The Hiker Mama

Mindblown: a blog about philosophy.

  • Forgetfulness

    Have you ever forgotten something really important on a hike or nature outing?  Well, last Friday I forgot my camera on a hike I took with the kids.  To make matters worse, we saw a new kind of ice that I hadn’t seen before, and it would have been so great to document it for…

  • Highway 20 Adventure and HawkWatch

    Highway 20 Adventure and HawkWatch

    Sometimes I get a crazy idea in my head for an adventure I just have to take.  And sometimes I am even able to make it work.  Last week I took the kids for a drive and a visit and an educational opportunity.  We started up Hwy 20, intending to see some fall color.  We…

  • Naches Peak Loop Trail Hike

    Naches Peak Loop Trail Hike

    Friday is Field Trip Day!  Two weeks ago, we did this spectacular hike.  First, we stopped at the store to get an overabundance of snacks and use the bathroom.  Then we stopped at the Ranger Station in Enumclaw to use the bathroom and get a map for the child who loves maps, so he can…

  • Cedar River Watershed Field Trip

    Cedar River Watershed Field Trip

    We had worked hard this week, including Friday morning, and we really needed to get out of the house and into nature.  We studied evaporation with Annika this week for science, so I thought a trip to the Cedar River Watershed Education Center was in order.  My kids both enjoy the display there.  They have…

  • A Weekend with Birds – McDaniel Lake Camping with PSBO

    A Weekend with Birds – McDaniel Lake Camping with PSBO

    We had the opportunity last weekend to go camping with the Puget Sound Bird Observatory at their summer banding site.  They have been set up for the month at McDaniel Lake near Naches, conducting research on birds and their habitats in the Pacific Northwest.  We arrived on Friday evening to a dinner waiting for us. …

  • A Day at Mt. Rainier

    A Day at Mt. Rainier

    Two weeks ago we went on a spur-of-the-moment trip up to Mt. Rainier.  We decided to camp the night before nearby to maximize our time at The Mountain, since it is such a long drive for us.  We left town right after hubby got home from work, and thankfully, luckily, got one of the last…

  • Big Four – And Other Special Places

    Big Four – And Other Special Places

    There are some trails that have a special place in my heart.  Whether because of the scenery or just fond memories, they stand out among all the rest.  Big Four Ice Caves is one of those special places for me.  My husband took me here the first time when we were dating, and I have…

  • Getting Started Hiking with Kids

    Getting Started Hiking with Kids

    The first hike I ever did with my children didn’t go very smoothly.  I carried my 8-week-old infant in a sling, and carried a gigantic fanny pack slung around the other shoulder.  The trail I picked had too much elevation gain for my post-partum state.  The baby had a huge blowout all over me, even…

  • Bridal Veil Falls Hike

    Bridal Veil Falls Hike

    My friend “Quark” asked me earlier this week if I’d like to come with her to the Open House at the Skykomish Ranger Station on Friday afternoon.  I was glad to, especially if we could do a hike first.  Neither of us had been to Bridal Veil Falls, and I thought the kids could do…

  • Welcome to The Hiker Mama’s Blog!

    Welcome to The Hiker Mama’s Blog!

    I have been scheming about this blog for a few years now, and the time is finally right to begin.  I plan to fill this blog with trip reports, photos, stories (the good, the bad, the ugly and the funny), and inspiration.  My goal for this space is to encourage folks to get outside.  Take…

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