Small Feet, Big Land: Adventure, Home, and Family on the Edge of Alaska

by Erin McKittrick

Small Feet, Big Land follows the expeditions and daily life of a family of four: Erin McKittrick and her husband, Hig, lifelong adventure trekkers, set out to explore the vast and remote wild corners of Alaska with their two young children in tow.

After trekking thousands of miles through harsh and beautiful wilderness together, Erin and Hig must adjust to the short attention span — and short legs — of a toddler and the weight of a newborn baby, as they walk Alaska’s rapidly changing coastline. While visiting remote Arctic villages, touring a zinc mine, and exploring for two months on one of Alaska’s largest glaciers, Erin sees the dramatic effects of climate change on the landscape around her, and considers the very different world in which her children may live one day.

Whether huddling in the pelting rain, facing a curious grizzly bear, eating whale blubber with new friends, or picking berries on the sunny tundra their unconventional adventures draw Erin’s family — and readers — closer together as they explore the intersection of wilderness and industry in America’s wildest state.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Parenting, Adventure, Travel, Biography, Family

224 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2013

About the author

Erin McKittrick grew up in Seattle, exploring the nearby Cascade Mountains with her family. She met her husband Hig at Carleton College, where she graduated with a BA in Biology in 2001. That summer, they took off on their first major Alaskan adventure together, and haven't looked back since then. Erin has a master's degree in Molecular Biology. In addition to writing, she works as a photographer, a jewelry manufacturer, for an environmental consulting firm, and runs a small environmental non-profit, Ground Truth Trekking, along with her husband. Ground Truth Trekking (www.GroundTruthTrekking.org) uses journeys like A Long Trek Home to explore the complexities of natural resource issues. She lives with her husband and son in Seldovia, Alaska, a 300 person village just off the end of the road system.

Reviews

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

It wasn’t edge-of-my-seat adventure or heart-achingly well-written, but it was pretty much just what I was looking for: a travelogue that had a bit of adventure, a lot of logistics around what it’s like to adventure with young children, and insight into the harsh but beautiful way of life in Alaska.

[Ashley · Rating 3 out of 5]

The best parts of Small Feet, Big Land are the stories of Erin and Hig navigating the sort of life I wish I had the courage to live. I loved hearing about their life living as close to the Alaskan land as possible. Having lived in Anchorage, Alaska's "big city" I always wondered about people in Alaska living so close to me from a geographic perspective, but essentially living in a totally different world. The stories of their adventures with two small children were some of the best parts of the book. It seems so impossible, and yet, they push through. They're exposing their children to this amazing life, and this beautiful world, and still having adventures as a family.

The undertone of the book that focuses so strongly on global warming definitely makes this a book only a small percentage of people will love. Which is a shame. Even though I am aligned with Erin and Hig politically in regards to their worries about climate change, it wasn't what I wanted to hear about. I wanted more about life in the Yurt, about the changing of Seldovia and how the lack of new children being born in their town is affecting their community as a whole. I wanted to know more about their community. How it functions, how it is to live a life cut from the mainland. I wanted to hear more about their adventures with two small children, about animal encounters and gardening in a world where the clock is against you. I just wanted to hear more about this different version of life they lead and how the challenges us readers read about with mouth-agape is simply another day for them.

I think without the climate change portion of the book, stories like these could take the book from niche readership, to Wild size readership. But at the end of the day, I'll read anything about Alaska I can get my hands on...

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to win a copy of this book as a goodreads first reads winner.

I really enjoyed reading Small Feet Big Land mostly because I consider myself an adventurer, a new mom, and even a scientist. At times I've caught myself wondering how long I will have to wait until I can start my next adventure. Reading this book let me see that having a young child doesn't have to stop you from what you love to do, just might have to tweak it a little.

I really enjoyed Erin Mckittricks insight into her trip, her children, and climate change- all constant themes throughout the book. Though I am no where near the adventurer she is, I did enjoy reading about life in a yurt, explorations across glaciers (2 months! With 2 small children!), and climate change in Alaska.

One of my favorite things about Erin is that even though she seems to be a superwoman in her own right, she's completely relatable. She struggles, loses patience, and admits when she's having a hard time- physically and emotionally. I love books like this one, but it's hard to enjoy them sometimes when an author seems like a 2 month voyage with a 9 month old and a 2 and a half year old across ice, in the fall is no big deal. So thank you Erin, for being genuine. You give people like me hope that I can still accomplish greatness with my child, but remind me, it's not always going to be easy.

