Fishing Around

Do you know what is the most popular outdoor activity in America? Yup, that's right, fishing. Fishing transcends age, class, race, and gender, unlike all other outdoor sports. Why is that? My thoughts are that it doesn't require expensive equipment (a bamboo pole will do), requires limited physical activity and therefore less intimidating, and a body of water, whether a stream, pond, lake or river, can be found locally.
Yesterday, I listened to two knowledgeable speakers provide a lot of information about fishing in the DMV (District, MD, VA) on the Kojo Nnamdi Show. It got me thinking about fishing, children and nature. Fishing is a great way to introduce children to nature with opportunities to observe wildlife and receive the positive and tranquil benefits of it, particularly water side. Trout Unlimited with their Trout in the Classroom and the American Fly Fishing Trade Association are two outstanding organizations that introduce fishing to thousands of children around the US. Whether you participate in one of these two organization's fishing programs or go out on your own, fishing helps children develop a relationship with nature. This relationship fosters earthmanship!

Three Muddy Moms: Biking the C&O Canal

   Biking the C&O Canal has been on my bucket list for many years. 2011 was the year to do it. Little did I know in January that last weekend the Potomac River would flood and create many obstacles for three moms and friends who were seeking adventure away from our kids. Mud was the theme of the weekend.
   A few weeks before the trip, I did my research and organized the logistics: bike from Cumberland, MD to Washington DC, get dropped off in Cumberland on Thursday and sleep in a hotel, set out on the trail Friday morning with a trailer and two paniers, bike 60 miles per day, bring some food but hit the accessible restaurants, and camp in two pre-determined sites along the trail. Reality hit and plans changed. We didn't camp but stayed in the Riverrun B&B and Harper's Ferry Hostel where we could rest our weary muscles and clean the caked mud off our bodies. A shower never felt so good! We ate at every accessible restaurant along the trail because our lunch food became our snacks due to being ravenously hungry. We ditched the trailer Saturday morning because it was too heavy and created more problems on the flooded trail.
   It rained for five days straight before the trip. We were warned by the National Park Service that the trail was muddy but we didn't anticipate the "real" conditions of the trail until we started hearing the stories from bikers heading north - standing water two feet deep, downed trees, and large patches of the trail washed away. Hearing this, we stored the trailer in the basement of the B&B and packed only the essentials, one change of clothes, a little food, and bike tools. This was the best decision. The trail was impassable by trailer from Hancock to Harper's Ferry. On Saturday, we biked 69 miles which took 9.5 hours to complete. We biked through four miles of mud the consistency of chocolate fudge sauce gumming up our gears and brakes. We lifted our bikes over six downed trees and walked many areas where the trail eroded away. We reached Harper's Ferry mentally and physically exhausted with mud caked to our skin and clothes. Many people stared and asked. Even though this section of the trail was the worst, for ninety percent of the 184.5 miles we dodged or biked through mud puddles.
   Are we glad we completed the trip? Yes, definitely!

• the camaraderie of three friends laughing through the obstacles and physical pain.
• the natural beauty surrounding the trail. Our favorites being: Paw Paw tunnel, waterfall after the tunnel, slate valley, vegetation covered cliffs, rapids on the Potomac, mature trees growing in the swampy, black water of the canal, white and purple wildflowers lining the trail, and immersed in varied shades of lush green.
• visits with wildlife - six snakes (black rat, northern water and garter), many turtles (box, snapping, painted and red-ear sliders), a broad-headed skink, alive and dead carp, deer, frogs (carpenter, green and bull), ground hog, adult beaver and the best of all a baby beaver. We stopped to look at a map. My eye caught a baby beaver walking towards us. He squeaked at us hoping we were its mama as he walked around our feet and in between our bike spokes. He pulled at our mama heart-strings as he tried to follow us down the trail.
• completing a challenge and goal.

Did we learn lessons from the trip? Yes, definitely!

• don't drag a trailer when biking long distances and in muddy conditions.
• stay in a hotel, B&B or hostel when biking long distances.
• be a minimalist.
• fenders on a bike aren't so great with thick mud and stones on the trail. It gums up and sprays everywhere. Fenders are good for water in puddles and on pavement.
• pack necessities in easy accessible pockets.
• don't carry extra water beyond two water bottles.
• knobby mountain bike tires aren't needed.
• invest in clip peddles and shoes.

