Helping Families Learn Homesteading and Self-Sufficient Living
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Mother’s Day is the perfect occasion to celebrate the woman who gave you life. If your mom has a love for adventure, then finding the ideal gift can be overwhelming. While bouquets and chocolates have their charm, they can’t compare to the excitement of a gift that matches her spirit. These ten unique Mother’s Day gift ideas are sure to surprise her and make her feel appreciated. From a portable hammock to a waterproof hiking shoe, our article will guide you to the perfect gift for the adventurous mom in your life.
Even if you are just looking to get yourself something, this guide is still handy! There’s so many benefits to being an outdoorsy mama, buying yourself neat outdoorsy gear is just one of them.
The first of my Mother’s Day gift ideas for the mom who loves spending time outdoors is an outdoor cooking set. No need to be an expert griller to enjoy cooking over an open flame. An outdoor cooking set can take her outdoor dining experience to the next level.
Look for a set that includes a portable grill or stove, as well as utensils and cookware designed specifically for outdoor cooking. Bonus points if the set is compact and easy to pack for camping trips or other outdoor adventures.
Plus, with an outdoor cooking set, your mom can whip up delicious meals while enjoying the beautiful scenery and fresh air. It’s the perfect way for her to relax and unwind after a day of hiking, kayaking, or any other outdoor activity.
An adventurous mom loves spending time outdoors, which means she’ll need gear that can keep up. From cooking sets to camping tents, there are plenty of Mother’s Day gift ideas out there that will make her next adventure even better. But what about when the sun sets and it’s time to wind down? A gift that will take her relaxation to the next level is an outdoor wireless speaker.
This gift will allow her to enjoy high-quality sound while surrounded by nature. She can listen to her favorite music or podcasts without having to worry about cords or connections. It’s also incredibly easy to use. All she has to do is connect her device via Bluetooth and she’s good to go.
If your adventurous mom is planning a hiking trip, then waterproof hiking shoes are a must-have. These shoes are designed to withstand rough terrain and keep her feet dry, even during the wettest weather conditions. Not only will they protect her feet from the elements, but they’ll also provide her with the necessary support for a long day of hiking.
Choosing a pair of waterproof hiking shoes is not an easy task. There are various factors that come into play, such as foot size and arch shape. However, some features are necessary to consider for a good pair of hiking shoes, such as sturdy soles, ample arch support, and waterproofing. With an excellent pair of hiking shoes, your mom can tackle any terrain that comes her way.
Once your mom has found the perfect pair of hiking shoes, the next thing to consider is hydration. All that walking and exploring will make her thirsty, and carrying a water bottle can be cumbersome. That’s why a hydration backpack is a great gift idea for the adventurous mom. These backpacks come with built-in hydration systems that allow her to drink water hands-free. No need to stop and dig through her bag to find a water bottle or take off her backpack every time she needs a drink.
For the mom who enjoys staying active and keeps track of her fitness goals, a fitness tracker watch is a fantastic gift idea. These watches not only track steps, but also monitor heart rate, calories burned, and even sleep patterns. Your mom can stay on top of her health goals and make sure she’s getting the most out of her activities.
Not only do these watches offer a practical solution for fitness tracking, they come in a variety of stylish designs. From sleek and modern to more classic and traditional, there’s a fitness tracker watch to fit your mom’s personal style. Some even offer smartphone connectivity, providing access to GPS and other advanced features.
For the adventurous mom who loves to document her travels, a selfie stick is the perfect addition to her travel gear. It allows her to take photos from unique angles and perspectives, capturing every moment of her journey. Whether she’s exploring a city or hiking through nature, a selfie stick ensures that she can get the perfect shot every time.
But taking photos is only part of the adventure. A truly adventurous mom also wants to preserve those memories in a special way. That’s where the adventure photo album comes in.
A truly adventurous mom knows that taking photos is only the first step in documenting her travels. She also wants to keep those memories safe and sound. That’s where the adventure photo album comes in.
This Mother’s Day, give her the gift of a beautiful book to store all her most cherished moments. Not only will she love looking back on all her past adventures in one place, but she’ll also relish the opportunity to fill up its pages with new memories. And when she’s ready to reminisce, she’ll have a perfect memento to share with friends and family.
