Get Your Hike On in Newport Beach

A quick one hour jaunt south down the 405 freeway from Los Angeles, the sophisticated coastal town of Newport Beach, California offers more than you think. With miles and miles of scenic hiking, biking, surfing, over 400 local restaurants, and a laid back nightlife, its intoxicating charm will have you coming back for more.

Crystal Cove, Newport Beach [Photo Courtesy Visit Newport Beach]

Mommy Hiker's Top 2 Favorite Newport Beach Hikes

Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve

One of the largest coastal wetlands in southern California, offering 1,000 acres of open space, the Upper Newport Bay Nature Preserve and Ecological Reserve is a mecca for birders, hikers, runners, bikers and picnickers. Classified as a "critical estuary," its preservation is crucial to providing a safe haven for nearly 200 species of birds, and foraging, spawning and nursery habitat for numerous species of fish, such as halibut, croaker, white sea bass and barred sand bass. 

For breathtaking bluff-top trails, head over to the northwest side of the bay. If it's jogging or a brisk walk you're looking for, Back Bay Drive is a multi-use road that stretches 3 miles northwards along the east side of the Bay from the Back Bay Science Center at Shellmaker Road to Vista Point on the corner of Eastbluff Drive.

Avid cyclists can enjoy a 10-mile bike loop around the Bay which starts at Jamboree at San Diego Creek, and the more ambitious adventure seekers can tackle the 22-mile Mountains to Sea Trail, which runs from Weir Canyon north of Irvine Regional Park joins the Back Bay Loop at Jamboree Road and continues through to Shellmaker Road.

Crystal Cove Beach and El Moro

Divided into three beach areas, Reef Point, Pelican Point and Los Trancos, Crystal Cove Beach boasts 1,140 acres of majestic underwater beauty for snorkelers and scuba divers and white sand beaches for sunbathers to frolic. If water and sand isn't quite what you're looking for, head to El Moro Canyon located at the southernmost edge of the beach to explore 18 miles of pristine hiking, biking and horse trails.

Four More Great Winter Activities in Newport Beach

Newbie surfers at Blackies Beach, Newport Beach [Photo Courtesy Visit Newport Beach]

1.  Surfing Lessons at Blackies

On the northside of the Newport Pier is a special swath of sand called Blackies, known for its slower breaks it is the perfect spot for kids who are itching to get their toes wet in the sport of surfing.

2.  The 107th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade

Join over a million delight-filled viewers at the 107th Newport Beach Christmas Boat Parade, the nation’s longest running lighted holiday boat parade, for five jam-packed nights on December 16-20, 2015.

3.  Whale Watching Cruise

December through April is prime grey whale watching season and Newport Beach is ranked as one of the top destinations to witness these magnificent creatures make their way down to the warmer breeding grounds of Mexico.

Stand Up Paddleboarders, Newport Beach [Photo Courtesy Visit Newport Beach]

4.  Stand Up Paddleboarding

From full moon paddles, to SUP movie nights, and sunset outings, take advantage of the gorgeous year round sunshine Newport Beach has to offer by taking the whole family out on a stand up paddleboard adventure.

Discovering the Hidden Trails of Trippet Ranch - Hiking Topanga State Park

Topanga State Park spans 11,000 acres with 36 miles of trails that wind through a wide variety of terrain, from canyons and cliffs to hills and meadows and some of the most spectacular views of the Pacific Ocean Los Angeles hiking has to offer. It also features tons of cool geologic formations meticulously designed by volcanic activity, millions of years in the making. If you're an astutely observant explorer you can find a bevy of marine fossils and, if you're up for the challenge, yes, even those elusive and shifty earthquake faults.

With over 60 different trail entrances, it can be quite overwhelming just to pick a spot to start, but my suggestion would be to enter the park's main entrance at 20825 Entrada Road, Topanga, Ca 90290. There is a $10 fee to park in this lot, which I have no problem paying considering the desperate financial trouble our state parks are in right now, but you can generally find free parking on the numerous side streets, if you want to add a bit more mileage on to your day's hike.

Topanga State Park is plucked right from the front of the most stunning postcard you've ever seen. All you have to do is walk 20 steps from the parking lot and you're standing in the middle of a scene straight out of a Tim Burton film, surrounded by the crooked, twisted, welcoming arms of hundreds of ancient live oaks. 

