Hey, Can I Eat That?

As the summer fruit matures, your little on might ask you, “Hey! Can I eat that?”

Here are some “Yes, you can!” fruit that you might see on the trail:

 

Common Apple

We see these often because many trails cross through old homesteads and apple orchards.  The trees are still there, and the apples still grow.  The Common Apple in Ontario is not like the 'perfect' store-bought apples that are grown for commercial eyes.  But, they sure taste good!

Purple-Flowering Raspberry

The flowers look like roses, so many people are fooled by them.  Still, the edible fruit are not as juicy and are seedier than the raspberries we are used to.  Somehow, I find these sweeter than the regulare ones.

Blackberries

These grow in shrubs and are tastiest when dark purple. 

  

Enjoy these fruit on the trail only if you know for sure what you are eating.  Of course, different rules apply if you are in a conservation area where signage often indicates that you should not pick any fruit.

Which fruit do you often see on the trails?  Any that have eaten or have wondered about?

I’ll add more photos of forest fruit and update you as I see them on the trails.

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Staying Cool in the Summer Heat

Here are some tips that I follow so that we don't get over-heated during summer hiking:

Timing— Get out on the trails as early as possible to beat the heat.

The Seaton Trails have so much Tree Cover

Tree Cover – Hike primarily in old-growth forests as opposed to meadows that provide less shade.Shady trees can make the air feel cooler by 5-10 degrees celsius.That’s cool comfort when you have a 25 lb load and are hiking up-hill.Leave the long meadow walks for the winter when you really need the extra vitamin D.

Light-weight and longer sleeves work well; lots of water, too!

Water – Hydrate yourself and a toddler with regular sips of water. It might mean an extra diaper change and a bio-break amongst the bushes. But, that’s better that a white-dry mouth and heat exhaustion.

Top choice... water!

Wear light clothing – Even if you wear longer-sleeves and long-legged pants to prevent bites, scrapes, and sun-burn, you can find natural and synthetic materials that are breathable. 

Hats – Many people avoid hats when exercising as they tend to prevent heat from escaping the body. Still, many advise to cover your child’s head with a brimmed hat to avoid sun-exposure and heat-capture. Even if getting a hat on your child's head is a feat in itself, use a carrier with a sun hood to increase shade in sunny meadows.  Most soft carriers and steel-framed carriers have one.

Now, which of these tots do you think is cooler of the two? 
Hint: Not the grumpy-looking one who pulled back the stroller shade
and refused to wear her hat.

Take a break! — If you feel too tired midway through a hike, stop and rest.  Cool your body down in the shade of a tree or even in a river that runs near the trail.  Once you’re more refreshed, head back out.  Below, L'il Chica is cooling off in the shade near the river where the temperature is usually more comfortable.

Take it easy! – Find a less strenuous trail to prevent unnecessary exertion.  You might even find that your toddler can walk about with you on a flatter trail.  What fun for them that you chose to slow down and allow them to do some actual hiking :o)  Above, L'il Chica is holdng on to her sippy-cup and chilling in the shade.

How do you stay cool during the warm summer weather?

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A Friend and a Foe -- Antidote to Poison Ivy

Poison Ivy -- The Foe

Poison ivy in its reddish form

Many of us have seen poison-ivy in the wild, but did you ever see it in its red stage.  This usually happens in the fall, when leaves change.  But, our unpredictable weather has advanced the colour change in many plants.  Here it is with red leaves, and still an irritant to those sensitive to it.  Here is another photo of poison oak with serrated leaf edges.  In all cases, the leaves will irritate your skin if you are one of the 85% who are sensitive to it.

Poison oak is actually a shrub

Many of us think that there is no antidote to poison ivy and that we must suffer until the effects of the irritating poison ivy oils wear off.  But, fear not, forest friend!  The next time you are in the forest and fear that you have touched poison-ivy, look for the antidote nearby; 'Jewel weed', a.k.a. 'Touch-me-not'. 

Touch-me-not -- The Friend

Pale touch-me-not

Flowering  this time of year if the very pretty “Spotted Jewelweed” a.k.a Touch-me-not (it gets its name from the seed pods that appear in late summer which can explode open upon the slightest touch).  Not only should you freely touch ‘Touch-me-not’, you should grab as much of it as possible, crush it in your hands until it is almost to a pulp.  Then, rub it all over the affected area on your skin.  The key to the antidote is to apply the crushed stems directly to your skin soon after being exposed to poison ivy (do not wait until you see the rash the next day).  This should prevent the burning rash from appearing or from becoming too severe to handle. 

