared for the worst case scenario. So... when it comes to surfing that means one thing: I need EMT, water-rescue, professionals in the water with my dear children at all times. Simple.
Picture
Luckily, my research led me to Noah and Peter of Hawaiian Fire. Surfing lessons with these pros brought the safety I craved. It also brought fun, good memories, and a morning that ended with me tearing-up at the beautiful sight of my babies catching a wave.

My eleven year-old did not only enjoy the challenge, he conquered it. I was grateful for Noah’s vigilant eyes and encouraging words. My son lists surfing as his #1 favorite Hawaii experience.

My eight year-old had a private lesson with Peter. On the same surf board, I saw the two paddle out past the crowd to the largest waves. Once positioned, Peter would help my son stand up on the board and the two would sail gently along the wave -- like a picture-perfect commercial spot for the Hawaii tourism board. My (sometimes) anxious boy looked incredibly relaxed and was grinning from ear to ear. After more than an hour on the waves, his first words when back on the beach: “That was awesome!” Peter also smiled, saying, “He didn’t even get his hair wet.” Right then and there I wanted to kiss Peter. I really did.

Without hesitation, I recommend Hawaiian Fire for moms, dads, kids, and families of all ages. I can’t possibly express how thrilled I was by this family experience. I’m not sure if we’ll ever return to Hawaii, but if we do, this activity is #1 on the to-do list. We will hit the waves again, but only with Hawaiian Fire.
0 Comments

Me? A Football Fan?

11/5/2013

0 Comments

 
I've never been a fan of football. All the bumping into each other; the intentionally trying to knock each other down; the padding/helmet/gear that keeps me from easily reading the player's facial expressions; the screaming crowds and the (usually rainy weather): In the past, I have always said, "No thank you!"

But then.... I had this boy. This funny, smart, charming eight year-old that adores football. So, that means we now subscribe to Sports Illustrated (for Kids), and we watch Sunday football on TV, and I've learned the names of several teams - just so that I can follow some of the dinner conversation on the subject. It's as if my whole world has turned upside down.

Although I never, ever, in-a-million years, thought it would come to be -- my son plays on a football team and I LOVE watching his games! This is proof that nothing is as powerful as a mother's love.  (Granted- we are talking about flag football... with a mouth guard... in a non-competitive league.. with a coach who strives to let each kid play each position - regardless of skill level). Amazingly, I have found harmony with football!
Picture
Picture
The season has now ended, but I want to give a shout-out to the Boys and Girls Club of Salem. Our family has participated for two years and we've been consistently impressed by this kid-centered athletic program. My boy is the shortest child in 3rd grade yet, on any given weekend, he has played quarterback, center, and running back (and all with a smile). Hooray for Coach! Hooray for Boone! Hooray for kids of Salem! I want to say thank you to the 'Boys and Girls Club' for letting kids be kids.. and..for giving this mom a chance to find the fun in football.
0 Comments
<<Previous

    On the Go

    Picture

    Categories

    All
    Ages 10 And Over
    Ages 5 To 10
    Ages Birth To 5
    Animals
    Aviation
    Beach
    Bikes
    Books
    Disney
    Eating Out
    Farmers Market
    Games
    History
    Hobbies
    Holidays
    Lego
    Library
    Math
    Museums
    Music
    On The Web
    Parks
    Salem
    Service Projects
    Special Events
    Sports
    Theater
    Tours
    Travel: Hawaii
    Travel: International
    Travel: Oregon
    Travel: Portland
    Travel: USA

    RSS Feed

© 2009-2015 All Rights Reserved, NW Kid Chaser