Exploring the Outdoors: A Conejo Valley Guide

Located 45 minutes north of Los Angeles, just off the 101 freeway, the Conejo Valley is a splendid outdoor playground, virtually undiscovered by its cosmopolitan neighbors. The gateway to the Santa Monica Mountains Recreational Center, the area originally settled by the Chumash people spans both southeastern Ventura County and northwestern Los Angeles County and offers a wide variety of opportunities to get outdoors with the family.

Given its close proximity and easy accessibility, the Conejo Valley makes for the perfect date night, day trip or weekend getaway, and its thriving craft beer and wine scene is an added bonus when looking to balance outdoor play with nightlife merriment. The rural beauty of this area is hidden in plain sight, boasting more than 500 miles of hiking and biking trails making it a unique destination that is friendly for the entire family.

Here are just a few ways you and your family can get off-the-beaten path and explore the hidden gems the Conejo Valley has to offer.

Hiking & Biking

Paramount Ranch Hike

A photo posted by Jennifer Fontaine (@jennifer_fontaine) on Nov 5, 2015 at 6:04pm PST

• Distance: 4 miles round trip 
• Elevation Gain: 150 ft 
• Open to: Hiking, Biking 
• Difficulty: Moderate

Directions 

2903 Cornell Road, Agoura Hills, CA, 91301

Take the Ventura Freeway (U.S. 101) to Kanan Road exit. Head south on Kanan for 0.5 miles. Turn left on Cornell Way and veer to the right. Continue south for 2.5 miles. The entrance is on right side of the road.  

Grasslands Hike - Malibu Creek State Park

• Distance: 0.75 miles 
• Elevation Gain: 105 feet
• Open to: Hiking, Biking, Equestrian
• Difficulty: Easy

Directions

27000 Mulholland Highway, Agoura Hills, CA 91301

From Highway 101, take the Las Virgenes Road exit and go south for 3.1 miles to Mulholland Highway.  Take a right on Mulholland Highway and almost immediately, look for the Grasslands Trail on the left.

Los Robles Hike - Los Padres

A photo posted by Jennifer Fontaine (@jennifer_fontaine) on Nov 6, 2015 at 3:11pm PST

• Distance: 6 miles 
• Elevation Gain: 900 feet
• Open to: Hiking, Biking, Equestrian
• Difficulty: Easy

Directions:

From the 101 freeway, drive to the south end of Moorpark Rd, turn right on Greenmeadow Ave., and go a half mile to the parking lot.

Paradise Falls Hike - Wildwood Park

• Distance: 2.5 miles (loop)  
• Elevation change: 260 feet
• Open to: Hiking, Biking
• Difficulty: Moderate

Directions

928 W Avenida De Los Arboles, Thousand Oaks, CA 91360

Take the 101 Freeway to Thousand Oaks to exit 45 for Lynn Road. Drive north for 2.5 miles on Lynn Road, and turn left on Avenido de los Arboles. Drive to the end of the street and park in the lot on the left.

Pedego 101 Electric Bike Tour

Biking is a great way to explore a new city, allowing you the ability to cover a ton of ground, and connect with your surroundings without being confined to the interior of a car. Electric bikes give you more flexibility to discover farther distances even if you're with young kids or grandparents.

During our time in the Conejo Valley we hooked up with Pedego 101, who offers a full fleet of electric bikes with a variety of models that fit all shapes and sizes. They were so knowledgeable and welcoming, after our 13-mile bike ride across picturesque bridges and through tree-lined canyon roads, we felt as if we had gained a family.

Pedego 101
2859 Agoura Road Westlake Village, CA 91361
(805) 379-9245
www.pedego101.com

Family Friendly Dining

The Malibu Cafe

Nestled in the gentle, rolling hills of its word-famous namesake, Malibu Cafe is a cornerstone of coastal, rustic living. Eat decadent corn and lobster chowder, listen to down-home live music and lounge under the canopy of centuries-old California oak trees tastefully decorated with elegant chandeliers.

Malibu Cafe is as kid-friendly as it gets with 100% outdoor seating and plethora of fun kid games such as jumbo Jenga and air hokey set up on the lawn for all to enjoy. The biggest challenge you might have to face at this laid back ranch-style restaurant is leaving. 

The Malibu Cafe

327 Latigo Canyon Road Malibu, CA 90265

(818) 540-2400
http://www.themalibucafe.com

A photo posted by Jennifer Fontaine (@jennifer_fontaine) on Nov 6, 2015 at 3:19pm PST

Tavern 101 Grill & Tap House

Another kid-friendly tavern to try when you have a hankering for mouth-watering BBQ is Tavern 101. Located just off the 101 freeway, this hidden little gem of a restaurant offers a laid-back atmosphere, hand-crafted cocktails and more meat than any one person could ever attempt to consume. 

