In mid-January we decided to go to the Winter Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City by train.  We were unsure if we wanted to drive, since the year before we had encountered wild snow storms on the way.  A friend recommended Amtrak and we jumped at the opportunity.  Hey, we live by a train station and the train actually stops where we want to go.

When I was a child I rode the CN train in Canada.  I have memories of running down the aisles with my cousins, of fancy meals in the meal car, being swayed to sleep in fresh smelling sheets and of conductors handing out paper cut out trains, which you could build and connect just like you would wooden ones. Playing cards in the observation car was also a highlight, since we would meet other kids.  During the night, we would pass by the Saint Lawrence River full of jutting ice blocks, and I felt secure and happy within the train that brought us to see my aunts, uncles and grandparents.  Sometimes we rode coach, sometimes we had a sleeper.  Every time, the experience was good.

This time we opted for coach seats.  The ride to Salt Lake City is under nine hours so we did not see why we should get a sleeper.  I will spare you a minute to minute retelling of our trip, but instead will give you some highlights.  Remember, you may think that I am being humorous and I am, but all the facts that I exchange are true.

Company:  I will really try not to sound privileged or snobbish, but some of our fellow travelers really did expose my daughters to a part of life they had never experienced.  In general, I think this is a good thing.  It is a great thing to meet new people, and to see that everyone is not like us, but it is hard to travel with two young children on a business trip and feel fully at ease when these are your fellow travelers:

Homeless schizophrenic lady:  Would switch seats, move her paper bag and have the entire content fall on the floor, then pick it all up and start again.  She would get up walk around and dress and undress herself. When my baby cried or made her falling asleep sound, the lady would start talking, signing or babbling at the same pitch, either waking up the baby or making her cry more.

First young man:  this one would leave his seat constantly and, on the return trip, would always share a bit of information with me, regardless of what I was doing -- nursing, changing a diaper, sleeping, holding a sleeping baby -- huffing and puffing if I wouldn’t acknowledge him.

Second young man:  Asleep most of the time, except when getting up to guzzle a Bud and crush it, burp and look out the window.  He had a black eye that was actually bleeding.

Single Moms:  This is where I think my daughter got some worthwhile positive exposure.  We met two single mothers who were traveling with their children.  One of the moms was taking her two daughters away to San Francisco for a new life.  They were leaving something bad behind and had spent all their money on the one way train tickets.  They shared coloring books with my daughter.

Old Order Amish:  We boarded the train with a couple who were traveling to see the country.  They wore their full costume. They met up with at least 5 other Amish folks on the train who were traveling to Mexico to see a doctor.  Again a positive experience for my daughter. She asked them about their skirts and bonnets.

The Hacker:  A women hacked so much you could hear the phlegm rattling in her throat.

Facilities:

Overall the train was dirty and not very tidy, but the bathrooms really were something else.  Not only were they old, with a bit of rust or off colored paint, but they were unbelievably unsanitary.  The toilets both had unmentionable liquid and solid contents,  and the faucet shot out water everywhere.  Flushing the toilets just didn’t make their nasty contents go away!  So we told one of the train employees about these problems, and they said they would take care of it.  Thirty minutes later, we were told the bathrooms were clean -- we returned through out the trip and the bathrooms were exactly like they were before, complete with the contents of the toilets.

Food:

We knew not to expect wonders, but it was really pretty sad.  For seventeen dollars in the dining car, you were served a microwaved dinner of small portions, with a small iceberg lettuce salad.  The plus side of the dining car is that it was quiet and that is where you encountered the other travelers that rode in the sleepers, they were polite and respectful.  The staff from that side of the train were also much more amiable and pleasant. We also ate at the snack counter, which offered things like microwaved hamburgers for six dollars, with poor service and dirty tables.

Schedule:

One thing about the train is that you have no schedule options.  Our train left Glenwood Springs at 1:50pm, a very reasonable time, but arrived in Salt Lake City at 11:30, not so great with kids.  The return train left at 4:20 am -- yeah, that’s right, in the morning, so we had to wake up at 3:00 to make it to the train, and then it was one hour late.  It’s not fun to sit in a stuffy, dirty trailer with ten other people early in the morning with two kids you woke up at 3:00.

