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Free Skiing and Mountain Biking at Silver Mountain

5/24/2017

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The huge snowpack from this winter has been slow to recede this cool spring, and so Silver Mountain if offering a unique opportunity to ski and ride their trails this Memorial Weekend, and Dave Smith motors is paying for your lift ticket if you come up on Saturday.  Not bad!  The weather is forecasted to be great, there is still plenty of snow, and 80% of the mountain bike trails have been cleared to provide plenty of terrain for both activities.  The full bike park won’t be open but there is still 3400 feet of vertical to descend, and most of the skiing will be off of Chair 2.  Check out their website here for more details.
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Free Admission to Canada's National Parks!

5/13/2017

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by Harley McAllister
To celebrate the 150th birthday of its confederation, Canada is giving everyone the gift of free admission to its National Parks!

One of the most scenic places that we have ever been in Banff National Park, which straddles the border of British Columbia and Alberta just a couple hours north of the international border.

This area of granite peaks, carved by glaciers and spotted by multiple emerald blue streams and lakes is simply breathtaking in any direction you look.

If you are looking for a Canadian park near you, here is a map to help in your search;
https://www.pc.gc.ca/en/pn-np/cnpn-cnnp/carte-map

And if you are ready to order your free pass, click here;
http://www.commandesparcs-parksorders.ca/webapp/wcs/stores/servlet/en/parksb2c

Have fun exploring Canada!
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Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol Ski Swap

10/19/2016

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It's that time of year again - time to start thinking about skiing!  So far it looks like we are getting the La Nina weather patterns that some had predicted, because we have had one wet storm after another so far this fall.  There is already snow starting to pile up in the mountains, and chances are there will be much more to come.

Skiing is a great outdoor winter activity, but it does not come cheap.  Every fall we share some of the best ways we have found to save money, and the first one on the list is the Mt. Spokane Ski Patrol Ski Swap. 
Picture of Mt Spokane Skiing, Mt Spokane Ski Swap
This is a chance to pick up used gear at bargain prices, and it is the largest event of its kind in the entire region.  It is coming up in just 10 days over October 29-30th at the Spokane Fair and Expo Center.  So, if you are looking to find good deals on some equipment for your family, check out their website for more information: http://skipatrolskiswap.com/
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Yellowstone Photo Contest

9/20/2016

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by Harley McAllister

The Yellowstone Park Foundation is holding its second annual photo contest, and the deadline for entering has  been extended an additional month.  This is a fundraiser, so there is a $25 fee to enter up to 20 photos, but it goes to a good cause and there are several categories with prizes up to $5000.  So if you are a shutterbug who loves the National Parks, you might want to check it out on their website here.

And for a little inspiration, here are a few of our favorite Yellowstone photos.
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Grand Prismatic Spring
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Kings Canyon National Park inspiration gallery

7/17/2016

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Small but mighty...that's how we think of Kings Canyon National Park.  Although it is small on the scale of nearby Yosemite NP, it has some incredibly beautiful spots that shouldn't be missed.  We found beautiful falls, peaceful trails that were completely un-populated, and the most stunning meadow I have ever seen.  Don't pass on Kings Canyon NP because it is small-it is worth the effort.  Head over to our Kings Canyon NP inspiration gallery to check out some of our favorite moments and places.
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been out playing...want to see where?

7/15/2016

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By Abby McAllister
So...we don't blog much in the summer...that's because we're too busy being outside!  Duh!  I am in between trips at the moment and am struggling to get photos downloaded, sorted, edited and posted.  I recently shared on FB our gallery of photos from Pinnacles NP and today got photos from Sequoia NP up.  You can find the inspiration galleries for each park under our "trip reports" tab above and then under the "National Parks" tab or by clicking the green linked text above.  We loved our time in California and will be posting more photos from the other parks as soon as we quit playing outdoors and find the time to get in front of the computer again!
Family in Sequoia national park
checking out lady bugs
Family together in Pinnacles NP Picture
Nothing beats family time at Pinnacles NP
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Free Fishing Days!  Coming soon on Saturday June 11th.

6/5/2016

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by Harley McAllister

If your child has ever expressed interest in fishing, but you just don't have a lot of experience with that and aren't sure where to begin, then you have a great opportunity in front of you next weekend.  Washington and Idaho are both offering free fishing days  this coming Saturday June 11th where no fishing license is required.  Actually, kids under 14 don't need a license to fish in either state, but this is an opportunity for you to show them the ropes without incurring additional expense for yourself.

In Washington you get both days of the weekend where anyone can fish without a license.  More info here.

Idaho goes further in offering events aimed at kids where they have information booths, food, and sometimes free giveaways of gear to youngsters.  We've benefited from these over the years as the photos will attest, and you don't have to be an ID resident to partake.  More info is available here.

So if you are wanting to get your kids started fishing but are a little intimidated, this is a great place to start.  Go to the Idaho link and find a place close by where they are offering clinics, and you won't be disappointed.  These days are really all about showing the kids a good time and they do a good job of making it fun to help get kids interested in fishing - and away from the electronics!

So go out and make it happen next Saturday.
Picture of free fishing day in idaho washington
Our first free fishing day was a big success, unfortunately never to be equaled! But we always have had fun.
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Mountain Biking the Dishman Hills

5/5/2016

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by Harley McAllister

Another nearby gem of a place to get outside that is close to Spokane is the Dishman Hills.  This is actually comprised of 4 different sections, and this Spring we have already visited the Iller Creek portion a couple times and the Dishman Hills Natural Area once.  The latter is just off Appleway in the Spokane Valley, and the main access is Camp Caro across the street from auto row.  It has a number of great trails through rolling hills that go to hidden ponds and beautiful vistas.

Iller Creek is found a bit further south off Dishman Mica road with a trailhead in the Ponderosa development.  Trails here climb to sweeping views from the eastern ridge, or stay low in the cool creek valley which is great for escaping the heat on a warm day.

Any way you do it, it is a great place to escape outdoors for a short excursion.  More details can be found at the Dishman Hills Conservancy website, including a list of upcoming events in May and June that look very interesting.




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Mountain Biking in the Saltese Uplands Conservation Area

4/16/2016

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by Harley McAllister

We wrote earlier this year about this nearby gem, the Saltese Uplands Conservation Area.  Back then it was an early season hike when winter was losing its grip and we had a warm afternoon to sneak away.

Well, Spring is in full bloom now in the Saltese Uplands, with wildflowers and trees blooming and the grass greening under your feet.  One of my boys and I snuck away the other day to get in some mountain biking, and we were glad we did. A quick video highlight of our trip is to the right.

So get out in this beautiful Spring weather we are having and make some memories of your own!
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Mt. Rainier Wilderness Reservations 2016

3/29/2016

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by Harley McAllister

If you are interested in exploring some of the Mt Rainier backcountry this summer but were slow to make your plans - then you are in luck!  Their online reservation system crashed and so all permits will be handed out in a first-come first-served manner this year.  This includes the ever popular Wonderland Trail.
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If we had not already made plans for Yosemite and Glacier this summer, I know where we would be headed!  Take advantage and learn more here: https://www.nps.gov/mora/planyourvisit/wilderness-permit.htm
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    Authors

    Harley & Abby McAllister
    We are an adventurous husband and wife duo who drag our 4 feral kids outside with us as often as we can stand it!  Maybe, just maybe, our adventures will help inspire you! 

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