Even the most seasoned of outdoors people tend to give up backpacking when their tots are young. Not these folks. They've devised a method for taking two youngsters into the wild.
Tim and Emily explore a slot canyon, Grand Staircase Escalante National Monument, Utah
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However, they suffered through several trials — and errors — before finding success.
Jennifer describes the process: "In our first attempt, we decided that I would carry Emily, Tim would walk, and we'd be very modest in our distance.
"Great plan . . . except that Tim ended up perched on top of Alex's 60-pound pack."
"In our second attempt," Jennifer remembers, "I carried Tim, while Alex carried Emily in the front pack in addition to his hefty backpack. This configuration was manageable but awkward, and we knew Emily would grow out of the front pack."
"Ready to give up," she continues, "we realized that if we limited ourselves to dirt roads and smooth trails, we could push the children in jogging strollers and each carry a portion of the gear. It's turned out to be an excellent compromise. Although we're fairly limited in where we can go, the logistics are straightforward and distance is not an issue."
In the San Francisco area, the couple's favorite backpacking destinations are Angel Island and Henry Coe State Park. When they venture farther afield, Tim will hike on his own. What's more, they'll leave the baby jogger behind and carry three-year-old Emily as needed.
Freed from the jogger, they'll venture into Yosemite's high country, tackling a 15-mile hike. Their secret? This is a trail that many adults cover in one long day, but the adventurers will take their time, making it a three-day journey.
As always, Jennifer and Alex have a full plate of vacations scheduled. with a trip to Norway and sailing lessons slated (they believe sailing, like traveling by camper, is highly convenient for families, and even more outdoors-oriented). They have sailed in the Sea of Cortez and explored Copper Canyon in western Mexico. In 2007-2008, they hope to be "sailing a good part of the world."
Lest you think Alex and Jennifer are super-duper parents who never make a false move, Jennifer offers the following confession.
"I find it daunting to take both kids to the grocery store here at home," she reports. "In fact, sometimes being on the road is less daunting than being at home."
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