With her youngest daughter headed off to college, an era of baking comes to an end

Wendy Almeida

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Published
June 1, 2016

With her youngest daughter headed off to college, an era of baking comes to an end

A 4-H mom looks back at years of bake sales, fairs, cookie decorating parties and gingerbread houses.
Published
July 17, 2013

OUTDOORS: Evans Notch at its family friendliest

There are a lot of challenging hikes in Evans Notch in the White Mountains National Forest, but there are two hikes in this area that are great for families or those looking for a less challenging trek with great mountain views.
Published
July 12, 2012

OUTDOORS: A few nice surprises on hike

The kids and I were planning a trip to visit friends north of Lewiston and wanted to find a hiking trail in that area. That’s how I ran across a listing for Androscoggin Riverlands State Park. It’s only been an official state park since 2009, but the kids and I wished we had found it sooner. Well-marked trails, beautiful river vistas and some nice picnic table amenities had us giving the park a thumbs-up.
Published
June 9, 2012

Kid Tracks: Eyebrow and Old Speck trails both reward, challenge hikers

By WENDY ALMEIDA Assistant News Editor, Features The Eyebrow at Grafton Notch State Park is a trail on Old Speck Mountain that offers a lot of variety for hikers — from the cable handrails to the iron rungs and metal ladder to aid hikers across a small open rock face. Although it’s a steep climb, […]
Published
May 12, 2012

Kid Tracks: A view worth the effort

Caribou Mountain north of Fryeburg is no easy climb, yet so rewarding
Published
April 12, 2012

KID TRACKS: A family-friendly climb

Sabattus Mountain in Lovell is a gem of a place that offers an easy, family-friendly hiking adventure with spectacular views.
Published
March 15, 2012

OUTDOORS: Surprising items find place in first-aid kit

My family’s first-aid kit has seen plenty of action over the years. The tweezers have regularly removed ticks and the baby wipes have saved us from poison ivy outbreaks. The plastic card has earned a permanent place in our kit since we discovered its leech removal abilities, and we always carry small bottles of meat tenderizer and Benadryl after our run-in with yellow jackets.
Published
February 16, 2012

KID TRACKS: Wonderful winter hiking, light snow, false starts and all

There are a lot of variables to consider when hiking with kids. This is true of hiking with a dog as well. But there is one thing you can count on with both — a bathroom break will be needed within the first dozen steps of hitting the trail. Never in all the years I’ve been hiking with kids, and the few occasions I’ve taken a dog, have I avoided a false start.
Published
January 19, 2012

KIDS TRACKS: While waiting for snow, give skating a try

Mother Nature hasn’t felt like offering up much white stuff (until recently) for my family to enjoy our usual outdoor winter fun on skis and sleds. So, we’re adapting. The cold spell has offered conditions to get outdoor community ice skating rinks around southern Maine up and running.
Published
November 17, 2011

KID TRACKS: It’s a nice peek before peak

BROWNFIELD — The Burnt Meadow Mountain trail is a great way to take in the fall foliage. My family has hiked this trail quite a few times, but it seems for one reason or another we have never made it to the northern peak.