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You are here: Home / Adventure / Over the Hills Hiking Trip

Over the Hills Hiking Trip

August 17, 2017 By Kari 1 Comment

Hiking-1My husband Ryan turned 40 this April and, as you may know, we’ve been celebrating all year! There have been a few surprise parties, we went on a couple’s trip to Chicago in June, and we also headed out on a hiking trip with our friends Kyla and Loz (who also turned 40 this year).

I hadn’t been backcountry hiking since senior year of high school, but I was game from the early idea stage. Ryan, Loz and Kyla are seasoned hikers, so I felt a little spoiled going into the adventure knowing I could just trust whatever they decided. 🙂 With celebrations of Canada 150, the national parks were packed, and we were somewhat last-minute in our planning, so we went with the permits we could get: Ribbon Lake in Spray Valley Provincial Park.

Hiking-2

A few steps into the journey I had a Cheryl Strayed moment. Remember in her book ‘Wild’ when she writes about starting her hike and barely being able to take a step because her pack was so heavy? While my pack weight was manageable (31 pounds), everything just felt awkward. I honestly didn’t know if I would make it. Thank goodness for the gorgeous weather and equally gorgeous views providing a welcome distraction. A few kilometres in, I had found my groove.

Hiking-3Hiking-4One of the most amazing parts of this adventure was the connection with the people I was with. When you’re on the trail there are moments of quiet when you’re in your own thoughts, and there are also moments of great, deep conversation. I love being able to step outside of our normal environment every so often to really connect. I believe it’s imperative to maintaining strong, meaningful relationships (including a great marriage).

Hiking-5This waterfall was an amazing morning coffee spot.

 

Hiking-6

We knew the second day of our hike would include a chain crossing. For those of you who don’t know (I didn’t before this trip), it’s chains screwed into the side of a cliff that you use to pull yourself up…with no harness and a massive pack strapped to your back. I’m not going to lie, I was nervous.

Hiking-7Once we climbed the first part of the cliff and got to the second, we knew we were in a jam. The rock was far too slippery to continue, and the danger of attempting the ascent wasn’t worth it (especially thinking about our boys back at home). Once we’d decided to turn around, we took a moment on that cliff. We soaked in the views, and came to terms with and the realization that our hike wasn’t going to wind up as planned.

Hiking-8

Once we got over the disappointment, excitement set in, as we started to think about what we would do with the rest of our holiday. We decided to car camp at Upper Kananaskis, and sneak in some fishing. The only wildlife we saw was a moose on the side of the road (and my husband on the beach).

Hiking-9Hiking-10Hiking-11Hiking-12Even though our adventure didn’t quite turn out as we had planned, that was ok. In fact, it may have even been better. Ultimately, our goal was to spend good quality time with our good friends, and that definitely happened.

What’s your favourite way to connect with friends and family?

(For those of you that love to hike, here are a few items I love for outdoor adventure. Don’t forget to ‘Pin’ it for later!)

Hiking-13

1. Billabong ‘Mellow’ Trucker Hat | 2. UCO Hundred Headlamp | 3. Namastay Put Hipster Undies | 4. Smartwool Hiking Socks | 5. Hi Tec Hiking Boots | 6.Gregory Maven Backpack

 

xx

 

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Filed Under: Adventure

Comments

  1. Gary says

    August 20, 2017 at 10:37 pm

    Wonderful adventure and great pictures!

    Reply

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2️⃣ Check your favourite brand’s tagged posts on Instagram. When you’re looking to make a new purchase always check here first! It’s where you’ll find partnership posts from Creators you may not follow who have a discount code you can use with that brand (Of course, if you do use the code - thank the Creator with a ‘follow’ and/or share.)

3️⃣ FREE CHILDCARE at City Rec Facilities. Now, this may depend on where you live but it doesn’t hurt to check. Where we’re at in Edmonton, Canada, four City of Edmonton rec facilities offer free childcare with your rec pass for up to two hours (you must stay in the building). I used to do this with our oldest and pop over to a quiet area and work. You could also do this to get a workout in or meet a friend for coffee without having to spend on childcare. 

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5️⃣ Shop online where you can. This will help you stick to your list and budget and not get thrown off by all the shiny things. 

➡️ I’m sharing this to shine the spotlight on @civicserviceunion52 - a union representing over 6,000 city workers - 83% of whom haven’t seen a pay raise since 2018! That’s bonkers. Factor in inflation - that’s a pay cut. It’s just not fair, AND there’s something you can do about it. 

These are our community members - Our 9-1-1 dispatchers, library staff, fitness teachers, 311 reps and so many more who keep our city running. 

Email your City Councillor to show your support. Find a template to do so in my Stories right now or just go to edmontonforeveryone.ca!

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Actually listened to the lyrics while Miss. Rachel was on.🙈 Side note- i love her.

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Feel this? ⬆️ Share if you do. ❤️ You kno Feel this? ⬆️ Share if you do. ❤️

You know what drains a kid's emotional cup - being overscheduled. We've lived it and I'm here to say it's SO MUCH BETTER on the other side.

📍Last year, our goal was to give our oldest (now 8) every opportunity to try things to figure out what he loved. His schedule was packed with activities (I realize this is a privileged point). We were running - sometimes literally - from school to activity every night of the week and on weekends.

