DeMartini's "Jackson Hole Adventure": LJCD Alums in the House !

I met both Kelley Friedgen and Nikki McIntyre 20 years ago when I began my years at La Jolla Country Day School in San Diego. Kelley was a sophomore in high school and Nikki was in the 8th grade. Both of them played volleyball and basketball for me during their years in high school and I spent a lot of time with their families. All of us have stayed in touch since 1992 and spent a lot of time together in different cities across the US. It was great being able to spend time together with them here in Jackson Hole.

Nikki's husband Mark and Kelley's boyfriend Kyle joined us all week long for the fun.

Our week together was filled with the usual Jackson Hole activities. Nikki is 5 months pregnant (it's a boy), so extreme physical activity was off the schedule, but we still managed to get outside a lot and enjoy a lot of fun.

Kelley and Kyle arrived in town a day before Nikki and Mark, so we enjoyed a hike through Death Canyon and past Phelps Lake. As usual, it was a beautiful day in the Grand Teton National Park.

Taking a break at our turn around spot in Death Canyon

Hiking Home

Nikki and Mark had taken a late flight from San Diego to arrive in Jackson Hole. Knowing Nikki like we do, Kelley and I knew to let he sleep in and only plan afternoon activities for her first day in Jackson Hole. Kelley, Kyle and I headed off to the gym early and then returned to the house to find a rested Nikki and Mark. With the whole group up and ready, we headed off to town from some lunch and shopping. It was an easy afternoon with lots of time to catch up on things.

The whole group together in town.
Kyle, Kelley, Me, Nikki and Mark

Mark and Nikki in Town Square

Kyle and Kelley in Town Square

The girls "saddled up" at the Cowboy Bar

Kyle and Kelley having fun in the Cowboy Bar

After a late start and an easy afternoon in town, it was time to pick up the pace just a little. September 5th was not only Nikki and Mark's first full day in Jackson Hole, but it was also their second wedding anniversary. An event that definitely had to be celebrated in style. It gave us a great reason to enjoy a wonderful meal at the Snake River Grill.

The happy couple on their wedding day in 2010

Happy 2nd Anniversary!

The whole group after a great meal.

Before the hike

The day after a delicious but LARGE meal at the Snake River Grill, we needed to work off a few calories so we headed for a hike around Jenny Lake and to Inspiration Point.

Nikki and Mark at Jenny Lake

Kyle and Kelley at Jenny Lake

Above Jenny Lake at Inspiration Point

After our day hike around Jenny Lake and up to Inspiration Point, we sought out a bit of relaxation and headed out on a scenic float trip down the Snake River. With the sun setting behind the Tetons, it was a great way to end a great day.

Enjoying the scenic float down the Snake River

No trip to Jackson Hole is complete without a drive over the Teton Pass and a stop in Victor, Idaho at the Emporium for a delicious huckleberry shake. Mark had made the mistake of trying a huckleberry shake at a different establishment near the Jackson Town Square, and did not find it to be delicious. He was not sure about trying another huckleberry shake, but I promised him the "real" huckleberry shake could only be tasted at the Victor Emporium. He was a good sport and ordered one at the Emporium and LOVED it.