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

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!

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.

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!

...

[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 

___________________________________________

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.

[Guest Blogger Series] The Big Picture of Roadschooling by Val Joiner

From my very first leap off the diving board of blogging a little over a year ago, Val Joiner has been on my reading list. Her blog is.... well... just as she puts it; Val In Real Life. So simple, yet so incredibly evocative and candid, she paints the world a color entirely her own and then invites us all in to come and sit down with her around a cozy fire. And that it is why, I am so thrilled to introduce her to all of you! 

When I began homeschooling my sons over five years ago at the ages of 5 and 8, I had no idea we’d turn into roadschoolers. In fact, homeschooling wasn't on my radar at all until I was out of options and desperate for a situation that would work for my quirky kids. Because our transition to homeschooling was fairly sudden, I didn't enter into it with preconceived notions or even much of a plan. 

As we muddled our way through the first year or two in terms of figuring out how to address academics, we continued with our usual nature walk day trips and weekend camping trips to our state parks, things we’d been doing since they were babies. But no longer being tied to a rigid school schedule, we had to ability to leave a littler earlier and stay a little longer. Over time, our trips slowly evolved in length and scope.

Part of what drove this evolution was meeting and learning from inspiring home- and road-schoolers as we became immersed in this new community. They helped me shift my mindset from viewing our trips as separate from our normal life and education. They opened my eyes to the possibilities that travel held for the boys’ education and helped me take the final step towards mentally separating from the modern concept of education and academics in a school setting to seeing the world as their school. 

With our new mindset, we've now camped, hiked, and geocached all over North America in national and state parks. In the last five years, with the ability to go further and do more, we've taken countless long and short trips, encompassing 45 U.S. states and 5 Canadian provinces. Among so many experiences we now cherish as memories, we've paddled with the alligators in the Okefenokee Swamp, sat in a kiva at Mesa Verde, touched the Pacific Ocean, marveled at the tides in Fundy Bay, felt the crunch of salt under our feet at Badwater Basin, stood in 40 mph winds in the sands of Great Sand Dunes, touched John Adams' tomb, stood in the shadow of Elizabeth Cady Stanton's home, battled mosquitoes in the Everglades, and felt insignificant on the edge of the Grand Canyon.

I've seen these experiences expand the boys' view of the world around them. It shows up in their artwork and stories. When they read or hear about places we've been, they have a real connection, real memories, and real experiences to draw from. It has transformed their knowledge in a way that detached learning cannot. They not only know what these swamps, mountains, beaches, and deserts look like, but they also know how they smell, feel, and sound… a more complete understanding. 

On top of the knowledge of history and landscape they now have, our travels have taught them the life skills of flexibility and problem-solving, open-mindedness and self-awareness, perseverance and limits. When you're on the road far from home, the world is very real and it requires resourcefulness to navigate. It's a very important kind of education that isn't taught alongside history, math, and language arts in schools. There's no replacement for being out in the world... doing, seeing, and living. One of my favorite sayings now as a road-schooler is that books and computers are portable, historic sites and natural wonders are not.

Now firmly in adolescence, they're developing their own distinct ideas about what they want out of life. Our roadschooling experiences have given them a broad perspective from which they can now choose the path of possibilities they want to follow, the crucial element being that they know they have choices. If I've given them nothing else in all of this, I know they at least have that empowerment. 

For me, this journey has been surprise in so many ways. Not only that we're on it at all, but that the joys and fulfillment that come with giving your children the world is so worth the energy and effort it takes to make it happen. 
___________________________________________

About the Author

Val Joiner is an outdoor and educational travel blogger based in Roswell, GA. The former geologist turned road-schooling mom chronicles her adventures at Val in Real Life. When Val isn't on the road with her two boys, she can frequently be found honing her Southern Appalachian Naturalist skills in the Great Smoky Mountains.