All in all, great book. Especially if you like adventures, have small children, or are curious about signs of climate change.

Oh, and I just have to mention, I love how Erin "looks" at her children. The way she writes about them and how their perceive their environment, is truly endearing. :)

[Carol J · Rating 4 out of 5]

Small Feet, Big Land takes you on an adventure and learning experience with a family who is not afraid to live their dream. The experience is told in an honest and open way that lets you feel like they are real people you can relate to. Their life style is not for everyone but I admire the courage of their convictions.

The writing style is a little choppy but does not detract from the story and I found it to be an enjoyable read. This book takes you to places in Alaska that most of us would not plan to go. We are exposed to the elements of the wild back country with beauty and a healthy serving of reality and enough shared knowledge of the changes and why they are happening to educate us about the important matters we all have to face.

Taking these journeys with such young children in tow is eye opening for everyone involved. The experience of sharing the ideas and trials from the adult's point of view and incorporating the children's simple pleasure of living life in an environment that is breathtaking and dangerous at the same time reminds me that many of us overlook the simple pleasures in life.

The reality that each and everyone of us make decisions every day that impact the future of the world is brought home as Erin explains how climate change is a chain reaction that we may or may not be able to affect. She does not preach but she does inform in a way that I hope will make a lasting change in the decisions that I and any other readers make in our lives.

[Mary Robinson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Interesting true story of a couple who live in Alaska in a yurt and, as much as their financial situation will allow, pursue their passion of exploring Alaska during long backpacking trips. She is a biologist studying climate change and she wrote the book. Her husband is a geologist. What is amazing is the two-month trip they take to a glacier where no one else is. Wow that seems hard! But what makes it extraordinary to me is they go with their two-year-old boy and infant girl.

[Sue · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author and her husband- very experienced hikers, backpackers- both scientists studying climate control and "crucial natural resource issues facing Alaska an the world. They take their children, 2 1/2 and 8 months old on a 2 month exploration of the Alaskan Malaspina Glacier. Flown in and left off - preplanned caches of food and supplies are dropped ahead of their hike- they backpack all the rest of their supplies (everything has been tried/tested)and the children on this adventure. Amazing planning, interesting insight into their findings, and incredible how these very competent parents make the trip with scientific research combined with including the kids. Excellent read!

[Patrice La Vigne · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read Erin’s other book about their 4,000-mile trek/ski/raft across Alaska pre-kids with Hig, her husband. This is a follow-up of their life with kids. They live in a yurt in Seldovia, and this book details that life, where they basically homestead on steroids! But they also venture off into the wild for two months for the sake of conservation research, with the kids in tow. I literally do not know how these hardcore Alaskan mamas do it, but they never cease to amaze (and inspire) me to live more sustainably and adventurously, even without kids!

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I selected this title to motivate me into the backcountry travel that I abandoned when my daughter turned 3 and I could no longer carry her. I hoped to find inspiration that would result in me pulling guide books and setting itineraries. Instead, I found the story of a woman who at times is fearless and at times reckless (in the most wonderful way). It should be noted that Erin‘s adventures are possible, largely due to her husband accompanying her and their shared passion. but nonetheless, her documented accounts into the far reaches of Alaska, are beautiful and thrilling.

[Arthur Ransome · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am not usually one to d
I am not usually one to rate a book five stars, but this book is exceptional. A wonderful concoction of parents
I am not usually one to rate a book five stars, but this book is exceptional. A wonderful concoction of parenthood, adventure, and brutally honest first-hand experience with the devastating effects of climate change. Beautifully written, I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a great read.

[Susan Strayer]

So inspiring!

This well written account of adventure in Alaska with two babies is inspiring and challenges me to live life a little more richly.

[Owen Ramku · Rating 1 out of 5]

It tickled my toes violently.

[Meg Thomson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Highly recommend for Alaskan parents.

[Oliver · Rating 3 out of 5]

*I won this book in a Goodreads First Reads giveaway.*

I did not know much about this book but was intrigued because I am planning an expedition to Alaska with a small group within the next year. Would the book be a hiking how-to? A guide to parenting in strenuous circumstances? Or simply the satiation of one's curiosity of the limits of nature and of themselves? Well, it turned out to be that and much more.

