The Magic of Unexpected Snow: Our Yurt Vacation

There is something so magical about waking up in a yurt, next to a river roaring with spring run-off, as big, fluffy snowflakes noiselessly fall to the earth. That's how I woke up early one May morning on a family trip to a local state park. Even as I sit here writing, I am transported to a time and place where everything was simple.

I first heard about this location through a neighbor who tipped us off. Two years later, we made it happen for a spring getaway. With my husband working as a police officer and I as a teacher, and with a child who was less than one year old, we had every reason NOT to go on a trip. Still, one evening my husband and I, who frequently discussed all the family trips "we need to do," finally got out the calendar and picked a date for our little adventure.

Reading through the visitor logbook, I discovered that another family had spent Christmas in our little yurt, and praised how cozy and peaceful it was. Christmas in a yurt! How charming! And they were right. Nestled in a canyon with no cell service, the yurt forced us to unplug and be present. Since we were early in the season, we didn't see many (or any) other campers while we were there, which only added to the peaceful seclusion. 

Instead of using the firepit, we ventured into the neighboring town for food; delicious meals of steak, risotto, and salmon at surprisingly elevated restaurants. We meandered down the main street, popping into whatever shop struck our fancy. While our baby napped, their was time for us to just be. 

We were hoping for warmer weather, but the unexpected snow was so beautiful, there was no way to be upset about it. I felt like a kid on Christmas morning. It was as if suddenly all the wonder I used to dream of as a child was suddenly falling from sky in the form of delicate, symmetrical crystals. I was awash with peaceful feelings. For that moment, all there was in the world was our family and this idyllic morning. This trip wasn't extravagant, but the best part is that it didn't need to be.

What a wonderful reminder this memory is to slow down, notice things, and savor them.