As cold, foggy, rainy days settle into the lower mainland, we’ve been doing less hiking. When we do get out to hit the trails, we choose sheltered trails that aren’t likely to get muddy and slippery. Recently, a sunny weekend offered the perfect chance to hike up the high knoll in Minnekhada Regional Park. We packed sandwiches for a lunch at the top, along with tea to serve in my new Mountain and Sea Travel Tea set from Umi Tea Sets.
I received this tea set for the purposes of this review; all opinions expressed remain my own.
Taking Tea Hiking
The Umi travel tea sets come in a cozy carrying case to protect them while you’re adventuring. The cups nestle inside the tea pot and tea steeper in the solid foam case. The entire set is roughly the same size as a travel mug, making it convenient to slip into a backpack. We packed a thermos with hot water and tucked a couple tea bags in with the tea cups. While the set includes a tea steeper for loose leaf tea, I usually drink bagged teas and brought along my favourite afternoon tea, Bengal Spice.
On a rare sunny weekend, Minnekhada Regional Park was busy. We were able to snag one of the last parking spots in the lot and headed down the trail. Many of the trails at Minnekhada are wide and graveled, making them great for rainy days. We chose the trail straight across the park, over the causeway and several rock formations to the start of the High Knoll trail. My 7-year-old son loved scrambling over the rocks while we reminded him that wet roots can be slippery.
By the time we were climbing the trail to the viewpoint, we were starting to unzip coats. Joey was warm enough to be wearing only his T-shirt. Despite this, I was looking forward to the tea at the top, knowing that we might get cold once we stopped walking. As soon as we stepped onto the rocky summit of the hill, sunshine washed over us, along with amazement at the view. The Fraser River and its valley stretched away from us into the sunny mist.
We found a flat space on the rocks to spread out our backpacks. While Joey dug out the army men and dinosaurs he’d brought along for this break, I began brewing tea. The tea cups seem tiny, but this let the tea stay in the larger tea pot, keeping warm. Joey paused his play long enough to come enjoy a cup of tea with me, giving me a thumbs up that this was a great idea.
More about Umi Tea Sets
The Mountain and Sea tea set is made of high-quality clay, designed around the theme of quiet outdoor spaces, with simple lines tracing the mountains and rivers on the tea pot. The set is small and lightweight while still being practical. The set comes in green, blue or black, with a black carrying case.
With a so small tea set that bring the greatest partner for your trip, especially in the good time, going out to enjoy the natural scenery, but also share the aroma of tea and the fun of enjoying tea. And also could make tea in car. For the people who love enjoying tea when traveling, the Mountain and Sea Travel Tea Set have become an necessary personal effects.
Umi Tea Sets are made in China by a company that obviously takes pride in its work and delights in tea. Their products are beautiful and also practical, drawing you into not just the tea but also the traditions around tea. There was something special about sitting at the top of the viewpoint drinking tea from a beautiful little teacup and not just a thermos. It encouraged us to enjoy the view, the break, the chance to be here, and not just to arrive and look and leave again.
While I sipped my tea and ate my sandwich, Joey happily scrambled over the rocks with his army men and dinos. I often get caught up in getting there, but I reminded myself that this was good, that I could let him play and simply enjoy the sunshine, the tea, the quiet. There really was no rush to move on, so I poured another cup of tea.
After enjoying our tea, we packed up the remains of our lunches and Joey’s toys and started back down the trail. Warm and re-hydrated, we finished our hike by making a loop around the other, less-traveled side of the park. It was the perfect way to spend a sunny Sunday afternoon.
Shop Umi Tea Sets
Umi tea sets are a great gift idea for the tea lovers in your life, whether they enjoy their tea outdoors or indoors. Besides tea pots, tea cups, and tea sets, they also have a wide selection of tea leaves and tea accessories. Save up to 30% on tea sets and teas during their annual Christmas sale. You can also browse their blog for more tea-inspired information and ideas.
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