Another great way for an adventurous mom to document her travels is with a travel journal. While photos capture the big moments, a journal allows her to jot down every detail of her experiences. With each entry, she’ll be able to relive her journeys and keep track of all the amazing places she’s been.
Our next gift idea is perfect for moms who love to combine two of their favorite things – yoga and the great outdoors. An outdoor yoga mat is a wonderful gift that allows her to connect with herself and nature in a more personal way. With its non-slip surface and thick cushioning, it provides a comfortable foundation for her yoga practice, no matter where she chooses to roll it out – on the beach, in the park, or even in her own backyard.
Not only is yoga a great way to stay healthy and balanced, but it also helps reduce stress and improve mental clarity. Being surrounded by nature only enhances these benefits, allowing her to fully immerse herself in the present moment and let go of any worries or distractions. Plus, an outdoor yoga session is a great opportunity to take some time for herself and just breathe.
For the mom who loves to spend time outdoors, a portable hammock is sure to be a hit. After a long day of hiking, camping or exploring, there’s nothing more relaxing than lounging in a hammock. The best part? A portable hammock can easily be taken on the go, making it the perfect addition to any outdoor adventure. Whether your mom wants to relax by the beach, in the park or in the mountains, a portable hammock provides a comfortable and convenient way to do so.
But how do you choose the right hammock for your adventurous mom? Look for one that’s lightweight and easy to pack, yet sturdy enough to support her weight. There are even hammocks designed specifically for camping, with features like mosquito netting and rain fly covers to keep her comfortable and protected while she sleeps. With so many options to choose from, finding the perfect portable hammock for your mom is a breeze.
In conclusion, this Mother’s Day, don’t settle for the same old gifts. Give your adventurous mom something she’ll truly treasure with our top ten unique gift ideas. From a portable hammock to an outdoor yoga mat, there’s something for every type of adventurer.
Remember, this day is about showing your appreciation for all that your mom has done for you, and what better way to do that than with a thoughtful and creative gift? So start shopping now and make this Mother’s Day one that she’ll never forget. After all, as Maya Angelou once said, “I’ve learned that people will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”
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Are you planning on visiting the wonderful Golden Heart City of Fairbanks, Alaska and are looking for kid friendly activities? If you are wanting to visit Alaska, chances are that you are an outdoorsy family because outdoor recreation abounds in this beautiful place. Hiking is one of the easiest and cheapest kid friendly outdoor opportunities here. Read on to learn about 5 easy, kid friendly hikes around Fairbanks, Alaska.
Maybe you are planning a visit to Fairbanks or maybe you are already a resident and are looking to get out and explore the trails. This guide will be a great starting point. If you are looking for a more remote experience that still offers an easy trail, Castner Glacier is the place to go. I have an entire Ultimate Guide for driving there from Fairbanks, as well as what gear to pack, and what it is like to actually hike to the cave itself.
The trails I am discussing in this article are based in or right around Fairbanks, Alaska and are easily accessible for anyone.
First up, nestled inside the city itself is the hidden gem, Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary. This nature reserve is preserved by the Wedgewood resort and boasts two beautiful scenic walking trails that connect around a small lake.
These trails are rated as some of the easiest to walk in both the Summer and Winter. The groomed trails are accessible even to the youngest of hikers, no snow shoes needed!
Wedgewood is an excellent place to watch wildlife, especially birds. Wildlife roams abundant through this rich boreal forest. From squirrels, beavers, and moose, there are plenty of chances to catch a glimpse and snap a picture of the wild life thriving here.
The .7 mile Taiga trail heads West of the lake through a forest of Birch trees and White Spruce and towards a large observation deck overlooking the lake.
The Wander Lake Trail wraps around the lake for a scenic 2 mile walk. There is a photography blind to capture pictures of the wildlife like the birds who frequent the lake.
Each season will capture the beauty of Alaska. From Aurora viewing in Winter to enjoying the midnight sun in the Summer. This place will offer one of the easiest hikes around Fairbanks, Alaska without having to leave the city.
