LET IT SNOW! How to enjoy winter weather
November 14, 2009 by Sara Bristol
By Heather Caro
If spending another winter holed up with restless children has you shaking in your mukluks, rest assured, there is another solution: Teach your children (and maybe yourself) to enjoy the frosty tundra by trying a new winter sport.
From sledding to snowboarding, snowshoeing to skiing, there is something to turn even the most devout sun worshipers to the snow side.
| WHERE TO PLAY
Hyak Sno-Park Directions: The park is situated next to the Iron Horse State Park trail head. Take I-82 to Ellensburg, then I-90 west to Exit 54. Distance from Yakima is about 90 miles. Note: Sno-Park permits are required. Permits are $20 for a day, or $40 for the season. Details are available at parks.wa.gov/winter/permits.asp Snoqualmie Pass Directions: Take I-82 to Ellensburg, then I-90 west to Exit 53. Distance from Yakima is about 90 miles. White Pass Directions: Head west on U.S. Highway 12. The ski area is 50 miles west of Yakima. Park along either side of the highway. _______________________________ GET THE GEAR Secondhand gear is plentiful. Check with family and friends whose kids may have outgrown their gear. Ski swaps and thrift stores are also great places to stock up. Or, try these local snow gurus for rental gear in children’s sizes: Little Red Schoolhouse, Naches; 509-653-2041 Sporthaus, Yakima; 509-966-6695 Mountain High Sports, Ellensburg; 509-925-4626 |
For the winter novice, it’s hard to go wrong with a good sled run. Franklin Park in Yakima has one of the best sledding hills around but if you’re ready to venture further from home, the possibilities are endless.
For something new, try Hyak Sno-Park on Snoqualmie Pass, a popular spot with a 300-foot sledding run. Bring your own sleds or tubes; there are no rentals or tow rope, but the slope is an easy climb.
Snoqualmie Pass also boasts its own weekend Summit Tubing Area (formerly Snowflake), located near the Summit Central Ski area.
In season, Summit Tubing is open Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays. The park offers groomed lanes, covered tubes and tow ropes to get you back up the hill. Daily rates are $5 to $20.
Sledding and tubing also are allowed off any forest service road and finding your own family hill can be fun.
If downhill skiing or snowboarding are more your interest, family-friendly White Pass offers a variety of lifts and classes for all skill levels, even childcare. Snoqualmie offers similar services and was recently named one of the Top 10 Terrain Parks in the U.S. and Canada by Freeskier Magazine. Both mountains offer groomed trails, equipment rentals and dining facilities.
If the crowds and lift ticket prices have scared you away from the downhill variety, perhaps cross-country skiing is for you. Groomed trails make skiing a breeze and the relative quiet creates ideal wildlife spotting.
Children old enough to walk are able to begin cross-country skiing, though the first few outings should be short to avoid frustration. If Mom and Dad are confident skiers, even the youngest tots can enjoy the snow when tucked into a pack or towed along in a ski sled.
Similarly, snowshoeing is an activity the whole family can easily master and enjoy together. New lighter production materials and children’s sizes help ease little legs and can turn a snowy hike into an exciting adventure.
So now that you know, what are you waiting for? Put down that mug of cocoa, bundle up and go have some fun!
TIPS FOR ENJOYING THE SNOW WITH KIDS
- Dress the part
- Try to layer clothing, avoiding cotton, which holds in moisture.
- Bring an extra set of gloves to change into mid-day; you’ll be glad you did.
- Consider investing in gaiters. Snowy socks can dampen the day of even the most enthusiastic outdoor aficionado. Gaiters are the answer.
- Also, it may be cold outside but don’t forget the sunblock! Protect little eyes from glare with kid-sized ski goggles or sunglasses attached with Croakies.
- Safety first
- Scope out routes ahead of time for obstacles that could cause injury. Choose sledding hills that do not cross traffic and are free from large trees, fences, rocks and telephone poles. Never play on ponds or frozen water which may give way under pressure.
- Enforce the use of helmets. A majority of snow-related injuries could be avoided with this simple practice.
- Try to avoid overcrowded areas which increase risk of collision, among other frustrations. Identify a meeting spot should you and your child become separated.
- Always supervise outdoor play. You may not prevent injury, but medical attention can be obtained more quickly if it occurs.
- Prepare, prepare, prepare
- Choose terrain that will be accessible to everyone in the group. Don’t go out when it’s bad weather and try to choose short outings when first learning skills.
- Turn outings into an adventure by choosing fun destinations and playing games. Animal tracking and I-spy can be fun.
- Set goals, such as reaching a destination or a planned picnic lunch. And, remember to bring lots of snacks — we like M&M’s, PowerBars, gorp and hot chocolate — and push fluids.
