{Travel Log} Memorable Jaunts Group Camp | Blackwell Forest Preserve Camping | Chicago Outdoor Travel

What a wonderful camping experience! Two weeks ago, we organized our annual Memorable Jaunts Group event. Last year, it was a group hike and you can read about that here. This year we decided to camp in a local forest preserve - Blackwell Forest Preserve in Wheaton.  All I can say is that we had such a great time with all our Memorable Jaunts friends and supporters!!

Our group included experienced campers as well as first timers and the whole weekend couldn't have been more perfect! - Perfect weather, Perfect location & Perfect company!

The kids had such a blast playing and running around while the adults setup camp :)

Our community gathering place during the day!

and the same community gathering site in the evening! - Love it! Everyone pitched in and brought something for the camp...be it a dish to share, dishes to use or desert.

Who says a campsite has to be dull...we had fresh flowers courtesy of Mary from Mary's Wholesome Living :)

Nothing defines "camping" more than roasting smores over the campfire! - thanks to our friends at Peaceful Parlour who provided organic fair trade Theo Chocolates for the smores! - the "Chai Latte" smore was delicious!

The wonderful and super sweet Mary of Mary's Wholesome Living and her adorable dog, Finny. Isn't Mary's camper the cutest! - it's a vintage camper circa 1963!
Mary made sure she kept all of us fed with all sorts of delicious food. There was roasted beets, grilled sandwiches, vegetable salad and plenty of her amazing ginger beer to go around. Her daughter was most sought after by the adults because she had Coffee to share - morning and night! LOL :). Between mother and daughter, it was such a gourmet camping experience!

Blackwell is a beautiful location - it is in the heart of the western suburbs of Chicago and is so picturesque.

Thanks to everyone who came and made the event such a wonderful experience. A special thanks to our friends who drove 2 hours from Bloomington-Normal to be a part of this event. We had such a blast and it was so delightful to hear the first timers rave about camping and being inspired to get out more :) - We are already looking forward to our 2013 Group Event!!

{Travel Log} Boundary Waters | Minnesota Outdoor Travel

I just don't know where to start documenting our most recent trip! We spent a few days in Boundary Waters Area in Northern Minnesota and it was so divine. I have been looking forward to exploring BWCA for a long time and the area certainly did not disappoint.

This trip was slightly more "touristy" than most of the other Memorable Jaunts trips but I was not complaining. We spent quite a bit of time on the water exploring the area via a boat. You see, some areas within Boundary Waters are only accessible via canoe/kayaks! - and we did just that.

Our home base was a wonderful retreat by the water with gorgeous views and stunning sunsets. I love how the setting sun glistened over the water! 

We rented a pontoon and explored some of the inlets within BWCA. While on the water, we practices our boating skills & the little ones even got to sit behind the wheel! :)

The waters of Lake Superior were choppy and the winds were quite strong. But every now and then we would find small little islands that had boat docks. You could "park" your boat and go explore the island on foot - Stay a hour or actually camp overnight!

Our home away from home was a cozy cabin - complete with its own fire pit for a nightly smores snack!!

We even hiked the area around the cabin, taking in the sights and sounds on foot!

While in Northern Minnesota, we explored some of the local waterfalls and lighthouses and were in awe of the natural beauty in this state - the land of 10,000 lakes certainly did not disappoint!

If you happen to be in Northern Minnesota, definitely visit the areas in and around the Boundary Waters - you will not be disappointed!

{Travel Log} Group Camp | Memorable Jaunts Annual Group Event | Illinois Family Adventure Travel

Finally it's that time of the year again! - Time for the Annual Memorable Jaunts Group Event. Last year, 2011, we organized a group hike to Starved Rock State Park (you can read about our event here). This year, we are ready to take it up a notch! - a group camp event at a local forest preserve - Blackwell Forest Preserve in Wheaton, IL.

The word “Camping” most often conjures images of picturesque backcountry spots accessible only by foot, carrying supplies on your back, and disconnecting from civilization, setting up tents among tall trees & steep cliffs, and storing food supplies hanging from trees off the ground. While this very desirable and true in most situations, it is not always practical. Especially for families with young children. How much do we carry, how long can we walk, what about food, what about wildlife and how to avoid hotspots?