Under the shade of this live oak grove, there are many picnic tables and clean bathrooms, making it the perfect place to lounge, play hide and seek, read a book, meditate or have lunch. Walk a few more steps past the picnic area, to the head of the Trippet Ranch Trail and it's as if you've walked smack dab in to a living, breathing Monet. We saw four artists masterfully painting this portion of the trail which conjured up memories of traveling through the french countryside. All that was missing was the Jambon-Beurre on a crispy baguette.

As you make your way up the curved incline you will come to a fork in the trail. To continue on to Eagle Rock, bear left.

This portion of the hike guides you along well-maintained trails through rough chaparral, oak forests and sprawling grasslands. Being a mixed-use trail, you'll encounter hikers, bikers and even the occasional meandering horse, so watch out for their little presents along the trail!

One of my favorite things about the Trippet Ranch Trail up to Eagle Rock, other than the fact that it's kid-friendly, are the numerous secondary trails which pop up out of nowhere, allowing extra opportunities for exploration and discovery. None of the informal trails we took actually led anywhere in particular, but when hiking, we're never in a real rush to get to any place specific anyway. On one of the secret little side-trails, we found a perfect spot for lunch, though, then continued on our wandering way.

As is the norm when hiking with kids, we never did make it all the way up to craggy, panoramic views of Eagle Rock, but we surely found our destination as we arrived back to our car, three hours later, with our imaginations well-used, a nature-calmed mind and de-stressed muscles.

Family Adventure Travel Along California's Central Coast: Monterey Edition

It was seven o'clock on a foggy Thursday morning, the middle of rush hour for most, but as luck would have it for us, "rush hour" in Monterey, California takes on an entirely different meaning. The seagulls leisurely glide past the sun-bathing sea lions who amusingly watch the sea otters play on a soft bed of the finest California kelp.  This sleepy sea town takes its time with everything, allowing its visitors a chance to take a much-needed rest from the hustle and bustle of big city life. 

  

With its iconic rocky shores and crashing waves, the coastline in this part of California's Central Coast is home to supremely magnificent views, on par with even the most far-off exotic lands, only it's a mere five hours north from Los Angeles. The wild and well-preserved landscape is a spectacle to behold, conjuring up mystifying thoughts and reaffirming Mother Nature's awe-inspiring imagination.

For more than seventy five years, Monterey has maintained and built upon its vision of acquiring open space and providing access to the waterfront for all who wish to revel in its majesty.  As a result of the city’s tireless work, it currently boasts thirty six parks, more than 6 beaches and hundreds of acres dedicated to hiking and camping. Within its boundaries, it safeguards and nurtures miles and miles of unique coastal habitat not found anywhere else in the world, with a throng of dedicated volunteers the size of army. It’s an outdoor enthusiast’s dream getaway.

  

We spent the first day of our three day mini-vacation hiking  through an ancient Monterey Cypress Grove, the Pacific Ocean always on our left, affectionately escorting us. Point Lobos State Natural Reserve was the perfect introduction to everything that Monterey stands for, preservation, conservation and steadfast stewardship of the land they call their home. You can quite easily spend the entire day there. The topography changes drastically with every twist and turn of the trail. You can find yourself scrambling over 60 million year old rock out-croppings, drop down into rich tide pools, hike past prairies and coves, then find yourself surrounded by thick forest. We didn't want to leave, but promises of a table full of fresh seafood at The Grotto Fish Market on fisherman's wharf coaxed us back to the city. Let's just say we were amply rewarded.

  

Day two, we found ourselves at the world-famous Monterey Bay Aquarium. Walking down cannery row, the aquarium’s building is large and imposing, but once inside it is bright, airy, open and inviting. 

The energy that you feel as you walk through the doors resonates deep within and that’s not any accident. Thoughtfulness and a deep commitment to conservation of the oceans bursts through its seams, floating all the way down from the top. Executive Director Julie Packard, helped to found the Monterey Bay Aquarium back in the late 1970’s and her work over the last thirty years has been rooted in California nature and oceanic conservancy. Their employees are empowered with an infectious excitement, a wealth of knowledge and are more than willing to share the experience with you.

Making our way through the entrance, en route to the Rocky Shore exhibit, I couldn't help but soak in all of the fine industrial touches, an homage to its distinct cannery row location. From brilliant sea lemons and bat star fish to stately anemones and rock-like limpets, the Rocky Shore exhibit is a fully hands-on experience that teaches kids about that delicate in-between world where sea meets land. It allows you to explore tidal rhythms, discover coastal currents and a up-close peek into these special shoreline creatures, seemingly lifeless when exposed to the air, that come alive under the water.

