“Nature is a tool to get children to experience not just the wider world but themselves”

— Stephen Moss

When I first pictured this project I had an idea of how I wanted it to look, I wanted to find women who were your everyday gal, someone just like me and you, someone who felt the same struggles as all of us and who could relate to things that each of us go through. Well, let me introduce you to someone who fits that image to a T. This is Elise!

Elise and I met up on a cool winter morning in early February, we finally had enough snow to ski around on the non-track set trails at the Strathcona Science Park just outside of Edmonton, and boy were we eager to hit the trails.

The snow conditions were perfect, just enough fresh powder to cover the ice, but not too much that you were dragging yourself with each glide. Then to top it off, Elise moved with such grace and easy, almost as if she had no weight behind her (and guys, those sleds are not light!).

My favourite part of the morning was watching Elise take in this moment with her son. One of the reasons we do this with our children is to foster their love for the outdoors, and it was such a great reminder of how important it is to take that time during a activity to slow down and let them experience where you are.

Listed below are the questions I sent to Elise as a way to learn from her and to be inspired. I just love how she views the world, and how much passion she has to get outside.

Tell me a little about yourself. What you do? What some of your favourite things are (eg:coffee, reading, baking, ect)

I've been a longtime off and on Edmonton resident, I live in the West side of Edmonton currently with my son, Dean and husband, Darren. I'm an amateur sewer and I like curling as well (hurry hard!)

What are your favourite adventure activities?

Skiing (cross and downhill), long walks, snowshoeing - there are so many great parks in the Edmonton area to explore. We like the trails around Whitemud Creek and Ft. Edmonton.

Why do you value getting outside and going on adventures?

The pulk (sled) was one of the first baby items I purchased when I was pregnant, because when I was thinking about what I wanted my maternity leave to be like, I definitely did not want to be stuck in the house all the time haha! Especially through the harsh winter of Edmonton. I needed an outlet and something safe and fun to do with my baby and this has worked out great. In general, I am an outdoorsy person - I work in the environmental field - yet I have to remind myself as well that taking a break to enjoy your surroundings is time well spent. Some of my most creative ideas have come to me when I have been spending time outside, or immediately after. And I always feel great after, even if I didn't have a spark of creativity!

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

Speaking to enjoying your surroundings, I want to instill resilience, thoughtfulness, and creative thinking and I think spending time in the great outdoors does that. It's important to slow things down, be observant of the natural world, and to shift our thinking away from school/work for a bit, so that when we come back, we can refocus. On the resilience front - it's not always easy to be outside! You forgot your mitts, snacks ect. I think these are opportunites to show our kids how we react when the unplanned happens. I want to show my son that you should seize opportunities to try new things, enjoy what there is to be offered... I tried cross country skiing on a whim, I rented some skis from Totem and tried them out at Goldbar, we have so many great trails in the area - and I wanted to continue to do this activity and it took a little planning to do it with a growing family. In general I think there are great benefits to spending time outside. Especially postpartum. I think when we take care of ourselves, we show our children how to do that as well.

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 traveled to Scotland about a year into our relationship - we traveled to the Isle of Skye from Glasgow - what an amazing country, so much rugged beauty for an outdoorsy type person! We got to know each other even better throughout the trip so it was a perfect way to connect.

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

I wouldn't say everyday is an explicit goal of mine - but any opportunity I see, I seize it to go outside, even if it's dressing up Dean so he can play in the snow while I shovel the sidewalks.

What is your favourite place to take your kids to explore?

Whitemud Creek like I mentioned above, we also live close to Sir Wilfried Laurier Park which provides easy access to the river valley - always beautiful anytime of year.

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?

Before Dean arrived I was worried about "baby being too cold" so I have multiples of outdoor gear in different weights - thin bunting suits to full on snow suits - but at first when I was skiing with him when he was really little, 3 months old or so, I was very worried about him being uncomfortable or fussy. I needn't worry - Dean slept through almost everytime we would go out skiing hahaha. It must be soothing, tucked up in the sled....

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

Start small, at first just getting out the door is an accomplishment. Be kind to yourself. My first ski trip was to the pocket park in our neighbourhood and I skied around the ball diamonds. I knew that just taking some time to be outdoors would help us both get a better night's sleep and feel more alive during the winter!

Is there anything else you would like to share?

See you all on the Hike it Baby meetups! https://community.hikeitbaby.com/branches/edmonton/