Author Erin McKittrick and her husband, Hig, met in college (where they studied biology and geology respectively) and shortly after graduating went on their first Alaskan adventure together. Six years (and "three thousand miles of wildnerness wandering") later they gave away most of their possessions and walked to Alaska, where they settled in the small village of Seldovia. The book focuses on a handful of excursions that took place after the birth of their two children, Katmai and Lituya. There is practical knowledge, like catching salmon and warding off bears; there is backpacking terminology, like packrafting; and an abundance of both family and communal lessons.

Another large theme, which I did not expect but found immensely interesting, was the observation of the effects of climate change in a part of the world where they are most drastic and obvious - the Malaspina Glaciers lose 5 feet of ice a year, and the citizens of Kivalina are facing the very real and impending threat of relocating their entire village due to rapid shoreline erosion The author also sheds light on other environmental concerns, including waning sea life populations and water contamination due to ore mines. She discusses the impact of hatcheries, whaling, imports, coal mines, and logging; and how the necessity/morality of such acts is not such a clean-cut case in Alaska, where industry, culture, and lifestyle depend heavily on these things.

One of the coolest things about the window into these concerns is that the author actually has visited all these places and met with its inhabitants. She does not cite many studies or give strings of numbers and percentages, but that is not the point of this book. But if you are interested in figures, here's one: the average sea level before the last ice age was 20+ feet higher than today, and the temperature was 3.6°F warmer. Those 3.6 degrees has been set as the global target not to be exceeded in order to avoid any cataclysmic ramifications. Furthermore, McKittrick adds that climate change models predict that the global temperature may very well rise those 3.6 degrees as soon as 2100.

Despite all of the aforementioned themes though, the book was still missing some sort of "oomph." The subject is certainly interesting and informative, but not presented in the most exciting way. The travelers experience discomfort and setbacks; meet down-to-earth natives and disingenuous PR representative; and sight bears and wolverines; but it all comes across too casual or manageable to push the reader to continue reading. The lack of sensationalism and wallowing is appreciated, but when reading a self-proclaimed adventure book, one expects a little more... well, drama, for lack of a better word. Maybe the problem is that the dangers and ailments did not come across vividly enough, or maybe I just wanted more plot-driven narration than objective observation.

But at the end of the day, the book stands as a touching testament of family togetherness, a personal look at climate change, inspiring proof to aspiring adventurists that anyone can brave the untamed safely and smartly, and an overall enjoyable read.

If nothing else, this book is full of quotes (e.g. "with dry feet, I would have seen a lot less of the world than I have today," and "adventure is a mistake one makes on purpose") that may very well be what encourage you to stop talking about that seemingly unachievable excursion and actually get out and take it.

[Spring Waters · Rating 3 out of 5]

An overall very interesting book. I initially was interested in it because so many people believe once you have children, that your adventuring days are over. I know this isnt true as my parents managed it with four young children. Still, its always interesting to see how others maneuver their lives to still go and see adventure.
Unfortunately the title is a tad misleading with most of the book being devoted to mental explorations on the effects of climate change. While I'm not opposed to reading about this, and it is well done, I was hoping for more rumination and storytelling on the children themselves. Another interesting note is that her partner (who is arguably a very important part of the authors life), is represented in something like three or four instances of single word responses. In other words, we barely get to "see" him though the entire book. Similarly, the children are either lumps being carried or screaming. Maybe that's how it truly was/is (i'm not in this position obviously) but there is so little focus in the book on the children it left me a tad disappointed.

[Amy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a different book that I expected it would be when I picked it up. According to the title and the synopsis on the back cover, I assumed that this memoir would focus on wilderness travel with baby or toddler or a combination of the two. And so it was, but less so than I imagined. I was ready to get all inspired and amped up to start making babies just so I could take them out on expeditions! Of course, when I re-read the back cover, I saw that this was a classic example of having seen what I wanted to see: indeed, there is mention of the other theme of the book, one I feel McKittrick would have done well to emphasize less, even though this appears to be what she was REALLY writing the book about: climate change. Now, I’m no nay-sayer, and I heartily agree that this is one of the most important issues of our time, but with a title like Small Feet, Big Land, one would be led to believe this to be the story what happens when adventurous young adults incorporate their tiny children into their travelling lifestyle. Instead, this is a book about climate change, and the couple just happen to take their kids along with them as they document glaciers and mine sites. She evokes the horror of climate change with her words much more powerfully than she evokes the wonder of seeing and interacting with wilderness landscape from a child’s point of view. For every image McKittrick draws of her child playing in the glacial silt near a stream, she counters with a reminder that those children will grow up with a very different world than they are experiencing now, and their children even more so. True, sure, but instead of inspired, all I felt was depressed.

