The Top 10 Most Memorable Mommy Hiker Moments of 2013 - A Year in Review!

Starting this blog has inspired me in so many ways, it's virtually impossible to put into words, but given that this is a written medium, I'll give it my best shot!

It's hard to believe that it's only been a year! It blows my mind and sends chills down my spine to look back at all of amazing experiences we've had, new friends we've made and all of the incredible stories that have been told here. Our love for hiking, camping, traveling and adventuring out to discover this bright, big world is our passion.

This passion has blossomed into a thriving community of families and collaborators whose sole wish is to get outside, get dirty, explore and discover the pure magnificence of Mother Nature in all of her glory. I have learned so many invaluable lessons of life, creativity, serenity and love and for that, even a thousand thank yous seem inadequate. And yet, I'm left with that. It's been an honor to share a bit of our life with you and I want to thank you for sharing a bit of yours with us! Thank you! Thank you for reading. Thank you for sharing. Thank you for inspiring me. And thank you for, in turn, inspiring others!

And now.....on to our Year In Review! Here are my Top Ten Most Memorable Moments of 2013!

#10 | The Reality of Hiking With Toddlers

Wait for it... Wait for it...

#9 | Family Volunteering with TreePeople! 

Learning how to carefully plant seedlings in the scenic Cienega Sin Nombre valley of Calabasas was a great outdoor activity to teach V the value and importance of restoring habitats that have been destroyed by urban sprawl in invasive non-native plants.

#8 | Finding Beach Bliss in Oxnard!

I love discovering a new favorite place and the beaches of Oxnard are certainly a new fav! The peaceful and quiet pace you'll experience there is a refreshing contrast to the throngs of transients and tourists you'll find at most of the local Los Angeles beaches.

#7 | Hiking Malibu Creek!

Malibu Creek State Park is a whole day excursion, loaded with a wide array of nooks and crannies just waiting to be explored! Hike, swim, picnic, climb, caves, it seriously is all that and a backpack!

#6 | thinAddictives' Mommy Hiker Spotlight!

It was a huge honor to have been recognized and placed into the company of such accomplished and victorious women. Definitely a proud moment of 2013.

                   

#5 | Star-Gazing and Sharing Secrets!

Life is made up of little, shining moments, overflowing with the pitter patter of little heartbeats and the warmth of a breath on a cheek as little mouths tell made up stories, full of wonder and amusement. Star gazing was full of these perfect, still moments.

#4 | Learning Life Lessons from the Alpacas!

Doesn't get much better than watching life come into the world. Witnessing a mother nuzzle her baby for the very first time, observing the trust and tenderness between them and sharing it with my daughter was, indeed a beautiful life lesson.

#3 | Setting Sail on a Channel Island's Wildlife Cruise!

This was literally one of my favorite days of 2013! This trip was chocked full of first time experiences for our entire family. We learned so many amazing things, saw wildlife basking in their gorgeous habitat and we are headed back in 2014 for sure, to explore the island's terrain and trails even more by foot.

#2 | Exploring Big Sur! The Land of Supreme Beauty!

We spent four nights under the lush green canopy of Big Sur. Hiked its trails, sat next to its creeks, sketched its every detail and came home with memories to last a lifetime!

#1 | Hiking & Hijinks in the Majestic High Sierras!

This was hands down the best camping trip with our toddler to date! It has been thrilling to watch V transform from one trip to the next (this being her fourth camping trip). She really came into her own during our week-long stay in Sequoia and as camping parents, so did we!

What I'm most looking forward to in the coming year is camping, watching her grow and bloom, surrounded by the safe and loving hands of Mother Nature. I can't wait to see what treasures and travels await us in 2014 and I can't wait to share them with you!

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!

5 Family Friendly Southern California Outings to Explore & Rejuvenate!

Here in Southern California, we are quite lucky that there is never a shortage of things to do with the family! Getting the kids out of the house and into discovery mode is as easy as a trip to the beach tide pools or one of our numerous kid friendly museums.

This past Fourth of July weekend, we took full advantage of our geographical location by visiting a few of our favorite family spots and discovering a new family fav! I also included two great summer festivals we enjoyed this year that will definitely be on our list for years to come!

Hollywood Beach, Channel Islands Harbor

4th of July Gram Snuggles!

We discovered Hollywood Beach by The Channel Islands Harbor just a few months ago and although it's a 45 minute drive, it offers silky smooth white sand, zero crowds, calm surf and is loaded with sand crabs for the kids to discover! It's located just blocks away from the Channel Islands Harbor which has it's own share of fun activities including a farmer's market, yummy fresh seafood markets and an outdoor Concert By the Sea series!

Chillin' with Baba!

Gull Wings Children's Museum

The Gull Wings Children's Museum is a new discovery for us! At first glance, I wasn't sure it was going to be worth the admission, but we decided to meander through and we were pleasantly surprised by its interactive exhibits designed to challenge and encourage a kid's imagination!