An Urban Outdoor Adventure Guest Post for Rain or Shine Mamma

I must admit that I am a bit envious of my fellow nature lovers and outdoorsy families who live next to pristine nature preserves on the outskirts of breathtaking national parks, but alas, that is not the geographical landscape we live in here in Los Angeles. We live smack dab in the middle of a sprawling urban city and so, we must be creative and determined in our hunt for outdoor adventure. Here is a guest post I wrote for Linda at Rain or Shine Mamma, which details seven of our  family's most favorite outdoor urban activities, designed to you get you and your kids outside and into nature!

Adventures in Urban Hiking

Hiking in an urban setting can mean something as simple as stepping foot outside your door and making the decision to turn left or right. You'd be surprised how much there is to discover and learn with your children, just by making a trip around the block. Gather items like rocks, seed pods, berries and  leaves to use as tools for teaching how varied leaf textures can be or to open a discussion on the difference between metamorphic and sedentary rock formations. 

Urban hiking is a great way to start if you're a novice because it's easy. Let's face it, you're never too far from a restaurant or a store, so no need to buy a grappling hook or expensive high tech hiking boots. Just pack a light lunch, some water and use it as a way to take in the sights, study the surrounding architecture and reflect on the distinctions of the enveloping sounds. Better yet, on a nice warm evening, adventure out on a nighttime walk and allow your child  to examine how differently the world seems when the sun goes down.

Read the Full Article at Rain or Shine Mamma!

Meandering Among the Majestic Monarchs - A Recharging Family Roadtrip

The day-to-day grind of being a work at home mom can definitely get overwhelming and trust me, I've had more than a few Calgon moments over the past few months. Don't get me wrong, I consider myself very lucky. My husband and I have thriving freelance businesses which allow us the luxury of maintaining our own schedules which in turn, give us more family time, but sometimes the itch to unplug and recharge becomes so great that we just have to "get out of dodge"! 

So, needless to say, when my mom told me she was headed up north to Pismo Beach for some meetings, I cleared our schedule and we jumped in the car! Pismo Beach is a sleepy little beach community a few hours north of Los Angeles, up the famous Pacific Coast Highway, nestled in between wine country, state parks, majestic mountains and white sand beaches. It offers peaceful solitude, lazy walks, monumental sunsets and an awe-inspiring Monarch Butterfly grove!

Sometimes, the very act of changing your scenery can adjust your outlook and it was just our luck that our hotel was steps from the white powder-sand beach, the boardwalk and a huge pier, perfect for watching the sunset. Since birth, I have had an affection for the sounds of moving water. When I was younger, I had a secret place I would go to when I needed to be alone. It was basically just a drainage ditch dressed up with rocks and foliage. To me, it was a babbling brook where I could sit in silence for hours contemplating my teenage angst. I think I got it from my mom. She is happiest when the sound of the surf is within earshot.

We whiled away most of the weekend just spending time with each other, searching for sea glass, building sandcastles and running in the surf. On our way back down to Los Angeles, we made sure to stop at the Monarch Butterfly Grove and it just so happened that it was Western Monarch Day. We seriously couldn't have been luckier! 

As we entered the butterfly grove we walked into a full blown festival complete with art activities for the kids, a drum circle, CAKE and educational exhibitions. They brought to life "The Very Hungry Caterpillar" and had magnifying glasses for the kids (and adults) to see, up close and personal, the life cycle of the Monarch, starting from egg to caterpillar to chrysalis. It was a beautiful day full of moments we will keep close to our hearts forever.

There's a very delicate line we must constantly walk, it's a sweet balancing act between expecting independent play while mommy works and both of us losing our minds. I must say that the outdoors is not only a place for V to run, jump, explore and discover, it's a shining beacon of sanity for me! If we are cooped up in the house for too long, we both start to lose our minds and so it is into the woods we go (even if mom's on deadline).