[Liz · Rating 3 out of 5]

I live on the Kenai Peninsula so I'm familiar with Erin's home environment (though not the glaciers, etc, that she travels to!) There's just something about her writing that bothers me but I can't quite put my finger on it. I really had to slog through this book, despite the amazing places she visits and describes. Maybe that was sort of the point...it was definitely written at toddler speed. (Though I felt that way about her first book, too.) I just don't think she is a great storyteller. And I feel like she is judging Alaskans after just a short time living here. For example, she refers to folks in the local area as engaging in "faux subsistence." While I agree that we have access to other food resources and are not engaged in a subsistence lifestyle in the true sense of the word, it is still an important aspect in many of our lives here. Erin obviously takes part in that. But to use the label "faux" suggests that it isn't a worthy endeavor. Perhaps just poor word choice, but this is the sort of thing that turned me off.

On one hand, I am impressed and sort of awed by the tenacity of Erin and Hig, and their travels. And I think it is really important to expose your kids to the natural environment. On the other hand, it seems that their more extreme travels (2 months on a glacier) were more about doing something they--the adults-- wanted to do, with some pretty significant discomfort to their young children. I'm not suggesting they harmed their kids in any way, but the trip seemed to be more about meeting the parents' needs than the kids. I don't know. I feel conflicted about this entire book.

[Sharry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm very picky about books about Alaska, particularly books written by people who haven't been here very long. I suppose it's just snobbishness after almost 46 years growing up in this marvelous place. Erin Mckittrick, in Small Feet, Big Land, as well as in her previous book, A Long Trek Home, managed to do a great job of not pissing me off or making me roll my eyes. Her experience with Alaska has been very different than mine: I haven't spent weeks and months bushwhacking hundreds of miles just to see what's there, the seeming focus of Erin's life with her husband, Hig. I appreciate, however, as she relates not only her experiences in nature, but also with Alaska's Native and non-Native populations, that she is able to do so without romanticizing it. She portrays her life and experiences in a very humble, honest, down-to-Earth manner, and I appreciate that. Her focus in Small Feet, Big Land was global climate change and her direct experience of its effects, a topic that's hard not to discuss without being preachy, but Erin managed it without being overbearing in her preaching. I definitely recommend both of Erin Mckittrick's books for those who another view of Alaska.

[Karen M · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is partly about Erin and her husband Hig taking their kids on an adventure which they were too young to remember, the kids, not Erin and Hig. It's also about one of the few places so vast and under populated that you can go days, weeks, even months without meeting anyone else, Alaska. But sadly it is also about global warming and the effect on Alaska and on the rest of the world.

Alaska, just the name alone conjures up thoughts of snow and sled dogs and cold, very cold. Erin and Hig live outside of Seldolvia, Alaska, in a yurt where they do get lots of snow but the temperature is more moderate. Yes, it's more than a tent and less than a house but it suits their needs and their downscaled lifestyle of being ecologically aware.

Their lifestyle is not for everyone, me included, but this book is interesting and was an education for me. I recommend this book for those armchair adventurers and for anyone who might venture forth on their own adventure in Alaska.

This book was won in a FirstReads giveaway.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erin McKittrick and her husband Hig have adventured all over Alaska--first as a couple, secondly as a family with a baby on their backs, and lastly--at the heart of this book--as parents with a two year old son and 8 month old baby daughter traveling on the Malaspina Glacier on Alaska's Lost Coast, "my favorite terrible place in the world", says Erin. The book begins with some of Erin and Hig's "easier" treks and also includes chapters on their self-sufficient life living in a yurt in the 400-person fishing town of Seldovia. For me, the best part were the stories of the Malaspina Glacier trip. Erin brilliantly weaves together the life of a family on a trek with stunning descriptions of the beauty and danger of traveling upon a glacier and the concerns of herself and Hig as scientists as they literally watch the Malaspina Glacier melting before their eyes. The fact that they were also carrying two tiny children in diapers left me with my jaw hanging open. I loved it. I would never do it but I loved it!