5 ... 4 ... 3 ... 2 ... 1 ... Blast Off!

We spent hours there exploring rocks and minerals in their "underground caves", pretending to be a paleontologist in the Fossil Quest and an astronaut in their 5 chamber rocket ship! We'll be back for sure!

Underwood Family Farms

Farm Fam!

Underwood Family Farms is in constant rotation on our activity schedule. Not only does the baby love it, but it's seriously one of my favorite places too! We can spend hours strolling through its fields, picnicking under its majestic eucalyptus trees and eating the fruits of our picking labors. Over the Fourth of July weekend three generations of Fontaine females went and we picked our weight in sweet, delicious strawberries!

The California Strawberry Festival

The California Strawberry Festival has been around for almost 30 years and offers a massive kids area that includes, crafts, jumpers and a carousel.

Strawberry Monster!

Foodies can enjoy everything from Strawberry Beer to Strawberry Pizza, but our favorite was simply the Dark Chocolate-Covered Strawberries! Sooooooo yummy!!


The Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Festival

Ok, granted I'm from New Orleans so I will go anywhere and try anything that even remotely purports itself to be "Cajun" or "Blues" just to feel a sense of home and most of the time it falls miserably short, but not this one! Last year, I took the baby to The Simi Valley Cajun & Blues Festival on a whim and we had such a great time that the whole family went back this year! And yes, it is now My Mom Approved!

Dancin' Queen!

The festival grounds are on lush, open, soft grasslands, the live Cajun, Zydeco and Blues music is to DIE for, the food is AUTHENTIC (somewhat) and there is a great kid's area! This is a must and we will be back next year!

This Sunday the family will be off to the woods!! We'll be in Sequoia National Park decompressing and discovering all of the beauty Mother Nature has to offer! I can't wait to share it with you when we return!

West Coast Campground Review - Sweet Summer Spots to Relax & Recharge!

We are so lucky to live in a place that is surrounded by so many wildly different geological marvels. Get in the car and go two hours in any direction away from Los Angeles and you can wind up in the wild, sand-swept desert, the exalted redwoods, rolling prairies full of wild flowers, a pristine island beach off the coast of the Pacific Ocean or the foothills of majestic mountains.

I've lived here for almost 20 years and I still feel as though I've only scratched the surface of what California has to offer. I'm looking forward to the next 20, the discoveries and the old favorites, and I look forward to sharing them with you! Here are a few of our recent discoveries and a few old favs!

Limekiln State Park & Campground

View from our tent in Limekiln's Upper Creek

I know! You're all probably tired of hearing about Limekiln State Park and Campground, but it really is one of our favorite places in the world, so I would be remiss not to add it to the top of the list! This campground is intimate, with only 24 sites and is broken up into 3 parts, the Ocean Sites, the Lower Creek and the Upper Creek. Beware that beach camping sounds great, in theory, but those sites offer little shade and tons of onshore wind! Also, keep in mind that because of the thick canopy of redwoods lining the creek, both the upper and lower creek sites are pretty much in full shade most of the day and at night it gets downright chilly! More reason to get the fire going early! Limekiln is a very family friendly campground, not many partyers, and the constant white noise from the creek drowns out almost all unwanted noise from neighbors.

Warning: Watch out for the poison oak within the upper creek sites and on the trails!

Site fees are pretty lofty (about $35/night) comparatively, but just look at the stunning walk to the bathroom! Totally worth every dime! 

Not a bad view on a trip to the bathroom!

There are 3 hiking trails with in the park, The Hare Creek Trail, The Falls Trail and The Limkiln Trail. All are easy and breathtaking!

A banana break on The Falls Trail

Kirk Creek Campground

When Limekiln is full, we head to Kirk Creek Campground! It's just down the road a bit and its scenery differs drastically from Limekiln. Situated right on a bluff overlooking the Pacific Ocean, most of the sites here offer breathtaking coastal views and not much shade, so bringing a canopy of some sort is recommended!

Camping with a view at Kirk Creek Campground

Site fees are more than reasonable at $22/night complete with a complimentary daily view of the gorgeous sunset! Also, while you're there, take advantage of the quick and easy hike down to the rocky beach below the bluff.

The beach at Kirk Creek

Side Note: There are a TON of raccoon at this campground, but in all of the years we've been staying here, none have ever been aggressive or even tried to steal a bite of our tasty treats and they are a hoot to watch at night!


McGrath State Beach & Campground

We discovered this campground when looking for a quickie weekend getaway with one of our favorite camping families! McGrath State Beach and Campground in Oxnard is about an hour drive north of Los Angeles and getting a spot last minute was easy peasy!

McGrath State Beach, Oxnard, California

There are 174 developed campsites here and although it's pretty cookie-cutter, it has all of the amenities; shade, toilets and fire ring. Site fees are $35/night and with the amount of sites on hand, walkins aren't hard to come by. The beach is quite a hike from most of the sites, but it is gorgeous, so well worth it!

