by Missie Hills | Aug 25, 2024 | Local Adventures, North America
After our vibrant stay in San Francisco, we hit the road and made our way to the tranquil town of Three Rivers, our gateway to exploring Sequoia National Park.
We rented a charming house right off the Kaweah River, which quickly became our peaceful haven. The serenity of the rushing river was mesmerizing; we spent our evenings by the firepit, listening to the water while staring at the night sky. Local restaurants were scarce, but we still found a couple great spots, including one spot that had the best chili I’ve ever tried (to my Texan heart’s surprise). Mornings were equally delightful, enjoying coffee by the fire with the fresh sourdough bread we had picked up in San Francisco, shaped like an adorable turtle.
On our first morning, we set out on the winding drive into Sequoia National Park. The road twisted and turned as we ascended the Sierra Nevada mountain ridge, and soon we were surrounded by a winter wonderland of snow. As we climbed higher, the mighty Sequoias began to appear, rising majestically from the earth. Their sheer size left us all in awe, a sight so grand it felt almost surreal.
We met our guide, Krista, at the visitor center, where she introduced us to snowshoeing, something entirely new to us Houstonians! The boys were thrilled, as it was Evey’s first real experience with snow. They couldn’t get enough of it, eager to eat the snow, make snow angels, and, of course, engage in a good snowball fight.
Our snowshoe hike took us deep into the forest, where Krista shared fascinating insights about the park, including the importance of controlled fires in ensuring the reproduction of Sequoias. The forest, draped in snow and veiled in a light fog, was breathtaking. One of the most memorable moments was sipping hot coffee under the towering Sequoias, surrounded by the serene beauty of the snow-covered landscape.
This snowshoe hike proved to be a challenge for all of us. Evey had a mild breakdown in the last stretch and cried the whole way to the car. He is still learning to love hiking I suppose. We coaxed him on with promises of ice-cream and a chance to explore the warm visitor center. Even still, by the end of it we were all ready to go home and rest.
The next day, we made the drive up the ridge once again. We couldn’t miss visiting the famous General Sherman Tree. Standing at over 275 feet tall and more than 36 feet in diameter at the base, this giant Sequoia is the largest living tree on Earth by volume. It was humbling to stand before such an ancient and massive tree, a true testament to the power and resilience of nature. The boys had renewed their energy and were ready to play in the snow once again.
After our snowy adventure, we descended back down to warmer ground and continued to explore the park. We hiked to see ancient petroglyphs and a beautiful waterfall, immersing ourselves in the natural and cultural history of the area. That evening, back at the house, we took a leisurely walk along the river, searching for the best rocks to add to our collection for the rock tumbler back home.
The next day, we decided to venture onto BLM land near the river, a local hiking spot recommended by our Airbnb host. We were thrilled to spot wild horses, including a foal, grazing in the distance. The hike was peaceful and offered stunning views of the surrounding landscape, a perfect way to close out our time in Three Rivers.
This trip to Sequoia National Park was a beautiful blend of adventure and tranquility. Our cozy house by the river felt like a home away from home, and we could easily have spent weeks soaking in the peaceful atmosphere. But the boys were already buzzing with excitement for our next destination… LEGOLAND! As we said farewell to Three Rivers, we carried with us the hope of returning one day to this serene and majestic place.
Until next time,
by Missie Hills | Aug 24, 2024 | Local Adventures, North America
For this year’s Spring Break, we decided to do make our way to California for an epic road trip. We had a goal to end our road trip in San Diego where Jason planned to join over hundreds of people in a mass hair donation fundraiser. We decided to start our road trip in San Francisco, a city I’ve been curious to visit since I was a young girl watching Full House with my family on Friday nights.
Our day in San Francisco began with a walk to the iconic Alamo Square, where we took in the stunning sight of the Painted Ladies, a perfect postcard view of the city’s famous Victorian and Edwardian architecture. These homes, with their ornate details and pastel hues, are prime examples of the “Queen Anne” style, a subgenre of Victorian architecture known for its decorative flair. The boys enjoyed playing in the park, while Jason and I enjoyed the views of the beautiful houses. Of course, we had to sit on the hill pretending to have a picnic just like in the opening scene of Full House. It was a quintessential San Francisco moment, with the city skyline as our backdrop.
From there, we set off on a long walk towards the Golden Gate Park, a vast green space in the heart of the city that stretches over 1,000 acres. Fun fact: the park is actually 20% larger than New York City’s Central Park! As we made our way through the city streets, we stopped to admire several famous homes, including the Grateful Dead House and Janis Joplin’s pink house in Haight-Ashbury. The neighborhood was alive with color and energy, and we couldn’t resist popping into several resale shops. We all ended up with funky sunglasses, perfect for embracing the area’s eclectic vibe.
Golden Gate Park was a dream for the boys, who ran off their energy as soon as we arrived. We rode the historic carousel, a charming relic from 1914, and marveled at the towering redwoods that seemed almost out of place in the middle of the city. The park is truly a sanctuary, with its botanical gardens, lakes, and hidden paths, offering a peaceful retreat from the urban hustle.
After our park adventure, we headed to a local brewery where Jason discovered some rare whiskey to try, an unexpected find in a city known for its craft beer. We then made our way to Chinatown, one of the oldest and most established Chinatowns in the U.S. Here, we found the famous Fortune Cookie Factory, where we watched as these delightful treats were made by hand. The boys were fascinated, and we left with a bag full of warm, freshly made cookies.
As the day began to wind down, we drove over the iconic Golden Gate Bridge, making our way to Battery Spencer just in time for sunset. The views were absolutely stunning, with the bridge glowing in the soft evening light against the backdrop of the bay and the city. It was one of those moments that felt almost surreal, a perfect end to a day of exploring.
The next morning, we woke up early and made our way to the pier to catch a ferry to Alcatraz. Walking the halls of the old prison was an eerie experience, and the boys found it all wonderfully spooky. I loved searching for birds throughout the island and exploring the beautiful gardens that thrive despite the harsh conditions.
When we returned to the mainland, we were starving. We walked over to Pier 39. Despite the area being packed with chain restaurants and tourist traps, we stumbled upon an amazing seafood restaurant that exceeded all our expectations. We feasted on fresh, delicious seafood, savoring every bite. E loved the clams in a white wine sauce. Before heading back, we stopped to watch the famous sea lions lounging on the docks, just another quintessential San Francisco experience that delighted the kids.
As we left the city to continue our California adventure, I reflected on our time in San Francisco. It’s an eclectic and friendly place, full of surprises and rich with history. One of my favorite things about the city was seeing all the people walking their dogs. San Francisco is definitely a dog city, through and through. The city had won us over, and I found myself already looking forward to our next visit.
Until next time,
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