Connected to Wedgewood Wildlife Sanctuary is Creamer’s Field Migratory Waterfowl Refuge. The former dairy farm operation turned into a wildlife refuge for migrating birds in 1966 and provides 1800 acres of prime wildlife viewing among it’s various trails.
There are a variety of habitats at Creamer’s Field including wetlands, boreal forests, and large grassy fields. Located just off of College Road in Fairbanks, it provides easy access to many acres of beautiful landscape and wildlife.
Enjoy this easy hike on one of its various trails, including the Boreal Forest trail, Seasonal Wetland trail, and Farm Road trail. To gain a better view, you can climb one of the observation towers along the trail and get a bird’s eye view of the fields and forests.
Creamer’s Field has multiple outdoor recreation opportunities so it’s common to see cross country skiers along with dog sled and Skijoring teams. A wonderful place during both Winter and Summer, you don’t want to miss this easy and scenic route, one of the most accessible hikes around Fairbanks, Alaska.
On the edge of town, surrounded by approximately 750 acres of wilderness, is the Tanana Lakes Recreation area. This place is the perfect place to spend the day because it has multiple trails.
There are 3 notable short hikes in this area. Firstly, upon arriving at the park entrance, the Chickadee trail (0.19 miles) and Flicker trail (0.56 miles) are right up front. With quick and easy access, these are great starter trails.
You’ll walk alongside the front of Cushman Lake and enjoy the pleasant sight of birds and other wildlife. There is a mix of White Spruce and Birch along with wild shrubs and plants. Moss and Arctic Roses cover the Spruce forest floor. There are breaks through the trees with spectacular views of the lake.
Secondly, after the first two trails at the front you have Eagle Trail. The Eagle trail is on the back side of Cushman Lake and is 0.66 miles long. This is another short and easy hike to add to the list of kid friendly hikes around Fairbanks, Alaska.
Adjacent to North Pole City Hall is the hidden gem, Beaver Springs Slough Nature Trail. This 0.8 mile trail stretches through the heart of the city. Along its path is Beaver Springs Creek which is abundant in beavers and muskrats. You’ll be surprised at the amount of wildlife to be found right in the center of the city.
The forest surrounding this nature trail is full of paper birch and white spruce trees. Like the other trails, there is lush forest undergrowth consisting of wild roses, fireweed, and other beautiful flowering plants in the Summer.
There are two ways to access this trail. One trail head is adjacent to City Hall. Additionally, the other is located at the 5th Avenue Park. The fact that there is a park at this trail is another beneficial factor to get the kids involved! This is one of my family’s favorites because they get to play at the park when we are done with the hike. There is no better motivation than a park for kids.
This loop trail is located out of North Pole, Alaska at the Chena Lakes Recreation area. There are actually 3 different trails along this loop. Among them, the inner loop is the shortest and is 2.6 miles long. It is an easy trail that follows along the Chena River.
Along the trail are guide signs to let you know that you are on the right track. There are also wooden educational signs that teach about the flora and fauna that live there. Opportunities to see wildlife abound in this area. For example, we once even spotted a lynx while out on this trail!
In addition, the unique location of this trail allows you to view the succession of plants along the river. River Willows give way to the Poplar, Spruce, and Birch trees that make up the Boreal forest that the trail winds through.
This is a perfect trail and by far my family’s favorite of the easier trails. It is not too long or too short, but is just right.
To sum up, you just can’t visit this beautiful city without walking on at least one trail. Most of these that I have listed are short so they are doable during the Winter with proper gear. As a mama who loves to explore and adventure, I understand the usual barriers to hiking with kids. Unless you hike regularly, the trails will need to be short and sweet. There are also bonus points if there is a fun park at the end to play at like the one in the center of North Pole.
My passion for hiking is immense. Consequently, my kids have developed a love for it too. I thoroughly enjoy taking my kids on my adventures with me. I know that we are making memories and they will be cherished forever. It isn’t always easy, but there are ways to find adventure as a mama who loves the outdoors.
