Pack. Drive. Fly. Organize. Breathe.

If it were only that simple.

At the end of May, we packed up our house and prepared to move 2100 miles to Maine. With so many miles to cover we decided to take two routes. Josh drove. Eli and I flew. We all ended up having an adventure.

We are finally settled into our new home in the Rangeley Lakes Region. It's just about heaven. The trees are thick and the birds sing all day long. We couldn't ask for a more peaceful place to live. 

Our goal now is to start exploring Maine and the Northeast. We hope to rediscover Maine and find the hidden wonders that this region has to offer families and others seeking solitude in nature. Then we'll come back here and tell you all about it!

AVEX Brazos AUTOSEAL Water Bottle Review

The AVEX line of innovative water bottles was recently brought into our sights. Having been loyal fans of another top brand, we were surprised by how much we enjoyed using our new AVEX bottles. AVEX offers several styles of BPA-Free water bottles for everyday use. Check them out here.

Josh first tested the 25 oz. Brazos AUTOSEAL. Of course I had to try it out too.

Things we love: 

On the trail with AVEX.

• One handed drinking- perfect for parents of small children (you need a hand free to wrangle!)
• Drinking ease- We drank 3x more because it was so easy (and fun) to push the button.
• Sleek look- Taller and thinner than other bottles. 
• Fit- The 25 oz. actually fit into car cup holders (no more rolling around on the floorboards)!

Things we'll live with:

• Pressure buildup in the bottle (from changing elevations) can cause it to spray when the spout is opened. There is no way to avoid it because of the design (but it can be fun every now and again!).

Overall:

This bottle alone has made us convert to AVEX. It is hands-down the best water bottle that we have ever used and our go-to brand for future purchases!

Outside Challenge Week: Day 7- Mt. Roosevelt

WE DID IT!!!

Enjoying the view. 5.1.13

Today was the culmination of a weeks worth of outside family adventuring. Getting out each day hasn't been easy. A few evenings it was tough getting out the door but the rewards have been countless.

This evening we headed into the Black Hills to Mt. Roosevelt, a favorite spot of ours. The road to Mt. Roosevelt isn't plowed throughout the winter so we weren't sure if we would even be able to make it through. Thankfully, most of the snow had receded and there was evidence that many vehicles had been up through. The road was clear.

We parked and got Eli wheeled up and released Wu. The trail was easy going until we were 2/3 of the way and we ran into snow. It wasn't a huge patch so we portaged Eli over. Then hit another patch of snow and we took to the woods. Eli loved going off trail. Apparently it was very exciting.

His off-roading face! 5.11.13

The ground around the tower was clear of snow. The trees opened up and the sun beat down upon us. We took the Friendship Tower in.

The last 4 years (since we moved here) have brought a lot of change to the Roosevelt's Friendship Tower. When we first visited it was sealed off to visitors but in true Black Hills fashion, the gated door had been altered so that one could squeeze through. Then a year or so later construction began to repair the mortar and then to reconstruct a staircase. Then the roof was put on to protect it a bit from the elements (but it's not historically accurate).

Mt. Roosevelt's Friendship Tower. 5.1.13

We were hoping to follow the loop around but snow covered the rest of the trail. We opted to take the trail back the way we came but instead of blazing trail in the woods we portaged Eli over the snow patches. It was kind of awesome and we felt like we could do anything.

After working our way through several hundred feet of snow patches we were back on gravel. It was all downhill from there and our hike was over before we knew it.

Our seven day adventure was complete and we asked "why stop there?" Why not challenge ourselves to do this everyday as a habit? I think we will.

 

Outside Challenge Week: Day 6- Centennial Trail

Getting out today was a challenge. By the time Josh and I arrived home we had both passed through brief periods of snow. The wind was roaring and the temperature was in the 20 with wind chill. After the glimpse of summer this past week it was difficult to get ourselves outside to enjoy some open sky time with our family.

Once we were packed up and Wu had literally been wrangled we headed over towards Bear Butte State Park. We picked up the Centennial Trail at Bear Butte Lake.

The moment we opened the doors it was apparent that we should have headed into the hills. The wind pushing across the prairie was fast and cold.

On the Centennial Trail. 4.30.13

Eli was bundled up and snuggled under a few blankets. Then over the top of his stroller was a clear jacket that blocks wind and rain. Josh, Eli, Wu, and myself set out on an adventure.

We went as far as we could before the cold set in and the wind carried our high spirits away. On the way Wu did manage to jump a Gold Eagle. It circled above us and I'm sure it was contemplating the cost/benefit of going after Wu.

It wasn't too long before we were worried that Eli was getting cold. When we returned to the jeep Josh reached under the wind jacket and it was warm and still. Our baby was just fine.

We on the other hand we wind blown and exhausted. It didn't turn out to be the outing we were expecting but it was still a success.

