ExPo Dads?

[nwoods]

You might enjoy Mark Stephen's blog:
http://www.adventureparents.com/blog...ok-review.html

[ljtuck]

Here's 4 random shots of camping with the kids. A couple of things we learned that might make it easier for you:

- get one of those strap on booster seat / table things. They can strap onto picnic tables, tailgates, sit on the ground etc....
- we used to bring along those interlocking mat pieces (the blue mats in the pics) when my kids were really little and it sort of helped keep them out of the dirt for a bit.
- find a decent pack-n-play folding playpen for when they are really little and you need to contain them for a bit. Your 20 month old might already be past that stage.
- letting them learn that fire is hot early on is really a lot easier than trying to keep them away from your campfire.

[offero]

Wow, what a response! I might just try to take my son out for an overnight when the weather warms up a bit more in the desert. A 1.5 hour drive shouldn't be too bad. He GENERALLY stays put if he has toys to play with or dirt in front of him! I'll just have to plan super easy meals.

I do have a kid backpack that my son likes to sit in already. I think he likes being up high and checking everything out. He used to always grab branches and stuff while hiking our local urban canyons, but now just sits there and looks around and babbles about what he sees.

I like the idea of those interlocking mats. Probably better than astroturf, which I was thinking about getting to put under a shade cover.

Thanks for the ideas guys.

[bunduguy]

We started camping with my son at 6 months. Take a stroller and a carrier (we used a Moby wrap, which is awesome). My first solo night was at 2yrs, and he did very well. Our first couple of trips were withing an hr of home. Let him get used to it and if there is a chronic tantrum or conditions go South, you're not far from home. I do remember coming home at 2:30am when temps plummeted and he was suffering from an elevation headache. Was a blessing to be close to home. Now i can take him 3hrs away and do a boys only camping night or 2. Good for the bonding and gives mommy a break.

[digitaldelay]

Lake Minnewanka?

Jason

[ljtuck]

Close! This was actually little Elbow Lake in the Highwood Pass.

Lake Minnewanka?

Jason

[digitaldelay]

Close! This was actually little Elbow Lake in the Highwood Pass.

Ah, yes. Went car-camping there once in 2000. Good times!

Jason

[GroupSe7en]

I took my 2yr old son across the Trans Labrador Highway 2 summers ago, just the two of us.
WE HAD A BLAST!

Changing diapers while dodging sparrow sized mosquitoes in the middle of nowhere - it was epic.

Do it and have fun.

my 2¢

[matt s]

Have to second the strap down booster seat and pack and play for sleeping. Works wonders. We had our boys out around 1 year old no problems.

[psykokid]

we took my son on his first camping trip when he was just shy of 1 year old. We had the pack and play with us and it really was a necessity. Only year we brought it though. He's now 7 and we've done numerous trips since then and loves camping. Here he was this summer up at a little alpine lake near Lassen Volcanic national park..

We're planning a 2.5 week trip this summer in the pacific northwest / vancouver island and he's uber excited. As a matter of fact he keeps egging me about fixing the Rover because he wants to go offroading again..