Tavern 101 Grill & Tap House

28434 Roadside Drive  Agoura Hills, CA 91301

(818) 991-7227
http://www.taverngrills.com

"Adults Only" Offerings

101 Cider House

Some of the most interesting and unique cider this year is coming out of a dark corner in an unassuming industrial park in the Conejo Valley. A budding pioneer of the craft beer industry, Mark McTavish and the rest of his talented 101 Cider House team are self-proclaimed cider evangelists.

A photo posted by Jennifer Fontaine (@jennifer_fontaine) on Nov 5, 2015 at 10:26pm PST

Sourced locally, their product is raw, made with natural ingredients and 100% fresh pressed juices. the end result is vibrant and daring and sure to knock your socks off.

101 Cider House
Tasting Room Hours: Thursday 5pm - 10pm, Saturday 1pm - 11pm, Sunday 1pm - 5pm
31111 Via Colinas, Westlake Village, CA 91362
(818) 851-9018
http://www.101cider.com

Sunland Vintage Winery

Michael and Debby Giovinazzo are making old school hip again with their throw-back vintages that conjure up thoughts of Old Italy and its robust yet delicate wines. Their award-winning Sunland Vintage label tickles the palate and their bright and cheery tasting room will have you coming back for more.

Sunland Vintage Winery
Tasting Room Hours: Thursdays & Fridays 6pm - 9pm, Saturdays 1pm - 6pm, Sundays 1pm - 5pm
1321 E Thousand Oaks Blvd. #108 Thousand Oaks, CA 91362
(805) 379-2250
http://www.sunlandvintagewinery.com

Celebrate Kids to Parks Day in Southern California and Beyond

In Southern California, we have so much to be thankful for. Wide open spaces surround us, but the hustle and bustle of life can easily get in the way. Thanks to the National Park Trust, they are inspiring families all over the US to get outside and get exploring.

Start by making the Kids to Parks pledge to get outside May 16, 2015, alongside 287,827 other families. In doing so, you will be automatically entered for a chance to win their GRAND prize, a Nikon COOLPIX L830 camera and a boatload of other prizes guaranteed to help you have fun outdoors, so round up the kids, slap on the sunscreen and get OUTSIDE!

To find a Southern California participating park near you, check out the National Park Trust park events page. There you can search by local community to find the closest park or the coolest park. There is also a great family resources section full of free cool stuff for kids like activity guides, an adventure book, inspirational stories and awesome tips for families who are not so well-versed in the great outdoors.

Check out these awesome Kids to Parks Day events in Southern California:

Channel Islands Tidepool Talk  (Ventura)
May 16, 2015
11 am - 11:30 am & 3 pm - 3:30 pm
Channel Islands National Park, 1901 Spinnaker Drive, Ventura, CA 93001, USA
Phone: 805-658-5730
Website: http://www.nps.gov/chis/planyourvisit/event-details.htm?eventID=347557-307230

Story Time with A Ranger (Joshua Tree)  
May 16, 2015
2:00 pm - 2:30 pm
6554 Park Boulevard, Joshua Tree, CA 92252, USA
Email: lorna_shuman@nps.gov
Phone: 760-367-5521

Little Planet, Big Journey at Jumbo Rock Campground Amphitheater (Joshua Tree)
Joshua Tree National Park, National Park Road, Twentynine Palms, CA 92277, USA
May 16, 2015
8:00 pm - 9:00 pm
Email: lorna_shuman@nps.gov
Phone: 760-367-5521

Cabrillo Critters That Creep Crawl and Slither (San Diego)  
1800 Cabrillo Memorial Drive, San Diego, CA 92106, USA
May 16, 2015
1:00 pm - 3:00 pm
Email: Amanda_gossard@nps.gov
Phone: 619 557 5450 ex 4589

"Ready, Set, Wear It!" Life Jacket World Record Day (Oceanside)  
May 16, 2015
All Day Event
1950 N Harbor Drive, Oceanside, California 92054
Email: suzycoop@gmail.com
Website: http://www.readysetwearit.com

Be Outside - Kids to Parks at El Dorado Regional Park (Long Beach)
May 16, 2015
9 am - 1 pm
7550 East Spring Street, Long Beach, CA 90815, USA
Email: letthembelittle1@gmail.com
Phone: 310-918-7730

Need some more ideas? Here are fifteen! Now go outside and enjoy!

