If you live in or near McCall, there is a good chance you're here because you love recreating and being outdoors. Being pregnant can put a damper on some of your activities but as long as you have your care provider's ok, there should be no reason why you can't continue to do some moderate hikes if that's something you enjoy.
That being said, it can be reassuring to know you have communication with the outside world if you are in the woods and either don't have a hiking buddy and/or are later on in your pregnancy. So, we've put together a list of some great hikes in McCall to get you outdoors but keep you in cell range for your peace of mind. (Please note that while these hikes tend to have decent coverage every phone and phone provider is different in where they pick up good signals) 1. Ponderosa Park - there are several great hiking trails in Ponderosa. They are all pretty easy hikes with great scenary and lots of options to make it as short or long of an exursion as you want. 2. Crestline Trail/Blackwell Lake - Just off of East Side Drive, Crestline trail has a bit of a climb right off the bat but then you stay at a fairly constant elevation for the rest of the hike until it's time to head back down. There's a great loop that can be done going up to Blackwell and back down Crestline but it is about 10 miles so be sure you're up for some walking. 3. Bear Basin - just west of McCall, Bear Basin is one of our favorite places to go play in the summer. Lots of trail options and super easy access to town. 4. Boulder Lake - It takes a little bit more driving to get out to Boulder but well worth it. This four mile round trip hike will reward you with some amazing views at the lake. It's not a particularly challenging trail but be prepared that you will be doing a fair bit of steady climbing most of the way up to the lake. It is also a VERY popular trail in McCall in the summer so if you go on a weekend be prepared to have lots of company! 5. Louie Lake - Louie Lake starts out at the same trail head as Boulder Lake (you can actually do a beautiful 7-ish mile loop from one lake to the other but you may not have reliable cell service for the middle portion of the hike), but you head off in a different direction. This hike is a little shorter than Boulder but with a little more elevation gain. 5. Goose Creek Falls - This 6 mile hike round trip hike is a nice mellow trail that ends at a beautiful waterfall. The trail leaves from the Last Chance Campground, about halfway between McCall and New Meadows. *These are not intended to be formal trail directions or descriptions. Please do your own research before you head out and make sure you are adequately prepared.
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Admittedly, it's easier to pass the time in McCall in the summer than in the spring, but when your 9 months pregnant the days can seem to drag by no matter how glorious the weather. So, here are 9 things to do in McCall when you're 9 months pregnant in summer to help enjoy your last days of pregnancy:
1. Visit Charlie's Garden - this privately maintained garden tucked around the lake like a tiny oasis of color in the summer. Bring a book, bring a picnic, bring a camera, and enjoy the flowers, shade and beauty of this secluded retreat. 2. Have a Beach Day - A beach day at the lake that is. You may want to do this on a weekday if you can to avoid the major crowds but either way, stick your toes in the sand, and soak up some summer sun (don't forget sun screen and hydration). 3. Treat Yourself to Ice Cream Alley (for the baby, of course) - Pregnant. Summer. Ice cream. Need I say more? 4. Manicure - Maybe you need to get out of the heat for a bit so why not pamper yourself with a manicure before baby arrives if that's your thing. 5. Buy Yourself Flowers at the Farmer's Market - Stop by the Farmer's market if it happens to be a Wednesday or Saturday and treat yourself to bouquet of summer flowers. Something about fresh cut flowers just makes the day a little brighter. 6. Paddle up the Payette River - If you're in need of some relaxation, why not get a friend and paddle up the North Fork of the Payette river? It's beautiful, calm, and you may get luck and spot a moose while you're out. 7. Coffee at Mountain Java - Not just coffee, but coffee with a view. Take a little time to sit outside, sip your drink and dream about the baby you'll soon be holding in your arms. 8. Take an afternoon and put the finishing touches on the baby's room - Still have a laundry list of tasks you want to finish up in the baby's room before their grand entrance? Dedicate an afternoon to getting some things crossed off your list so you can feel one step closer to being prepared for your sweet bundle. 9. Visit the Fire Department and Get Your Car Seat Professionally Installed (for free) - that's right, they have professionally trained car seat techs at the fire department who are happy to install your car seat so you can be confident that it is as safe as possible. If you're looking for more ideas you can check out our Spring Edition HERE. You're pregnant. You're tired. And you want to know why your back has suddenly decided it hates you. Well, there are several reasons for backaches during pregnancy. Hormones create relaxin which loosen the joints and ligaments. It's great for pushing a baby through your pelvis but it can also cause weakness in the back muscles. Pregnancy weight gain and a shifting center of gravity can put more pressure on the spine and contribute to back discomfort. In addition, emotional stress can present itself as back pain and for some pregnancy in addition to other life obligations can increase stress levels during pregnancy. While it can be nice to know some of the "whys" what we really want to know is how to ease the discomfort, am I right? Just as there are numerous reasons, there are numerous options for relief.
1. Mild exercise can help strengthen your back and relieve stress, though always talk to your care provider before starting any new exercise programs. 2. Gentle yoga that is safe for pregnancy can feel fantastic to stretch and strengthen your back muscles. You can either do this in the comfort of your own home or visit one of the yoga studios in McCall as they are usually more than happy to help you modify any flows to be pregnancy safe. 3. Alternating heat and cold packs on your back can relieve some discomfort. 4. Acupuncture and chiropractic care are also ways many women have found beneficial in combatting back pain. 5. And, there are also some simple tips like squatting to reach things on the floor instead of bending over and wearing a pregnancy support band that can be helpful. If you are interested in learning more, our private birth classes are full of tips to help combat common pregnancy discomforts. |