The good news is that you can still experience camping and all the pleasures it has to offer even if you don’t want to do backcountry camping - go local, camp for a night or two, sleeping under the starts in a state park or even in a private campground. If you are local to the Chicagoland area, come join us at Blackwell Forest Preserve. If not, signup for our twitter feed - we will be posting status updates live as we have a blast with our Memorable Jaunts friends!

For those families that have already signed up , THANK YOU for signing up for the Memorable Jaunts Group Camping Event at Blackwell Forest Preserve on Sept 15th - 16th 2012! - We are going to have a BLAST!

Please find attached some details around the trip, camping essentials, meal planning and distribution and  other general information about Blackwell Forest Preserve.

Basic Camping Checklist for the overnight camping trip

Most of these items may be purchased at REI (C), Cabela’s(C), or Dick’s Sporting Goods (C). If you don’t want to invest in a tent, sleeping bag or sleeping pad, REI provides most if not all of these items for rent at very nominal prices.

• Waterproof tent - Make sure the tent you get has a rain cover so that you don’t get soaked in the morning dew or sudden thunderstorms.
• Sleeping bags - Sleeping bags vary in quality and price. Most sleeping bags come with an EN temperature rating standard. Choose a bag rated for the coldest temperature you expect to encounter. Expect ~50-65deg tempreatures at night for the camp.
• Sleeping pads - Sleeping pads provide cushioning and insulation. Cushioning is certainly useful when sleeping on hard surfaces but the sleeping pad also provides insulation to your body from cold ground surfaces.
• Ground tarp or waterproof blanket - This is used between the ground and the tent and just provides an additional layer of insulation.
• Plastic tote to store food items - This helps secure food items from curious critters like raccoons and skunks :)
• Pillow - Some sleeping bags come with a built-in pillow. If you are among the group of people who cannot sleep without a pillow, get one from home :)
• Hammer - Very helpful to drive the tent spikes into the ground. 
• Extra blankets (weather dependent) - Nights are starting to get much cooler here in Chicago so an extra blanket or two will keep you warm and toasty in your tent. 
• Torch/Lanterns
• Socks (feet do get cold even in summer) 
• Bug spray/Sunscreen
• Extra pair of clothes and other personal items needed for an overnight excursion 
• Toys/Board games - especially for families with young kids
• Cooler - depending on the food you are signing up to bring for the group event

If you have never been to Blackwell, you are in for a treat. It is a beautiful preserve with a lake (boating is allowed and boats are available for rent) as well as hiking trails. Please bring a good pair of walking/hiking shoes so we can take a walk around the preserve.

Please bring the reservation materials that you received in the mail to provide at the preserve office.

Current Site Allocation for Memorable Jaunts Camping Event

As of August 25th, we have 20 adults and 14 kids signed up for the event. Each site allows a max 2 tents & 8 people. If you have a camper, then it’s 1 camper & 1 tent. 

Site 2 - Gupta family - 3 adults, 2 kids and 1 dog 

Site 3 - Srini family - 2 adults and 3 kids

Site 4 - Ghosh family - 2 adults and 1 dog 

Site 5 - Anand family - 2 adults and 2 kids 

Site 6 - Rammesh family - 3 adults and 2 kids 

Site 8 - Schaut family - 2 adults and 2 kids 

Site 13 - Krystinak family - 3 adults 

Site ??? - Singh family - 2 adults and 2 kids

Check-in is at 1.00pm on Saturday Sep 15th & checkout is by noon on Sunday Sep 16th.

Just a couple of reminders - alcohol is prohibited at the preserve and campground. Fires are allowed at the campsites but firewood must be purchased at the preserve store for $5. We ask that each family purchase their firewood as they check-in to their site.

Since this is a group event, we ask everyone to pitch in and provide food for the group. Please see the list below and let me know what you can bring so I can keep a running list and can allocate responsibilities. The group includes vegetarians as well so please plan your meal accordingly. Since this is a large group, more than one family can take responsibility for a meal. Please let me know if anyone has food allergies.

