But I have to ask, are you retired or something? You've been to amazing places with the kids! Easter Island does look really fun, there was a great NYT article about a long stay there a week ago.
I first backpacked with my son at a five weeks. I have remained active with him and now as a 16 year old he works on glaciers with me in the summer. Each age is different and fun. My twin daughters do not like to go as far, but enjoy the whole experience even more as long as the conditions are good. Keep having fun in the wild with your kids
My son is now 10 months old. We took him hiking before the weather got too cold and now we're looking forward to getting back out. There is a lot to keep you busy with children, but I think it is very important to introduce them to the Great Outdoors! Thanks for the encouraging article.
As someone who is toying with decisions such as whether or not to have kids, how many to have, etc., I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article and found it very encouraging. It looks like I can still have a lot of fun doing things I have always enjoyed, and in fact, the youngins' may enjoy it too. :-)
It's true you have to modify your trip to suit your children, but taking them out is just a whole new experience. My oldest daughter at two years refused to be carried and walked two kilometres at a time. I couldn't believe it. My youngest daughter has the climbing bug. Took her out on Sunday to do a bit of top-roping and abseiling. Yeah had to make a harness out of webbing - must be a market for small harness sizes??
I just got married last October--I feel at times I need to get the majority of my hiking/climbing completed before we have kids, because I would want my focus to be more on them, but you show how to nicely incorporate both in your life.
Nice to see someone else out there with the same great mindset! Our little trooper is now 7.5 mos. and she has been, among other places, into the Grand Canyon (2 mos.), Alagoas, Brasil (6 mos.), and atop a 12,000' peak (a few weeks ago).
Great idea for an article. With a little one on the way, we're a bit worried, but you guys seemed to have some great trips. We live in Houston, however, and need to fly. You have any suggestions regarding kids and flying?
Really enjoyed it! Our Zack falls somewhere in between your Kessler and Shaylee. He has been going 1-2 miles under his own power this spring "training" for his third season of backpacking. It is a great experience spending time in the backcountry with your child.
I recently took my two children, Daughter 8 years old, and Son, 4 years old climbing with my wife up Mt. Democrat in Colorado from Kite Lake Parking area. Great short day climb, although I had to short rope my son coming down to keep him from stumbling.
I wish I had been able to read something like this article when my son was younger; he is 26 now. We hiked with him, but kept it tame. It is funny because I would often have to turn away and not watch him when he was scrambling around or climbing trees. I think he preferred scrambling or climbing to hiking and was always well within his limits.
flechenbones - Aug 31, 2006 4:47 pm - Hasn't voted
great article Scott
We are expecting a son in Dec. and we are hoping to include him in our outdoor activities. After seeing friends suddenly become shut-ins with kids, this is encouraging. Thanks
Almost makes me wanna to propose to my girlfriend so as to have kids that I can hike/climb with! :P
Joke aside, my kudos to you & your wife for the effort, both mental & physical, that goes into making sure the love of the natural world isn't lost to future generations.
mvs - May 6, 2006 6:14 pm - Voted 10/10
great pageBut I have to ask, are you retired or something? You've been to amazing places with the kids! Easter Island does look really fun, there was a great NYT article about a long stay there a week ago.
Scott - May 7, 2006 2:45 am - Hasn't voted
Re: great pageBut I have to ask, are you retired or something?
Don't I wish. Anyway I used to get the winters off, so did a lot of treveling then. Now, I don't, and traveling has been cut way back.
mvs - May 7, 2006 8:29 pm - Voted 10/10
Re: great pageWell you guys got such special memories from that! Have a great summer :)
mauri pelto - May 8, 2006 1:43 pm - Voted 10/10
It stays goodI first backpacked with my son at a five weeks. I have remained active with him and now as a 16 year old he works on glaciers with me in the summer. Each age is different and fun. My twin daughters do not like to go as far, but enjoy the whole experience even more as long as the conditions are good. Keep having fun in the wild with your kids
csmcgranahan - May 8, 2006 2:12 pm - Voted 10/10
Great article!As an expectant father this article is very encouraging to me. My wife is due with our first on June 15!
mjdatt0 - May 8, 2006 5:22 pm - Voted 9/10
Thanks for the boost!My son is now 10 months old. We took him hiking before the weather got too cold and now we're looking forward to getting back out. There is a lot to keep you busy with children, but I think it is very important to introduce them to the Great Outdoors! Thanks for the encouraging article.
gregorpatsch - May 8, 2006 7:36 pm - Voted 10/10
Awesome!I have a 2 year old son and a 7 week old daughter. I have not given up anything...just changed the way I do it. This article has inspired me try more.