[Cindy · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've read many adventure books but never one that included small children. This book gives us all some great insight into how resilient small children are and if surrounded with courage, faith and hope then even the impossible is possible.

It amazed me that the writer and her husband had their small children out in the wilds of Alaska. I would never have thought this remotely possible. I know this book was also about Global warming and the effect it is having on Alaska and the world but it was wonderful that the writer could migrate the story of her family into the chapters.

This a good read for those that are thinking away from it all and finding a more simple life. It is also good if you would like more information on Global Warming and how it may impact the future generation.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Imagine a 2 month trip walking on glaciers and visiting uninhabited areas of Alaska, in the winter, with nothing but what you can carry on your back. Imagine being constantly cold and wet, holding down your tent as storms blow through, and watching for bears as you trek through the wilderness. Now imagine doing it with an infant and toddler! Erin and Hig live a very unconventional life in Alaska, raising their children in a Yurt and going on adventures regularly to explore and document the things they see. They are both scientists and are visiting different parts of Alaska to see how global warming is affecting the world around them. It is a very interesting and informative read concerning Alaska and how it is changing. More interesting though, is their day to day life in Alaska, raising their family. I only wish more pictures would have been included.

[Saskiasauce · Rating 3 out of 5]

Since I had my children I am more an arm chair traveler than an adventurer. If I ever was before. The lives of Erin and Hig and their beautifully named children Katmai and Lituya fascinate me. I enjoyed reading this book, but I do feel that it lacked a story arc. There is no progress, no growth, no tension. It is a beautiful account of an incredible time living on top of a glacier, the Malaspina Glacier in Alaska. And maybe that is enough. But I am still waiting for an even more engaging account of life and travel with this family.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this right after having my second baby, and I had the simultaneous thoughts "this woman is crazy" and "wow that is how you do it." One amazing, fearless, step at a time, but nothing more than that. I really liked her descriptions of the wilderness and of the experience, she brings you along without any extra hyperbole or navel gazing. I really enjoyed it. (I didn't read her first book about walking to Alaska, but they made a video/movie which was really great and equally unpretentious).

[Erica Stanojevic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ah, a climate change book filled with toddler cuteness! This book is more motivational than climate change depressing - as in, if they can live with two kids on a glacier than at least maybe I can take mine car camping.... Climage change is addressed, but more as a how much question rather than an absolute destruction alarm. Also, some parenting things are definately put into perspective. Worth a read, especially if you have/want kids!

[L.C. · Rating 5 out of 5]

What fantastic stories of Erin and Hig's adventures--big adventures--with 1 and 2 kids! I'm definitely ready for adventuring!

Erin's beautiful, poetic description creates incredible imagery. Her reflection on her own carbon footprint and life choices make one pause. I definitely want to do more bike commuting, feel guilty for not doing more previously. Fine line of hypocrisy between petroleum-product user and climate change fighter.

Definitely a recommended read!

[Lillsa · Rating 4 out of 5]

A thoughtful exploration of the Alaskan landscape, raising children, and climate change. I admire Erin's ability to be able to switch from the live-in-the-now moment of a 2-year-old, to pondering how climate change will affect her children when they are full-grown, to thoughts of how the landscape has changed on a glacial timeline.

[Jamie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book. I am so not an outdoor person, but enjoyed Erin's tales of an outdoor life in Alaska. Adventuring with a toddler and baby is quite impressive. Her writing was very real and entertaining.

[Matt Heavner · Rating 5 out of 5]

great read spanning the "mundane" to the profound (child rearing to global climate change -- you decide which is mundane and which is profound! :) A very well written story of a young family on an amazing expedition. Thought provoking, humorous, and insightful.

[Brooke · Rating 4 out of 5]

Kudos for undertaking such adventures with small children. I appreciate how Erin is real about feeling miserable, cold and wet a lot of the time, which I gather happens a lot when you hike in Alaska in the fall.

[Susan · Rating 4 out of 5]

Erin and Hig have taken parenthood to the extreme. I admire the courage and am impressed with the stories. this is a fascinating book about living in an isolated village in Alaska and exploration in Alaska. I recommend this book.