Learning Life Lessons From the Alpacas at Windy Hills

Posted on by Jennifer Fontaine

As you can probably imagine, living in LA offers a enormous mixed bag of events, activities and experiences to explore with kids. Having been a mom for a few years now, my Go-To list of things to do on any given day is pretty long, but at least a handful of times a month, I get stuck in a rut and need to find something new and interesting to do with V. Enter Red Tricycle.

RedTri.com is a portal that I have tapped into more than once, when trying to look for cool, new things to do with my toddler. Their mission is simple, to help parents have more fun with their kids. They offer ideas for cool things to see, eat, make and do with your kids in your neighborhood.  Each weekday, they deliver must-have recommendations for hip people who happen to be parents too, whether it’s a kid-friendly food truck crush, a street festival that accommodates strollers, or a christmas tree farm that offers free hot chocolate and crafts. And that is how we found our way to this quirky, off-the-beaten path nugget of heaven called Windy Hills Alpaca Ranch.

Windy Hills is not a petting zoo. They are a real, working ranch and as luck would have it, on the second saturday of every month, the have an Open Ranch Day! The largest Alpaca ranch in California, they are just about an hour north of LA, situated on 25 acres surrounded by the gorgeous rolling hills of Ventura County, a perfect day trip!

The drive winds through picturesque country byways, passed roadside fruit stands and stunning agricultural landscapes. Once on the farm, we were greeted by Kate, a gracious and knowledgeable hostess, one of their many docents, who led us on a brief, but very informative tour of the grounds, then we were set free to wander and discover to our hearts content.

And wander we did, right over to the newest member of the family who had been born just hours before we arrived! In fact, there were 12 babies who had been born in the week prior, so we made a beeline to the newborn pen to watch the babies interact with their mothers. It was fascinating to watch how each mother really stuck to her own baby. There wasn’t much of a “village” attitude about caring for the young, but there was definitely a sense of curiosity.

We found the Alpacas to be quite curious little beings and seemingly gentle, quiet creatures. All we needed to do was to walk in the direction of one and they would immediately start walking towards us to get a good sniff.

We got to use all 5 of our senses on this outing and one of the coolest was to feel their coats. Alpacas are classified in two different breeds, the Huacaya and the rarer and more treasured Suri. The coat of the Suri is incredibly soft, more like human hair and tends to fall down in ringlets or locks, whereas the Huacaya’s coat looks more like a teddy bear, fuzzy and coarse. Be it silky coat or fuzzy, one thing is for sure, alpacas are undeniably cute!

We fed them…

Then, we fed ourselves…

We fell in love with a Ranch Hand…

And just as we were making our way out, we got news that one of the Alpacas was delivering! We all ran over just in time to watch her nuzzle her daughter for the first time.

The electricity in the air was remarkable. As we watched the mother deliver the placenta, my daughter’s hand in mine, I delicately explained to her what was happening and my heart was filled with gratitude to have shared that incredible experience. We stood there mesmerized, three generations of Fontaines (my mom was also with us), captivated by the strength of the little one, only minutes old, trying to stand on its own two feet, the inherent need for nourishment and a fundamental yearning for her mother’s unconditional love. What a delightful reminder that life lessons can be taught in the most unexpected circumstances.

Setting Sail on a Channel Islands’ Wildlife Cruise – Playful Pelicans & A Delightful Dolphin Escort

Posted on by Jennifer Fontaine

The Channel Islands are a 160 mile-long archipelago sprinkled amidst the sprawling Pacific Ocean. In 1938, five of the 8 islands, positioned just off the Southern California coastal city of Oxnard, were established as a National Monument, then later in 1980 were designated as the Channel Islands National Park. They are a sight to behold and part of one of the richest marine biospheres in the world. From Los Angeles, an easy hour’s drive north will deliver you to a picturesque and thriving land that took Mother Nature thousands of years to engineer.

