Happy Mothers Day: Camping & Hiking with Kids

13 May

As soon as we become parents, we begin to change ourselves for our kids’ betterment. Even before they’re born, we try to eat healthier and stay active. We make sure we brush our teeth, and say “please” and “thank you” to be shining examples for them.

Beyond these hygiene and good manners upgrades, I worked hard for two more goals as a role model for my little girl.

1)    I stopped being negative about my body. Perhaps some of you were fighting this too, but we know girls (in particular) have enough pressure in their lives. I want my daughter to know that I can take a compliment (which should be easy) and refuse to make negative comments about my figure (which is no easy task.) Yes, I still struggle with it, but I’ve found it’s also a good boost for me as well.

2)    I wanted her to see me doing the things I love. I love my job as a photographer, and I love taking adventures. And although this may mean time away from her, I hope in the long run it will empower her to be a good mom (if she chooses) and a good “whatever she wants to be” as well.

Take our adventure in the Summer of 2011 when The Muir Project was first created.  We hiked the 211-mile John Muir Trail (from Yosemite to Mt. Whitney) in a record snow year, and shot what became our documentary Mile… Mile & A Half, about that thru-hike journey, the incredible beauty of the JMT and the amazing people we encountered along the way.

To do so, we left Isola (then 3½) with grandparents for five weeks. Yes, I’m sure there’s a divide in the audience right now. One side wishes they could duplicate that magical “adult time,” and the others think, “how could you!” I guess you’re both right. If I weren’t exhausted from the physical nature of the climbs and captivated by the creative work, I’d have spent the entire time crying and longing for our little girl. I even remark in the film, “Through her eyes I get to see something new, and now I see something new every day. And not being able to share that with her… that’s really hard.” And yes, on every pass where we had cell reception, we’d text the families to see who had Isola, and most of the time, she was having way too much fun to want to chat with us.

I should also say that the “lead by example” of outdoor life is one that we share with her as well. Her first hike, when she was two months old (and since she was a preemie she was still just a little peanut) was Mt. Tam. She’s been hiking and camping throughout the U.S., Maui and the Galapagos. Sure, it’s often harder on longer treks, when Ric (my husband) has to carry most of the gear, and I have to carry Isola, but like all of parenting: harder can also be better.

I’m always proud of what she’s able to do backcountry, and proud of myself to – for making it a priority and trying to lead by example.

Now, if only I could keep her from parodying my ridiculous expressions too. But that’s for another day.

This blog was originally created for Tales of a Mountain Mama. Check it out to read more about being Outdoors with Kids.