Whether you are just visiting or already live in Fairbanks, I hope this guide for easy starter trails will get you in the right direction for the experience of a lifetime. As Werner Herzog put it, “The world reveals itself to those who travel on foot.” Check out Fairbanks from a new perspective on your next visit.
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So you’ve watched a few reality shows about folks living in Alaska and are probably wondering how much of that is true. Having moved here a few years ago from Georgia, there were plenty of questions that I had to move here in order to learn the answer to. I don’t think you should have to live here to figure it out. That is why I am here to tell you about what it’s actually like living in Alaska, at least here in Fairbanks.
To be honest, for most people life is just like anywhere else. Sure, there are nuances. Fairbanks ranks the coldest city in the United States. Alaska in general ranks as the coldest of the 50 states. There is around 20 hours of darkness on the Winter Solstice and 20 hours of daylight on the Summer Solstice.
But overall, things are pretty normal in town. We have our Walmart and Costco. We still live regular lives like families in the lower 48. I’d say that the schools are the same, but the ones here have recess all the way down -20 F.
People commonly ask me about what life is really like up here. I think there are many misconceptions about what Alaska is and is not. I will go through the four most common questions that I am asked to give a glimpse of the Alaskan life.
This is probably one of the coolest parts of living in Alaska but it is definitely one of the hardest to fathom. The first time that I had ever heard of Alaska was in the fourth grade. I was in a new school and my first friend had just moved down to Georgia from Fairbanks, Alaska. She told me about the Northern Lights and she mentioned that there was no sun during the Winter. This intrigued me.
This is location dependent. Where we live in Fairbanks, it does stay pretty dark during the Winter. There is still daylight, but it is limited and usually more like a dusk appearance. This is really just during the month of December around the Winter Solstice.
For the residents of Utqiagvik , the sun will not return for 65 days. Utqiagvik is very far North, as far as you can get before reaching the Arctic Ocean. This is why they lose all daylight for two months of the year.
Summers are the exact opposite with daylight. This is the land of the midnight sun for a reason. Here in Fairbanks, we receive around 20 hours of daylight on the Summer Solstice. In Utqiagvik, the sun does not set for about 2 months. It is very fascinating to walk outside at 2:00 am and it looks as if the sun is just setting.
Alaskans are known to mow their grass or go kayaking in the middle of the night during Summer. The picture below was taken at midnight while out riding ATV’s. This is our time to go, go, go!
Believe it or not, people are often surprised whenever I tell them the temperature in the Summer here. Yes, we definitely have mild Summers compared to my home state of Georgia, but it can still get hot. Deep in the interior, our Summer temperatures can get up into the 90’s. Surprising?
Not everyday is this warm, though. There are certainly a fair share of rainy and cool days. Days where we need a light jacket to be comfortable. Even in Summer, the mornings can be a little chilly with temperatures in the 50’s.
Alaskan Summers are bustling with such beauty and the warm days just add to the perfection. If it were always cold there wouldn’t be the gorgeous wild roses blooming down our favorite forest trails. The berries wouldn’t be so plentiful.
Alaska weather is erratic at best. One day it might be a sunny 90 degree day where you are wearing a swimsuit in the house under fans. The next it might be cloudy and 50 outside. As Alaskans, we brace for it all and enjoy every ounce of warmth the Summers have to offer.
The first thing that detracts people from living in Alaska is the cold in Winter. People have lived here and thrived for thousands of years, even in the Winter. Good Winter gear is the key to being comfortable outside.
Being from South Georgia, we didn’t have a clue about which Winter gear to buy when we arrived. It took research and experience to figure out what works best for each of us. Dressing as a grown adult is different from an infant.
The best practice is always layers. Layers trap in heat but also provide the ability to shed if needed to prevent sweating.
The best investment you can make to stay warm is merino wool. There is a reason that wool has been the cold weather choice for thousands of years. It is quite itchy, which is why we opt for merino wool. It wicks away moisture and stays warm even if it is wet. Merino wool thermal layers and socks are the optimal choice.
Next we put on our regular clothes like pants and a sweater or shirt. For the kids, next year we are going to buy all of them fleece buntings to wear for this layer for ease of getting on and off.