Entering the psychedelic Jellies' maze was mesmerizing. This exhibit reaffirms my belief that Mother Nature is the most visionary of all artists, painting her creations on the canvas of our world, masterpieces our tiny imaginations could never hope to dream up. Jelly fish are some of the most elegant creatures I've ever had the pleasure of witnessing, their ribbons and ruffles, spikes, beads and dots effortlessly gliding, darting, flying through the water. And just for a moment, we forget all about the sting of their graceful tentacles.

The aquarium's five spirited sea otters are at least an hour of pure enjoyment, watching them dart in and out of their various caves and caverns, playing hide and seek and performing three full acts for their audience. Rosa, Abby, Gidget, Ivy and Kit were all rescued from precarious situations along the California coast. They now act as surrogate mothers, companions and mentors to other stranded and rescued California sea otters as part of the aquariums Sea Otter Program, which has been studying and trying to save the threatened southern sea otter since 1984. What we stand to learn from our furry friends goes deeper than biological. Their strong sense of community, family and constant need for fun is something we can all weave into the fabric of our lives.

No aquarium would be complete without its fair share of splash zones, penguins and giant octopus, but nothing could top the eerie and mystifying display of the Open Sea, the aquarium's largest and most impressive exhibit. 

Sitting in front of that ninety foot window, watching our daughter, watching the sparkling schools of sardines dart to and fro, the humongous tuna and the graceful sandbar sharks all living in harmony, reminds me of the vastness of this great, big, bewitching world. It refreshed in me the understanding of diversity. It underlined the importance of acceptance and how it plays a role in our capacity to appreciate and relate to all that is different and beautiful. What a gift.

Setting Sail on a Channel Islands' Wildlife Cruise - Playful Pelicans & A Delightful Dolphin Escort

The Channel Islands are a 160 mile-long archipelago sprinkled amidst the sprawling Pacific Ocean. In 1938, five of the 8 islands, positioned just off the Southern California coastal city of Oxnard, were established as a National Monument, then later in 1980 were designated as the Channel Islands National Park. They are a sight to behold and part of one of the richest marine biospheres in the world. From Los Angeles, an easy hour's drive north will deliver you to a picturesque and thriving land that took Mother Nature thousands of years to engineer.

Channel Islands Wildlife Cruise

If you're looking for a special outing that will create long-lasting memories for the entire family, a Channel Island's Wildlife Cruise is one to add to your list. After 17 years of Southern California living and countless visits to national parks all over the world, I found it astounding that we had never made it to this National Park. A few months ago, as luck would have it, an invitation to do a wildlife cruise fell into our laps and excitedly, the whole family piled in to the car and up the coast we went!

On that Sunday, we arrived at the Channel Islands Harbor early, which was our luck because there was a quaint little Farmer's Market steps from our cruise's launching dock. We decided that would be the perfect place to buy some snacks and lunch to bring with us! The vendors offered a great variety of perfectly ripe, organic fruits and veggies and we snagged some to-die-for homemade hummus and pita chips, too!

The cruise out to the Channel Islands National Park is a half day affair spent skating across the wide open ocean, meandering about the islands and witnessing awe-inspiring beauty at its best; a day full of exploring, discovering and learning that was fascinating, not only for our 2 1/2 year old, but for the adults as well.

About half way out to the islands we were greeted by a pod of dolphins. Even the crew and captain of the boat commented that it was one of the largest pods they had ever seen in their 20 plus years doing charters. We watched them as they surfed our wake, swam sideways to get a better look at us and jumped for joy at the chance to play with us.

Dolphin Surfers

The entire boat was so enthralled that when the captain killed the engines to allow us to float with them for a while, no one on board even seemed to notice. The perfect escort for the beginning of a perfect day.

As we approached the island of Anacapa, we were welcomed by Arch Rock, its arresting natural trademark looming 40 feet above the ocean.

Rock Arch

The islands are full of breathtaking natural features such as rock bridges, plunging cliffs, sea caves and tide pools. On this particular cruise, we weren't allowed to disembark, but next time we go we are getting off the boat and you can bet that we will give ourselves even more time to explore the islands from land.

There certainly was no shortage of California sea lions and harbor seals and we had the best time mimicking their raucous manifestos and counting them perched out on the rugged cliffs sunbathing.

