Hiking with Tots: A Trip to Tortola's Sage Mountain

I'm of the belief that the natural world is a child's greatest playground, which is why you will find me outside with our kids as much as possible. Maria Montessori - founder of the renowned Montessori method of education - once said, "A child, more than anyone else, is a spontaneous observer of nature" and watching the wheels start turning when a little kid discovers a mud puddle or a giant leaf or a lizard on a branch is proof positive of this fact. There simply is no replacement for the natural world and the benefits of simply being in nature are vast. We are fortunate to live in an environment and community very conducive to outdoor play, and it just so happens that we also have a pretty beautiful National Park, Sage Mountain, just up the road. 

Scott, always more ambitious in his outings with our daughters, took all three for their first hiking experience at Sage Mountain a few weeks ago. On their own tiny legs, our trio hiked all the way to the top, and despite the fact that the hike is by no means 'difficult', we still found this impressive for an almost four year old and a pair of two year olds to accomplish with little protest. After that successful excursion, we have returned as a family two more times in the last two weeks, it's an easy way to kill a couple of hours where the kids are using their bodies and exploring in nature. Win/win all around.

Arriving at the gate of the park you are struck with two interesting sensations that are distinct deviations from those which we experience at sea level; the first is the smell. The magnificent perfume of damp earth, fallen leaves and wet moss fills the air. "Mmm....it smells so good mommy" exclaimed Isla when we stepped out of the car. It's distinct earthiness is both refreshing and energizing. The second sensation, is the temperature. The canopy of trees and foliage envelops you in it's mottled cocoon, taking you in completely. The almost impenetrable shade creates a damp coolness which is a welcome change from the wonderful, but unforgiving, tropical sun.

There are several trails you can take around the park, we opt to drive to the base and follow the well marked trails to the "highest point in the BVI". The hike can be a meandering stroll or a vigorous walk, it's up to you. There is a little restaurant at the base and the proprietor will give you a (rudimentary) map and help point you in the right direction. The paths are obvious, and while the girls and I - along with my sister - did manage to get a bit lost on our most recent excursion (were we supposed to go left or right at the fork?), it's a small enough hill that retracing your steps back to square one isn't too hard. It's all part of the adventure, and it's always an adventure with little tykes in tow.

The panoramas from the top are, of course, incredible. Vast azure water with islands dotting the horizon everywhere you look. It's peaceful and serene at the top, and with the cool forest air kissing your shoulders it's impossible not to have a feeling of calm as you take it all in. All is right in the world. Quintessential paradise. The place where the sea meets the sky. Where the forest greets the shore. Where the shade gives way to the sun. Nature at it's absolute finest. 

Mira and my mom learning about Sage at the base of the main trail.

Isla is our family "champion" hiker. Never complains, never falters. Just keeps putting one foot in front of the other.

Puddles are Mira's absolute FAVORITE. What kid doesn't love a good mud puddle? And who are we to deny them?

Checking out the unique "skeleton" of a giant leaf in the final stage of decomposition.

Grandpa and Mira

Beautiful. The light, the lush foliage, the circle of life.

Isla found this little fruit/flower. She's got the eyes of a Serengeti tracker.

Isla leading the way, and Haven found a friend to walk with for a moment.

"The woods are lovely, dark and deep. But I have promises to keep, and miles to go before I sleep" -Frost

The beauty is in the details.

This child will climb anything and everything. The world is her playground!

Grandpa and Haven. 

We bring along snacks, in this case dried mango, to munch along the way. Snacks are key when hiking with tots!

My flaxen haired wild child.

Anyone else a fan of "The Lorax?" This reminds Isla and I of a Truffala Tree!

This happy little sprite loves to hike, climb and explore. Our girls are monkey's!

One of the many incredible views from the top. 

Take a Hike

One of the best aspects of this lifestyle is the proximity to nature.  Getting out and exploring is a regular occurrence and being out and about amongst the local flora and fauna are a daily indulgence.  There is no shortage of scientific information that states how beneficial being outside in nature is for the development of a small mind and body - and, lucky for Isla, she's basking in it each and every day.  Of course we adults get some good stuff out of it too... Yesterday, we took a two hour hike to the top of beautiful Marigot Bay (touted to be one of the most beautiful anchorages in the Caribbean though for us it will forever be associated with flies).  I don't have much to say about it other than it was lovely.  A great couple of hours spent getting sweaty and dirty...in nature.  Nature is, indeed, nurturing.

First we took a little trolley up the hill to the start of the trail.  Isla loved it.

Just look at that little face!

A natural umbrella!

Her favorite thing at the moment are hermit crabs.  She loves making the pinching gesture.

At the top

Time for a snack

This sweet little face melts my heart about a million times a day.

She's an adrenaline junkie.

The trail.

We enjoyed a little rest and drink at Dolittle's Restaurant post hike.  Complete with kiss attacks, of course.

Hiking in the Bahamas

The islands of the Bahamas, for the most part, are pretty low lying.  Brush is thick, trees are squat, and the hills aren't much.  Despite the lack of contour, some of the larger islands offer nice trails with beautiful panoramas and interesting things to see.  One of our "goals" of cruising this time is to explore the islands inland a little more and, so far, we've been doing a pretty good job of getting off the boat and exploring.  We strap Isla into the baby carrier , pack a backpack full of water, cameras and snacks and we're good to go for a few hours. 

Hikes of Lee Stocking

A nest at eye-level

This spider was huge. 3 inches long with legs.  Scott walked into the web of one of these and it almost stopped him.

A naturalist in the making?

Our trail, here we're at a "high point"

These are seeds off of a tree. Natures decor!

Since she was born Isla has always loved being outside.

Interesting mollusks are attached to the rocks and trees.  These were about an inch long.

Look closely down the center and you'll see the old, abandoned airstrip.  Very rustic down here.

Another perk of hiking is that they often lead to private beaches.