Thursday, September 30, 2010

Brave & Flexible Parents and Munchkins!

As is typical with weather on the Turnagain Arm, we took a gamble, and it was miserable and windy down there. We had a lot of brave mamas show up anyhow. Mother Nature didn't show up and clear the skies for us like she usually does. We were flexible and changed plans. We headed to the always amazing Girdwood playground to mingle and play and many met up for coffee and lunch after.



Tuesday, September 28, 2010

Thank You Mountain Blue Eyes!

A huge THANK YOU to Mountain Blue Eyes for offering to send us a bunch of samples to check out and give away! They make fantastic outdoor clothing for nursing mamas. We'll let you all know when they are in.

You can find Mountain Blue Eyes products here in Anchorage at the Nursing Boutique at Providence Hospital.

First Monthly Family Trek Scheduled!

WOW! I had a lot of positive feedback from all our different networks!

Our first monthly family trek will be:

Saturday, October 9th
Eklutna Lake Trail
Eklutna, AK - 2 pm

Check the Upcoming Treks link above for more details!

Monthly Family Weekend Hike?

Taiga Trekkers is thinking about maybe organizing a weekend family hike once a month, so that working families and spouses can join in. While I'd love to be consistent and plan a hike for say the 1st weekend of every month I don't know if I can commit to that, but on average a once a month hike...

Any interest?

Monday, September 27, 2010

Termination Dust is Here!

Termination dust (first snow in the mountains) is here! Dressing your little one for the outdoors is now more important than ever. Fortunately there are some amazing resources available here in Anchorage. Local author of Babes in the Woods, Jen Aist will be teaching her annual Babes in the Snow class at Providence Hospital next Saturday 10/2/10 from 12-2:30 in the West Aud. at Providence. Scholarships  available or register at www.providence.org/childrenshospital or call 212-8474. Her book can also be found at any of the local bookstores.

Basically you want to think about dressing your baby as you would for the current weather conditions. Keep in mind that your child is not exercising while being worn or pushed in a stroller, so they may need even more clothing than you. If you are wearing your child in a carrier such as an ERGO or a Beco carrier, you will transfer body heat back and forth to one another, however this does not occur in most frame packs and strollers.


Base layers are key. You want your child's core to maintain it's normal temperature. Moisture wicking base layers such as wool and polypro are important as they keep your child dry, even if they sweat or have snow get in between their layers. You don't want moisture to get trapped and freeze on their skin. Your outer layers will be typical fleece, buntings or snowsuits. Hats, wool socks (or other wicking material) & mittens are also important to always have with you, just in case. I often put my adult size socks on my child's feet over his base layer so that when he is in a carrier his skin is not exposed when his pants inevitably ride up. Wool socks make great mitts too.

While most of the gear you need can be purchased at REI, many parents in the group have found items for cheaper at the local consignment shops, craigslist, ebay, and the REI outlet online. Why pay full price if you don't need to.

I also always have extra gear on hand. If you have any questions or would like  try or see some of the gear in person feel free to email me and I can make sure to bring it to the next Trek.

Thursday, September 23, 2010

Kincaid Park ~ Jodhpur Street Entrance

What a perfect autumn morning in Alaska! We had an AMAZING turnout this morning. We had 17 mamas, 1 grandma, 21 kiddos, 1 newspaper photographer and 4 pups. It was a great hike, we probably could have gone longer, but the bigger kids had a blast playing and snacking and the parents had a chance to mingle and get to know each other. We should appear in the Anchorage Daily News sometime with in the next few days.

Thanks TogetherBeBaby.com for sending our group the Peekaru vest! One of our mamas tried it on our hike this morning and loves it!

Tuesday, September 21, 2010

Skedaddling at Elderberry Park

Our sister group Skedaddle, an all weather outdoor playgroup had its weekly meetup today at Elderberry Park in downtown Anchorage. We are definitely in the heart of a gorgeous Alaskan fall.

Monday, September 20, 2010

Calender Girls

Our ERGObaby wearers from last week's trek are going to be featured in ERGObaby's calender for next year. We'll be December. ERGObaby has been a great supporter of our group, even donating a performance carrier that members can check out for our hikes.

Thursday, September 16, 2010

Transition to the Conditions

As we get into the transition period before everything freezes up and in order to choose trails more appropriate for the conditions, treks will be planned closer to the date of the event. I will have a trail chosen by the Monday of the week of each hike.

Beach Lake Trail - Chugiak, AK

Once again Mother Nature came and joined in the fun! It was super foggy when we began, but cleared up by the middle of the hike. We saw a long stretch of bear tracks on the beach! The kids all got a chance to play together and snack midway. Three new mamas and babes joined us! I counted 15 parents and 14 kids for a total of 29 participants along with 5 pups.

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Earthquake Park

Another huge turnout! I counted about about 32 participants (parents and kiddos combined). Conversations ranged from how to say "no" to your toddler, sleep, nursing, and first teething experiences. Children ages varied from 3 months to 2 years. Many of the mamas were hiking with two kiddos in tow or are pregnant with number 2.  Networking was happening, friendships deepened and bonds forged... all while ambling with our little ones down a beautiful coastal trail in the rain! There were also lots of smiles and greetings from other trail users as they saw our entourage pass by. Oh and we logged at least 3 miles of good exercise in too!

Thursday, September 2, 2010

Babes in the Snow

To ward off cabin fever Taiga Trekkers will keep going through the winter months and back on through to the spring. Jen Aist, author of Babes in the Woods will be teaching her once yearly class Babes In the Snow. This is a fantastic class and really prepares the Alaskan parent for enjoying the long winter months. Many of us in the group have taken it.

Date: Saturday, October 02, 2010 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM

Click on the highlighted link to enroll. Sign up EARLY before the class fills.

Cost is $35 per couple, $31.50 w/military discount.

The Parenting with Providence website describes the class as:

"The class covers where to hike and play, how to dress, and demonstrates how-to make your own sled!

This class is to assist parents of infants and tots with the tools and confidence they need to embrace the winter with their little ones."