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,
by Missie Hills | Jul 11, 2024 | Local Adventures, North America
Our family adventure to Big Bend National Park began with a long nine-hour road trip, full of anticipation, from our home in Houston to the ghost town of Terlingua. We rented a charming little house that would serve as our base for the next few days. The first night was spent exploring the eerie remnants of the ghost town, complete with abandoned buildings, mine shafts, and a spooky cemetery. The boys reveled in the spooky atmosphere, pretending that ghosts lurked around every corner, their imaginations running wild in the dusk-lit desert. Jason and I felt the golden hour light melt our stress away.
The next morning, we rose early to witness the sunrise over the majestic Chisos Mountains. The drive into the park was breathtaking, with every twist and turn revealing more of the park’s rugged beauty. Our first adventure was a six-mile round-trip hike known as the Window. This was the longest hike Evey had ever attempted, and he did remarkably well until the last few miles, where exhaustion took over and he cried the whole way back. Little E, our “expert hiker,” loved climbing the interesting rock formations, making the hike look like a piece of cake. Along the way, we encountered all kinds of amazing wildlife, making the trek even more memorable.
After the long hike, we decided to take a scenic drive through the park, ending at the Santa Elena Canyon overlook. The massive canyon wall on the US/Mexico border was a surreal sight, leaving us in awe of nature’s grandeur.
The following day, we embarked on a smaller hike to the Burro Mesa Pouroff, an easier yet equally beautiful trail. We then visited the fossil bone exhibit, where we marveled at dinosaur fossils from the park’s ancient past.
Our day continued with a drive to the hot spring trail on the other side of the park. We soaked in the warm springs, which was a relaxing contrast to our hiking adventures. Along the trail, we discovered ancient hieroglyphics, a fascinating glimpse into the history of the land.
That evening, we dined at the famous Starlight Theatre in Terlingua. Despite the long wait to get in, the delicious food and unique atmosphere made it worth every minute.
Our trip to Big Bend National Park was an incredible journey filled with stunning landscapes, challenging hikes, and unforgettable experiences. The boys’ excitement, the breathtaking views, and the shared moments of awe and discovery created memories that will last forever. This adventure reminded us once again of the beauty and wonder that lies in exploring the world together as a family.
Until next time,
by Missie Hills | Mar 2, 2024 | International Adventures, South America
After bidding farewell to the vibrant streets of Colombia, our journey led us to the enchanting city of Quito, Ecuador.
Our accommodations in Quito were nothing short of extraordinary, as we found ourselves nestled within a rare and fascinating UNESCO World Heritage site that once housed the former president of Ecuador. This historic building, aged 170 years, was full of charm and character, boasting quirky artifacts and offering breathtaking views of the city.
Our arrival in Quito coincided with a special occasion — Evey’s 4th birthday! What better way to celebrate than by immersing ourselves in the rich culture and history of this captivating city? Our exploration began in the heart of the old town, where we marveled at the awe-inspiring architecture of the Church of the Society of Jesus.
Little did we know that our visit would lead us to a hidden gem — a secret tunnel that transported us to the church’s roof, where we serenaded Evey with heartfelt renditions of “Happy Birthday” against the backdrop of spectacular views. And when I say “secret” tunnel, what I mean is a very tight tunnel where my giant husband literally squeezed himself through to get to the end. At one point he stuck while trying to pass by another traveler. He shared a very unexpected intimate moment with this traveler as they worked to get unstuck.
Our next stop took us to The Virgin of El Panecillo, a monumental statue that looms over the city. While the statue itself was impressive, our adventure took an unexpected turn when we found ourselves stranded atop the hill, unable to secure a taxi back to the city below. The moment provided yet another opportunity for Jason and I to work on joint problem solving skills without killing each other. We both survived. When we came back to the city, we were more then ready to indulge in some birthday cake and refreshments.
The following day, our exploration led us to The Ciudad Mitad del Mundo, the “Middle of the World City.” Our journey began with a visit to the Pululahua Volcano site, where we were mesmerized by the stunning vistas afforded by this unique natural wonder.
Continuing on to the Middle of the World Monument, we delved into a myriad of fascinating scientific experiments and walked along the equatorial line, straddling both hemispheres simultaneously.
As we savored our late lunch, indulging in the local delicacy of cuy (guinea pig), we reflected on our adventures in Quito and the unexpected twists and turns that had enriched our journey. Despite the challenges, Quito had captivated us with its beauty and charm, leaving an mark on our hearts. Though Quito proved to be a bit more dangerous than expected, we found solace in the warmth and hospitality of the locals, who guided us away from areas of potential danger. As we prepared to bid farewell to Ecuador and return home, we were reminded of the true essence of travel — the joy of exploration, the bonds forged with good friends, and the memories that will last a lifetime. And so, with hearts full of gratitude and spirits brimming with wanderlust, we set our sights on the horizon, eager for the next adventure that awaited us.
