Four days in Jackson Hole.

Our four days in Jackson were full: a big crew of old friends (plus some new ones), a birthday celebration for a woman who embodies “fun,” a fabulous fireworks show, hundreds of wildflowers, a couple of alpine hikes, a glorious campsite, and unbelievable views of the majestic Tetons. The trip was the perfect mix of social time and family time, camp vibes and in-town shenanigans.

Betty’s first jaunt of the season started off a little rocky, with a mostly flat tire and a feisty electrical connection. We got on the road a couple of hours later than planned, but made it to our campsite before dusk. As we approached the site (reserved by local friends ahead of time), we were mesmerized by the view. It just kept getting better and better.

We spent the first evening with the campsite to ourselves, spending a golden happy hour in a sunlit field and watching Cholula romp around the wildflowers like a wild fox. We  grilled juicy burgers on the campfire and listened to the aspen leaves rustling in the breeze. Have I mentioned that I love camping?

Independence Day should always be spent in a small American town like Jackson. After a lazy cuddle session with Cholula, we sipped coffee in awe of the Tetons for a bit before wandering up the road. Later, we headed into town to meet up with a big group of friends from Utah. The Fourth of July is also our friend Kirsten’s birthday, and we spent the evening celebrating both occasions with dozens of wood-fired pizzas, a scrumptious sit-down dinner followed by ginger cake and strawberry cupcakes, and lots of adult beverages. What a treat to have your birthday end with a huge fireworks display!

On Saturday, we enjoyed another quiet morning at the campsite. By evening, it would be a rowdy spot, with three pop-up campers, another trailer, and multiple tents joining the fun. We headed back into town so John could join the crew for a bike ride, and I took Cholula on a wildflower tour of Cache Creek. (As always, Cholula wasn’t into a selfie with Mama.)

As folks started to roll into the campsite, I got a batch of bacon-y baked beans going on the stove and John started on his famous BBQ chicken. We were treated to yet another spectacular sunset, which felt even more special since we got to share it with friends. It was the ideal ending to the weekend. (Well, plus the s’mores around the campfire.)

The morning was slow, thanks to an empty bottle of tequila. Family by family, our friends packed up and headed out, laughing about the weekend. We were some of the last to leave, not quite ready for the fun times to end.

Just under five hours later, we returned home to find the house cool and the garden still thriving, despite the July heat. With another weeklong trip ahead of us tomorrow, I’m pausing today to be grateful for a wonderful time with friends in Wyoming before thinking about our next adventure.

(But it’s going to be a fun one. Stay tuned.)

Bit by the travel bug? Check out more of my travels HERE.