Growing up, it was the friend’s with forested land that created the most memories. Those with access trails had an entry into an endless world of adventure adding enormous character to what would otherwise be a simple traditional property. This was the determining factor when choosing my first house. It had to have or abut forested land.
This is a Map of my first trail network on that 17 acre lot. I created this network after hiking spruce mountain where my infant was happy as a clam for the 2 hour hike. Having this resource, we were outside for two hikes a day. Her only request was a recitation of a nursery rhyme board book by occasionally announcing Ba Ba Black! We went on a rotating route throughout the network. Later on I pulled my 1 year old in a homemade pulk sled on the gentle trails all through the winter. A tradition that continues today with an ice fishing sled big enough for my 2 kids. Our cat would follow us along the trails.
My kids have reached an age where they are enchanted by their play in the natural spaces I have created access to.