Channel Islands Wildlife Cruise

If you’re looking for a special outing that will create long-lasting memories for the entire family, a Channel Island’s Wildlife Cruise is one to add to your list. After 17 years of Southern California living and countless visits to national parks all over the world, I found it astounding that we had never made it to this National Park. A few months ago, as luck would have it, an invitation to do a wildlife cruise fell into our laps and excitedly, the whole family piled in to the car and up the coast we went!

On that Sunday, we arrived at the Channel Islands Harbor early, which was our luck because there was a quaint little Farmer’s Market steps from our cruise’s launching dock. We decided that would be the perfect place to buy some snacks and lunch to bring with us! The vendors offered a great variety of perfectly ripe, organic fruits and veggies and we snagged some to-die-for homemade hummus and pita chips, too!

The cruise out to the Channel Islands National Park is a half day affair spent skating across the wide open ocean, meandering about the islands and witnessing awe-inspiring beauty at its best; a day full of exploring, discovering and learning that was fascinating, not only for our 2 1/2 year old, but for the adults as well.

About half way out to the islands we were greeted by a pod of dolphins. Even the crew and captain of the boat commented that it was one of the largest pods they had ever seen in their 20 plus years doing charters. We watched them as they surfed our wake, swam sideways to get a better look at us and jumped for joy at the chance to play with us.

Channel Island Dolphins

The entire boat was so enthralled that when the captain killed the engines to allow us to float with them for a while, no one on board even seemed to notice. The perfect escort for the beginning of a perfect day.

As we approached the island of Anacapa, we were welcomed by Arch Rock, its arresting natural trademark looming 40 feet above the ocean.

Channel Island Rock Arch

The islands are full of breathtaking natural features such as rock bridges, plunging cliffs, sea caves and tide pools. On this particular cruise, we weren’t allowed to disembark, but next time we go we are getting off the boat and you can bet that we will give ourselves even more time to explore the islands from land.

There certainly was no shortage of California sea lions and harbor seals and we had the best time mimicking their raucous manifestos and counting them perched out on the rugged cliffs sunbathing.

Channel Island Sea Lions

Due to the remoteness of the islands, its many secluded beaches and the abundant food of the surrounding waters, you have the opportunity to witness one of the world’s largest congregations of pinnipeds anywhere, representing more species than any other single place on Earth. In the winter months, you may even have the opportunity to spot the occasional Pacific Grey Whale as they migrate between summer feeding grounds in Alaska to their breeding areas in Baja, California.

These protected islands also provide a much-needed sanctuary; vital feeding and breeding grounds for 99 percent of Southern California’s sea birds. 99 percent!

Channel Island Birds

More importantly they are the sole breeding ground for the California Brown Pelican which was only recently taken off of the endangered species list. We watched a brown pelican do laps around our boat for a good 20 minutes. He (or she) was having the time of his life, gliding past the side of the boat, then circling back around. To say it was a joy to watch would be an understatement. Needless to say, we too, were having the time of our lives.

California Brown Pelican

Given its isolated and hard-to-reach location, The Channel Islands are one of the least visited National Parks in the Nation and that’s what makes it even more special to visit. Offering a wide array of exciting activities at your fingertips, the Islands boast world class kayaking, snorkeling, diving, hiking and camping or you can simply enjoy a little well-deserved peace and solitude. I can’t wait to adventure back, hiking boots on and ready to discover the Channel Island’s secret treasures hidden deep in the recesses of the islands coves, beaches and trails!

7 Simple Tips To Get Your Kids Excited About Hiking

Posted on by Jennifer Fontaine

Ok, first things first, I’ve been keeping a secret from you. It has been so hard not to spill the beans, but today I can finally share the news! A few months ago I was contacted by Nonni’s THINaddictives who somehow (??) discovered this little blog and wanted to showcase me and our Mommy Hike LA group for their Get Addicted to Hiking Spotlight Series!

For the better part of 6 months, the Nonni’s THINaddictive Team has proudly featured scores of active, inspiring women in their communities with the hopes of encouraging others to get moving, get fit and get happy! It was a match made in heaven and I couldn’t be more honored to be a part of it!

Check out our Get Addicted to Hiking Spotlight Video below and check out all of the other vivacious and victorious women they have spotlighted on their THINaddictives’ Facebook Page!