Spotted touch-me-not

Crush the leaves of the Touch-me-not into your hands
and rub directly onto the affected area

Touch-me-nots have also been known to be used for other skin irritations like eczema, burns, and cuts.  Take a look if it on your next forest walk.

This information was intended as a tip, and not as medical advice.   See your physician or naturopath for professional advice on poison ivy antidotes.

Trail Snacks for a Toddler -- Ideas Welcome

When it comes to trail snacks for a 13-month-old eight-toothed toddler, it can be tricky to know exactly what to bring on the trail.  I need all the advice I can get to keep things interesting and nutritious.  Many web-sites have tips for kids in general with snacks like trail mix.  I'll have to wait several months for that.  But, I'd love to get your input on snacks for toddlers.  Until then, here are my faves for L'il Chica thus far:

1.  Grain cereals like Cheerio's -- Easy to keep a small container in your pocket and hand back to her as she sits behind in the backpack.  There is little risk of choking and the crunches keep her busy.


2.  Home-made mini cheese strings -- Since we're not into  peelable Cheese Strings yet, I like to slice cheese into bite-sized lengths and pack into a small container. Cheese slices sized for grasping and chomping also work well.


3.  Strips of toasted grain bread -- This is just as good as bread sticks, but I make them by cutting into lengths a slice of lightly-toasted bread.  Kept in a container, it can be fed over the shoulder while hiking.


4.  Watermelon cubes -- This time of year, watermelon goes on sale and is very refreshing during summer hikes.  Kept in a small container, it stays cool if refrigerated in advance.

5.  Apple and other fruit slices -- Prepared in advance and kept in a small container, apple, grapes, pear and other fruit slices are also refreshing midway through a hike.


6.  Orange wedges -- Since I discovered that L'il Chica enjoys sweet oranges, I've cut them into wedges and watched her suck away at the orange juice during many of our rest stops.  There's also the entertainment factor as she loves to see my orange-wedge-smile when I leave the orange peel in my mouth.


7.  Water -- Lots, lots and lots of water in a sippy cup and in my storage (bottles and packs).

I would love to hear your suggestions on more trail-friendly snacks for L'il Chica.  What are your favourite trail snacks?

Back to Work -- 4 Realizations

This is my first week back at work... Day 4 of the old routine. It has also been 4 days since I last did anything close to a hike, so it was awesome to head out today after work with my little chica to Altona Forest... an easy trail that is close to home.  As eager as I was to get out, we only set foot atrail after 5:00 p.m. All was well until... well... she did the usual.  She fell asleep!  Why the exclamation mark, you ask?  Sleeping is not so bad in a carrier, but snoozing that close to her bed time is risky.  It is currently 9:34 p.m. and she has not yet fallen asleep. 

Realization #1 -- Early evening walks after work that are too close to bedtime might not work out well for a baby.

Realization #2 -- Successfully fitting in our daily hikes is not likely now that I am back at work.

Asleep at 5:45 p.m. in the Carrier ... Zoix!!!

Realization #3 -- I'll likely have to get out on the trail right after work in the late afternoon in case Lil' Chica falls asleep.

Realization #4 -- I am lucky enough that I have a small hiking trail within 5 minutes walk from my home.  If I had to drive to a trail head, I might not be able to hike at all on a weekday evening.

Realization # 5 -- I might have to re-assess my hiking goals and focus on the weekends.  Sigh.

Any tips for making it work out for us?  Let me know.

Gear Review -- Deuter Backpack Kid Comfort III

Gear Review -- Deuter Backpack Kid Comfort III

This past month, we invested in a new backpack child carrier -- the 'Deuter Backpack Kid Comfort III'. With this carrier, I have spent up to 4 hrs at a time outdoors, hiked one of the more difficult trails in my area, and had a decent picnic lunch with my child. Here's my review of the Deuter:-

Pros




Kickstand with Yellow Button Lock to Prevent collapsing,
Sunshade, Packed Upper Storage, Side Storage, Mirror Pocket on the Belt

1. Side Entry -- no need to lift the baby into the carrier as there is a cool and secure side entrance.

2. Hydration System Compartment -- no need to lug water bottles as there is a compartment for a 2 litre hydration pack.

3. Mirror -- use this mirror to view your infant behind you and play peek-a-boo. The neatest thing about the mirror is the velcro sewn into its edge. The mirror-velcro sticks to the inside of the sleek belt pockes -- easy access and it never gets lost.

