I was introduced to Alyssa just over a year ago, David (my husband) and I were planning a backpacking trip with Jackson, and he felt her family would be a perfect addition to the trip. Boy was he right! Alyssa is such an inspiration, and it was an amazing opportunity to see her thrive on her first big backpacking trip with a little munchkin in tow.

When I first thought of this project she instantly came to mind, what better way to kick off Mamahood Outdoors then with a mom who is so in love with the world we live in!

We met up on a beautiful sun-filled day in the middle of March to enjoy an afternoon of snowshoeing. It was such a breath of fresh air after the never-ending cold snap this past winter and just like any normal trip, the unexpected happened right off the get-go! As Alyssa just finished dressing Bohdi in his winter gear she realized his boots no longer fit. Like any seasoned mom (she might not admit this, but seriously she’s a pro!) would do, she made it work, and in no time we were on the trail.

I’m going to pause for a moment and take us on a quick tangent… Does anyone else ever notice how fast kids grow out of their clothes! Alyssa had mentioned that these boots fit no problem just a few days before!

Ok, back on track.

Many people often ask me where I go to adventure, being in Edmonton it is often thought that we miss out on so much because a day trip to the mountains is often out of the question. But here’s the thing, we have so many amazing opportunities right in our back yard! On this specific day we went to one of my favourite less traveled places in the city (Yes, I promise this is smack dab in the middle of Edmonton! In fact if you look carefully you may be able to see traces of Wayne Gretzky Drive in the background), it was the perfect mix of hills and wide open fields, filled with as much untouched snow as one could hope for!

Listed below are the questions I sent to Alyssa as a way to learn from her and to be inspired. Reading over them I don’t think I could have said it any better. Her love for the outdoors, and her desires (much like many of us) are so raw and real. Just the same as many of us, she has faced challenges with bringing a child into the adventure setting, and the best part is she has found some pretty great ways to overcome and succeed. We can all learn quite a bit from her!
Tell me a little about yourself. What do you do? What some of your favorite things are

I am a 31 year old mother, wife, and nurse. I love being outdoors surrounded by nature. I can't live without hot baths, coffee, essential oils, and all things cozy.

What are your favourite adventure activities?

I love backcountry camping, hiking, paddle boarding, canoeing, snowshoeing.

Why do you value getting outside and going on adventures?

My profession keeps me indoors during work hours and I crave fresh air and the peace of nature after a long day. I value being surrounded by the natural beauty of this planet and find balance and calming in the sounds and smells of nature. Exploring and going on adventures keeps my mind and body in alignment.

Why is it important to you to pass on this love of being in the great outdoors with your child(ren)?

I grew up spending the majority of my free time with my grandparents who owned a cottage on an island in Ontario. It was paradise and some of my best memories include exploring the center of the island's dense forests, collecting 'sea glass' off the sandy shores, picking wildflowers to surprise grandma, finding fresh raspberries along the way and skipping stones across the lake. I hope to provide these types of magical experiences to Bodhi as he grows so that he too can develop a love and respect for the outdoors.

When you look back on all of the trips you've done which one is your favorite? Why is it your favorite? What part stands out the most? (This does not have to be a trip involving kids, but if it does, by all means, it can be included!)

My husband and I just recently returned from the Volcanic islands of the Azores (off the coast of Portugal). We spent 1 week there and hiked the highest peaks. We covered over 100km on foot and were marveled by the beauty of it all. It was my favourite trip as the landscape was different than I have ever encountered before on any other adventure. It was thrilling, exhausting, challenging, elating...and worth every step of the way. On one hike we summited a peak to a ledge almost like a peninsula in the sky...or a pirate's plank and below we were looking into the mouth or "blow hole" of the volcano. It was breathtaking. This part stood out to me the most as it reminded me of just how powerful nature can be.

How often do you get outside with your family/kids?

As much as possible. It can be difficult with conflicting work schedules between my husband and I, but we do our best to make outdoor family adventures a priority.

What is your favourite place to take your kid(s) to explore?

A forest! We frequently visit Elk Island National Park as it is close to home.

Taking kids out exploring has its own challenges, some that you may have never thought of until you had a child. What are some of these unexpected challenges you have come across? And how have you worked through them?

Diapering in the wilderness, overcome by using bamboo biodegradable cloth diaper inserts and wipes that can be safely dropped into a privy. Making all natural essential oil baby safe bug spray. Purchasing proper outdoor gear to protect Bodhi from the elements and keep him comfortable and enjoying the adventure (merino wool base layers, waterproof outer layers, sunglasses, wide brim hat to provide shade)

What is your best piece of advice for a parent looking to start getting out on trips with their children?

Be confident in yourself! You have what it takes and it is worth the planning and prepping to make it happen. You will never regret the beautiful memories you will be making with your child. In a world of fast-paced lives, social media, sedentary lifestyles, constant exposure to cell phone/computer/TV screens you are gifting your child by letting them be young, wild and free and immersed in the natural wonder of this world.