Sun-bathing Sea Lions

Due to the remoteness of the islands, its many secluded beaches and the abundant food of the surrounding waters, you have the opportunity to witness one of the world's largest congregations of pinnipeds anywhere, representing more species than any other single place on Earth. In the winter months, you may even have the opportunity to spot the occasional Pacific Grey Whale as they migrate between summer feeding grounds in Alaska to their breeding areas in Baja, California.

These protected islands also provide a much-needed sanctuary; vital feeding and breeding grounds for 99 percent of Southern California's sea birds. 99 percent!

Cliff Dwellers

More importantly they are the sole breeding ground for the California Brown Pelican which was only recently taken off of the endangered species list. We watched a brown pelican do laps around our boat for a good 20 minutes. He (or she) was having the time of his life, gliding past the side of the boat, then circling back around. To say it was a joy to watch would be an understatement. Needless to say, we too, were having the time of our lives.

Happy Pelican

Given its isolated and hard-to-reach location, The Channel Islands are one of the least visited National Parks in the Nation and that's what makes it even more special to visit. Offering a wide array of exciting activities at your fingertips, the Islands boast world class kayaking, snorkeling, diving, hiking and camping or you can simply enjoy a little well-deserved peace and solitude. I can't wait to adventure back, hiking boots on and ready to discover the Channel Island's secret treasures hidden deep in the recesses of the islands coves, beaches and trails!

[Food Series] Turkish Style Stuffed Eggplant (Karnıyarık)

Karnıyarık (Stuffed Eggplant) was one of the first Turkish dishes I mastered (after Cacık), mainly because it is one of my husband's favorite foods. As I've mentioned before, I never really ate eggplant before I met my hubby, but this dish will have you begging for more! There are a few more steps than most of my recipes, but trust me when I say it's WORTH it! Enjoy!

Ingredients

6 small Japanese Eggplants

1 pound of Ground Beef

4 Green Onions

1 medium size Tomato

2 cloves of Garlic

1/2 cup fresh Parsley

2 tablespoons Turkish/Mediterranean Tomato Paste

1 cup of water

2 cups of Olive Oil

Salt

Pepper

To prepare your eggplant, cut off the top right at the base of its cap, cut off a sliver at the very bottom, then peel the skin off in quarters, length-wise, leaving four strips of skin all the way around. Submerge eggplant in very salty water and let them sit for at least 10 minutes. While the eggplants are soaking, chop your green onions, garlic, parsley and half of the tomato (reserve the other half of the tomato. you'll use that later.) In a pan, saute the onions for a minute, then add the garlic for a minute. Add the ground beef to the pan and brown, making sure to break up the beef into fairly small pieces. Add the chopped tomato and parsley and saute for another 5 minutes. Don't saute on too high of a heat. You want the ground beef mixture to be juicy, not dry. In a deep pot pour your 2 cups of olive oil and let it get hot. Meanwhile, remove your eggplant from the salt bath and pat dry with a paper towel. When the oil is hot (check by dipping the end of the eggplant in the oil. If it bubbles up vigorously, it's ready.), gently place eggplant into oil. Rotate eggplant a quarter turn every 3 minutes. When they are done, place them in a baking dish. Choose a place on each eggplant, between strips of skin and make a cut down the middle, making sure not to cut all the way through end to end. Leave about half an inch on each end. Split each eggplant open, like you would a baked potato and fill with the ground beef mixture. Preheat the oven to 450 degrees. Thinly slice the remain half of tomato and place a slice on top of each stuffed eggplant. Mix 2 tablespoons of tomato paste in 1 cup of water (and pour in any remaining juice you may have in the pan from the ground beef mixture) and slowly pour over each eggplant, then pours the rest into the baking dish. Place baking dish into the oven for 25 minutes. Serve with rice and plain yogurt!

Instilling Leadership in Kids With Help From Mother Nature Guest Post for Tales of A Mountain Mama

Placing a focus on instilling in our kids the positive pillars that mark a great leader, is a just and noble endeavor we, as parents embark upon each and every day. These lessons can be taught any where, any time and what better classroom is there than the one Mother Nature built from the ground up with her own two loving hands.

The Four Pillars of Leadership consist of Integrity, Respect, Determination and Confidence and our dear Mother Nature has got them all in spades. With a little observation, stillness and connection we can seek to show our children just how perfect they truly are.