Now, on to getting those little tykes of yours excited about hiking! Here are seven simple tips that have worked for me to keep those little feet moving on the trail!

Be Engaged!

It has been my experience that any time I have set out on a hike with my toddler (which is, at a minimum, once a week) with the mindset that it will be a great workout for me, it almost always ends in frustration; me wanting to strengthen those glutes and her wanting to sit in the middle of the dirt looking for ants. Nowadays, I know the moment I step on to the trail with my 2 1/2 year old, it’s all about her discovery and exploration.

There have been days when it takes us 30 minutes just to walk from the parking area to the trailhead, little hands already full with rocks and sticks and that is OK! Be engaged in what piques their interest and go from there!

Combine Your Hike with Mealtime!

If you know my daughter, you know that any time is meal time! Ha! The promise of a picnic when we’ve reached our turnaround point is most definitely a motivator for my kid.

Make it fun, bring some of their favorite snacks or a special treat to enjoy while basking in the satisfaction of having made it half way! This also gives kids some downtime, just sitting and relaxing to the sounds of Mother Nature.

Invite Other Friends!

This was actually the root of the idea that gave the Mommy Hike LA group its wings! As a new mommy, I started taking V on solo hikes the moment I was up and able to move again. Then, I invited a few of my friends to go hiking with us. Those friends just so happened to be mommies and they brought their kids and next thing you know…

a group was born! An amazing group of friends who share the same passions and are there for each other when you need them; and in turn a beautiful group of kids are emerging, growing up together with shared experiences and discoveries.

Create a Hiking Scavenger Hunt!

This one, I’m giving full credit over to fellow Outdoor Blogger Debi Huang Klump! On her blog, Go Explore Nature she has created a great Scavenger Hunt Series and recently we were lucky enough to get her to do an Exclusive Mommy Hiker Hiking Scavenger Hunt! V and I actually did the hiking scavenger hunt this week and you’ll get to see that adventure in its entirety, next week!

Download our Scavenger Hunt List, check out Debi’s lists, scour the interwebs or write your own Scavenger Hunt tailored to your kid’s favorite things! Use the discovery of a smooth, hot rock as a launching pad to discuss what made the rock hot to begin with, what lives underneath it or how it came to sit on this particular spot of earth in the first place. Just beware you don’t fall into the role of the task-masker, barking orders and insisting on finding the next item on the list. Make it fun! Looking for a lizard? Call out for him! “Oh, Mister Liiiiiiiizaaaaaaard! Where are youuuuuuuu?”

Hike Trails That Have Water Features!

One of the best motivators I’ve found yet to keep a toddler moving on the trail is to entice them with a waterfall! We are lucky in Los Angeles, to have our pick of numerous day hikes which follow streams and many that end in gorgeous dramatic waterfalls.

Combining a hike with rock-hopping across stream crossings, mid-sentence splashes and frolicking in waist-deep, sparkling pools is a sure-fire way to get even the most reluctant kids to get in to Nature! Water also adds an additional vast ecosytem of plants, animals and insets to explore. Just make sure you bring additional clothing, because you can rest assured that no kid will finish their hike dry!

Give Them the Map!

This is one of my favorite things to do. I love giving V the control and sense of ownership of her own experience. Letting kids lead the way is an incredible confidence builder and helps to shape their decision-making skills!

Let them navigate. Allow them to make mistakes, get (moderately) lost, then let them try to figure out how to get back on track. Or, let them discover a new route! You will never know where it may lead you!

Know When to Call it a Day!

As parents, we all have a pretty good radar for “Imminent Meltdown” or the dreaded “Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day Syndrome.” Everyone is allowed to have an off day, so know when it’s time to cut your losses and head home!

There are definitely times when all I want to do is sit down with a cup of tea, on the sofa and read a book, so be understanding. If hiking becomes a battle, the chances are their affinity for the activity will diminish, so know when to say when and keep on trying!!

What are some of YOUR best tricks and tips for keeping those kiddos excited about hiking?