Hiking with a baby on board
 
A trip to the supermarket can seem a major expedition with a baby
in tow, let alone a 45 mile hike.
Yet experienced hiker, Jeff Alt, 39, wanted to share his passion for
the great outdoors with his 20-month-old daughter, Madison. He and wife
Beth, 32, trekked the Burren Way across the west coast of Ireland with
their little one in a backpack.
After flying into Shannon Airport they walked from Lahinch to Ballyvaughan,
over the course of eight days, staying at B&Bs along the way. They were
accompanied by nine family members, including Jeff’s four-year-old nephew,
Dylan.
Did you think your hiking days were over when your daughter was born?
I confess I was a bit anxious I'd have to hang up my boots with the
birth of Madison. Looking back, it was not a real fear. As soon as I realised
I could modify my adventures with child-friendly accommodation it opened
up a new chapter in my life with no regrets.
What was the trip like?
The Burren Way had a haunting Lord of the Rings feel. We saw grass-covered
ancient hills speckled with medieval granite, Walt Disney-style castle
ruins and rock hut remains overgrown with grass. For six days we followed
trail markers snaking along farm lanes, with the Atlantic Ocean and distant
islands in view. We trekked along the breathtaking Cliffs of Moher and
over rock fences through cow and sheep pastures.
How was Madison on the trip?
She enjoyed the entire journey. She looked like a mummy lathered in sunscreen
and insect repellent, layered in warm clothing, perched high on my back
with a weather cover draped over her. She learned to play the harmonica
as we trekked along and read her book tied to the side of her kid carrier.
The Irish loved her. They thought she was a doll. I've never experienced
so many people going out of their way to wave and comment on how cute
she is.
Describe a typical day
We would have breakfast at 8-8.30am and get on the trail by 10am at
the latest. Each day we walked for five or six hours. We went at a tortoise's
pace, stopping frequently to take photos and let the kids take a break.
Lunch was either eaten somewhere picturesque like a castle or viewpoint
or at a pub. We would check into the B&Bs early to mid afternoon. Beth
and I would put Madison down for a nap as soon as we checked in. In the
evenings we'd all go out for dinner - usually in pubs. The beef stew,
fresh battered cod, and smoked salmon were outstanding.
Did Madison get bored or restless?
There were too many new things to see for her to get bored and we stopped
often enough so that she never grew restless. We would walk along a pasture
of sheep, than we would see a horse. When she saw a horse she would say
"neigh, neigh" and "moo" when she saw a cow. Madison's cuteness and charm
had the entire group won over and she always seemed to have someone to
entertain her.
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