Hikes:

Fern Dell - Griffith Park

Malibu Creek State Park

Toganga Canyon State Park 

Eaton Canyon

Monrovia Falls

The Grotto @ Circle X Ranch

The Bronson Caves

Fryman Canyon Trail

Solstice Canyon Trail

More awesome Southern California parks:

Leo Carrillo State Park

Ernest E. Debs Park

Franklin Canyon Park

Temescal Gateway Park

The Ventana Wilderness

Limekiln State Park

Outdoor Families Magazine: Helping families across the globe fall in love with the Great Outdoors

It is no secret that I have been pretty absent from you all, my beloved Mommy and Daddy Hikers! I certainly didn't expect it to happen, but about 11 months ago life took off on a completely different trajectory and I, being the heart-follower that I am, went for it! 

Not only have I been busy developing and executive producing a pretty awesome new television series, but more importantly to you guys, I have been busting my butt working on a project that probably would have never entered into my life had I not started this blog. So it is with the greatest pride and excitement that I  announce to you, my loyal readers, the launch of my newest baby! 

Outdoor Families Magazine! OFM launches in t-minus four days (January 15, 2015) and it will be a free digital magazine that encourages families toward lifelong appreciation of outside spaces. The magazine, available at http://www.outdoorfamiliesonline.com will strive to enrich the lives of multi-generational families worldwide by providing unparalleled outdoor and adventure related content meant to inspire a connection to, participation in, and stewardship of the natural world.

January Issue's Cover

To commemorate our inaugural issue January 15, 2015, Outdoor Families Magazine will also launch the “Great Family Adventure” Photo Contest, inviting families from around the world to show off their awesome family adventures pictures! At the end of the two week contest, we'll be presenting one lucky family with a two-night stay and three adventure-packed days on southern California’s Central Coast in the city of Oxnard, gateway to the Channel Islands National Park and Marine Sanctuary. In addition, our finalists will receive cool prizes from ten other awesome outdoor retailers including Hi-Tec footwear and Sierra Trading Post.

The magazine’s advisory board is comprised of more than 30 business and thought leaders in the outdoor family and adventure market, including my partners, our managing editor, Erin Kirkland, author of Alaska on the Go: Exploring the 49th state with children and our operations manager, Traci Lehman who will also be leading the magazine's team of research and development experts who are passionate about supporting our magazine's mission by documenting the benefits of outdoor time and identifying the barriers families face with regards to getting outside, so we can face these issues head on and find real world solutions.

Outdoor Families Magazine will be the go-to resource hub, supporting our already robust, engaged #OutdoorFamilies community and connecting with others who are interested in obtaining information related to family outdoor sports, activities and play, environmental stewardship, volunteering, adventure travel, mind and body nourishment and green living resources, ideas and tips. 

When I got into this crazy blogging world I never, in a million years, would have expected it to lead me where I am today; a member of The North American Travel Journalists Association, founder of a magazine, part of an absolutely incredible community of people. Throughout my wee three years, the one thing I noticed blatantly missing was a lack of relatable content available to families who simply want motivation and inspiration to get outdoors with their kids. I was dumbfounded by it actually and it is our hope that this magazine will fill that void. There are a lot of us out there, families who choose to go off-the-beaten-path, with our kids right beside us, along for the adventure. In the rapidly-growing market of outdoor family adventure we intend to thoughtfully lead the movement. I hope you'll join us for the ride!

Join the Outdoor Families community on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, Pinterest, Google+, and YouTube!

How to Camp with Kids and Not Lose Your Mind

Picture this, a warm cup of cocoa next to a babbling brook, smore-covered, smiling faces glowing in the light of a campfire, adventure-packed days exploring every type of flora and fauna Mother Nature has to offer. At least that’s how euphoric camping with kids sounds, in your mind.  

Now let’s bring it back to reality. Even for the most seasoned adult campers, throwing kids in to the mix takes camping to an entirely different level. As nature-loving parents, we know how important it is to get our kids out and in to the great outdoors as much as possible, so here are a few camping tips and tricks to keep organized and, most importantly have fun, so no one has to lose their mind.  

Create a Kid’s Toy Bin

This one little tip just might change your life forever. In our family, we are big on bins to organize camping gear. There is one for kitchen supplies, one for pantry items and one smashed full of our kid’s favorite toys. Although it may seem counter-intuitive, given you’re out in the middle nature with so much to explore and discover, but kids still get bored. Consider, also keeping this bin off limits when you’re not sleeping under the stars. It will make it all the more appealing when your little one finally gets to unpack it from the crammed car.