Cushiony Head, Chin, and Neck Rests

4. Super Comfort for Infant:--

a. Headrest -- super-high, curved and padded headrest makes this good for a wobbly sleepy head, even for an older toddler or pre-schooler

b. Chin and neck rest -- extremely well padded... a mini-pillow of sorts that my little one enjoys. Plus, it is detachable for easier cleaning. I've even used it to rest my own neck if I lean back my head.

c. Padded Straps -- for extra comfort

d. Five-Point Harness -- all adjustable and really secure.

5. Built-In Sun Shade -- the sun shade is stored into a zip-up compartment in the headrest. You never have to detatch it or look for it.

6. Large Grab Handles -- for super easy transporting around and onto your back

7. Storage -- Lots! Enough for more than a few sandwiches; baby food, diapering items, clothes, bottles; small first-aid kit; rain gear (included with purchase); water canister; TP... the site says 20L; side and back pockets...

Cons

1. Weight -- at 7 lbs, 10 oz, this carrier is on the heavier side. Many other carriers are lighter ... but with fewer amenities.

2. Kickstand tough to close --Once the backpack is on you, the kickstand is tough to close because of a safety locking device. You can close the kickstand before you lift the backpack onto you, but you run the risk of the carrier toppling. It hasn't happened to me yet, though.

All set in the Deuter Backpack Kid Comfort III

There are many more aspects to the carrier that I have not yet detailed -- padded belt, breathable materials, easy to adjust to infant's height and parent-hiker's body frame...

I really am glad we purchased the Deuter Backpack Kid Comofrt III. There were less costly options, but I really am glad with what we got.

Let us know about your carrier and how it compares to the  Deuter.  Which carrier do you like?

Leaves of Three, Let it Be?

With the weather warming up, many hikers, especially parent hikers, might be wary of poison ivy along the trails.  But, what does it look like?  Can we safely identify it amongst the other "leaves of three; let it be"? 

Here some three-leaved plants that might be confused with poison ivy:

1.  Wild  Strawberry 

Wild Strawberry



Leaves:

long hairy stalks with toothed teeth

Edible? Toxicity?

Edible fruit and edible fresh or dried leaves.  Partially wilted leaves have been known to contain toxins.  Many people are allergic to the strawberry fruit, so be aware of your child's allergies to common foods.

2.   Trillium  

Leaves of White Trillium (Trillium Grandiflorum)



Leaves:

in a whorl of 3; almost stalkless; broadly diamond-shaped, slim, or mottled green with white; smooth edges 

Edible? Toxicity?

No known allergens

Purple Trillium or Purple Wake Robin

Mottled Leaves of Toad Trillium

 

3.  Jack-in-the-Pulpit 

Leaves and Flower of Jack-in-the-Pulpit



Leaves: 

usually appear with 2 leaves per plant , each with 3 leaflets; dullish green; each leaflet with a middle vein with many branches; each leaflet is usually rounder at base with a narrow point

Edible? Toxicity?

This plant is poisonous only if ingested.  Touching the plant does not seem to cause any known allergic reaction.

 

4.  Beech (young emerging leaves) 

Young, glossy beech leaves not leaves of three

Leaves:

The leaf at the very tip of a branch on many trees, including beech, are single leaves.  Because they do not have an opposite or alternate pair, the first three leaves a the tip of many branches might look like a trio of sorts.  Fear not!  If it grows on a tree with a trunk and is way above ground, it is not poison ivy.

5.  Poison Ivy



Poison Ivy leaves close to the ground

Leaves:

bright, glossy green (newest leaflets can be reddish brown); 3 oval leaflets; each leaflet entirely or partly teethed coarsely.  Trailing like a vine or in a small shrub.

Edible? Toxicity?

Do not eat this plant.  It contains an oily resin that causes a nasty skin reaction when touvhed.  Many people are very sensitive to poison ivy resin.  The resin is not airborne, but it can be carried on clothing, pet fur, tools, and even smoke particles from burning plants. REMOVAL of resin by washing with a strong soap.  The liquid that oozes from the skin does not contain the allergen. 

Red or Meadow Clover

6.  Clover

Leaves: 

on a low-lying bush, alternate leaves with 3 leaflets; sometimes stalked leaves; some leaves green while some have a white V-pattern 

Edible?  Toxicity? 

can be eaten raw or cooked; high in protein.  Known to cause bloating or to contain toxic alkaloids.





Note:  This information on plants with "Leaves of Three"  is not to be considered a professional opinion on plant toxicity.  Please consult your doctor when seeking to understand your child's allergies.  Consult a professional for more information on which plants might pose a danger to your child while on the trail.