WikiHike

Recently, I discovered WikiHike.Org, which was launched on March 1, 2008 by two individuals desperate for a website with usable and accurate information about hikes around the world.

The two assembled a modest database of their past hiking adventures in an attempt to draw outside interest. After a month of allowing friends and family to add and edit articles WikiHike was released to the world.

The site includes a map where you can search for hikes that others have completed and learn the specifics about that hike. For instance, Mount Major located in Alton Bay, New Hampshireis on the map. Click on its location and up pops information about the mountain, trail-head, synopsis of hike and additional details.

In addition, since the site is a wiki, this allows others to add their hikes and information to the site so that others can benefit.

The goal of the site is to create and maintain the Internet’s greatest database for hiking knowledge and information. They are off to a good start. Make sure to check out WikiHike.Org before or after your next hike!

Winter activities for the kids

I recently received the January newsletter from the MOMS Club of Barrington, NH.

Heather Alexander is the President, and she had some great, cost-effective and creative ideas for entertaining the kids during the long winter months.

Here are the suggestions she offered:

1. SNOW: If you need a contained area outside for your little ones to play in the snow, then consider using your deck. You can also bring the snow inside by shoveling it into a sensory table in your kitchen or putting it in large mixing bowls on the kitchen floor. Give them playdough toys, action figures, plastic animals or whatever might jump start their imaginations. Just remember to throw lots of towels down to avoid slipping. In the end, you will have a very clean kitchen floor.

2. THE BATHTUB: Fill the tub part way with soapy water and give the kids sponges and pans, and let them pretend to clean.

3. IN THE YARD: Bundle the kids up from head to toe in snow suits and load them on to the sled. Be sure to have a rope attached so that you can pull them on a wintry wonderland tour. Make a pit stop to build a snowman or make snow angels. This is fun right after a heavy snow fall. Then go inside for a warm cup of cocoa.

4. THE KITCHEN TABLE: Squirt shaving cream on the table and let the kids finger paint with it. If you are worried about them eating it, then use whipped cream or vanilla pudding instead.

5. LOCAL RESOURCES: Visit the town library playroom, check out the Rumpus Room at the town gym and plan mini play dates with other moms during the week. Nobody has to wait until Friday to have a play date.