Don’t know what to put in your bin? Here are some ideas:  
Bubbles  

Glow Sticks  

Kite  

Markers, Colors & Paper  

Magnifying Glass  

Bug Catcher Set  

Binoculars 

Cards 

Travel Checkers  

Camp with Awesome Friends  

The best gift you can give your kid (and yourself), on a camping adventure is an adventure buddy their own age, leaving you and YOUR friends a bit more time for rest and relaxation. Camping with friends also offers some pretty great perks like splitting up campsite chores and on the off chance you forgot the wine bottle opener, your awesome camping friends have your back. There’s also something pretty special that occurs when you make camping communal. Together, through a shared experience of Mother Nature, an amazing tribe can form, and in turn a beautiful group of kids emerge, growing up together with shared experiences and discoveries.  

Get the Kids Involved  

Camping trips offer a whole host of ways to engage your kids. Let them pack their camping bag, allow them to help set up the tent, delegate a few campsite chores and you’ll watch your generally uninvolved kid get energized by the adventure. Hand over a bit of the control and you will see them adopt a new-found sense of ownership of their own experience. Letting kids lead the way is an incredible confidence builder and helps to shape their decision-making skills.  

Read the FULL article at Teton Sports!

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4 Reasons Why I Have to Go Back to Costa Rica

Four years ago my husband and I reluctantly stepped back on US soil, with the echo of howler monkeys still ringing in our ears, the heavy dew of the rain forest still kissing our sun-soaked skin and our hearts full of every single happy, soulful person we met on our 2 week road trip across Costa Rica. The initial concept of a Costa Rican trip sprung from my brother, as a picture perfect locale to propose to his then girlfriend. When we were invited to go along and be a part of his surprise, life-changing moment, we simply asked, "When do we leave?!" 

Every second of our whirlwind 15 day trip was planned with an adventurous spirit. Having rented a four-wheel drive vehicle, we made a conscious decision to tackle the rugged interior jungle roads and washed out coastal passages head on with the confidence that the villages and the people and the eco-systems we would discover off the beaten track would be a thousand times better than any walled-off, all-inclusive resort. We were right.

I will warn you that the title of this blog is a bit misleading. As you scroll down, you might notice that three out of the four reasons appear to be the same: Adventure. But, I will tell you that the adventure that exists on the west coast surf town of Playa Negra is completely different from the adventure that awaits in the northern rainforests of Monteverde which is a complete one hundred and eighty degrees away from the adventure that we found on the more laid-back Caribbean coastal town of Puerto Viejo and the Panamanian border-town of Manzanillo.

Every single inch of the more than one thousand kilometers we traversed, was brimming with Pura Vida. I'm here to tell you that once you visit Costa Rica, it will live in your bones, your blood, your heart forever. We are dreaming of the day we will go back with our daughter, to introduce her to its wild jungles, watch her eyes widen at the sight of its majestic coasts, revel in its beautiful family-oriented culture and most of all inject her with a little of its happiness. Pura Vida! 

1 | Adventure

This is an awesome video my, now sister-in-law took as she and my brother zip-lined through the cloud rain forests of Monteverde, Costa Rica! My husband and I were right in front of them! It was a magical and exhilarating once-in-a-lifetime experience!

2 | Adventure

The surfing in Playa Negra is world class, the beaches are stunning and the villagers are warm and inviting!

3 | Adventure

The chances of walking 5 feet without a wildlife sighting is pretty low, in Costa Rica. One of my absolute favorite things while we were exploring the west coast was being woken up in the middle of the night by the howler monkeys. It was like a deep, melodic reminder that I was in the middle of the jungle. It's also a nice added bonus to have a professional photographer for a husband to capture all of the beauty we witnessed, so we can remember it for ever!

4 | Pura Vida

This totally out of focus and not-so-flattering picture of me and my hubby biking through the Gandoca Manzanillo National Wildlife Refuge on the southeastern most tip of Costa Rica pretty much sums up the pure joy and happiness we felt.

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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.

[Wandering Wisdom Wednesday] Every Spring is the Only Spring - A Perpetual Astonishment

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.

[Wandering Wisdom Wednesday] An Early-Morning Walk is a Blessing For the Whole Day...

11 Stroller Friendly Los Angeles Hikes Guaranteed to Get You and Baby Outdoors

After 6 months of bedrest and the subsequent unplanned cesarean section recovery, you can only imagine how I yearned for long hikes and fresh air, but coordinating all of it with a newborn, nursing and continuous diaper detail was all a bit overwhelming. I was the first of our group of friends to have kids and so it was all pretty much uncharted territory. I started venturing out fairly early, making great use of our baby carrier, but stayed pretty close to home, even still, I must say I'm so happy I got out there. Not only did it make me happy, keep me sane and helped me to recover quicker, it also primed our daughter for a life spent outdoors. A life where hiking, exploring and outdoor play are her go-to activities.