Having said all this, we are still glad to have experienced Amtrak.  Our eldest daughter got to ride on a train and to move around instead of being in a car seat for all that time.  This is the major bonus.  I think next time though, we would only go if we could get a sleeper, so that we would have our own bathroom and living quarters.  I would also bring my own food.

Heidi Ahrens

Have you traveled by train?  Log on and share your stories.

We don’t ring in the New Year.  We could blame it on our children, but that would be a lie.  Erik and I have been together for ten years and I don’t think we have ever stayed up to celebrate.  It just is not important to us.

When our friends Susan and Smith from Idaho suggested that we meet up for a few days before we enter a new decade, we got really excited.  It had been a year and a half that we had not seen each other.  Their twin boys and our daughter Coralie had not seen each other for so long and we knew they needed to reconnect.  They are like three peas in a pod

Since, our friends were visiting family in Fort Collins; we figured we would meet in Denver for three days.  They are also a huge outdoorsey family, but the idea of staying in a hotel sounded just divine.  Erik and I used our Christmas gift money to go on this trip and to pay for a few meals out.

I cannot explain how much fun we really had.  It was such an amazing experience to see all the little kids running around, playing, taking baths, reading stories and reconnecting.  We were able to relax and feel like we did not need to entertain because we were in a hotel, a neutral territory.  I also think that the hotel we stayed in had a lot to do with how much fun we had.  TheBurnsley Hotel   may be the best kept secret of Denver.  We really could not believe how spacious the rooms were, how affordable and how luxurious the space was and how very accommodating it was to families.  Each room comes with a full working kitchen and a large living room.  You also get free parking.  The hotel has a restaurant and bar but we did not try it out, because we cooked most of our meals in the room so the kids could play freely.  We actually made food for the kiddos, put them to sleep and then had a great meal in our room, while we hung out as adults.  We ate lunch on the town, which was easy sinceThe Burnsley Hotel  is centrally located.  We walked to the Denver Art Museum ( a fabulous kid friendly exhibit is on now, but this museum is always kid friendly),  the library and to two great restaurants: City to City and Bones.  I will tell everyone I know about these great places and about The Burnsley Hotel.

I know we had great company in Denver, but I cannot stress how much a vacation like this one is fun.  Next time you want to plan a quick getaway for your family, maybe think of renting a hotel room, gathering good food, fun toys, and good drinks.  You don’t need to drive far from home.  Rent a hotel room that has a kitchen and eat out only once a day.  Your kids will behave in the restaurant if you go when they are rested (lunch usually) and you will save money if you don’t always eat out.

After you get home, and see how refreshed and relaxed you are, you won’t  regret not having planned an epic outdoor adventure.

Heidi

Share your stories and read articles for families who enjoy the outdoors on OutdoorBaby.net

For $149 this carry on REI inside passage wheeled luggage could be yours.

I have to say that I have never felt like one piece of luggage is better than the other, but this REI luggage is pretty good.  You may think I am strange but it seems like a comfortable place to put my clothing.  The inside is nicely lined and the luggage rolls very smoothly.

Love Love Love the boots I won from OTBP shoes.  I didn't get to wear them for a while since I live in hot Florida.  Since it has cooled down a bit here, and our travel to NC for a stay at the cabin, I haven't taken them off!!

They are the "Johnston" style.

I can chase my little boy Jack all over the place with them on!!  They look super stylish with skinny jeans!  Plus, they are high quality!

LOVE LOVE LOVE them!

The REI Ultimate Shower kit comes with a built-in mirror, a hang up hook, a sturdy handle and a zip panel that is water resistant.

It is crazy how us outdoor folks can go for years carrying our toiletery in a ziplock bag even when we go to hotels or the in laws.
This is the only shower kit bag I have ever had and am glad to have been introduced to such a handy product. Now, I don't always look like I just came off the trail.  Of course,  this bag is not suited for extended outdoor travel.

Pros:  I like the zip pocket.  It keeps your tooth brushes away from your soap, etc.  This Ultimate Shower Kit is big enough to accomodate your essential toileteries for a family of four.  It keeps your things organized and hidden when you are at someone elses house.  It also can hang on a door or in the closet.

