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 | Jul 4, 2023 | Central America, International Adventures, Local Adventures, North America
After two thrilling days of exploring Puerto Rico’s old town and jungle, we were due for a relaxing break. I had hoped to find a healing presence on the island to help my intense grief from losing my mother earlier in the year. A local Puerto Rican coworker of mine recommended El Conquistador as a family friendly resort full of luxury. It did disappoint.
This was no average beach resort. It was perched on a steep cliffside overlooking the ocean. It had levels of pools and restaurants accessible by panoramic view elevators and funiculars. We stayed at the lowest level right next to the marina. I never have my hopes up for resort food, but everything we tried was delicious. I fell in love with passion fruit mojitos.
The resort had a water park complete with three large thrilling waterslides and a relaxing lazy river. I thought E might fear the water slides, but nope… he fearlessly conquered each one multiple times. He finally convinced me to try to death drop slide, which I instantly regretted the moment my bottom went over the edge. The lazy river was more my speed. Evey was disappointed he couldn’t ride the big slides, but he loved the toddler slide built just for him.
It is odd having an island resort built on a cliff with no beach access, but this resort thought of everything. Each day, a water taxi ferried guests to their private island just off the coast. The water here boasted a perfect turquoise hue, and the gentle waves allowed us to float effortlessly for hours. The food was amazing, and the drinks kept steadily coming. We did have a small storm hit us on the island, but it was short lived and kept us cooled off. We returned to our resort feeling rejuvenated after a blissful day at the beach.
Leaving the island, we carried a sense of relaxation and excitement in our hearts, ready to embrace the forthcoming summer. We are still grieving. We are still hurting. And at the same time, we are allowing ourselves to feel joy and to love our adventures together… sunburns and all.
Until next time,
by Missie Hills | Jul 4, 2023 | Central America, International Adventures, Local Adventures, North America
Puerto Rico is not a one note island. If you go for only the beaches, you are missing out on a lot of the magic. And after a dark year of losing my mother to a deadly sickness, we needed some magic. So, even though Evey is in a weird age where he is too old to be carried in a hiking backpack and too young to hike much more then a mile, we still reserved one of our weekend days for the Yunque National Park, the only tropical rainforest in our nation.
We left Old San Juan early that morning for a scenic drive eastward, ascending winding roads that led us into the heart of the National Park. We opted for toddler-friendly ways to experience the jungle’s beauty. We stopped at every scenic point we could by car, including the Yokahu observation tower.
The Yunque National Park Visitor Center is a great way to learn about the rainforest. Here, we embarked on a pleasant 1-mile hike and immersed ourselves in informative content tailored to engage young minds. They had an excellent video that showed us the rich history of the park.
We also took a short hike into the jungle to swim in the waterfall. The experience turned slightly nerve-racking as my fearless children dove in without knowing how to swim. A minor hand injury and a surge of caution led me to decide we had our fill of waterfall swimming for the time being. We bribed the boys away with promises of more exploring ahead.
In the foothills of the jungle, we visited the Carabali adventure park. The lunch here was amazing, I really enjoyed the seafood mogonfo. E and I took an hour ride through the jungle on horseback while Jason and Evey enjoyed the park’s cozy bar. Then we all explored the jungle together on a exciting UTV ride winding through the foothills. We stopped at a local hang out spot, one of the many creeks flowing off the jungle mountains. Swimming in this rainwater fed crystal clear creek turned out to be the highlight of the entire trip for everyone.
We were exhausted by the time we made it to our fancy resort, covered head to toe in dirt and grime. The day was so packed with action that it was hard to recognize any other feeling then joy. At the end of the day after a much needed shower and a delicious resort meal, I took a deep breath in and remembered my grief. I pondered on the delicate balance of joy and grief. I let myself feel the bitter-sweetness of both feelings at the same time. And I then I slept… feeling the buzz of the boys’ excitement for the resort days to come.
Until next time,
by Missie Hills | Jul 4, 2023 | Central America, International Adventures, Local Adventures, North America
There is nothing quite like the summertime seen through the eyes of a child. Fond memories of my childhood summers spent on our homestead in Arkansas still bring a warm smile to my face. Sunbathing on our front porch with my sisters, eating watermelon with my dad at dusk, helping my mom make jam and pickles… those carefree days hold a special place in my heart.
This year has been harsh. The loss of my mom, fondly known as the boys’ mema, cast a heavy veil of grief over our family. The grief has been heavy in our family. I wanted to make this summer extra special for them. And for me.
We kicked it off strong. On the last day of school, we whisked E and Evey away and headed to the airport, destined for the breathtaking beauty of Puerto Rico.
We started our extended weekend exploring Old San Juan, a place teeming with history and charm. At an age where they truly appreciate travel, my boys eagerly embraced the opportunity to explore. Our morning began with fancy waffles, which is becoming somewhat of a tradition for our travels ever since we stumbled across Waffle Monkey in Costa Rica. We loaded up on coffee and carbs and then embarked on our adventure.
As we approached Castillo San Felipe del Morro, an enchanting sight greeted our eyes: a dozen colorful kites soaring high in the sky. Our local driver explained the tradition of flying kites in the greenspace. I couldn’t resist. We bought a small kite adorned with a wizard and relaxed in the green grass while the wind did it’s thing. I really enjoy flying kites, and the boys loved helping me.
The castle itself beckoned us with tales of adventure. The boys were captivated by stories of cannons and imagined the thrill of spotting approaching pirates. Their youthful imaginations ran wild within those ancient walls.
We walked the bluestone streets of Old Town all afternoon. We weren’t quite expecting the heat to be as bad as it was, but we managed to stay hydrated. We stopped at a recommended restaurant from a local friend to get our first full meal of Puerto Rican food. By the end of the day, we were exhausted and sun drunk.
The day was long and hot, but our hearts and bellies were full. That night we slept with excitement for what Puerto Rico had in store for us. We had barely scratch the surface.
Until next time,
Recent Comments