Until next time,
by Missie Hills | Mar 1, 2024 | International Adventures, South America
Embarking on a day trip from Medellín to Guatapé, we found ourselves on an unexpected adventure filled with surprises and breathtaking views. The goal was to see one of the largest monoliths in the world, The Rock of Guatapé.
But first our journey began with a pit stop at a quaint little rest area along the way. After perhaps one of the most beautiful drives I have ever experienced, we stopped to stretch our legs and take a bathroom break. But this was no ordinary break. We stumbled upon a hidden gem tucked in the back of the rest area — a full-fledged petting zoo. To our excitement, llamas greeted us, their curious eyes inviting us to interact. Armed with carrots, we delighted in feeding these gentle creatures, their soft noses nuzzling our hands in gratitude.
With spirits lifted by our furry friends, we continued our journey to El Peñón de Guatapé, a towering monolith that beckoned us with the promise of panoramic vistas. Undeterred by the daunting 670 steps that lay ahead, we embarked on the ascent, each step bringing us closer to the summit and the promise of unparalleled beauty. As we reached the top, the world unfolded before us in a breathtaking panorama of azure waters and verdant landscapes, a testament to the natural wonders of Colombia. El Peñón de Guatapé, also known as the Rock of Guatapé, is one of the largest monoliths in the world.
Descending from the heights of El Peñón, we made our way into the colorful streets of Guatapé, self-awarded the most colorful town in the world. Despite our weariness from the climb, we couldn’t resist the allure of this charming town, its lively atmosphere inviting us to explore further.
Yet, as fatigue began to set in, we reluctantly bid farewell to Guatapé, our hearts filled with memories of a day filled with unexpected delights and unforgettable experiences.
Until next time,
by Missie Hills | Mar 1, 2024 | International Adventures, South America
Our Hills/Auten family Colombian adventure continued on in Medellín where we secured an adorable Airbnb on a sleepy street tucked away in what we learned was a very large bustling city full of excitement.
Three full days in Medellín, and I found myself calling it the ‘City of Stars’ for a reason that became crystal clear as the sun set. The valley was ablaze with the lights of the comunas, making us feel like we were sitting in a bowl full of stars. It was a breathtaking sight that etched the city’s name in my memory.
Even in the day, the city’s rich culture shined as we explored the city’s many museums. The Botero Art Museum was a highlight, featuring the iconic works of Fernando Botero. The larger-than-life Botero statues scattered throughout the museum were a joy to behold, showcasing the artist’s signature style that exaggerates proportion and form for a unique aesthetic.
The Rafael Uribe Uribe Museum stands as a testament to Medellín’s rich cultural heritage, offering visitors a captivating blend of history, art, and breathtaking views. Its stunning architecture, characterized by intricate detailing and timeless elegance, invites exploration and contemplation. As we ascended to the top, guided by the promise of panoramic city views, we were met with a sense of tranquility that enveloped us amidst the hustle and bustle of urban life below. From this vantage point, the city unfolded before us like a vibrant tapestry, each street and building telling a story of Medellín’s past and present. It was a moment of serenity amidst the chaos, a chance to pause and appreciate the beauty of the city from a new perspective.
At Parque Explora, a haven for curious minds and adventurous spirits, the boys delved into a world of interactive exhibits that sparked their imagination and ignited a passion for discovery. From the moment they stepped through the park’s gates, they were greeted by a whirlwind of sights and sounds… and DINOSAURS! They excitedly jumped from hands-on displays, from interactive simulations of natural phenomena to mind-bending optical illusions, each offering a unique opportunity to learn through play. As they manipulated levers, pressed buttons, and observed the wonders of science come to life before their eyes, they not only absorbed knowledge but also developed a deeper appreciation for the wonders of the world around them.
Our professional photoshoot at Pueblito Paisa captured the essence of our time in Colombia. Once a year, our family takes time in a foreign county to document our travels with the help of Localgraphers. This is the best way to ensure that I get in the photos instead of always being hidden behind my lens. Pueblito Paisa’s picturesque replica of a traditional Colombian village provided the perfect backdrop for this purpose. We laughed, posed, and created timeless memories that will be cherished for years to come. Our talented photographer, Paola with Aletheia Studio, expertly captured the joy we shared.
We soon found out that Medellín truly comes alive at night. As we stepped into Lleras Park, we were hit strong by the electric atmosphere as bouncers pounced on the chance to bring us into their clubs with promises of VIP service. The adults took turns going out at night, some stumbling back with more interesting stories than others.
The ‘City of Stars’ had cast its spell on us, weaving its magic into the fabric of our hearts and minds. As we bid farewell to Colombia, we carried with us a new set of cherished memories. However, our Hills-Auten epic summer adventure wasn’t quite over yet…
Until next time,
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