Integrity

Mother Nature is nothing, if not integrous. She is consistent and honest, although at times seemingly harsh, simply doing what needs to be done to maintain balance. She reflects her mirror of integrity back to us as we watch her conduct her symphony.

Integrity is deeply rooted in our every fiber, its core planted in the silence of our soul. It is connected to every word we speak, every action we take. Sitting with your babe by a stream, marvel as the leaves on the ridge of the mountain always change from green to yellow to gold and finally to brown and you will have learned that she is connected to you and you to her.

Click here to read my entire article at Amelia's amazing blog Tales of A Mountain Mama!

A Family Friendly Roadtrip up the Famous Pacific Coast Highway

June 6, 2013 will mark my seventeenth year of being a Southern Californian. Having lived in Southern California for over half of my life now, I am proud to say that I have explored it in every single direction. I have visited its lakes, swam in its rivers, traversed its mountains, napped under its giant trees and I have roasted in its deserts, but there's nothing quite as breathtaking as our California Coast.

In my first years here, you could find me on its beaches pretty much every day; running, rollerblading, biking, swimming or just basking in the sun. There nothing like the roar of the ocean waves and the vastness of its beauty to truly give you peace and perspective in the world.

Almost from the beginning of our (now) 17 year relationship, my husband and I have driven the California Coast via the famous Pacific Coast Highway, never allowing each other to take its grandeur for granted. From the Mexico Border, to Big Sur and all the way up past San Francisco, we have ridden its twists and turns and it is with deep pleasure that I'm sharing with you a few of our favorite stops along the way!

Paradise Cove - Malibu, California

My husband and I became weekly regulars at Paradise Cove when we were just dating, cira 1997! Back then, it was the most unassuming dive restaurant you've ever seen, in a (then) secret little cove in Malibu with the best weekday champagne brunch anywhere. 

Two Young Kids on The Paradise Cove Beach - Circa 2007

We've spent birthdays there, anniversaries, long lazy days lounging on its quiet shores and it is the perfect spot to spend Mother's Day. 

Paradise Cove Beach - Mother's Day 2011

Although you won't find it very divey anymore, it's still laid back and a must-stop for us on The Pacific Coast Highway! If you want to hike before you dine, check out The Solstice Canyon Trail to the Waterfall about 4 miles south on PCH!

Neptune's Net on The Ventura County Line

Whether you're a biker or not, if you're driving The Pacific Coast Highway, Neptune's Net is a must-stop! We took our little peanut here when she was just about 6 weeks old and she slept right through each and every unmuffled Harley vigorously starting its engine!

Neptune's Net

Neptune's Net is known for its fresh seafood, cooked anyway you want! They have it all, from oysters and lobster to dungeness crab and calamari; raw, grilled or fried everything and beer for days! The perfect spot to stop after hiking The Grotto Trail @ Circle X Ranch a stone's throw away!

Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery - San Simeon, California

This spot can get a little crowded, but it's just too cool to pass up! The Piedras Blancas Elephant Seal Rookery is fun viewing for the kiddos (and the adults!), to watch these beautiful animals playing and relaxing in their natural habitat. They even have a webcam!

Photo by "Mike" Michael L. Baird

If you want to lunch nearby, WR Hearst State Beach is 4 miles south on PCH and the quaint town of Cambria is only 10 miles south of that with tons of restaurants and antique shopping!

Nepenthe Restaurant - Big Sur, California

One year we arrived to our Big Sur campground to learn that a red flag warning had been given and no fires were allowed. In all of the years we had been camping this had never happened to us. We were totally ill-prepared. All of the food we had brought with us required fire, so we did what clever campers do, we drove up the Pacific Coast Highway in search of a restaurant! 

Nepenthe Restaurant

We never would have guessed what a treat we were in for when we came across Nepenthe. A family owned and operated gem nestled on a cliff 800 feet above the wild Pacific Ocean, they have been serving fresh, locally caught seafood to visitors for almost 65 years!

This restaurant plops you directly in the middle of Big Sur adventureland, (Julia Pfeiffer State Park is just 7 miles south, Andrew Molera State Park is 6 miles south) so go and explore in any direction!

[Food Series] Roasted Broccoli and Pancetta Quiche

Quiche is one of our family's favorite dishes anytime of the day, any day of the week and any week of the year! It's also one of my favorite Cook-Ahead Camping Meals to prepare. My base recipe for the custard is my mom's and then I usually improvise with the veggie, cheese and meat elements depending on what's in the fridge on that particular day! Today I just so happened to have a head of broccoli and pancetta calling out to me, so it was quiche time! Enjoy!!

