Glacier National Park with Kids

We visited Glacier National Park on our 2019 trip along with Yellowstone and Grand Teton National Parks. If you drive from Santa Barbara, you would drive from Yellowstone to Glacier (about 6.5 hours). Since we flew in to Bozeman, we started at Yellowstone and drove to Glacier from Grand Teton which made the trip 9 hours. We stayed in Timber Wolf Lodge in Hungry Horse through Air BNB (I was wary of camping in a place where is can snow in August). After 4 days in the park, we drove back to Bozeman (5 hours) and flew back to Santa Barbara. If you choose to drive, it is around 20 hours driving back to Santa Barbara. See my Yellowstone post for more information on the flying plan and the Grand Teton post for more information on the driving plan.

These people had the same overall plan.

Day 1: After entering the West Glacier entrance, we enjoyed the Apgar Visitors Center as well as the Apgar Nature Center where most of the ranger talks happen. We walked along Lake McDonald toward Fish Creek and circled back to the Visitor Center. We also drove the Going to the Sun Road from West Glacier along Lake McDonald (there are also some short trails near John's Lake). (It was raining this day so we didn't attempt more.)

Day 2: We drove the Going to the Sun Road from West Glacier to walk the Trail of the Cedars (.8 miles) then continued up the road taking in the lookouts and the Weeping Wall to Logan Pass where we hiked to the Hidden Lake Trail (about 5.5 miles), seeing mountain goats (but not big horned sheep). It is quite a hike (1300 foot elevation gain with many steps), but we did it with some complaining (ages 6 and 9).

Trail of the Cedars

Hidden Lake

Going to the Sun Road

Day 3: We drove the Going to the Sun Road from West Glacier heading to all the way to the St. Mary's Visitor Center. We stopped for both the Sun Point Nature Trail and the trail to St. Mary's Falls. We got thoroughly drenched in a rainstorm on the second trail, but saw a moose swimming. Rather than return the way we came, we drove on the perimeter of the park (89/49/2) through the Flathead National Forest. We got our closest view of a bear here!

St Mary's Falls

Day 4: After completing the junior ranger requirements and getting the Scout badge (see National Park comments), we headed back to the Trail of the Cedars which is also the starting point for the trail to Avalanche Lake (4.5 miles) where the kids waded and we wished we had picnicked. 

Avalanche Lake

 Glacier National Park is huge and the different entrances lead to more remote parts. We stuck to the main parts near the Going to the Sun Road because those are the parts written about most. 

Other Glacier ideas: The Going to the Sun Road: Lake McDonald Lodge and boating, Beaver Pond Trail 3.4, West John’s Lake Loop 2.4m; Medicine Valley: Running Eagle Falls .6m, Appistoki Falls 1.2m; Many Glacier: Swift Current Nature Trail 2m, Apikuni Falls 2.5 m; Waterton Lakes: Blakiston Falls 1.6m, Rainbow Falls 1.4m, Cameron Lake 2.2m

Resources:
National Parks with Kids https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/047018406X/
https://www.dqtravel.net/glacier-national-park-with-kids/
https://www.letstravelfamily.com/things-to-do-in-glacier-national-park-with-kids/

https://www.crazyfamilyadventure.com/things-to-do-in-glacier-national-park/

Fall Snapshot 2019

It's time for my seasonal check in!

Life Hack: Canva is a great way to design your own morning and evening routine lists for kids!

New Product I Love: Turkey Stuffing Kettle Chips I wasn't convinced when I saw these that stuffing spice goes with kettle chips, but they are delicious. I even topped my green bean casserole with them (they are gluten free!).

Last Book I Finished: Atomic Habits by James Clear 
James Clear had a life altering injury in high school. Rather than let it limit his prospects, he battled hard to return to baseball and the classroom. He credits the habits he learned for working back to health. Now he makes the study of habit his life work with a weekly email list to thousands! He refers back to pivotal books like the Power of Habit and gives ideas for how to implement the key thoughts in them. The atomic refers to how a small change daily can add up to a huge difference in the long run (not the explosive atomic idea that I was thinking). This is a practical book for how to make small improvements for life.

