Early awake today because we were going on a river raft float ride. We got going so early that we had time to have a lovely outdoors breakfast with the mountains shining in the sun in the background. There was even a deer down the road that we got to watch while eating our pancakes and French toast.
We met up with the people who would join us on the about ten-mile float on the Snake River through the Grand Teton National Park. They loaded us up on three vans and drove us to the launch area. Our guide’s name was Mike, and he had been guiding rafts here for over 20 years. Very experienced and knowledgeable. This was very good today since the river was running very high and very fast due to the record breaking amount of snow this past winter. There were 8 of us on the raft. It was very comfortable, smooth, and safe ride.
The high, fast water had eroded the riverbanks in many places causing trees to fall into the water. When their roots caught on the river bottom, the rest of the tree would swing downstream. This resulted in many “snags” that Mike had to steer us around. The fast water also meant we made the trip that was usually 2 hours in only 1 ½ hours.
We saw a lot of birds on this trip: pelicans, Canadian geese, and even a bald eagle.
And, of course, the main attraction was the mountains. Floating along on the river gave us many different views of the Grant Tetons. Bright sunshine,, blue sky. It couldn’t have been lovelier.
And we also saw a lot of flowers. After we got off the boat, we found a wonderful place with some many flowers. It called to us to stop the car and take some photos. We especially liked the wild geraniums and sunflowers.
We then drove to the Mormon Row where Mormon settlers had homesteaded. They built barns and homes that are being preserved as part of the history of the park. There was even an outhouse with a view.
And there were Uinta Ground Squirrels who seemed intent on posing for photos.
Also in this area was a paint pony. Lovely, lovely, lovely.
We then went on a ranger tour to see the General Store and a ferry landing where the horses, wagons and eventually cars were taken (for a fee) across the snake river. Most settlers established themselves on the east side of the river where the better farmland lay but the best hunting was on the west side. Eventually, when tourists arrived, they wanted to be on the west side to be closer to the mountains. The only way to cross the powerful Snake River for 20 miles in either direction was the ferry. Bill Menor built that ferry and a general store on the west bank of the river. The ferry thrived until a bridge was finally built a half-mile away
There was also a cabin, the Noble Cabin, in which the original discussions and meetings took place about creating a national park. It was out of those meetings that the initiative was begun that resulted in a small national park being created in 1929. It was not enlarged significantly for many years, fostered by land purchases by John Rockefeller, Jr. We are always struck by the fact that there were always some key individuals who made it part of their life work or legacy to create these glorious parks. The young ranger intern encouraged us to consider what we were leaving as our own personal legacies. That got us thinking!
The evening took us over to a very fun event: A Hootenanny. They called it the “Hoot in the Hole” (for Jackson Hole, the name of the Valley.) This has been going on for many, mnay years, and it included both novice and very experienced acoustic musicians and singers. People could buy a delicious meal (we both had grilled fresh Idaho trout) or bring in your own food (lots of pizza boxes). And then there were at least three hours of music. Some of the performers had played there over 1000 times! We totally enjoyed hearing this great music in a lovely outdoor setting.
On our way back to Teton Village after the show, we had the chance to see one more Mule Deer Buck. We had started the day with one and here was another. A great day in the Tetons. We were both ready for bed!
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