Backpacking with Kids - Part 2
July 22, 2009

This update is long overdue.

Earlier this month I wrote about my attempt to take my children backpacking in Glacier. I am happy to say that we did it on the 4th of July weekend.

I selected the Lake McDonald backcountry campground that just reopened this year after a long hiatus. The campground closed in 2003 for safety concerns when the Robert Fire burned Howe Ridge. It is a perfect campground for families or those wishing for a quick 2.5 mile overnight hike. The trail is flat the whole way. The other option in accessing this campground is by a non-motorized boat. Though the canoe was tempting, I elected to hike and give my kids a feel for what backpacking is like.

I normally start my hikes early in the morning when it is cool, but given the short distance to hike and not knowing how bored my kids would get if we arrived too early, we hit the trail around 2:30 p.m. Not the most ideal time to hike because it is often hot, but by my calculations, we would arrive around 4:30 p.m. pitch the tent, set up camp, and have dinner a few hours later.

We arrived at the trailhead, shouldered our packs, and almost instantly the mosquitos immerged from the bowels of the forest and wreaked havoc on us. I encouraged my kids to hike onward, but after 10 minutes a rest break was requested. After quickly realizing that if we stayed still too long we would be victims to the mosquitos, my kids got up and started hiking again. Every 20 minutes or so we took a breather and enjoyed a respite from the mosquitos compliments of a gentle breeze. I could tell my kids were feeling challenged and wondering why we were doing this, so my wife and I continued our praises of them for their strength and endurance in leading the way.

The first real challenge came when we had to get around some deadfall in the trail. Due to high winds, a huge Douglas fir fell. Ah, the first lesson, I thought! I took the opportunity to explain how to safely get around the mess before us, and after 10 minutes or so, all of us were on our way to the campground. We passed a few dayhikers and they too praised my kids, which I think, helped them march on.

At 4:30 p.m. we arrived at the campground and everyone helped pitch the tent, hang food (a highlight), and set up camp. We took much needed fiesta time and relaxed on the shore of Lake McDonald and soaked up the views and cool breeze. The kids had free reign to play and explore on the shore and discovered eagle tracks, and of course, eagle scat. Another educational opportunity. They found sticks and rocks and flung them into the water, ran in and out of the lake to cool off, and enjoyed just being kids.

When dinner time rolled around, the kids helped me filter water as I discussed with them the necessity to do so, and then we fired up the stove and began cooking our noodles and other fine backcountry fare. Everyone helped clean up the food prep area after cleaning the dinnerware, we began thinking about calling it a night after a quick card game the kids brought with them. I should mention that the card game was a real hit. There was a sense of pride with my kids knowing they carried it in and that the whole family played it.

We left the fly off the tent and enjoyed the millions of stars that appeared slowly overhead. We watched satellites whiz by in the sky and talked about how in some cities, you can't see the stars (the whole preserving the night sky lecture). The night went without a hitch, but by 7:00 a.m. things got a little complicated.

We awoke to what sounded like thunder. Sure enough, it was. We sat up and looked out the tent. A huge storm cloud was headed our way with some lightning dancing across the sky. As the cloud got closer, it was obvious we were on the edge of this storm. The thunder was load, the sky was dark, but not a whole lot of rain in our area; we only had to ride out about 5 minutes of light rain. Within an hour, we ate and had things packed up and ready to go. It was exciting for the kids to work quickly so they wouldn't get wet.

The hike out took one and half hours. We beat our time in by half an hour, but only because the mosquitos this time were absolutely horrendous. I can't even begin to describe how bad they were. Well maybe I can; they were like the ones that hang around the Brown Pass backcountry campground. I have never hiked though clouds of mosquitos like I did that day. I felt bad for my kids. All of us had our rain gear on and cinched so tight that only our faces were exposed. It was miserable for everyone. We knew if we took breaks, we'd be eaten alive. That said, I now know my kids have the endurance to hike. They kept going and going, and when we reached our vehicle, there was much rejoicing.

Looking like pin cushions, we drove the to store in West Glacier and I treated the kids to donuts for their efforts in hiking out. I think the reward factor is huge.