Discover Cowiche Canyon
July 31, 2009 by Sara Bristol
By Sara Bristol
Enjoying the great outdoors as a family doesn’t always mean loading up the ice chest, marshmallows and tent poles into the SUV and driving for hours in search of a nice, quiet place.
Nature, it turns out, is right here in our backyard.
Just a few miles west of Yakima, the Cowiche Canyon Trail is a great place for little legs to get some trail time. Built on the bed of an abandoned railroad line, the 2.9-mile trail is flat and wide; a sturdy jogging stroller should be able to handle the gravel trail bed. On foot, the walk is definitely more of a stroll than a hike – especially with dawdling preschoolers.
“I think it’s a great place for kids,” says David Hagen, a board member of the Cowiche Canyon Conservancy, the non-profit group that owns and manages the trail. “Being an old railroad bed, the trail is so flat and wide that it’s really safe. It’s a great place for kids to be out in nature.”
In July, six families with young children joined Hagen for a guided tour of the Canyon Trail, which features nine trestle bridges over Cowiche Creek. Our bunch, the most intrepid, made it to bridge No. 6 before stopping for a snack and turning back.
Be sure to use sunscreen, bring plenty of water and plan your walk during the cooler hours of the day. The trail is especially sun-blasted in summer when the sun is high. When the sun is lower on the horizon, the canyon walls may provide some shade.
Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit the canyon, recommends Hagen. “Spring has all the flowers, so it’s prettier and it’s green,” he says, adding that the trees’ fall colors are lovely, too, beginning in mid-September.
The canyon’s towering cliffs are mostly Columbia River basalt, a volcanic rock that spewed up from the earth’s surface up to 17 million years ago. Swirly formations along the top of the canyon’s north side are a different type of volcanic rock called andesite.
Want some more rockin’ trivia? This is the longest known flow of andesite in the world. (Hey, I knew you’d like that.)
Along the trail, a lush border of trees and shrubs line Cowiche Creek, but the trail’s overall topography is more representative of our region’s arid shrub-steppe environment. It’s not a desert, Hagen says.
Rather, “steppe” is a word that refers to vast treeless grasslands. In areas such as the Yakima Valley, where the dominant vegetation is shrubs, the term “shrub-steppe” applies.
Plants in Cowiche Canyon include lupine, purple sage, tall buckwheat and the Western White Clematis. On our visit, we spied several small birds and two hawks.
“If you’re lucky, in the spring or fall, when it’s not too cold or too hot, you might see a Yellow-bellied Marmot,” Hagen says, referring to a native ground squirrel that weighs up to 11 pounds. “They live in the rocks and they have a kind of shrill whistle.”
Just for kicks, keep your eyes peeled for coyote. However, Hagen notes, “You’d probably have to be pretty lucky to see a coyote.”
Lizards and toads are more likely. But cautious parents should also be on the lookout for rattlesnakes.
“Usually, if they’re out there, they’re going to be right out on the trail in the sun,” Hagen says. “They hear you coming and slither away. They’re shy and they want to get away from you.”
What to do if you see one?
“Stop,” Hagen says, “and stomp your feet. They respond to vibration.”
Overall, the trail is safe for little explorers, Hagen advises. Just use common sense: It’s OK for kids to pick a sprig or two from the plants, but avoid plucking leaves by the handful.
It’s also OK to let kids climb a bit on the rocks, or toss a few stones in the creek. “Kids like to climb on rocks,” Hagen says.
The hiker’s rule of thumb is to leave things as they were. Pack out your trash and try not to disturb the plants or wildlife.
“It is a nature preserve,” Hagen says. “We have this tension between preserving (the land) and wanting it to be used.
“We want kids to have a hands-on experience. They don’t have to walk down the middle of the trail with their hands in their pockets. We want them to enjoy themselves.”
When they grow up, Hagen hopes, our children will spread the Conservancy’s message to their own children.
GETTING THERE
From Yakima, drive west on Summitview Avenue to Wiekel Road, about 5 miles west of 72nd Avenue. Turn right onto Wiekel Road, then follow the signs to the parking lot.
LEARN MORE
www.cowichecanyon.org
Greenway launches new summer program
May 10, 2009 by Sara Bristol
The Yakima Greenway Foundation is kicking off a new summer program for kids this month. Kiddin’ Around promotes outdoor activities and allows kids to earn points that will count towards prizes at the end of summer.
Participants earn points by attending Kiddin’ Around events (schedule below), or by walking, riding bikes or participating in a summer-long photo scavenger hunt on the Greenway.
All activities are free (except Junior Gap2Gap) and most are offered as drop-in events that do not require preregistration.