Ingredients:
1 head of Broccoli (about 2 cups chopped)
1 cup of chopped Pancetta
1 cup of chopped Crimini Mushrooms
1 chopped Shallot (about 2 tablespoons)
1/2 teaspoon of Ground Mustard
4 Eggs
1 1/2 cup of Whole Milk
1/2 cup grated Sharp White Cheddar Cheese
1/2 cup grated Asiago Cheese
1 tablespoon of Olive Oil
1 Pie Crust

My quiche crust is quick and easy: 1 box of Trader Joe's Frozen Gourmet Pie Crust. I just set it on my stove a few hours prior to let it defrost, then roll it out and drape it into the 9 inch pie pan. This crust calls for a par bake of about 10 minutes, so just follow the instructions on the box! While the crust is partially baking, roughly chop the shallots, mushrooms and broccoli (I buy the already chopped pancetta at Trader Joe's). Since the oven was already on, I decided to roast the broccoli to accentuate its flavor, so I tossed it lightly in olive oil, sprinkled with salt and threw it in the oven with the pie crust. While the oven is going, saute your pancetta, shallot and mushrooms. In a large mixing bowl, whisk the eggs, ground mustard, milk, salt and pepper. When everything on top of and in the stove is done, take it out and allow it all to cool. While everything is cooling down grate your cheese. It shouldn't take more than 10 minutes for your pie crust to cool, then evenly spread your roasted broccoli, pancetta, mushrooms and shallots into the crust and carefully pour the custard mixture over the top. I usually place the pie pan on top of my large sheet pan and make sure not to fill the crust up completely with the custard! I leave about a quarter of an inch to the top of the sides of the crust because the quiche will puff up and will overflow!! Bake at 375 degrees for about 50 minutes. Take it out and allow it to cool for another 20 minutes, slice and enjoy!

The End of an Era - Saying Goodbye to My Beloved Merrell's

I'd like to introduce you to my long time friend and trusted travel companion: Meet my Merrells! 

The rocky cliffs of the Northern California Coast

This year they turned 15. They have carried me across molten volcanoes and barren deserts, through the rain forests of Costa Rica,

The mystical Arenal Volcano looming in the distance. Costa Rica.

the mystical Underground cities of Cappadocia and over countless mountains, streams and picturesque meadows on four different continents. 

They are more than a pair of shoes, they have been my most trusted travel companion (aside from, of course, my husband and more recently our daughter!). 

High Sierra Mountains - Sequoia National Park

They have kept me grounded and allowed me to explore the great and vast world we live in. They have propelled me forward through the twists and turns of each and every switchback to revel in the beauty which lies beyond and I will be forever grateful for the day they were given to me by my best cuz/bro/twin.

Alas, it is the end of an era. The time has come to say goodbye, to lay them to rest and the daunting yet exciting task begins: Research, testing and buying new hiking shoes!

The research is probably my most favorite and the most overwhelming part of the whole process. The hiking industry is definitely not what it was 15 years ago. Technology has soared by leaps and bounds and the brands available have grown exponentially! I've said it before, I'm not by any means a "gear head." Case in point, I have 15 year old hiking shoes! Ha!

Thankfully, I have a strong and supportive network of Outdoor peeps and will definitely be pumping the ladies for all of their Female Hiking Boot opinions. I also came across a great Outdoor Gear website called TheClymb.com. It's a membership based private-sale network that you sign up for like Zulily or Groupon and they offer deals on everything Outdoorsy up to 70% off. Sign me up! I'm always looking to save money.

What are you most favorite pair of hiking shoes? Why do you love them? Help me decide!

[Guest Blogger Series] Making Time For More Family Time by Kerem Hanci

This month Mommy Hiker is pleased, honored and proud to welcome my very own husband, Kerem Hanci to the Guest Blogger Series! Pro Photographer, Husband, Daddy, Blogger extraordinaire, he has been writing his own very popular Friday Photo Blog for just over 5 years now and if you've been with us from the beginning, you may remember waaaay back almost a year ago to his first Mommy Hiker Guest Post (Wow! A year!). Let's give him a warm welcome back!

I am so happy to reconnect with all the readers of Mommy Hiker again.