Outside Challenge Week: Day 5- Spearfish Creek & DC Booth

  Today marks the fifth straight day that we have made it outside for an adventure! We once again headed to the Spearfish City Park for a walk.

  We started out heading in the opposite direction of where we went earlier in the week. Eli was getting very tired on the way in, but once we got him into his stroller he was wide awake. Wu was just as crazy as ever.

  The path ended up following Spearfish Creek most of the time and took us through a few of the other city parks. At one point the path goes under one of the main roads. It runs almost eye level with the creek and something about it was spectacular to me.

Before I could get too caught up in the awesomeness that was the path, Wu decided to jump right in the water. He'd had enough and his crazy just took over. There he was, still on the leash being swept down the creek and here I am holding on to the other end. Well, needless to say I go taking off along side him trying to keep the line from getting caught in creekside vegetation. After a little bit I just decided to yank the line over and guide him towards the shore so I could grab him, but once he got to shore he just climbed on out and jumped right at me. Because the path goes under the road it is actually lower than the creek and when Wu jumped he ensured that I would be covered in most of the cold snowmelt water that had sunk into his thick fur. He hit my leg and trotted off like this was no big deal..... Then he jumped in and did it again..... and again.

  A little further up the path sticking out of the opposite bank was a car. Just sitting there sideways exposed by the erosion. It almost looked like it was placed there intentionally, but I couldn't tell for sure. Nothing surprises me in the Hills anymore.

  We made it about a half mile further and wound our way back in the direction of the jeep. On our way back we saw a guy Kayaking down the creek. Eli thought this was awesome. He just stared at the guy and didn't move. When he looked up at me he had a big smile on his face. We also saw a fly fisherman who looked like he was having the time of his life.

  We ended up walking pass the jeep and touring the DC Booth Fish Hatchery again. It was nice to see how they were adding more paths and see all the giant trout. By the time we reached the jeep we were exhausted. Eli and Wu? Not so much. Eli was laughing the whole way to the jeep and talking and babbling at us. Wu was just full of energy still and wouldn't shut up about it.

  The day was a huge success in my books. I have really enjoyed spending this time with my family. I cant wait for our next adventure. I am a lucky man.

Outside Challenge Week: Day 4- Stratobowl, Cubfest and the Outdoor Campus

Today has been a very exciting day! We've had Cubfest, at Bear Country USA in our sites for a few years now. With our impending move we thought that it was about time we checked it out.

By 9:30 AM we were in Rapid City. Somehow we managed to get ahead of schedule and so we used the extra time to check out the rim of the Stratobowl, a historic location for the launch of hot air balloons.

We didn't really intend to hike the distance in. In fact, we only wanted to let Wu run a minute to get some of his crazy out. But the trail was too perfect and we wanted to see what was around the next corner. It was incredibly windy but thankfully most of the hike was in the woods. We ended up looking down on the Stratobowl. It was an awesome sight.

By 10:30 AM we were parking at Bear Country USA. There was a weekend long event that lets the public get up close and personal with little bear cubs. Who doesn't want to get their paws on a cub?

With perfect strolling weather we explored. Eli got to see two huge bears relaxing and playing in a pond. He really enjoyed that. Then he saw his first burro and ponies. He got his face painted- a mustache. But the most fun of all was had when he loved on the bear cubs. After waiting in line he was getting a little fussy until he saw the cubs ahead. Then it was eyes and ears forward and he was on the prowl. He had a bit of a run in with one of the cubs when it opened its mouth just as he stuck his hand towards it. It was adorable.

By 1 PM we were at the Outdoor Campus walking the trails that weave through their acreage. Wu got to go swimming and we enjoyed the quiet. We headed inside to explore and Eli was so excited. He let everyone know how much he liked the aquarium. Then he finally went through a 6 ft. tunnel that he's been too shy to do on our previous trips. We were so proud.

By 2:45 we were home just in time to get out of the rain storm that popped up. Eli napped the day off, wiping most of his mustache with it and we relaxed. It was a beautiful and exhausting day!

It must have been the mustache! At The Outdoor Campus, 4.27.13

Outside Challenge Week: Day 3- Whitewood City Park

Another hectic day! Eli and I spent the morning hiking over in Wyoming at Ranch A with a set of friends. After a long nap we were ready to hit the street with Josh when he got home.

After wheeling up (our new term for getting Eli in the stroller!) we headed to the Whitewood Park. It's a few blocks away and has a playground. We were looking specifically for toddler swings. And we found them.

Eli hadn't been on a true swing set yet so we fixed that. I'm not sure he really enjoyed the experience. He seemed very serious and not very relaxed so we tried a few runs on a small slide. He liked that quite a bit. So we moved up to a bigger slide. He and I rode to the bottom and Josh caught us. I had forgotten how much I love slides!

Of course we had brought Wu. He was being a good dog just hanging out while he was waiting for us looking forward to the walk home.