To sign up for the program and start earning points, download a registration form at yakimagreenway.org, or visit the office at Sarg Hubbard Park; families who participated in Family Field Day on May 2 are already registered. Call 453-8280 for more information.
Here’s the schedule:
May 16: Snappin’ Around, 6-8 p.m. Learn how to use a digital camera; instructed walk on the Greenway. Pre-registration required; some cameras available or bring your own.
May 18: Hikin’ Around, 9 a.m. Guided hike in Cowiche Canyon. Bring hiking shoes and lots of water. Meet at Wiekel Road parking lot; cowichecanyon.org.
May 28: Birdin’ Around, 9 a.m. Bird watching walk with the Audubon Society. Learn to identify birds by sight or sound. Wear good shoes; no flip-flops. Greenway or Cowiche Canyon; call for location.
May 30: Junior Gap2Gap, 7 a.m. to 2 p.m. Annual relay race at Sarg Hubbard Park. Categories for ages 6 and up. Preregistration and fee required. Register at yakimagreenway.org.
June 5: Junior Marathon. Students run first 25 miles at school, then finish up last 1.2 mile run at Sarg Hubbard Park. More information at hcrunners.org.
June 7: YCTA Tennis Free-4-All, 1-4 p.m. Learn to play tennis or hone your skills with the Yakima Community Tennis Association. Kissel Park.
June 11: Birdin’ Around, 9 a.m. Bird watching walk with the Audubon Society. Learn to identify birds by sight or sound. Wear good shoes; no flip-flops. Greenway or Cowiche Canyon; call for location.
June 14: Golfin’ Around, 2-5 p.m. Learn correct stance and how to swing from local pros; equipment provided. Fisher Park Golf Course.
June 20: Hikin’ Around, 9 a.m. Guided hike in Cowiche Canyon. Bring hiking shoes and lots of water. Meet at Wiekel Road parking lot; cowichecanyon.org.
June 25: Birdin’ Around, 9 a.m. Bird watching walk with the Audubon Society. Learn to identify birds by sight or sound. Wear good shoes; no flip-flops. Greenway or Cowiche Canyon; call for location.
July 9: Hikin’ Around, 9 a.m. Guided hike in Cowiche Canyon. Bring hiking shoes and lots of water. Meet at Wiekel Road parking lot; cowichecanyon.org.
July 11: Splashin’ Around, 1-4 p.m. Water activities at Franklin Pool.
July 18: Obstacle Course, 9 a.m. to noon at Sarg Hubbard Park.
July 23: Hikin’ Around, 9 a.m. Guided hike in Cowiche Canyon. Bring hiking shoes and lots of water. Meet at Wiekel Road parking lot; cowichecanyon.org.
July 31: Dancin’ Around, 5-8 p.m. DJ plays favorites for a family dance party at Martin Luther King Park.
Aug. 6: Hikin’ Around, 9 a.m. Guided hike in Cowiche Canyon. Bring hiking shoes and lots of water. Meet at Wiekel Road parking lot; cowichecanyon.org.
Aug. 7: Martial Arts Night, 7:30 p.m. Learn self-defense moves and basic techniques, followed by free outdoor screening of “Kung Fu Panda.” Sarg Hubbard Park.
Aug. 20: Hikin’ Around, 9 a.m. Guided hike in Cowiche Canyon. Bring hiking shoes and lots of water. Meet at Wiekel Road parking lot; cowichecanyon.org.
Aug. 29: Hoppin’ Around, 1-4 p.m. Yakima’s longest hopscotch court will test your skills at Sarg Hubbard Park.
Sept. 12: Kickin’ Around, 12-3 p.m. Introduction to soccer clinic. Ages 6-14. Chesterley Park.
Teckin’ and Trekkin: Self-guided activity. Borrow a GPS unit from the Greenway office to record your mileage walking or biking the pathways.
Snappin’ Around II: Self-guided activity. Take pictures of hidden things on the Greenway to earn points. Limited number of cameras available to borrow.
Bird watching can be a fun family adventure
February 24, 2009 by Sara Bristol
With foliage off the trees, winter is a great time to go birding at the Yakima Area Arboretum. This free activity can be a fun outdoor adventure for the entire family.
The Arboretum is a non-profit outdoor museum featuring more than 2,000 different kinds of trees and plants on 46 acres of display gardens and natural areas. It’s located at 1401 Arboretum Drive in Yakima. Access the drive from Nob Hill Boulevard, across from Kmart.
Among the Arboretum’s trees, birders might spot up to two dozen different birds including robins, geese and bald eagles.
