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!

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.

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.

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.

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!

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."