Life Project: Blog Series on National Parks and fine tuning my morning routine. 

Related Links:

Fall 2020 Snapshot

Summer 2020 Snapshot

Spring 2020 Snapshot

Winter 2020 Snapshot

Fall 2019 Snapshot

Summer 2019 Snapshot

Winter 2019 Snapshot

Fall 2018 Snapshot

Spring 2018 Snapshot

40 Year Bucket List

Grand Teton with Kids

Another park worth visiting with kids is Grand Teton National Park (original post on visiting national parks). It is always mentioned in connection with neighbor, Yellowstone National Park (my post here). If you drive from Santa Barbara, you would probably want to start here. Here were my driving directions for our 2019 trip. We decided to fly after looking at the drive time (22 hours from Glacier NP to Santa Barbara!), but even though we ended up flying, I still made a plan). 

Drive Option
Day 1 Drive to St George, UT 8.5 hours
Day 2 Jackson, WY 8.5 hours
Day 3 Grand Tetons
Day 4 Grand Tetons
Day 5 Grand Tetons
Day 6 Drive to Yellowstone 1.5-3 hours
Day 7 Yellowstone
Day 8 Yellowstone
Day 9 Yellowstone
Day 10 Drive to Glacier 9 hours
Day 11 Glacier
Day 12 Glacier
Day 13 Glacier
Day 14 Drive to Idaho Falls, ID 8 hours
Day 15 Visit with family in Idaho Falls
Day 16 Drive to San Francisco 13 hours
Day 17 San Francisco
Day 18 Drive to SB 7 hours

This was our plan from Yellowstone: 
Day 1: Drive to Grand Tetons from Yellowstone (about 3 hours) and set up camp in the tent cabin at  Colter Bay Campground. This included the views from North Tetons Rockefeller Memorial Parkway.

Tent Cabin at Colter Bay (from website)

Day 2: Visit Colter Bay Visitor Center and walk the Lakeshore Trail. Rent a boat and explore the lake. 

Lakeshore Trail

Day 3: Hike trail to Hidden Falls (1.3mi) at Jenny Lake and take the boat back to the Jenny Lake Visitor Center. View the Teton Glacier.

Hidden Falls

Day 4: Drive to Jackson and take a river rafting tour on the Snake River. Walk String Lake to Leigh Lake (2 miles) (some people do swim here). 

Rafting on the Snake River

Day 5: View Oxbow Bend. Drive though Morman Row. Visit Craig Thomas Visitor Center. Drive up Signal Mountain and tour the Rockefeller Preserve (3mi to Phelps Lake). 

Mormon Row

Other Teton ideas: a sunrise or sunset drive on the Antelope Flats Road to see wildlife, go swimming at Slide Lake, visit the town of Moose and its visitor Center, visit Teton Village for the tram and playground, Visit Chapel of Transfiguration, or take a Jackson Lake Boat Tour. 

Resources:
National Parks with Kids https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/047018406X/
https://www.crazyfamilyadventure.com/grand-tetons-family-friendly/

https://www.letstravelfamily.com/best-of-the-tetons-top-10-things-to-do-with-kids-in-grand-teton-national-park/

Holiday Events 2019

Westmont Pickle Tree from the Westmont Blog

Santa Barbara Holiday Events

**I begin this holiday season with sadness thinking about the sweet man responsible for the amazing lights show on Ontare, Tom Dalton. He passed away in February and is much missed by many. **

Ongoing:

Other ideas about the Christmas season with kids are in the original post.

Pictures with Santa at La Cumbre Plaza from now until 12/24 (10 or 11am - 7 or 8pm)

Candy Cane Train at the South Coast Railroad Museum Friday, Saturday and Sunday1-4pm  (11/29-12/22) $5 per person

Pictures with Santa at Paseo Nuevo from now until 12/24 (10 or 11am - 7 or 8pm) as well as (fake) snow at 6pm and 7pm.