As a professional photographer who shoots primarily weddings, summer is extremely busy for me. 

Although this can create certain challenges in getting my much-needed family time, I never let it become an excuse to take those precious fleeting moments away from me.

We were able to schedule a fantastic camping trip (my blog post on that trip and I am sure you already have read Jen’s blog post) last month and this past week was extremely busy for us in a very good, outdoorsy way!

First we spent an entire afternoon at the park.  We were supposed to meet with friends and something came up on their end and we ended up having a family day at the park.

 

Following that wonderful day, right before the weekend, I went along to my first official Mommy Hiker Los Angeles hike! The Mommy Hiker regulars and their children who joined, the energy of the group and the joyful couple of hours that followed were one of the absolute highlights of my summer!

The camaraderie of the children, with the older ones taking responsability for the younger ones was adorable to witness.  I kind of stayed away from the socializing moms (which is another perk for the members of the Mommy Hiker community) and focused on the children.  Their laughter, their fascination with the nature and their endless imagination uplifted me to a whole different level on Friday morning.

The lunch time was a carnival of carefully packed delicious, healthy snacks and it was followed by a festival of children taking turns blowing bubbles and get lost in their excitement of chasing soapy water filled with air. The joy of life really is just that simple!

Over the weekend we drove down to Long Beach for a baby shower, than we drove up to Oxnard for a wild-life cruise, which Jennifer is dedicating an entire blog post to later this month.

I am certain I am preaching to the choir here, but I would like to finish this photography-heavy blog with this: don’t say you would go out and explore the outdoors and let your child(ren)’s imagination run wild “when you can”.  Make time for it, create it and give your undivided attention to how your little one is expanding his/her horizons.  Expand yours with theirs.  We are blessed in California, with year-round lovely weather, kid and wallet-friendly outdoor attractions.  Come join the Mommy Hiker group when they are hiking on Friday mornings and make a serious effort to go every week.  It is a fantastic opportunity to stay in shape, to challenge the little ones and yourself to achieve new heights in personal development.

This was the first time I joined them hiking, you can be sure it was not the last time!  See you all soon on a hiking trail with the little ones!

Caves and Creeks and Conductors! Oh My! - Hiking Malibu Creek Trail with a Toddler

On this week's Friday Family Hike, we journeyed 30 minutes north of Los Angeles to trek the Malibu Creek Trail to the Rock Pool! After almost two years of hiking with my babe you can imagine that we've been all over LA and beyond! There are so many old favorites that we go back to again and again, so it's a lot of fun to venture to a new park and discover that it can be easily explored by a 2 1/2 year old. After Friday, Malibu Creek State Park is definitely one of our new favs!

No Reservations

When researching the trail information, we read that there is a $12 fee for parking, but there are also two designated state park parking lots available for free .2 miles away from the Park's entrance, on Mulholland Drive, so we parked there and walked along Las Virgenes Road into the park and to the trail head.

The view from Las Virgenes Road

It was a warm and misty (at times downright rainy) summer morning; perfect for staying cool and comfortable! Just steps into our hike, we made our first creek crossing and V was sure we had made it to the Rock Pool! After a little coercion and necessary time spent throwing various-sized rocks and sticks into the water, we were ready to move on!

The trail mosied ever so slightly up then leveled off when we reached the grasslands, a sprawling swath of meadows with so many nooks and crannies to explore, you can almost end your hike there, which we almost did. We found this felled log along the trail and decided to stop for lunch...

Malibu Creek Grasslands

Lunch on a Log

which turned into an hour-long playtime replete with V conducting Mother Nature's orchestra and a bit of quiet contemplation!

V conducts Mother Nature's Orchestra!

Downtime

I assumed, by that point, V would want to head back, but she wanted to explore some more, so we continued up the trail along a dry creek bed where I spied on the other side a huge rock face full of large wind-eroded holes. So, off trail we went, over the rocky creek bed and spent another hour carefully traversing the rock face and exploring every person-sized 'cave' we could safely climb.

We sat, looking out, enjoying our newly-found perspective perched high above the trail, sang songs, played patty cake, I Spy and even were lucky enough to coerce some hikers over to snap a picture of us!

Cave Dwellers

At that point, it was getting dangerously close to naptime and with all of the hiking V had already done, I decided there was no reason to push on, we would have to make it to the Rock Pool another day and you can be sure, we'll be back to Malibu Creek State Park soon!