At 6am on the morning we were to float the Snake River the temperature was a balmy 39 degrees. Luckily, the forecast called for full sun (UV index of 10) and a high temperature of 80. We had made reservations with a local guide service, which provided equipment, transportation and most importantly, breakfast. The trip included 8 miles of scenic floating, brunch and then 8 more miles of white water rafting on Class I,II & III rapids (on a I to V scale). The Snake River winds it way through the Jackson Hole valley and we put our raft in a few miles South of Jackson by Hoback Junction.
Birding is a major focus of scenic floating on the Snake River. We saw about a dozen Bald Eagles (above, left) including several large nests and even a young fledgling, which are more brown in color. Ospreys (above, right) were also very plentiful. They are known for hunting fish and often build their nests atop powerline poles as they are less capable of flying in tight spaces. American Pelicans were also fishing in the shallow waters.
Digital cameras and water don't go well together, so unfortunately, we don't have any pictures of the white water portion of the trip, but it was definitely a great time. We were completely drenched by the 48 degree water again and again; quite refreshing as the sun had emerged to full strength by then. The Snake River Canyon walls narrowed and widened, constantly changing the dynamics of the river. There were even surfers riding the stationary waves created by the river. Chilled and sun drenched we were back in Jackson in no time.
Mikey is always smiling, even when not full of Chianti.