📍Fast-forward to this year - he has so much more time to just be a kid and we're all happier! He's picked a couple of things he's passionate about, but we've cut so much out and now most of our after-school time is open. Maybe we'll run an errand, maybe we'll come home and hang out, maybe we'll play at the park with friends and get ice cream. 

✨️ If one day he decides he wants to pour more time into one of his passions - we support that, but for now this is it and it's awesome! 

➡️ Have you lived this? How do you balance wanting to expose your kid to different activities so they find what they love with wanting your kids to just be a kid? Share below.

this video ⬆️ is from @fairmontjpl's Lac Beauvert. On every summer visit, Wyatt and I have a tradition of renting a kayak from The Boathouse and cruising the lake. 

❤️ Follow @kariskelton for more motherhood moments and helpful Reels to make your journey a little easier and even more enjoyable. Send me a DM to say hi. 

#parentingjourney #overshedulingkids #letkidsbekids
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Words by @wordsof_emmaheaphy 

📍Save this to come back to and share with your friends in motherhood. Be sure to check out my Reel two back on 'Glimmers' - that one has helped me with the tough days.❤️❤️

➡️ Follow @kariskelton for more motherhood moments and helpful Reels to make your journey a little easier and even more enjoyable. Send me a DM to say hi. 👋

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Wait for it and read this ⤵️ …but first - S Wait for it and read this ⤵️

…but first - SAVE this so you can come back to it later. Below you’ll find the important reason I’m sharing this. 🫶

✨️Post your hot tips for saving cash in the comments ⤵️ so we can all help each other. Here’s a few of mine:

1️⃣ Make sure your bank cards are giving you something back. Do some digging and find out what your debit and credit cards get you. Example: I have a Scene debit card which earns me free movies (and snacks at the theatre) for us and the kids. 

2️⃣ Check your favourite brand’s tagged posts on Instagram. When you’re looking to make a new purchase always check here first! It’s where you’ll find partnership posts from Creators you may not follow who have a discount code you can use with that brand (Of course, if you do use the code - thank the Creator with a ‘follow’ and/or share.)

3️⃣ FREE CHILDCARE at City Rec Facilities. Now, this may depend on where you live but it doesn’t hurt to check. Where we’re at in Edmonton, Canada, four City of Edmonton rec facilities offer free childcare with your rec pass for up to two hours (you must stay in the building). I used to do this with our oldest and pop over to a quiet area and work. You could also do this to get a workout in or meet a friend for coffee without having to spend on childcare. 

4️⃣ Library books - as much as we love treating ourselves to a new book,these are FREE and it's a fun experience with your kid

5️⃣ Shop online where you can. This will help you stick to your list and budget and not get thrown off by all the shiny things. 

➡️ I’m sharing this to shine the spotlight on @civicserviceunion52 - a union representing over 6,000 city workers - 83% of whom haven’t seen a pay raise since 2018! That’s bonkers. Factor in inflation - that’s a pay cut. It’s just not fair, AND there’s something you can do about it. 

These are our community members - Our 9-1-1 dispatchers, library staff, fitness teachers, 311 reps and so many more who keep our city running. 

Email your City Councillor to show your support. Find a template to do so in my Stories right now or just go to edmontonforeveryone.ca!

#sponsored #budgetingtips #frugalfamily #CSU52 #moneysavinghacks
Who can we call to get these lyrics changed? 😄 Who can we call to get these lyrics changed? 😄 ... but seriously? 

Actually listened to the lyrics while Miss. Rachel was on.🙈 Side note- i love her.

 What else needs changing? ⬇️
#motherhoodjourney #wheelsonthebus #1950scalled
Feel this? ⬆️ Share if you do. ❤️ You kno Feel this? ⬆️ Share if you do. ❤️

You know what drains a kid's emotional cup - being overscheduled. We've lived it and I'm here to say it's SO MUCH BETTER on the other side.

📍Last year, our goal was to give our oldest (now 8) every opportunity to try things to figure out what he loved. His schedule was packed with activities (I realize this is a privileged point). We were running - sometimes literally - from school to activity every night of the week and on weekends.

📍Fast-forward to this year - he has so much more time to just be a kid and we're all happier! He's picked a couple of things he's passionate about, but we've cut so much out and now most of our after-school time is open. Maybe we'll run an errand, maybe we'll come home and hang out, maybe we'll play at the park with friends and get ice cream. 

✨️ If one day he decides he wants to pour more time into one of his passions - we support that, but for now this is it and it's awesome! 

➡️ Have you lived this? How do you balance wanting to expose your kid to different activities so they find what they love with wanting your kids to just be a kid? Share below.

this video ⬆️ is from @fairmontjpl's Lac Beauvert. On every summer visit, Wyatt and I have a tradition of renting a kayak from The Boathouse and cruising the lake. 

❤️ Follow @kariskelton for more motherhood moments and helpful Reels to make your journey a little easier and even more enjoyable. Send me a DM to say hi. 

#parentingjourney #overshedulingkids #letkidsbekids
This ⬆️ make you want to be a better parent? M This ⬆️ make you want to be a better parent? Makes me want to be a better human. ✨️✨️

Words by @wordsof_emmaheaphy 

📍Save this to come back to and share with your friends in motherhood. Be sure to check out my Reel two back on 'Glimmers' - that one has helped me with the tough days.❤️❤️

➡️ Follow @kariskelton for more motherhood moments and helpful Reels to make your journey a little easier and even more enjoyable. Send me a DM to say hi. 👋

#motherhoodjourney #momquote #parentingquotes
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