Con:  Could have more deviders inside.  Does not come with travel size bottles that are made specifically for this product.  It is tappered so if your bottles are not, you can run into problems.

Allie turned 2 yesterday! I can't believe it! Instead of a big party, Jamie and I decided to have a special day just for Allie with Mama and Dada. Her favorite part was going to see the Trumpeter Swans on Magness Lake. The swans weigh about 30 pounds and have an 8 foot wingspan--quite impressive! They have been migrating to this small 30 acre oxbow lake since 1991. This is the furthest south you will ever see them. We fed them clean soft shelled corn. Allie loved watching them dive under water to eat the pieces of corn. She would have stayed all day, if we would let her. She did not want to leave. This was a great family outdoor activity and free! For more info on the Trumpeter Swans and Magness Lake go to this link. Visit us at www.snuggbuggbaby.com.

OutdoorBaby.net  tested  it out and found it to be pretty  cool.  It is easy to use and works quickly.  The setup is easy to follow although the directions aren't written well.  Steaming sweet potatoes turned out pretty well. It didn't cook as evenly as we'd hope.  Some cubes were softer than others.  The parts can't go in the dishwasher (at least we couldn't find anywhere printed that they were dishwasher safe).  In terms of traveling with it, we think it is great though it would be great if it could run on batteries.  Small and compact with few parts.  Parents will like that the Beaba Babycook is BPA free and that it cuts down on clutter in the kitchen.

To purchase a Beaba Babycook and to receive a $15 off Coupon(Coupon Code: BabyMe) Free 2nd day Fedex(and most orders ship the day they are ordered) 60 Day Satifaction Guarantee   Follow this link:  Beaba Babycook

January 27th, 2010 update:
After many uses we found this appliance to be wonderful.  We got the quantities correct and could puree everything very smoothly.  The Beaba babycook comes with a simple recipe book with ideas on how to mix different ingredients.  You can create meals for you baby very easily with little dishes and no waste.

Con:  The appliance heats up a lot and you need mittens to handle it.

Aladdin has come out with a line of insulated food containers that are embellished with art from emerging artists around the world.  These containers keep your food at the temperature you want it for a few hours and are a great gift idea for people who like to look at pretty things.  The designs are quite simple and easy to clean.  However, they are hard to open for little hands.  The bowls are very wide and you need to grip them to open.  The hot beverage cup has a very secure flip top that requires dexterity.  My three year old could not open it on her own, even though she has accomplished hand coordination beyond her years.  Some parents might consider this an advantage.

We started traveling by plane with our children when they were two months old.  After having had some not so great moments and some great travel experiences, here is a list of what we feel makes for a stress less experience.

1.      Bring a pillow:

Infants that do not have their own seat can comfortably sleep on a cheap foam pillow ($4 at a big box store).  They can also be propped up and changed right on the seat.  This alleviates a lot of stress if you are required to stay seated for a long period of time during turbulence, maintenance, etc.  If the pillow becomes a nuisance you can always leave it behind.  Older children can sit on the pillow to get a bit more height by the window.  Anyone in the family can use it to sleep on the plane or in the airport.

2.      Pack a special backpack:

A friend of mine told me about her trick to keep a handle on her ‘wild’ son in the airport.  She got him a cute animal backpack and every time she put it on his back he calmed down and followed her instead of running around madly.  I took her advice one step further and I filled the backpack with toys that my daughter only sees when we travel.  Now this backpack comes to us on any road trip or airplane travel.  She is always exited to re-discover toys and see if I slipped anything new in there. Our top life saver: Crayola magic markers; Why?  They only mark on the special paper and not on fingers or furniture; a great tool when traveling and not wanting to get high cleaning bills. Other favorites:  stickers, box car, flashing duck, jewelry, bandana, mini box with little doodads inside, medical kit.

Note:  Try to have very little stuff with you.  Pack your coats in your checked luggage; don’t bring many purses, bags, etc.  It just makes things more chaotic.  Streamline.

 

3.      Drop off your family/luggage:

Many long term parking areas are really far away from the airport.  Instead of bringing the whole family and all the luggage along for the ride on the shuttle, why not drop them off at the airport first.  We get dropped off, the kids can run around and play games while the other parent drops off the car and rides the shuttle back to us.  You can do this on the way back as well.  Make sure you know your airport and that your significant other drops you off where they can get back to you easily.