For children, a snowsuit is the way to go. Easy to take on and off, it will save your sanity while getting out of the door and are much warmer as a one piece trapping in all of that heat. But Snow bibs (insulated overalls) do just fine, especially for adults. I’ve worn my pair of Carhartt Women’s Bibs since we’ve been here and have never gotten cold in them. They are durable for the amount of activity I do as well.
Winter jackets up here are made for this type of extreme cold, and you’ll need one to be comfortable. A balaclava and beanie hat are essential for keeping your ears warm. A nice pair of insulated snow mittens will make or break your day.
Spending time outdoors in the extreme cold is doable and can be enjoyable if you dress for it. There are things like hand and foot warmers to help you along. Alaskans have developed the art of getting it just right to be as comfortable as possible during the Winter.
I am going to disappoint you here when I tell you that this is entirely dependent on location and other circumstances. We have a unique situation. According to research, Georgia ranks #5 for low cost of living and Alaska ranks #47 for being extremely expensive. It would make you believe that living in Alaska is much more difficult than living in Georgia. This has been far from the truth in my family’s experience here.
What the chart doesn’t include is the increase in wages that make up for the cost of living. It doesn’t show the endless amount of high paying jobs that make up for all the extra costs. It also doesn’t account for differences in lifestyle.
The reason we moved to Alaska in the first place is because our plans are to buy land and build our own off grid cabin in a remote area of this state. Because we plan to live off grid completely, we don’t mind living partially off grid now, which saves us a tremendous amount in rent. It’s true, the standard rental for a 4 bedroom home here in the city is expensive. We would certainly have a much “easier” life living in one, but the cost would eat into the savings for our dream life. No, thank you. As P.T. Barnum said, “Comfort is the enemy of progress.”
Living in a smaller home, without all of the amenities is a learning experience and great practice for whenever we are fully off grid. We spend less in fuel oil to heat our home and the electricity is minimal.
The only expenses we have that are more expensive living in Alaska than they were in Georgia is the cost of gas and fuel oil in the Winter. There have been times that gas was actually cheaper here than Georgia (my wonderful sister and I keep track), but it usually averages to be more expensive. Costco really mitigates this expense for us though.
Speaking of Costco, I am able to feed my family a much healthier diet here because there are more affordable organic options in the grocery stores. We have always tried to be as frugal and healthy as we can with groceries. As I write this article, certain food staples like eggs and milk are cheaper here than they are for our family in Georgia.
Whenever I am discussing the cost of living here, I am almost always talking about Fairbanks in particular. Alaska is enormous and different towns will have different costs, especially the farther out you go. The cost of milk here in town may cost $4, but can cost $12 in a remote village. The logistics of shipping to those areas increase costs dramatically.
Even when we are off grid, we plan on making our supply runs to Fairbanks as much as possible to save on those increased costs. Gas, fuel oil, and everything else is much more expensive in remote areas.
Depending on who you ask, you’ll probably get mixed answers about the reality of living in Alaska. Everyone’s experience is different. If it were super easy this place would get overcrowded fast because of the breathtaking scenery and endless opportunities. It is as wonderful as it is difficult at times.
This is a place that you either hate or love, with no in between. If you ever get the chance to experience Alaska, you will greatly miss it and long to return. For all of the hardships that Alaskans endure, we stay here. It is worth it to enjoy the many great benefits this state offers.
Alaska is called the last frontier for a reason. If you can survive the challenges, there is no better place in the world to live off grid. There is no better place to have a true remote experience. As a traveler passing through on vacation or a die hard resident, Alaska will grip your heart tight and forever hold a place there.
Living in Alaska changed our lives for the better. Our experience here grows with each passing year. We have gained so many skills, experienced truly remarkable sights, made lifelong friends, and have joined a community of resilient people who would go to the ends of the Earth for their neighbors.
We absolutely love our lives in Alaska and wouldn’t trade it for anything. I fully intend to become an old Sourdough one day as I age in my cabin living off of the land. Who knows, maybe you’ll still be along for the ride even then.
Did any of these answers surprise you? Maybe you are an Alaskan resident and have an entirely different experience than we do. I would love to hear about it! Let me know what you think in the comments.
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