The one thing I've learned with our newest adventure in parenting is, when the walls start closing in, it's exponentially more beneficial to all of us to simply stop and get out on a trail, even if for an hour. There truly is nothing that hits the reset button more quickly than a nature walk. The crunch of the leaves under foot, a distant woodpecker knocking, the sun warming the back of our necks, all aid in calming our minds and bringing the smile back to our faces.

Join Mommy Hiker & #OutdoorFamilies Wed. 2/12 @ 1:30PM PST For The Inaugural #OutFam Weekly TweetChat

Greetings from Mommy Hiker HQ! Apparently I don't have enough irons in the fire so I've taken on another project and I couldn't be more excited!

An amazing group of outdoor family bloggers has come together to share their expertise in a new Twitter Chat focusing on outdoor family adventures. We've been sharing our stories and insight through the #OuttdoorFamilies‬ hashtag for awhile but now we're taking the next step and opening up the conversation through the chat-friendly hashtag, #OutFam. Not only am I thrilled to be a part of this group, but to be able to connect with these inspiring adventurers from all over North America is a true testament to the power of social media. 

I hope you'll join us on Twitter this Wednesday, February 12th, at 1:30pm PST, to share your ideas and experience as well as learn from this collection of adventuring families who really know their stuff. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, there will be something for everyone, hoping to inspire each other to get out there more to discover the beauty and wonder Mother Nature has to offer.

And guess who gets to play co-host right out of the gate? Veteran Granola Mom herself Val from ValInRealLife, teaming up with Melissa of Chasqui Mom to talk about Love of the Outdoors! Then, NEXT Wednesday, February 19th is yours truly, so of course we'll be talking all things hiking! 

Check us out on Twitter: @ValinRealLife, @Melissabravery, @Jen_Fontaine and #OutFam. 

Come join the conversation! Wednesdays at 4:30 pm EST/1:30 PST (30 minutes) starting February 12th.

[Wandering Wisdom Wednesday] A Setting Sun Still Whispers a Promise For Tomorrow...

[Guest Blogger Series] 7 Marvelous Tips For a Meditative Hike by Isabel Barreto

It is with honor and excitement that I introduce you to my friend Isabel Barreto. She has been a shining light and an inspiration in our family for years. Not only has Isabel guided me through countless restorative meditations, she introduced me to the power of cultivating a Kundalini practice and the importance of keeping a sound mind. She lives her life full of intention and love and I can't be happier to have her here with us this month!

As you hike your favorite mountain or stroll your favorite path, you may find your mind wandering to the existing to do lists, unfinished projects and mastering problem solving. In today’s world, it is becoming harder and harder to disconnect and this constant connection and being “on” can bring a lot of anxiety and stress to our lives which can turn to disease and depression. To restore balance and refresh your mind, take some time to let go of the hustle, get outside by yourself, with your kids or your partner and try some of these soul rejuvenating exercises.

Listen.

Take time to listen to all the different sounds around you. Birds chirping, ocean waves, the crinkling of leaves or rocks underneath your feet, a nearby creek, or people passing by.

Allow all that is to be, and allow it to flow through you. As you listen, consciously slow down your breath in order to slow down your mind, listen to your breath. When you find your mind wandering, bring it back with your breath and begin focusing on the sounds that surround you.

Breathe.

Create a rhythmic breath that is slow long and deep as you move your body. Connect with your body, your lungs, and create a consistent rhythm. Allow your belly to relax, breathe long, slow and deep breaths.

Sing.

Singing (regardless of what you sound like to others) can be very therapeutic and relaxing. Sing a tune that makes you happy, whose lyrics are inspiring and leave you feeling calm and happy. This might feel silly at first, but it’s really relaxing and very heart opening.. try it!

Repeat a mantra.

A mantra is a great way to keep your mind focused and therefore allowing your subconscious to release old thoughts, patterns, etc. A mantra is a word or set of words that help to infuse the mind with a certain energy so make sure you pick something positive and uplifting.

One of my favorite mantras is Sat Nam which means I am Truth in Sanskrit. On the inhale mentally chant “Sat” and on the exhale mentally chant “Nam”.