We communicated well with each other to problem solve obstacles, logistics and breaks when our bodies needed them. This is essential for all successful trips. 

We arrived in Georgetown on Sunday afternoon with sore muscles and butts but with smiles on our faces, hugs from our families and the best tasting smoothies from CycleLife. What is our next adventure? We are not sure but we are having withdrawal from our adventure and camaraderie!

A Secret No More: Patuxent River Park

My wish for Mother's Day this year was to camp with my family and friends at Patuxent River Park about 45 minutes southeast of Washington, DC on the Patuxent River. Over the past couple of years, our family has hiked the trails in this park from the upland woods to the boardwalks in the wetlands. This park is special because you can't image that you are so close to an urban area with its quiet peacefullness, abundance of wildlife, and lack of people. I debated whether to tell my secret or keep it to myself. In the end, I decided everyone needs to feel the peace and joy that this park deliveries once you have spent an afternoon or a weekend in its boundaries. So now the secret is out.
I reserved the campsite on January 3rd.  It is very difficult to reserve for weekends because there is only one campsite and it is such a gem. Our family arrived on Friday evening after tackling beltway traffic. We opened the gate and drove to the site, got out of the car and said wow. The site has a magnificant canopy of mature trees covering it with three picnic tables and a campfire ring. The campsite is big enough to stake down four tents. The campsite sits on a bluff on the river. After checking out the campsite, my kids ran to the river's edge to discover a dock where I heard, "Oh mama, look." This is where we spent most of our time over the weekend: reading, talking, playing, bird watching, canoeing and kayaking.
On Saturday morning, we rented a canoe and a kayak for two days. The rental is cheap at $12 a day or $17 for the day and overnight. The kids had a lot of fun learning how to paddle a canoe and kayak, many of them taking the kayak out themselves after gaining some confidence in their skills. At various times during the weekend, different combinations of parents and kids explored the pathways amongst the reeds to discover, turtles, snakes, beavers, ducks, geese, frogs and lots of osprey who were nesting at the time.
On Saturday afternoon, we hiked the trails to Merkle Wildlife Sanctuary connected to Patuxent River Park by a long boardwalk through the wetlands. Even though the hike was not a highlight of the trip for the kids, they used their imagination to create an adventure on the trail. For them, the best moments were play on or next to the river and the "secret" fort they created near the campsite. For me, the best moments were listening to nature's quiet and my children's laughter, sitting next to and on top of the peaceful river and sharing the natural, beautiful spot with family and friends.

To Hike or Walk

Do these questions or thoughts enter your mind when you think of a “family hike?”

• ·         How do I fit another activity into my over-scheduled family calendar?
• ·         There are dangerous things in the woods.
• ·         I don’t know where to go hiking. Where are the closest and best trails for my beginning family?
• ·         I have never been on a hike before. How do I start?

     The word “hike” can be intimidating to parents. Some parents visualize scenes of skyscraper mountains, deep canyons and vast, never ending forests. Big scenes that can be a little scary. Some parents can’t visualize anything because they don’t have a point of reference or connection. Let’s break the word down and use the less intimidating word of “walk.” More parents can visualize this word – a walk down their neighborhood street (with or without the dog), in a neighborhood park, or along the beach. These are known, provide a point of reference, and create a connection. Now, think of a walk in the woods, along a stream, to a pond, in a wetland, or many other possible places.    

     A hike is synonymous with it takes a long time to do - an all day event. Whereas a walk means a shorter period of time – an hour. Add a family’s perceived notion that a hike is an all day event together with their overscheduled lives, this equals a barrier to hiking on a trail. Yes, families today are overscheduled but let’s dispose of the perceived notion that a hike lasts all day. Instead, insert the word walk and go for an hour long walk on a trail with your family. When does your family have an hour in its schedule? Where is the nearest trail to walk for an hour?

The nearest trail is one click away:

• ·         Montgomery Parks or any municipality’s Department of Parks or Recreation or a state’s Department of Natural Resources or Environment.
• ·         Trail organizations, for example Potomac Appalachian Trail Club (PATC) or the Washington (state) Trails Association.
• ·         Trail books and guides – PATC guides or 60 Hikes Within 60 Miles.
• ·         OhRanger, type your zip code or click on a state to find a park with trails near you.