Meals (Assuming folks will have lunch on their own prior to check-in)

• September 15th - Dinner - suggested items - sandwiches, soups, pasta, salads 
• September 15th - Desert - suggested items - smores by the fire :) 
• September 16th - Breakfast - suggested items - cereal, milk, break, cheese, jam, biscuits etc
• Drinks - water, juices, tea, coffee, milk 
• Fruits,Snacks 
• Camping grill - we have two grills which we will bring - to reheat food, milk etc. Please let me know if you have additional camping grills as well.
• Cups, plates, spoons, napkins, garbage bags, dish washing liquid and sponge 
• Matchs for camp fire

Please let me know what you can bring by Sept 10th and I will send out a final list a few days before the event.

Last but not the least, we are camping in a forest preserve, please practice “LEAVE NO TRACE BEHIND” as you are packing for this event. Try and think Green (reuse). Instead of plastic utensils and paper napkins, consider using re-usable plates, cups, spoons, and cloth napkins. The food tastes just as good, and you will actually leave lesser of a trace when you leave.

{Travel Log} Day Hikes | Minneapolis Outdoor Travel with kids

Do you crave for wide open spaces and greenery? Do you scope out state parks and forest preserves to explore when you are on vacation? Would you like to have open, green spaces as part of your backyard. Well, if you live in Minneapolis, perhaps you can - Fort Snelling State Park in Minneapolis is a hiker's and biker's mecca.

On a recent visit to Minneapolis, the MJ family, minus Mr.MJ, ventured into this beautiful state park and experienced a case of hiker's bliss. The trails were extensive and we had a great time exploring this urban gem. The park has a huge visitors center that hosts a bunch of activities all catered to young kids. There is even a canoe rental store within the park!

The canopy of trees and benches scattered around the trails were much appreciated by tired feet and little bodies that wanted to take several breaks during the hike!

There is a section on the park that is closed to bikers and only accessible by foot. This area is broken into three different loop that caters to many. There is a short hike loop of less than half a mile as well as a larger 3 mile loop.

No matter which hike you choose, you come away refreshed and rejuvenated after being surrounded by all that green! You can even access the water at various points, which we did - nothing like skipping stones and getting shoes wet on a hot day! :)

What makes this trip even more memorable for me is that it was researched, planned and executed by me ALONE! :)

{Travel Log} In the Land of Giants - Sequoia National Park | California Outdoor Travel

As of January 2011, there are 394 protected areas managed by the National Park Service here in the United States. So, why would you revisit one of them? - Because this one is so special! - Sequoia National Park holds a special place in my heart. The sequoia trees may seem invincible due to their towering presence but in truth, they are so fragile. You can almost see the impacts polution and early human arrogance have had in this beautiful eco-system. My first visit was in 2008 and you can read about it in an earlier post here.

This time around was just as unique and special!

We spent 4 days camping and hiking in the park. And I renewed my love affair with the Sequoias :). This time around, I got away from the throngs of folks that crowed around the General and took off into the mountains. Like always, I am so glad I did!

I love this picture. Our campsite went from "camping gear" to "peaceful abode" in a matter of minutes!

We even had our very own landscape architect. Not that the place needed any sprucing up but, after his handiwork, the trees were so beautifully decorated.

One of the most memorable things about camping is building the campfire!. Everyone pitched in to help build it. I LOVE the smell of smoke that comes from the fire....there is something so earthy and rustic about it - it soothes the soul!

We even had our very own camp radio. This sweet little Stellar's Jay pirched on the tree near our tent and sang for us - nature's very own music show!

Another one of our family's favorite activities is to skip stones in the stream. As you can see, not all the stones make it to the stream!...LOL

Trees...Trees everywhere! - Some are big and tall, some are short and stout...and some have holes in the middle that you can run about! :)

But to experience the true beauty of the park, you need to leave the crowds behind and head into alpine country. The solitude and jaw dropping views that you see are worth all the pain of hiking up 4000ft! :)

And if you get really lucky, you will see some amazing wildlife...like this mule deer...check those antlers.

This was the view from one of our alpine hikes - at 8500ft on top of a mountain summit!

I love this picture - Merrell, Keen & The North Face served us well for our 13.4miles of alpine hiking .

One of the most exciting activity was watching my 6 year old earn her junior ranger badge. She takes it very seriously and so do the rangers!

I hope these pictures inspire you to go visit this beautiful park nestled in the Sierra Nevada mountains and to really experience the park, take a hike and get into the back country...you will love it :).

And, contact us to create a customized trip to this Land of Giants complete wth maps, itinerary and detailed “must sees”!