Will my wife and I do this again? Yes. Will my kids do it again? Yes. In fact, my oldest son asked us once we got to the campground if we could stay 3 days. I think they had a good time. If you are considering such an endeavor, I would encourage you to go for it. Just plan the best you can and know that the plan will change and rolling with it is key. I bet you and your family will have a blast.

A Plug for Another Park
July 2, 2003

Regular visitors to Glacier and our Web site know that Glacier is special, but other National Park Service units are uniquely special as well. Today I want to put in a plug for the Statue of Liberty. On July 4th, the public will actually be able to access Lady Liberty for the first time since it is was closed after September 11, 2001. Complete information can be found on their Web site, including a new virtual tour. They will also be tweeting the event. Follow them on Twitter at StatueLibrtyNPS.

Backpacking with Kids - Part 1
July 1, 2009

Last year I wrote about kids in the backcountry and how impressed I was seeing them so deep within Glacier's interior. This weekend it will be my turn to take my own sons into the backcountry. As a family, we have frontcountry camped and have gone on many day hikes together, but we have never ventured into the backcountry for the night. This will be interesting.

I know there are many of you who are wondering how this is accomplished and why you would even attempt it. I have been planning this for some time now and for what it's worth, I want to share with you my best-laid plans. Note that part 2 of this subject will happen after we return, and I'll be sharing with you what went right, and what didn't go quite as planned.

Right or wrong, here's my master planning efforts and what I have to keep in mind:

• Be flexible. Kids are kids and you never know how plans will change with them. Even without kids, flexibility is important in the backcountry.
  
  
• Be patient. Kids are kids and you never know what will grab their attention. So a rock may not be your high on you interest level, but it might be for them. Let them check it out, or that funny looking stick they find. They will also hike slower. That's OK. Let them lead a bit (not too far ahead) and make them feel good about it. Little annoyances will come up along the way, but it will be up to me how I react.
  
  
• Choose the right distance and difficulty. Because kids may hike slower and not have as much energy, they won't go very far, especially if they are tired. I learned this day hiking with them. We're heading to a backcountry campground that is a tad over 2 miles from the trailhead - perfect for kids carrying packs.
  
  
• Gear. My kids now have their own overnight backpack, sleeping bag, sleeping pad, headlamps (thanks Grandma) and a new water hydration bladder they are dying to use. I got them excited about their new stuff, taught them how to pack their gear, and made them run around outside for an hour or so with their packs on so they could feel comfortable with all the stuff in it. My wife and I will be the Sherpas that carry all the rest of the stuff. That might actually put us at the same pace as the kids.
  
  
• Food. I'm going with sustenance that is low odor, isn't messy, and stuff I know they will eat. I'm packing dessert too. You have to have fun eating in the backcountry. The kids know to keep the food in the food prep area.
  
  
• Let them help. My kids like to help pitch the tent, but during the process, they unravel seeping bags in the dirt before the tent is up. Minor annoyance, but they want to help. Make them feel great about the hand they are lending. I have to remind them to accomplish one task before jumping into another. They also love to help collect firewood for the campfire if fires are allowed. When the fire is going, praise them for their efforts in keeping you warm.
  
  
• Ask them to help. Doing certain camp chores like filtering water and cleaning dishes and food scraps may not be fun, but it is necessary. Again, make it fun by making them feel like they are contributing. Praise them for their efforts.
  
  
• Don't scare them. Go over the safety rules and proper behavior, but don't scare them to death with stories of bears, mountain lions and other hazards. My kids already know to make noise and to be attentive when hiking, but that is because I've purposely made a game out of making noise. I also practice making fun learning experiences out of potential hazards we may come across.
  
  
• Have fun! Play games, look for animals, stare at the clouds, look for bugs under rocks and in the water, read books, listen to natural sounds, and be just be happy. One of my sons loves taking pictures with my camera. He has a blast capturing what is important to him and is learning in the process. Find what works, and go with it.

All of this looks good on paper and in practice, sometimes it happens. I know that not everything will go as planned this weekend, but what is important in my opinion, is that my kids are outdoors learning, processing, recreating, and spending time being kids.

Stay tuned for Part 2.