None of these sites or resources is geared to help families navigate which trails or “walks in the woods” are best for kids but below are some.

• ·         Trail Discovery for Kids, learn about trails with great playscapes (e.g. Billy Goat Trail, Section C).
• ·         Books – Family Hiking in the Smokies: Time Well Spent or Vermont, New Hampshire & Maine: Best Hikes for Kids. Search “kids hiking books” on Amazon and you will discover many resources.
• ·         Nature Rocks – type in your zip code and find a park/trail near you.

Don’t feel comfortable taking your family for a walk in the woods because danger lurks around the next tree or you have never taken a hike. Don’t fear, Washington DC and many major cities have organizations that guide families to explore and experience fun adventures on kid-friendly trails. These hikes provide opportunities for parents to feel comfortable in an unfamiliar activity in an unknown place and everyone can participate in unstructured play in a structured event. Check out this family hike opportunity.

Family Hiking 101: Exploration, Safety and Leave No Trace

Sunday, May 15, 2011

2:00 – 5:00 pm

Theodore Roosevelt Island National Monument

Join two expert guides from Hiking Along and The North Face on a two mile circuit hike around the perimeter of Theodore Roosevelt Island. The trail is natural surface and raised walkways through two ecosystems, a deciduous forest and wetlands. The hike is great for children of all ages with fun natural playgrounds: rocks for climbing, water for skipping rocks, and the monument plaza for a game of hide and seek. While hiking, learn about hiking safety, Leave No Trace, and the plants and animals surrounding the trail. Enjoy an afternoon in the middle of the Potomac River engaging in the great outdoors! The cost is $15 per family. To register, email jennifer@hikingalong.com.

    This spring, make it a family goal to venture outside of your familiar comfort zone and embark on a hike or a walk, if that word feels more comfortable. Seek out the extraordinary amount of resources available both on the web and with organizations whose mission it is to get more people, including families, outdoors. Hiking isn’t a scary word in your family? Then, step it up a notch and venture to adventure on a new level or outdoor activity. Happy trails!

Trail Discovery for Kids

April Highlighted Hike

Billy Goat Trail, Part C

C&O Canal National Historic Park

Potomac, MD

Hike Information

ü  2.5 mile circuit hike.

ü  Take the Caderock exit off the Clara Barton Parkway. Follow the signs to the Park. Drive to the last parking lot where the trail head kiosk is located.

ü  The Billy Goat Trail follows the Potomac River up and down the steep river bank. The trail tread is both rocky and smooth. Hikers will climb rocks and cross streams. The last third of the hike is on the wide and flat C&O tow path.

ü  Follow the blue blazers, even when the trail strays in different directions, particularly at a large bridge crossing half way and at the end of the Billy Goat Trail when it makes a sharp turn to the left.

ü  This trail is NOT jogging stroller passable.

ü  There is one creek crossing without a bridge.

ü  Link to the trail map, look at the trail in the lower right corner labeled Caderock.

Age Appropriateness

ü  This hike is best for kids five years and older due to the hills and rocky terrain.

What is fun for kids?

ü  Seeing wildlife – snakes, fish, blue heron, ducks, geese, turtles in the canal, skinks (look in dead tree trunks), toads, box turtles, and deer along the trail.

ü  Vernal pools and frogs.

ü  Many varieties of wild flowers in April (e.g. Virginia blue bells, phlox, may apples and many more).

ü  Lots of rocks to climb. This is an area known for rock climbing.

ü  After the stream crossing, there is a big, flat rock on the river’s edge for a rest, snack or picnic lunch. This is also a great spot for playing in or next to the water.

ü  Watching kayakers on the river.

ü  Seeing a waterfall.

Caution

ü  This area of Great Falls and the Canal is very busy on the weekends. There is some difficulty finding a parking spot.

ü  Many different user paths off the trail. Follow the blue blazes.

ü  Trash free park – pack your garbage out.