Practice Gratitude.

In your mind list all the items you are grateful for in your life in the moment. Be grateful for what is and what isn't and remember that everything that is and happens, is for your well being.  This is a great one to do and teach to kids. Being in a state of gratitude brings opportunity.

Become one.

As you stroll, remember that everything you see (leaves, sun, trees, ocean, etc) is a part of you and vice versa.  

As you walk and breathe, practice being one with nature and bless yourself and your surroundings. Let go and allow yourself to practice oneness with the moment.

Be in the moment.

Trust that where you are is exactly where you are meant to be, be grateful for this opportunity of life and practice being in your breath, and in the moment. Often times by practicing being present, we receive inspiration or the answer to a question we were searching for. Allow yourself to be in the moment and enjoy it.

I am feeling relaxed already! What are some of your favorite ways to connect to your soul and relax your mind?

___________________________________________

About the Author

Isabel Barreto is a Kundalini Yoga & Meditation teacher, a lover of life, nature, & all things inspired, authentic, creative & fun. Mother, wife, natural foods cook, ideas generator, dream implementer & happiness promoter. http://allthatislight.typepad.com

[Movie Review] Tell it On the Mountain - Tales from the Pacific Crest Trail + Giveaway

For most avid hikers, just the very thought of a thru-hike on the Pacific Crest Trail makes us giddy with excitement; putting our busy lives on hold, pressing the mute button on the stress remote and jumping in with both feet. I certainly have found my self romanticizing the idea, conjuring up the sounds of the majestic wilderness with only my thoughts to keep me company every step of its 2,665 miles. Even while reading Cheryl Strayed's mind-bending and body-torturous account of her time spent on the PCT, I dreamt up scenario after amazing scenario in which my husband, our 3 year old daughter and I would take on the trail and be victorious...one day.

In 1932, a Pasadena, California man by the name of Clinton Churchill Clarke became captivated by the idea of creating a trail which would span the mountain crests from the southernmost tip of California all the way up to the Canadian border. Joined by Warren Lee Rogers, the two made its creation their life's work and finally in 1968 the PCT received its designation as a National Scenic Trail. Passing through 25 national forests, 7 national parks and ranging in elevation from sea-level to 13,153 feet, the PCT is the westermost and second largest segment of the Triple Crown of Hiking.

Filmmakers Lisa Diener and Shaun Carrigan gloriously tapped into the full experience of what it means to embark on such a magnificent undertaking, complete with the excitement, the nervousness, the apprehension and, at times the sheer terror of tackling the behemoth Pacific Crest Trail. 

Their film, Tell It On The Mountain is part adventure film, part documentary, and part video journal and it follows a diverse cast of characters as they undertake a life-changing journey along the PCT as they find themselves on an ever-present race to finish before winter sets in to the high Washington peaks.

Tell It On The Mountain focuses on half a dozen hikers from different stages of their lives with varying levels of experience in outdoor wilderness survival skills and backpacking long distances. There are hikers from Europe who offer their insights on the treasured vastness, remoteness and beauty of the Western United States. Some hike in groups or pairs, and contend with relationships dynamics that accompany spending day in and day out with another person. Some content themselves with the solitude of going it alone and the personal demons that arise in the face of their aloneness. One couple walks 2000 miles to get to their wedding. Another faces the tragedy of injury and potentially failed dreams.

With each step, these adventurous men and woman must rededicate themselves to their journey. They must reinvigorate their minds and they most certainly test their mental and physical limits, not always victoriously. But, one thing is for sure, the intimate moments they share with us give unique insights into life on the trail and an insider’s view into what it takes to spend half a year living in the wild.

I am so excited to also tell you that the filmmakers have given us TWO copies of the film to giveaway to Mommy Hiker readers, but sorry to say, it is only open to U.S. residents! Good luck!!

If you don't happen to be one of the lucky winners, DVDs are available for purchase HERE!

a Rafflecopter giveaway