A glimpse into our family's winter season --
With most of our boys' regular community programs on a prolonged winter hiatus, and planning as we were to take a longer-than-usual break from our own home-based learning schedule, we opted to set a goal for ourselves:
To complete seven local hikes over the course of our three-week holiday.
How we hike -- I have two boys, ages 6 years and 18 months. My six-year-old is a wheelchair user and rides in an adaptive stroller when we are hiking on rough terrain. As I generally go hiking alone with the boys, I typically push my older son in his stroller with his medical equipment attached to the front, while I carry my younger son in a Tula on my chest. This means that I am packing about 40 pounds on my chest while pushing well over 100 pounds in front of me. It is tough work and significantly impacts the distance we can travel on trails, but it is worth it to get both boys outdoors and engaged in hiking adventures.
Here is the full count of our SEVEN winter break hikes --
HIKE 1: Crossing the Tacoma Narrows Bridge (12/21/2024)
Crossing from Tacoma, WA, to Gig Harbor, WA
2.0 miles via Scott Pierson Trail
Beginning at War Memorial Park in Tacoma
It was an easy stroll, even while pushing one kid in a stroller and packing the other. Obviously, the view from the bridge is beautiful as it crosses right over the southern part of the Puget Sound. It was rainy and windy at the top, but overall, a quick route.
HIKE 2: West Rocky Prairie Wildlife Area (12/29/2024)
1.0 mile in Tenino, WA
Shortened route due to weather conditions
We had planned to cover the front portion of a larger loop in a quick out-and-back. Unfortunately, the hilly nature of the trail means rainwater pooling. We turned around after a second large pool appeared a bit too deep to safely cross with a trike-stroller strapped with very expensive medical equipment.... Disappointing, but just a (sometimes) expected outcome of attempting hikes during our rainy PNW winters.
HIKE 3: Point Defiance Park (12/30/2024)
1.5 miles in Tacoma, WA
Modified route along the Inner and Outer Loop trails
This was Baby Deacon's first hike outside of a carrier. He loved it! He did really well, too. And it was not an easy stroll. The trail was wet and muddy with a solid uphill portion. He made it on his own feet for the first mile before hopping on the handlebars of his brother's stroller and soaring to our finish line.
HIKE 4: Titlow Park Loop to Hidden Beach (1/2/2025)
1.6 miles in Tacoma, WA
This was a nice, easy walk. We got ourselves a good day for it, too. We missed the early morning and the afternoon rain. The trail was wet, muddy in spots, but otherwise pretty solid.
HIKE 5: LBA Park (1/3/2025)
1.8 miles in Olympia, WA
Along the Trillium Loop & Alderwood West Loop trails
It was definitely a rainy-day hike on a trail cratered with muddy puddles. Still, it was a beautiful way to spend a Friday morning. We were wet but warm (lots of layers!) and took advantage of the quiet to get lost in the middle of the LBA Woods.
HIKE 6: Billy Frank Jr. Nisqually National Wildlife Refuge (1/4/2025)
2.5 miles in Olympia, WA
Nisqually Estuary Boardwalk Trail Loop
The whole fam bam got out this morning for a nice hike at high tide on the Nisqually Estuary. We got there before the rain hit, but it was still slick and getting colder, especially once we got out over the water. It was a longer roll today, but nice to have my husband tag along with the boys.
HIKE 7: Fort Steilacoom Park (1/5/2025)
2.2 miles in Lakewood, WA
Extended Waughop Lake Loop on the park's Discovery Trail
It was a beautiful Sunday morning! We got a break in the rain with warmer weather (hello 52*F). It was a great day to be outdoors in January
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