If you plan a visit, be sure to bring binoculars, a bird identification book (borrow one from the library), a notebook, pencil and the following checklist. Expect your birding adventure to take at least 60 minutes.
California Quail
Common Loon
Horned Grebes
Mourning Dove
Western Screech-Owl
Black-billed Magpie
Black-capped Chickadee
American Robin
Spotted Towhee
Fox Sparrow
Song Sparrow
White-crowned Sparrow
Golden-crowned Sparrow
Dark-eyed Junco
Red-winged Blackbird
House Finch
House Sparrow
Cooper’s Hawk
Bald Eagle
Canada Geese
NOTE: Tell the staff if you find any birds not on the list so they can pass the information onto the Yakima Valley Audubon Society, which tracks of these types of things.
All of these birds have been spotted at the Arboretum this winter, and many on the same day. Most can easily be found in the Sparrow Patch located in the compost area in the northeast part of the Arboretum. Birds can be found even with snow on the ground.
HERE’S THE HOW-TO:
1) After parking your car, visit the Jewett Interpretive Center for a self-guided tour map. You might find this helpful.
2) Head towards the Arboretum’s Natural Area and the Yakima Greenway. Look for Canada Geese around the pond. Look also in the trees for the daytime roosting of owls and other birds.
3) Walk on the Greenway trail heading north just until you can spot the river. Look high up in the trees, especially across the river for Bald Eagles. Six were spotted on one day the week before Christmas.
4) Trek a little farther north along the Greenway and look towards Buchanan Lake. Can you find any Red-winged Blackbirds, Canada Geese, Common Loons or Horned Grebes? How about floating platforms with trees and fisherman? The platforms are actually there to encourage nesting habitat for water fowl, not just for giggles.
5) Finally, turn back and head towards the Arboretum’s Natural Area. Take the first path you come to. As you walk along the path look for the Arboretum’s Compost Area on your right. Walking quietly into the compost area you will be amazed at the bird activity. From a distance find the large plastic garbage can (full of bird seed). This is the headquarters for the Arboretum’s Sparrow Patch and is maintained by the volunteers with the Yakima Valley Audubon Society. For the greatest success rate be sure to stand far enough away so you don’t scare the birds. Use the binoculars for identification. Look high in the trees for other predator birds who are also maintaining vigil on the Sparrow Patch such as the Cooper’s Hawk. After your visit feel free to spread more seed for the birds. The birds and the next birders will be thankful you did.
6) After visiting the Sparrow Patch be sure to walk through the Natural Area looking for other birds and critters. Pay special attention to any large tree cavities you see high up in the trees. A Western Screech Owl has made his home in one. Kids might enjoy trying to spot the manmade bird houses too.
7) Notice how the Natural Area looks like a wetland again. The recent snow melt and rise in water levels has brought plenty of water into the Natural Area. For years the Arboretum’s Natural Area was an active wetland with all sorts of wetland critters and ponds. Then, after the gravel pit to the north was turned into Buchanan Lake the Army Corps of Engineers rerouted the drainage for the lake from the Arboretum’s natural area into the Yakima River, bypassing the Arboretum’s wetlands altogether. Now, only during flood type conditions do we see much water in the natural area.
Finally, if there is snow on the ground, look for animal tracks. Kids will love trying to identify the prints that they see, i.e. rabbits, bird, mice, dog and Sasquatch. LOL
9) Enjoy your visit and oh… check out the trees while you visit the Arboretum, too!
– Reprinted with permission from the Yakima Area Arboretum’s January 2009 newsletter.
Celebrate season at White Pass Winter Carnival
February 14, 2009 by Sara Bristol
Enjoy the last few weeks of winter with ice sculptures, tubing and a huge snow castle at the 23rd annual White Pass Winter Carnival, Feb. 28-March 1.
Tubing is free at the impressive, interactive snow castle near the lodge. The line can be long, however, so it’s best to arrive early.
The event also features a weekend full of kids’ ski races and classes, live music, low-key carnival games and fireworks.
Local band Blind Lemon Pie is scheduled to start rockin’ at 4 p.m. Saturday. At 6 p.m., dinner is available for purchase; choose prime rib or spaghetti. The Torchlight Parade begins about 7 p.m., followed by fireworks.
Music and activities continue Sunday. For a complete schedule, visit skiwhitepass.com.
Give kids a mission
May 30, 2007 by Sara Bristol
You’ve heard the rumor: Children aren’t spending enough time out of doors. In your heart, you know those children are your own. (They’re mine, too.)
So, what’s a mom to do to keep from hearing “after this game” or “but Mom” just one more time?
Solution: Send ‘em outside with something do. Hey, we’re not saying they should mow the lawn (although that’s not a bad idea). Try a scavenger hunt.
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