4.      Check your seating:

Even if your ticket indicates children or a lap infant, check the airplane seating arrangement when you are at home to make sure you are not in an emergency exit row.  Do the same thing once you get to the gate counter.  We once got boarded on the plane and realized we were seated in an exit row.  We had to have many people change seats and delayed the airplane.  Even though it was not our fault, the stewardess and the passengers blamed us.

5.       Bring bandages:

Children will break down at one point or another on one of your trips.  It may be when you have a lot of time on your hands to resolve the problem at hand or it may not.  Have a quick fix ‘bandage’ with you handy so that you can fix the problem fast and continue to run at full speed while you carry a car seat, a sad toddler and carryon luggage.  For my daughter a colorful adhesive bandage works great.  Maybe for your child it is magic underwear, a wand to take the pain away; whatever it is, bring it.

6.      Check your expectation at the door:

Have no expectation for speed, efficiency or politeness and all should go well.  Most of the time, flight attendants will not be helpful and will not give great advice; most of the time other travelers will not be very welcoming to your children.  Sorry, to tell you about all this, but it seems to be the truth.  It is so much easier to plan in extra time before and after the flight.  That way you don’t need to rush and you can enjoy the experience of travel.  We get to the airport way in advance and we eat a sit down meal before we board.  We often do the same on the other end.  That way it seems more like a regular day in our children’s lives.  Be thankful if someone is helpful.  Don’t have expectations for you to get rest or time to read.  If you are focused on your children’s needs,  then they will feel supported, loved and safe during a turbulent experience.

7.      Board close to last:

Do not get on the plane first thing.  It is so much easier to get your kid in the seat and tell them everyone is waiting than to have your baby, child, whomever sit 30 minutes longer than any other person on the plane.    Don’t get on the very last because then you will be holding up everybody.  We also send one parent off the plane with the children and the other takes care of the stuff.  Less time stuffed in a small space the better.

Heidi Ahrens

Share your stories on OutdoorBaby.net, win some great giveaways and be an inspiration to other families.

We have reviewed different food containers on this website. What sets the lap top lunch bento box apart from the other ones we have tried is that it is made to hold different types of food inside one container.  The small individual plastic boxes are bpa free and are made in colorful child friendly colors.  The portion size is just right for a child and presents your child with an artfully prepared lunch rather than the sloppy lunch bag alternative.  With ease you can offer your child healthy foods that are well organized.  The small containers are held within a larger box that snaps shut and holds a fork and spoon.  Two of the food containers have lids and two do not.  We found that if each lap top lunch container would come with a lid it would be more useful while transporting.  Also, we only tried out the actual containers, it seems like you have to order the insulated carrier separately, so I cannot comment on that product.  We found the lap top bento box to be a great addition to our family picnics and lunch on the road.  We use it to store snack foods that we can display where ever we end up eating and everyone can help themselves.

This simple, low cost gadget came in handy during our latest Thanksgiving travels.  Simply attach this rubber removable cup holder to your rolling suitcase and you can carry a hot beverage without problems. This is useful especially when traveling with children and you don’t have that many hands to begin with.  We attached our tugo to our stroller, since it does not have a cup holder and it never spilled the hot coffee onto our children.  We also used it to hold the cup of zoo animal food we purchased at the zoo.  When we did place our water bottle in it, it had difficulties with the weight and size of the bottle and would sometimes tip over.

These little brown leather Mary Jane-like shoes, are very comfortable.  You just slip them on. They are very light and didn’t  cause any blisters for our testers.  They are a good shoe to bring as a second pair while traveling since they are light, comfortable and cute.  The down side of these shoes is that the sole is thin and you can feel the gravel when walking on uneven paths. So they are not so great for a day strolling in a park. I wore my pair in the rain and the leather still looked good afterwards. Be careful though, Wenger sizing is not consistent so make sure they fit.

Since you are reading this review, it probably means that you are looking for some shoes.  Well, Wenger has offered one lucky person a pair of size 8.5 Jane Bond shoes.  All you need to do is share a story on Outdoorbaby.net