by Missie Hills | May 13, 2025 | Local Adventures, North America, Uncategorized
If Capitol Reef was soft and serene, Bryce Canyon National Park felt like we had stepped straight into a fairytale.
From the moment we arrived at Sunrise Point, it was clear we were somewhere otherworldly. The hoodoos, those whimsical rock spires Bryce is famous for, stretched before us like the remnants of a forgotten kingdom. Some were thin and tall, others short and stumpy, and each seemed to have a personality of its own. It didn’t take long for us to start imagining that this canyon was ruled by fairies, goblins, and ancient stone spirits.
We began our adventure hiking down into the canyon via the Queen’s Garden Trail, one of the most magical hikes we’ve ever done. As we descended, we felt like we were shrinking, entering a secret realm far below the rim. The orange sandstone softly changed shades with every step, shifting from bright orange to soft coral to blush red. It was extra beautiful with the fresh dusting of snow covering the crevices between the hoodoos. It was easy to imagine that we walking into a fairy queen’s court.
Along the way, we spotted the regal rock formation known as The Queen, watching over her garden. We stared and stared looking for the queen, but we just couldn’t see her. After a couple of minutes of searching, she emerged like an optical illusion. There she stood, so regal, overlooking her court. As we continued on the Rim Trail, we were transported into forest, with the hoodoos as a backdrop. Finally at the end of the Rim Trail, we spotted Thor’s Hammer, standing tall like a mighty protector. We eventually ended the trail, exhausted from the long windy path up, at Sunset Point. It’s hard to describe how surreal the landscape looked, as if someone had painted it by hand. Even the wind felt enchanted, carrying the distant rustle of stories told by the hoodoos.
After a quick snack, we drove to Inspiration Point and Bryce Point, where we gazed out over the canyon from above. The sweeping views made us feel small in the best way, like part of a much larger story.
Before leaving, we made our way to the visitor center where the boys earned their Junior Ranger badges. It was a proud moment, especially when Evey went a step further and adopted a prairie dog through the park program. He named him Perry, and proudly carried his new plush prairie dog around the rest of the trip, our tiny, furry reminder of the magical day we spent in Bryce.
Bryce Canyon may be one of the smaller parks in the Mighty Five, but it cast one of the biggest spells on us. In just one day, we found ourselves enchanted by its beauty, its mystery, and the feeling that anything, dragons, fairies, even talking rocks, might be possible here. We said goodbye to the magical land and then set our sights on our last park, Zion…
Until next time,
by Missie Hills | Mar 30, 2022 | Central America, International Adventures, North America, Uncategorized
As we left Monteverde with beautifully clear skies, we had a newfound hope that our beach visit would be rain free. So far, our risk of visiting Costa Rica during the rainy season hadn’t exactly panned out, but we were due for a little good luck. We had a good feeling about Tamarindo.
Playa Tamarindo is known for its laid back culture and gorgeous white sandy beaches. It’s a hot spot for surfers and hippies alike. We fit right in. Our beach bungalow at, Ocho Artisan Bungalows, reminded us more of Thailand then of Costa Rica, but we didn’t mind. We were just ready for some sunshine and relaxation. The kids were ready for some pool time.
It took a lot of convincing to pry the kids away from the pool, but we finally managed to make our way to the beach. The evening glow from the sun was just right. Our good feeling about Playa Tamarindo was becoming a reality.
The next morning, we set out early in search of breakfast. There is a local hotspot on the beach called Waffle Monkey. They have gluten free waffles for those with tummy sensitivities like me! We had a big day ahead of us… We chartered a private sailboat for the day! We spent the day under the sun spotting sea turtles, snorkeling, and enjoying the ocean water.
We capped the night off with a horseback ride through Tamarindo. I wasn’t sure how Ethan would do on his own horse, but turns out he was a pro. I was left to manage a very wiggly toddler on my horse. The ride was exciting though, and the boys loved it.
For our last adventure, we boarded a flat bottomed safari boat and set way into the winding tributaries that lead into the ocean. We were hoping to see a crocodile or two, and our guide told us we might just get lucky! As we ventured deeper and deeper into the maze, we spotted monitor lizards, many birds, and so many different types of crabs, I couldn’t keep count. It took a while, but we finally found one lonely baby crocodile hiding in the branches. We felt accomplished.
We have started a new tradition in the Baltics that we carried here to Costa Rica, a family professional photoshoot. This is a great way to ensure that I get a few amazing photos of us as a family (me included for once). We use a company called Localgraphers to find us the perfect local photographer. These photos were taken by local photographer, Shade Souc.
Our time in Costa Rica was at its end. We had spent 2 weeks travelling the northern part of the country seeing everything from dinosaurs to sloths. The country wasn’t what we had quite expected. Or maybe I should say the trip wasn’t what we quite expected… What started with food poisoning at the Blue River and torrential rain at the cloud forest, ended with a beautiful sunset over the Pacific Ocean. We were often reminded of the number one rule when travelling with children… Be Flexible.
And also of the number 2 rule… Enjoy every moment. Because this stage of life, when our children are little like this, is incredibly special. 2020 smacked me in the face hard. It woke me up and reminded me that time is precious . The Costa Ricans know this to be true, and that is why they have gifted us with the feeling of Pura Vida.
Until next time,
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