Every hike starts with the best intentions. But sometimes, despite our thoughtful preparations, things go wrong. We’ve hiked with our kids for over 14 years, and even we still make mistakes, including…
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Once in a while, we go on a hike that is so different, so intrinsically unique, that we rave about it for weeks and we know it’s a hike we’ll always remember. …
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My favorite shoes A peaceful winter trail walk A long summer hike I don’t always write poems about my shoes. But when I do, they’re haikus. Okay, I never write poems about…
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Day hiking with kids is such a rewarding experience, and a lot of fun, but preparation is a big part of making sure the hike goes smoothly. It can be the difference…
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While paging through an Oregon State Parks guide, I noticed a listing for a state park less than an hour from home. What is this?! I thought we’d been to all the…
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The Big Obsidian Flow trail sounds innocuous enough: A one-mile interpretive trail climbs up and onto this impressive lava flow of obsidian (black glass) and pumice 1. We were already in…
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Whenever we travel, we enjoy learning about the local history. My favorite souvenirs are history books. And so, when we read that the Fort Rock museum is a Homestead Village on the…
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We love solitude, quiet, and remote camping spots. Our family carries enough chaos (with 6 kids!) so we seek out the calmest and most private places possible for setting up our tent. …
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Close your eyes for a moment, and breathe deeply…feel the hot sun warming your neck as the dust assails your nostrils. The dry scent of sagebrush and the sharp smell of juniper…
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As we researched hikes for this summer, one hike appeared again and again. It was like this echo with vague details, promising a stunning waterfall AND a creepy abandoned gold mine. But…
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What is rocking, you say? Only the hottest new phenomenon to hit Springfield and Eugene! It’s actually been around for a couple of years, but our family has recently joined the craze…
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After a few summers of our “grand adventures”, I asked my two oldest children, ages 11 and 6, to list five things they love about our summer travel adventures. Their answers surprised…