Leo Carrillo State Park & Campground

Leo Carrillo State Beach

This is another campground that is a quick jaunt north from Los Angeles! Head 30 minutes north, up the 101 freeway in to Malibu and you're there, Leo Carrillo State Park and Campground! For its relative proximity to L.A., this campground offers more than you would expect; a gorgeous beach, tide pools, reefs, caves and even back-country hiking! Most of the 130 sites are nestled under giant sycamores and the facilities are well maintained, not bad for $45/night! 

Sequoia National Park / Lodgepole Campground
    

Come this July, we will be heading to Lodgepole Campground in Sequoia National Park for our third visit! This park truly is stunning and a great place to witness all that Mother Nature has to offer. You can explore the Crystal Caves, go canoeing on Hume Lake, hike Moro Rock and see the great Continental Divide or you can simply sit on a rock next to the river and recharge!

The perfect spot for my morning coffee!

Here, the wildlife is all around you. On prior visits we awoke to deer grazing 100 yards from our tent,

Deer grazing in Sequoia

we spied on a brown bear as he caught his lunch in the Kaweah River which runs through the campground,

A brown bear looking for his lunch in Sequoia

and we watched an orchestra of spiders creating a massive sunset web among towering sequoias just to mention a few! It is one of our favorite places and only a 5 hour drive from Los Angeles!

Lodgepole Campground at Sequoia

This is one of those campground that fills up the day sites are released for reservation, 6 months in advance, so planning is imperative! Site fees are cheap at $20/night and the amenities here are stellar!

Side Note: If you are not familiar with camping in bear country, please do your research and be prepared, be smart and be respectful!

Yosemite National Park / Wawona Campground
    
Yosemite National Park was definitely on our bucket list and it should be on yours too and I feel so blessed to be able to say: Check!

The view from our camp site at Wawona in Yosemite!

We decided to stay just outside of Yosemite Valley, at Wawona Campground, away from the crazy crowds and where it's a little cooler. Situated right on the Merced River our site view was breathtaking! For $20/night you get a shady and spacious site, situated right on the Merced River with breathtaking views! You can't ask for anything better!

Having the time of our Lives!

This is, again, one of those places that takes some planning ahead. Campgrounds fill up immediately, even outside of the Yosemite Valley, a good 6 months in advance, so make your reservation today and enjoy the beauty and bounty of Mother Nature!

What's your favorite campground?

Here are some more favorite North American Campground Reviews from my Outdoor Mom Blogger Network!

Family Adventures in the Canadian Rockies - The Best Provincial Park Campgrounds in Southern Alberta

AKontheGO - Alaskans Share Their Favorite Campgrounds

Kid Project - Sandflats Recreational Area, Moab, UT

Brave Ski Mom - Best Campgrounds in North America: Western Colorado Edition

Climb Run Lift Mom - Camping at the City of Rocks

The Campsite - Top 5 Backcountry Campgrounds in Banff National Park

TravelingMel - Yellowstone Campground Review

Adventure Parents - Classic Campsites: Murphy Hogback Campground, Canyonlands National Park

Val in Real Life - North America's Best Campgrounds: Elkmont 

GA Family Camping - North America's Best Campgrounds: Cloudland Canyon

Adventurous Moms - North America's Best Campgrounds: Dolly Copp Campground in Gorham, NH

Odyssey Outdoors - Best Family Campgrounds of WA

Finding Beach Bliss in Oxnard, California!

I must admit that although Oxnard, California is just under an hour north of Los Angeles, in the 17 plus years of SoCal living, we have only been once (about a year and a half ago, we drove up for a 3 day camping excursion at McGrath State Beach). Boy, have we been missing out!

Our visit was very spontaneous, extremely short (about 20 hours), but oh so sweet. Vivi and I had decided to tag along with a friend who had to drive up for a business meeting. As luck would have it, that meeting was a block away from the coast, so we made a beeline for the beach; its sand a pure, fine, white blanket and its waves gentle and lapping, perfect for toddlers! 

Hollywood Beach, Oxnard, California

There wasn't a single tourist in sight (except for us, I guess!), just the occasional friendly local walking their dog or enjoying a midday jog by the shore, so we felt as if we were on our own private beach! For hours we laughed, played in the water, built castles, threw sand at each other, rolled around and laughed some more! We were in heaven! 

Hollywood Beach, Oxnard, California

V even made a friend, who's dad was sweet enough to lend us a towel being that we had no intention of ever ending up on a beach covered head-to-toe with sand!!

Hollywood Beach, Oxnard, California

After a quick shower down, we met back up with our friend and walked into the first restaurant we saw Sea Fresh Market, which just happened to be snugly perched on the Channel Islands Harbor with a plethora of ducks to chase, a gorgeous view of the boats and an even better happy hour (did someone say oysters?!)

Oysters! YUM!

So, short story even shorter: I had no idea that 24 hours in Oxnard, California would be written down in my memory as one of the best days ever, but it has been.