In honor of all of the new mothers out there, here's a beautiful Mother's Day gift; 11 stroller friendly hikes that I lovingly share with the rest of the 10,000,000 Los Angeles county residents! Happy Hiking!

...

[Wandering Wisdom Wednesday] You Have Brains in Your Head, You Have Feet in Your Shoes...

[Guest Blogger Series] Husband + Wife + 6 Kids x 1 Farm = Grand Outdoor Adventures by Fiona Cambouropoulos

Fiona and I met in the twitterverse about a year ago. It was a mutual admiration of the best kind; two outdoorsy moms, on two separate continents, doing their best to raise their kids wrapped in the loving arms of the great Mother Nature. With SIX kids, a farm to tend to and a business to run, Fiona and her husband are not only instilling in their family a deep respect of the land, they are also teaching them the value of hard work and bestowing upon them an immense understanding of what it means to be a steward of this great wide world. 

Twelve years ago we took the decision to quit corporate life with the long office hours and good pay, move our young family to the depth of Cornwall, take on a holiday business and a farm and change our life style forever.  Within two years we had doubled the family from 3 to 6 having triplets. Life would never be the same again in so many ways. Having 6 children in 6 years is hard, combine that with a new business too and my memories of those early years are sketchy. However I do know that family time was important, and that both Nick and I were always home for the children. If someone was poorly there was no need to take a day off work, or worry who would look after them, we were always here. If we wanted a family day out or to take advantage of a sunny day on the beach then we could do it with working time more flexible.

From the kid's perspective, the eldest was only four when we moved and even he has no memory pre Coombe Mill. For them every day brings the freedom and magic of outdoor play, a safe environment and thirty acres as their own back yard. In between school and the myriad of after school clubs they embrace farm life. There is always a camp to build, a river to play in,  animals to care for and friends to make by way of our visiting guests, many of whom return year after year. 

There are so many wooded sections at Coombe Mill that finding a secret area to build a camp is never hard. The children bounce ideas off each other and their camps can become small communities using all they find around them. One project took a whole weekend to make and became their hideout for games thereafter. They were torn between showing off their handy work and keeping it secret from me!

Our river can be dangerous in the height of a rainy spell in winter, it has even risen and broken its banks before and the children know the current is strong and not to venture near. However in the summer it can fall to just welly height and make an awesome place to take their surf boards and cool off on a sunny day.

When the river is off limits there is always dam building in the streams and tributaries

Our top lake is another favourite for water play

Every morning on our farm begins with a tractor ride where our own children and our guests are invited to join us to feed and care for the animals here. We have quite a selection and it is a real hands on experience. With no fear and years of practice my children can easily pick up a baby animal or flappy duck, much to the delight of our younger visitors who often haven't encountered such animals up close before. Free to return during the day it is a delight to watch children grow in confidence with the animals and countryside just on a week here at the farm.

When the holiday makers remark how lucky our children are to live here they just don't get it, for them this is the only life they know and they can't imagine living anywhere where running outside to play in nature's playground wasn't safe or normal. Their lifestyle is more like my own childhood where playing on the street or wondering off to the woods and parks alone with friends was deemed safe, I fear for many these days that is not the case. Traffic for starters in our cities and towns make crossing any road a challenge.

It's not all play though, Coombe Mill is a family business and that means all the children are expected to pull their weight. No one has pocket money for free and they are all developing a healthy business understanding as they grow up. With their age range now from 10 - 16 they really contribute to life on the farm. However don't feel too sorry for them, driving the tractor and giving train rides are just two of the fun jobs they have. Not a bad way to earn your pocket money!

If you fancy giving your family a taste of the freedom ours have at Coombe Mill, our holidays are designed with children in mind and offer a range of accommodation to suit every pocket. Hop aboard the morning tractor ride to help feed the animals with Farmer Nick and don't forget to finish the day with a train ride from Guy; a truly memorable holiday from a family who understands what matters to parents. www.coombemill.com 

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About the Author

Fiona Cambouropoulos, her husband and their SIX children moved to Coombe Mill in 2002, giving up the South East ‘rat race’ in favour of the ‘good life’ in the country. Coombe Mill is their business, their passion and their hobby and they live there in the heart of the estate. When Fiona has nothing else to do, she also blogs about her incredible adventures.

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