Dave K - May 8, 2006 9:26 pm - Voted 10/10
InspirationalAs someone who is toying with decisions such as whether or not to have kids, how many to have, etc., I thoroughly enjoyed reading this article and found it very encouraging. It looks like I can still have a lot of fun doing things I have always enjoyed, and in fact, the youngins' may enjoy it too. :-)
dadndave - May 9, 2006 10:18 am - Voted 10/10
Good articleIt's true you have to modify your trip to suit your children, but taking them out is just a whole new experience. My oldest daughter at two years refused to be carried and walked two kilometres at a time. I couldn't believe it. My youngest daughter has the climbing bug. Took her out on Sunday to do a bit of top-roping and abseiling. Yeah had to make a harness out of webbing - must be a market for small harness sizes??
Jeroen Vels - May 9, 2006 10:54 am - Hasn't voted
Great articleand I love your images!
ridgeline - May 11, 2006 1:49 am - Voted 10/10
For Granddads tooGreat page, I just bought a Kelty pack to carry my 17month Granddaughter.
Major453 - May 11, 2006 6:58 am - Hasn't voted
Great pep-talk!I just got married last October--I feel at times I need to get the majority of my hiking/climbing completed before we have kids, because I would want my focus to be more on them, but you show how to nicely incorporate both in your life.
wbass - May 17, 2006 4:11 am - Hasn't voted
ThanksNice to see someone else out there with the same great mindset! Our little trooper is now 7.5 mos. and she has been, among other places, into the Grand Canyon (2 mos.), Alagoas, Brasil (6 mos.), and atop a 12,000' peak (a few weeks ago).
mpbro - May 17, 2006 10:02 pm - Voted 10/10
great articleGreat idea for an article. With a little one on the way, we're a bit worried, but you guys seemed to have some great trips. We live in Houston, however, and need to fly. You have any suggestions regarding kids and flying?
sbacon - May 24, 2006 7:09 pm - Hasn't voted
Great Article - Great Locations!Really enjoyed it! Our Zack falls somewhere in between your Kessler and Shaylee. He has been going 1-2 miles under his own power this spring "training" for his third season of backpacking. It is a great experience spending time in the backcountry with your child.
Glenn Gardner - May 31, 2006 1:37 am - Hasn't voted
Good Note!I recently took my two children, Daughter 8 years old, and Son, 4 years old climbing with my wife up Mt. Democrat in Colorado from Kite Lake Parking area. Great short day climb, although I had to short rope my son coming down to keep him from stumbling.
lisae - Jun 15, 2006 1:22 am - Voted 10/10
Very Informative!I wish I had been able to read something like this article when my son was younger; he is 26 now. We hiked with him, but kept it tame. It is funny because I would often have to turn away and not watch him when he was scrambling around or climbing trees. I think he preferred scrambling or climbing to hiking and was always well within his limits.
flechenbones - Aug 31, 2006 4:47 pm - Hasn't voted
great article ScottWe are expecting a son in Dec. and we are hoping to include him in our outdoor activities. After seeing friends suddenly become shut-ins with kids, this is encouraging. Thanks
Scott - Sep 1, 2006 2:18 am - Hasn't voted
Re: great article ScottThanks and good luck!
malcolm.lee - Oct 5, 2006 8:37 am - Voted 10/10
Thanks for a wonderful articleAlmost makes me wanna to propose to my girlfriend so as to have kids that I can hike/climb with! :P
Joke aside, my kudos to you & your wife for the effort, both mental & physical, that goes into making sure the love of the natural world isn't lost to future generations.
Send my greetings to little Kessler & Shaylee!