Thursday morning dawned mostly sunny and in the 50s, with temperatures forecast to be in the mid-70s. We had a special activity planned for the day: rafting on the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park. We had reserved spaces on a 9:30 a.m. trip with a rafting company named Solitude, one of a few companies allowed to run scenic river rafting trips in the park. So we ate breakfast in our room and then prepared for the trip, bringing layers of clothes, sunscreen, binoculars, etc.
We drove about 30 minutes north to Moose Junction and parked in the specially-designated lot for rafters, waiting with 20 other people. Three Solitude vans, each pulling a trailer with a raft, drove up promptly at 9:30. Linda and I were designated to ride in Mike’s van with two other families (12 passengers total). He was our guide and boat oarsman too.
Mike and the other two van drivers took us about 10 minutes away to Deadman’s Bar, the put-in place on the river. We got a short safety talk, put on our life vests, and the rafts were launched. We walked across the boat trailer to easily walk into the raft, staying totally dry. Then we were off!
For the next 90 minutes or so, we went down the river for 10 miles. Mike guided us with his long oars while telling us various facts about the Snake River and Jackson Hole. It was great! The temperature was perfect, the narrative was interesting and funny, and Mike skillfully guided the boat. We saw an elk, some American avocet (birds), and learned a lot about the human and natural history of the area. At the end of 10 miles, we were back where our cars were parked.
After the rafting trip, Linda and I stopped to see the visitor center at Moose Junction and ate our picnic lunch at a table in the shade next to its parking lot. Then we saw Jenny Lake, visited Jenny Lake Lodge, and stopped at a few other places in the park. We were tired and returned to the hotel by about 4:30. We finished off the great day with another delicious meal by Linda.
Lori's Travels 