Our Fourth of July adventures were brought to you by the unexpected and unplanned! Those that know me well, know that I love to plan and I love to adapt the plans as we go. Today was a day full of adapting!! And I am so happy that we did.
The day started out with an early morning wake-up to head downtown to our favorite breakfast restaurant.
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| the morning view from our balcony |
We left for the 20 minute drive into town and were met by two hot air balloons. The sky was beautiful and it brought back memories of our hot air balloon ride a few years ago in the same location.
We arrived at The Bunnery at 7:30 am and there was already a line. It moved fast and we were seated and enjoyed a delicious breakfast!
After breakfast we walked around and realized everyone was setting up for the Jackson Hole 4th of July parade. We had planned on leaving before it started and then made the decision to stay and see what it had to offer. Don is not a big parade fan and this trip is all about compromise and adjusting, so we stayed. It was after 9:00 and the parade was starting at about 10:15.
I was meant to be at the parade, and in the exact spot that this picture was taken. What I didn't know was that I was about to experience a very "small world" moment! So...I took this pcture and posted it on FB with a Happy 4th of July from Wyoming message...
We spent some time facetiming my mom in Virginia. She had traveled to Wyoming wilth us in 2017 and was excited to see the sights again.
The "security" was coming through to make sure the path was clear as we were getting ready to start.
The 2 guys announcing the parade were right in front of us.....
This is where the story starts...
- I check my phone and see comments from my FB post
- a friend/teacher I work with commented that her dad was announcing this parade. (She and I had connected about Jackson Hole before and I knew she had relatives here).
- I zoom in on the 2 announcer guys and take a picture
- I send her the picture and she says her dad is on the right, in the hat!
- I couldn't just stand there.....
I went over, climbed the stairs (the parade hadn't started yet) and tapped him on the shoulder. I intrtoduced myself by saying that I think I work with his daughter. :) He was so excited and we chatted for a few moments. He introduced me to his friend/co-announcer Jim. We snapped a selfie and then I was on my way.
I then sent the picture to my friend and she replied...we both thought it was so cool. One of those "the universe is aligned" moments! That would be #1 unexpected moment!!
The parade began, and the narrative from the announcers was awesome! We got the historical background on each entry in the parade, along with some friendly banter. VERY ENTERTAINING!! It was also a candy throwing parade, so the younger kids were all diving for candy that was being thrown from the vehicles as they drove by.
That brings us to Unexpected Moment #2! The next entry to drive by was the Jackson Farmer's Market vehicle. It was very well decorated and had lots of people on the "float.
Next thing we know, it wasn't candy flying from their vehicle, but EARS OF CORN! They were sending corn high into the air and people who weren't expecting it were getting pelted with corn! It was awesome! Katie had a frot row seat and was able to snatch an ear of corn as a memory!
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| see the ear of corn in the top of this image |
Katie was very surprised and proud of her corn!! :)
Jackson has a great Rodeo, and part of the parade was the Rodeo Queens and Court on their horses. We went to the Jackson Rodeo as a Katie birthday event on one of our visits and it is amazing!!
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| Jackson mini-Princess - this little girl couldn't be more than 6 years old at the most! She was on her horse by herself having a great time. |
All of the queens and princesses are part of the rodeo experience...so much fun!
We took a few more pictures after the parade and then decided it was time to find lunch.
We headed into Wilson to a bagel place that came highly recommended!
After lunch, we headed back to the hotel and the afternoon was wide open. No Plans till dinner! Our balcony is on the right, second up from the bottom with the roof. :)
Carleigh wasn't interested in sitting and relaxing before dinner, so she rented a bike and was off!
12 miles later, she returned refreshed and excited about her solo adventure!
Katie decided to stay put and found a great outdoor spot to read her book and sip her coffee from the Teton General Store, right here in the village where we are staying.
We then headed to dinner at the Alpenrose. Of course, you celebrate July 4th by eating at a German/Austrian restaurant. Truth be told, it was the only place in the village that had reservations available and we didn't want to move our car or head back into Jackson because live music was starting soon and the parking lots will be packed.
Unexpected event #3: After dinner we spontaneously decided to take advantage of free gondola rides after 5;00 pm. We took the gondola up to the top and looked around for a while.
The view at the top was beautiful! And then we remembered that we had taken the same gondola up during our winter, 2018 trip.
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| Same view, different season |
This picture represents the start or end of the Wildflower Trail. This is going to be one of our adventures in the coming days. We are going to take the gondola up after 5:00 and then hike the wildfower trail down to the base where our hotel is....should be an interesting adventure!
After dinner and the gondola ride, we headed back to the room and began planning for tomorrow. Early morning rise, 6 mile hike, dinner at a new restaurant.....and by the time we were all in our beds, plans had changed!
Stay tuned for Day 7 as Carleigh and Don have another Crack of Don Adventure and Katie and I sleep in and figure out how to spend our time! I'll tell you a secret...
...It's Seldom a Dull Moment with the Rahns! :)
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