–Photographs by Mike Hincks and Kim Leong Dear Octavia, You’re a natural outdoorswoman! It was back on December 16th, 2017 that we finally got you out on your first snowshoe trip. I hosted a family/beginner snowshoe trip with the Island Mountain Ramblers as a way to get the whole family …
Octavia’s First Multi Day Kayak Trip: A Splash of Adventure
This letter was a long time coming; it’s been well over a year already since this trip! I suppose it’s a symptom of how we live our lives. Between raising you kids and my club adventures, I’ve been busy living and not stuck at a keyboard typing. Still, it’s good …
Our first failure at winter camping
Dear Hemingway, We just finished our first father-and-son camping trip, or at least our first attempt. You’re only three and a half years old, and we’ve already done a lot of overnight backcountry trips, but never one in snow, and never just the two of us. I was excited, and …
Snowshoe to Boston Falls Lookout: A Sunny Day below Mount Becher’s Summit
When I’m stuck inside, it sometimes feels like I won’t ever break free and get outside! If you’re passionate like I am, you probably feel the same. Now that I’ve added two kids to the equation, it’s even more difficult to balance the time between my family obligations and my …
Kayaking the Gulf Islands with my Toddler: “We’re Going to Need a Bigger Boat”
My wife Kim thinks I’m crazy. My friends think I’m crazy. I’m sure my son Hemingway thinks I’m crazy. A colleague even accused me of being a Viking, after I described Hemingway’s first kayak trip at nine months old. I am probably the only one who believes in my sanity. I don’t make the decision …
I rebuilt a pulk sled, pulk 2.0
Over the past two months, I have been working to build a pulk sled. I’m motivated by my dream of backpack-free winter camping (as I could haul my gear behind me on my snowshoe and backcountry ski tours), and by the weight of my son (as he just won’t stop …
Family Day Weekend, Beginner Snowshoe
Family Day Weekend has come and gone, and I’m happy to say that I made the most of it. I planned three trips, including an overnight camp at a familiar trailhead in Seward. Don’t fret: I spent at least one of those days with my family! The first day was …
Simple Snowshoe around Lake Helen Mackenzie
Another beautiful day in the low alpine. On Saturday, January 30th, I led a small group of Island Mountain Ramblers, along with a special guest, on a trip through Paradise Meadows to Lake Helen Mackenzie and back. We had fine weather: a little sunshine, some light snow, and a clear …
Building a pulk sled
I have big dreams. Dreams of multi-day alpine tours, and snowshoe trips through Strathcona and other places on Vancouver Island. I also want to head out with my family on great winter adventures. Both of these scenarios are aided by the use of a sled. mommy and Hemingway, arriving at …
Keeha Bay & Meeting my Hero
Hemingway assisting in raising the tent at Keeha Bay Victoria Day, May long weekend, or May-long, no matter which you call it it’s one of the best weekends for camping! It hardly matters if it rains or shines, its a symbol of transition out of the long wet winter and …