Rustic Retreats
Considering the benefits of getting out, without needing to use a tent.
http://www.seattleschild.com/article/rustic-retreats
Backcountry Babes
This Christmas we did something new and unexpected. We took an invitation from family to join them with friends at a backcountry lodge, accessible only by helicopter.
It wasn’t a given. We enjoy Christmas at home generally, the time with extended family, our church services, our family traditions. And we worried about being in the backcountry if there was a medical problem. We were concerned about the safety of backcountry skiing after two years of skiing with avalanches, and worried about the mountain flight in a small helicopter. We talked about it a lot before we committed. Then we signed up.
And we are glad we did.
Walk in a winter wonderland
We flew in to Powdercreek Lodge in the Purcell mountains of British Columbia on December 21st and stayed until the day after Christmas. Lodge owner Guus was there with his wife Ramune, my brother and his wife, and a couple not only inspiring, but truly epic in their outdoor pursuits with their two kids, a 3 year old and a 10 month old. So our showing up with only one kid seemed downright doable.
A few good turns
Though Guus noted that the snow was old, we took turns skiing old powder (still powder by any description!) and watching our little guy, taking him out for sleds to snowy hikes and wondrous snowy adventures, sometimes long sometimes short, always followed by sips of hot chocolate. It was a week of a different kind of adventure than our previous childless years in the backcountry. I felt out of shape for the skins back uphill and quickly felt my legs on even short runs. Taking turns, we each had only an hour or two (occasionally more) on our skis. But we were doing it. We were in the wilderness. Ridge lines and powder surrounded us. No hint of the outside world came along. There is no internet connection, and satellite phones only for emergencies.
Santa comes to the backcountry, too
Inside the lodge our 2 year old played with the three year old, and we all watched the baby. Scrabble games completed every day. We took turns trying our hands at culinary delights starting with appetizers at 4 and dinner at 6. Christmas dinner brought contributions from all and high spirits and cheer, and Christmas eve we sat around to sing all the Christmas carols we knew. Carol showed me a thing or two about knitting. Ramune serenaded us on her guitar.
Powdercreek Lodge blew us away not only in its mountain beauty, but in the thorough integrity of its design, its systems and safety. Guus build the lodge with friends almost twenty years ago after integrating best practices from remote mountain retreats. On the second floor are well constructed mesh racks and boot hangars to dry gear, just above the wood stove below. The common area is perfectly designed for the flow of people. A sauna and shower house help salve post-ski muscles and clean up for dinner. Incinerating toilets outside manage waste. Well labeled and positioned emergency gear is stationed around the lodge, and we were given a brief on arrival. We’ve been places we didn’t feel as good about operations. Powdercreek sold us on how things should be.
We love our traditional Christmases. But this one will remain strong in our memories as backcountry bliss. And we are already scheming for how to include Powdercreek in our annual plans one day. I’m pretty sure our 2 year old will ski circles around us in another ten years. Maybe then we’ll be the ones slowing him down, going in early for hot chocolate. But time in the mountains together, focusing only on the wild and our pounding hearts and throbbing legs and the people around us, is an experience we will never forget.
Back to High Camp, and fun in the snow with toddlers and kids
The annual trip to Scottish Lakes in the North Cascades was a huge success this year. Our group took over most of High Camp with families and one cabin with singles or those without kids for the weekend, and let the festivities begin.
Our little guy who had loved the snow machine ride at age 1 didn’t like it at all this year on the way up, so I mashed his squirming body between mine and the driver’s and we made the four miles with no problem. (on the way down, he was excited and kept saying “vroom, vroom!”- all about continuing the exposure to new things, and trying, and trying again!) Then there was the snow. We don’t live in it day to day, and he wasn’t sure what to think. Now he was almost two, and things had changed. He didn’t even want to walk on it! We had brought our backpack for snowshoes, but the snow was crunchy and he weights 37 pounds in just a diaper. Didn’t sound fun. He didn’t want to sit still either. With all we were hoping for, time outside, snow, sun, fresh air, were we doomed for the lodge?
Despite remembering that success is getting packed and on the way to the destination- new definitions- I was a little bit worried. Sister-in-law to the rescue! Having done all of this with twins who are almost 8, she knew the answers, and swooped in with kitchen implements, two yogurt containers and a few large kitchen spoons. She and Sam sat on the snow and started to dig, just like at the beach, and soon he couldn’t get enough.
The other kids, aged almost 2 through 8, sledded to their hearts content, with and without parents, skied and snowshoed, and we all reveled in letting the kids run free, not something easy to do in the city (or even possible.) After reading an article in Boston Magazine about overparenting, it was nice to be able to let go. Our nephew spent his first night winter camping, sleeping in a tent with his dad one night!
One family with two kids spent the first night with one girl throwing up- no fun. They headed down the next morning. But we all agreed success was just getting there, and knowing when to call it quits. They’ll be there next year. The key: show up, and if it doesn’t work, show up again!
Sam decked out for cabin sleeping
Sleeping- always a challenge. We brought a pack n play, and the first night was horrible (it had worked so well at 8-weeks old and one year!) We brought a sleeping bag in addition to his sleep sack, and hat and mittens and fleece for slewing, and P got up to keep the fire going all night. Still, we ended up just pulling Sam into our bed where we all were able to sleep, thankfully. Remember- a weekend away, changing things up is just fine. You just do what works! (thanks again to my sister-in-law for reminding me of this)
In the lodge, great meals and caroling, and a couple of forward thinking parents bringing play-doh for the kids providing hours of entertainment. And of course story books and a few other toys to chase around so the parents could enjoy Manny’s and good wine and a few minutes of adult conversation.
our family group on skis and boots
Another memorable year, another wonderful time with family and friends in the outdoors.
Getting the gear
As everyone who goes outside knows, the gear makes a big difference, and it isn’t any different for your wee one- arguably it’s even more important. Little bodies don’t regulate heat and cold as well, so paying attention to what you use to dress them in is critical.
We have loved the Patagonia Baby Capilene 
Feet are as important as ever. There are some great options, including Kamik Snowbug 2 Cold Weather Boot (Toddler)
and we love the SmartWool Baby Sock Sampler 
For rain there are a number of options, including Tuffo Muddy Buddy Overalls
Whatever you choose, remember to avoid cotton, like you would for yourselves, unless it’s for sleeping. Synthetics breathe and allow moisture to escape, critical for maintaining warmth and comfort. Always remember to dress your child a layer warmer than you dress yourselves, and if carrying them in a sled or pack, check their temperatures often- while you are working harder, they don’t have the benefit of activity-induced warmth!
A few thoughts from readers