Snowfall at Paseo Nuevo 6 and 7pm Daily until 12/31

Lane Tree Christmas Lot has tree for sale, but also a corn maze, hayride and farm animals to visit. 9 or 10am - 8pm 11/29 until 12/20.

The Trolley of Lights is already sold out, but you can find space on the Rockstar Trolley or you can make your own tours using these directions.  A house on Carlisle in Goleta have longer light shows with music (tune in on the radio).

By Date: 

Tree Lighting at the Rosewood Miramar Wednesday November 27 5:30

Christmas Pickle Tree Lighting at Westmont College Tuesday December 3rd 5pm

La Arcada Walk Photos with Santa, Christmas goodies and carolers Wednesday December 4th 5-8pm

Downtown Holiday Parade Friday December 6th 6:30-8:30pm

Pancakes, Santa and Reptiles a Fundraiser for the San Marcos Parent Workshop Saturday December 7, 8-11am

Hollister Village Carolers Family friendly activities, balloon art, music and more  Saturday December 7 &14 12-2

Snow Leopard Festival at the Santa Barbara Zoo Sunday December 8 10am-3pm (9am for Members)

Santa Barbara Wharf Parade of Lights Sunday December 8 Snow at 3, Boat race at 5:30pm

Jingle Jam at SBCC hosted by Mission City Church Bounce houses, face painting, dance party and showing a Christmas movie Friday December 13 6:30-8:30pm

Breakfast with Santa at Islands Saturday December 14 9-10

Holiday at the Ranch at Stow House Holiday crafts, caroling, hay rides and tours. Saturday and Sunday December 14&15 11am-4pm $5/$2

Hollister Village Carolers Family friendly activities, balloon art, music and more  Saturday December 7 &14 12-2

Waldorf Winter Faire is free with activities to stimulate your child's imagination Saturday December 14 1-5pm

Old Town Goleta Parade Saturday December 14 6-8pm

Christmas Shorts: A Christmas Party and Puppet Show at Community Covenant Church of Goleta Saturday December 14 and Sunday December 15 6-7:30 pm $10/family

Living Nativity at First United Methodist Church December 20, 21 and 22 from 5:30-7:30.

Past events that may happen again: 

Storytime with Santa at Paseo Nuevo Thursday December 13 10:30

Milpas Holiday Parade Saturday December 1, 2018 5:30-8:30

Breakfast with Santa at the Boys and Girls Club of Santa Barbara Saturday December 15 9-11am

Did I miss anything? What are your favorite local holiday traditions?

Visiting Yellowstone with Kids

For back ground, see the first post in the series! In summer 2019, our vacation was a two and a half week trip that included Yellowstone National Park, Grand Teton National Park and Glacier National Park. We decided to fly after looking at the drive time (22 hours from Glacier NP to Santa Barbara!). If you want the detailed drive plan though, look at the upcoming Grand Teton post. We chose to fly to Bozeman, Montana since it was between the three places and our longest drive day was 9 hours from Grand Teton in Wyoming to West Glacier, Montanta. It was long but do-able.

Day 1: Fly to Bozeman, MT from LAX. We also gathered supplies this day since we still camped for most of the trip. Most of the supplies came from Target or Bob Ward's Outdoor, conveniently located next door. Another location we got supplies second hand was Twice Treasured. In Bozeman, we stayed at Bozeman Ramada by Wyndham which has a very fun waterslide at the pool!

Awesome waterslide

Day 2: Drive to Yellowstone (2.5 hours) and set up camp. We stayed at Madison Campground (because it is at the lowest elevation--hopefully warmest--for tent camping). If we had stayed in a lodge, we would have chosen Canyon Lodge since it is centrally located. As you drive, you pass through the town of West Yellowstone, home to the Grizzly Museum where you can see Grizzly bears up close.