Trail Discovery for Kids

March 2011 Highlighted Hike

Graves Mill Trail

Shenandoah National Park

Madison County, Virginia

Hike Information

ü  2.5 miles out and back hike to the second water crossing or 4.2 miles out and back to the trail head at the Rapidan Fire Rd.

ü  Wide trail with easy, gradual elevation gain. There is one hill before the turnaround at the second water crossing. After the second water crossing, the trail gradually gains 200 feet.

ü  Continue straight on the Graves Mill Trail at .5 miles when it intersects the Staunton River Trail.

ü  The trail is not jogging stroller passable due to a stream crossing at .6 miles into the hike.

ü  Driving directions - From Culpeper, go south on U.S. 29 for about 20 miles. South of Madison, turn right at Route 230 West. Follow Route 230 for about four miles to Wolfton. Turn right at SR 662 and follow it to its end at the Shenandoah National Park boundary. Or access the trail from the Rapidan Fire Rd. at the end of Rt. 649 near Syria, Va.

ü  Trail map - no online resource. Purchase PATC Map #10 or see photo.

Age Appropriateness

ü  This hike is best for children five years and older. 

What is fun for kids?

ü  The trail follows the babbling Rapidan River with a few rapids, particularly upstream.

ü  At .75 miles on the trail, there is a great rock beach for a picnic lunch, rock throwing or skipping, and stream play in warmer weather or testing one’s balance on the ice.

ü  At .4 miles on the trail, one of nature’s wonders is on view, beaver’s awe-inspiring engineering. The evidence of two beaver dams and two large lodges is littered on the river banks by the many pencil-pointed tree stumps. Possible opportunities to see the beavers in action are best during a dawn or dusk hike but shhh, beavers are very shy!

ü  At the Rapidan Fire Rd. trail head, there is a great swimming hole.

ü  Try a little catch and release and bring a fishing pole. There are many brown trout in the river.

Caution

ü  Two first stream crossings are difficult for children. The stepping stones are adult stride. Waterproof sandals or shoes are a good option.

ü  Popular hiking area. SNP provides twelve parking spots with parking restricted on the road.

ü  There are no bathroom facilities.

ü  Trash free park – pack your garbage out.

History & Nature in One

Today, my kids would normally be in school but it was a work day for teachers; therefore, some friends and I took our children and went to Harpers Ferry, West Virginia for a night and two days. I rented a Potomac Appalachian Trail Club cabin, only one of nine cabins are modern (electricity/plumbing) while the other 31 cabins are primitive (a roof over your head with a fireplace). Highacre is a beautiful old house, built in the late 1800's, that sits high on the cliff above downtown Harpers Ferry with an incredible view of the confluence of the Shenandoah and Potomac Rivers with the high ridges that surround the rivers. If it wasn't six degrees this morning, watching the sunrise from the front porch would have been breathtaking. Instead we witnessed it in warmth from the big dinning room windows.

  Whether you go to Harpers Ferry in the winter or summer, there are many activities to do providing different opportunities and experiences. The summer invites families to play in the rivers along the rivers' edges or drifting in the river's flow on an inner tube. The winter offers a family time to observe the icy caps on the rivers and hear the crackle of the ice and enjoy all the activities of Harpers Ferry with minimal visitors.

• Learn about Harpers Ferry in the 1800's, its abolitionist movement, and its place during the Civil War, in particular the John Brown raid, at the Harpers Ferry National Historical Park.
• Watch trains as you walk the bridge over the Potomac River.
• Hike the Appalachian Trail into Maryland to Weaverton Cliffs or into Virginia to Loudon Heights.
• Watch the sunset at Jefferson Rocks.
• Hike the Maryland Heights Trail to experience an amazing view of the river's confluence and Harpers Ferry.
• Bike or walk the C&O Canal path.

Even though it was a frigid day, the sun was shining with blue skies; we layered up, crossed the train bridge over the Potomac, walked the C&O Canal Path, to the trailhead of the Maryland Heights Trail and ascended the ridge. Even though, my little one couldn't make it to the amazing view at the top of the cliffs, the rest did. Walking back along the train bridge, we viewed the waving arms of my daughter and our friends on the cliffs. The hike and its spectacular views were the highlight of the staycation in Harpers Ferry. Harpers Ferry is definitely a historical and natural oasis in the Mid-Atlantic.