Modern Stargazer Life

Our Annual Tradition Lives On

We just wrapped up a four-day camping trip to Willow River State Park in Hudson, Wisconsin and I’m still riding the high (and limping a little from our 20,000+ step day). We chose this park for its magnificent waterfall, and it absolutely delivered. But what really made the trip special—what always makes it special—was the people around the campfire.

This was no ordinary camping trip. It was a return to something familiar and cherished: our annual group tradition, now going strong for 11 years. It started when our sons were little bundles of nonstop energy, and a group camping trip seemed like the perfect outlet. We were total newbies, learning how to pitch tents, make a campfire, and keep track of headlamps. But we figured it out together, step by step, and somewhere along the way, it turned into something much bigger than just a weekend in the woods.

When the Crew Grows (and Grows Up)

What started with a pack of adventurous boys also included our daughter Tessa, right from the start. As the sibling in the group, she was never on the sidelines–she was in it, every step of the way. Over the years, she brought along her own circle of friends, and the addition of the girls has only made our trips better. The girl dynamic adds a fresh energy—volleyball matches, competitive games, deeper conversations, and a whole lot more laughter. And Tessa, especially, has always kept the boys on their toes—never missing a chance to out-hike, out-play, and out-joke her brother.

This year was a little different. The girls couldn’t make it, and I’ll be honest, I felt their absence in a hundred little ways. The mix of voices and energy they bring always adds something special. While a boys’ trip vibe is still fun and familiar, it reminded me how every year, even in tradition, there’s change.

Hiking to New Heights

Now let me just say this: 20,000+ steps in one day is not for the faint of heart or the under-caffeinated. We pushed ourselves hard on the trails this year, driven by a mix of scenic views, waterfall photo ops, and sheer group momentum. And while my feet may still be recovering, I wouldn’t trade those blisters for anything.

There’s something about hiking with people you’ve known for years. You fall into a rhythm—some leading the pack, others trailing behind with snacks and stories. You talk about everything and nothing. You laugh at old inside jokes and sometimes walk in silence, just soaking in the beauty around you.

Always Drawn to the Water

Our group has always been magnetically pulled to water. Whether it’s a lake, a river, or a hidden creek—we gravitate toward campsites that offer a place to paddle, float, or simply sit beside. And when a place has a waterfall like the one here at Willow River? We’re all in.

It’s funny, when most people think of Wisconsin, they don’t picture waterfalls. But we’ve found some truly breathtaking ones, and they’ve become markers of our favorite trips. One that stands out in my heart is Copper Falls State Park. We had a secluded group site that year, and it felt like our own private corner of the world. The falls were stunning, the hikes were magical, and the nights under the bright stars were full of laughter and stories that still get retold today.

That trip was pure tent-camping glory. Backaches and all.

From Tent Poles to Stargazer

Which brings me to the next chapter of our camping evolution. Many of you know, earlier this spring, my husband and I bought our Airstream and named her Stargazer. After more than a decade of tents, tarps, and inflatable mattresses that never quite stayed inflated, we were ready for a little comfort.

RV camping has been its own kind of joy—slower mornings, actual coffee mugs, and the peace of a real bed at night. We’ve loved our quiet trips, just the two of us and Stargazer, soaking in a different kind of stillness.

But returning to group camping on this trip? It filled my heart. Rejoining the laughter, the shared meals, the sound of kids (now grown) playing Mafia late into the night—this trip reminded me just how much I missed it. It was the perfect blend of old and new.

Little Luxuries, Big Smiles

With the RVs came a few upgrades—like a camp chair we all agreed was the comfiest ever. Thanks for letting us test drive your new rocking camp chair, Kimberly. It’s a winner! When you’ve been camping for over a decade, you learn that a good chair is worth its weight in gold. I have a feeling more of these chairs will be at our next camping trip!

And then there was the Bartesian. Yes, I brought along a cocktail machine to the campsite. Think of it as a Keurig for grown-up drinks–pop in a pod, press a button, and out comes a perfectly mixed martini. It was a hit and quickly became the life of the party. I don’t see us leaving it behind anytime soon.

Old Traditions That Still Taste Like Home

Some things never change–like our beloved Dutch oven lasagna night. It’s the undisputed long-time group favorite, and for good reason. We take turns cooking meals throughout the trip, but when it’s Mark and Jenny’s night, everyone gets a little extra excited. Their lasagna has become legendary.

Maybe it’s the precise calculation of briquettes stacked above and below the twin Dutch ovens, or maybe it’s their love of campfire cooking that gives it that perfect crispy-cheesy top layer, but whatever the secret is, it works. Every single time.

As the lasagna bakes, we all lean in when Mark lifts the lid to peek at the bubbling masterpiece. There are literal “oohs” and “ahhs” every time—like clockwork. And once it’s ready, everyone circles up around the fire with plates in hand, ready for seconds. It’s a tradition we never question. It anchors us in familiarity and reminds us that the simplest comforts–good food, shared laughter, and warm bellies–are often the most lasting.

A New Twist: Time for Us

This year, we added a new twist: an extra night just for the adults. No meal planning, no campfire cooking, just a relaxing evening out in downtown Hudson, strolling along the St. Croix river and enjoying food someone else prepared. As our kids have become young adults, it’s been refreshing to carve out a little time for us, too. These are the years where parenting looks different, and the friendships between the adults start to take on even more meaning.

Chasing the Sunset (and Accepting the Haze)

After dinner, we decided to squeeze in one last short hike to catch the sunset. We were all pretty maxed out on hiking, but we rallied in that “we’ve come this far” spirit.

The skies were hazy from Canadian wildfires, and the sunset never really showed up the way we hoped. Still, there we stood—tired, happy, and slightly sweaty—craning our necks, squinting through the trees, and imagining the pinks and golds. The view wasn’t perfect, but the moment? It absolutely was.

Looking Back and Leaning In

What always strikes me is how these friendships, these once-new, now-deeply-rooted relationships, have held through every season. We’ve camped through storms, scorching heat, and perfect weather. We’ve watched our kids grow from wild little adventurers to thoughtful young adults who still show up, year after year, for this trip.

Even when life pulls us in different directions, this one weekend pulls us back together. It’s our compass. Our reset. A way to remember what matters.

Let’s Chat

• Do you have a tradition that’s lasted through the years?
• Have your family trips changed as your kids have grown older?
• What’s one small luxury that’s made your trips more fun?
• And have you stumbled on any hidden gems like Willow River or Copper Falls?

Thanks for sharing in our story. I’ll be back soon with more reflections, travel tips, and maybe a recipe or two from the fire pit. Until then—keep looking up, keep moving forward, and keep making memories that last.