Camping

Day 3: Take in the Old Faithful geyser which erupts every 90 minutes. The rangers speak frequently and the visitor center is interesting and there are several wooden, walking paths around the area including a one mile and a 2.4 mile loop. We also took in the nearby Grand Prismatic Springs which also have wooden, walking paths to best very the alien looking, colorful pools. After driving the Firehole Lake Drive, we walked the Fountain Paints Pots Loop. This was a big walking day, so you may have to pace yourself with kids.

Grand Prismatic Spring

Day 4: Drive to the Roosevelt Arch near Gardiner, MT (Eat pizza at K-Bar Pizza and restock supplies). Visit Mammoth Hot Springs and walk the area. There are many connecting paths and (you can choose how much you are up for that day (1-2 miles). The nearby Albright Visitor Center is interesting if you have time. The swim in Boiling River is fun and worth the short trek (.5 mile/1 mile roundtrip). 

Mammoth Hot Springs

Day 5: Hike Artist's Paint Pots (about 1 mile roundtrip). Drive to the Canyon Visitor Center for a quick look then explore the Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone. Much can be seen from the road but pick some view points to get out of the car to take in the scope of the canyon. Hike Uncle Tom's Trail (.6 mile) or part of the North Rim Trail (up to 6 miles). Pass through the Grand Canyon to the Lamar Valley. Wildlife is best viewed in the early morning or at dusk so we drove through had dinner in Cooke City, then back through at dusk.

Grand Canyon of the Yellowstone

Day 6: Drive through the Hayden Valley to see wild life. Wildlife is best viewed in the early morning or at dusk, but we saw a lot even driving through during the day. Continue down to Yellowstone Lake and hike West Thumb Geyser Basin (.5 miles).

We drove to Grand Teton Day 7, but we did take time to swim in the Firehole River.  We could have taken time to do another partial day. Other items that showed up on several lists that we did not have time for: the Norris Geyser Basin including Porcelain and Back Basins (2 mile hike), Mystic Falls (2.4 mile hike), Fossil Forest (3 miles) and Trout Lake (1 mile).

Firehole River

Resources:

National Parks with Kids https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/047018406X/
https://www.yellowstonepark.com/things-to-do/top-10-kid-activities
https://hikeitbaby.com/blog/10-fun-things-to-do-with-kids-in-yellowstone/

Fall Leaves Or How to Find Fall in Santa Barbara

Cambridge Dr December 2019

I love Santa Barbara. I am a native so I don't miss the real feeling of fall here. I did take a truly amazing trip to Maine to see family in mid-October many years back and was beautiful. For those of you who miss the feel of fall, this may just be a taste, but here are some places to find leaves falling and covering the ground that may make you feel better. Thanks to my Facebook friends for making my list longer! What are your favorites? Leave a comment or message me on Facebook!

Santa Barbara
Grove Lane

Student Affairs Administrative Service Building at the bus loop at UCSB

Noleta

Huntington Dr
Kellogg Ave
Bike path off Turnpike Rd 

Goleta
Encina Rd
Cambridge Dr
Carlo Dr 

Valdez Ave

Vacation National Park Trips

Glacier National Park

This is my 200th post, y'all! Who knew our little park hunt would turn into an ongoing blog?

One of the things we love to do as a family is visit National Parks. We did a huge one this past summer (2019) to Yellowstone, Grand Teton and Glacier National Park. We have also visited Zion, Bryce and the North Rim Grand Canyon (2015), Yosemite (2016) and Sequoia/Kings Canyon (every year).

There two things worth mentioning. When you have a 4th grade child, you can print out a free national parks pass to exchange at a park for the actual pass (good September through August, but it is the honor system). Do print it out ahead of time. It is worth the $80 pass price currently. For you Girl Scouts and Boy Scouts, there is a special patch you can earn, logging about 10 hours in parks. Any Jr Ranger booklets, talks and guided hikes counted for us.

During the school year, I plan to post about these trips as much as I documented and can remember. I hope it helps someone plan their next adventure!

National Parks (Est. Post Date)
Bryce Canyon
Glacier
Grand Canyon -- North Rim 
Grand Teton
Kings Canyon (April)
Sequoia (April)
Yellowstone
Yosemite (March)
Zion