10 Hot Weather RV Tips To Stay Cool This Summer

Above, at camp near the Snake River near Jackson, Wyoming. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I am only weeks away from taking a vacation trip up to Wyoming and South Dakota. Currently, the temperatures in Jamestown, New Mexico have been in the 90s, sometimes touching on 100°.

Summer means RV travel and some travelers will going into places that are in warmer climates. RV Life has posted an article with 10 hot weather RV tips to stay cool in the summer.

They begin it with:

Summer’s warm temperatures are perfect for RV camping and a lot of other fun outdoor activities. After all, many RVers spent winter and spring eagerly anticipating the heat of summer. However, in the case of scorching summer temperatures, too much of a good thing can be no good at all. That said, sweltering temperatures aren’t just uncomfortable, they can be hazardous. Not to worry though, because I’ve gathered 10 hot-weather RV tips that experienced RVers use to keep things cool in the RV when temperatures soar.

One tip they didn't mention is to indulge in some sort of water sport while at camp. A few years ago, I did some river rafting near Jackson, Wyoming. Besides being a lot of fun, I also was kept cool.

Above, rafting on the Snake River near Jackson, Wyoming. 

To read more, go here. 

$15/Hour Minimum Wage Hurting Colorado Rafting Outfitters

Above, yours truly rafting the Snake River near Jackson, Wyoming in 2019.

Another factor of inflation these days (that doesn't get as much coverage as it should) is the raising of minimum wages in different states. 

Everyone is aware of the high prices at fast food restaurants due to higher minimum wages, but there are some businesses that are suffering which are not on anyone's radar.

One such business is the river rafting industry in Colorado. Colorado is a blue state dominated by radical Democrats.

A Colorado rafting company recently lost a court battle over the state's $15.00/hour minimum wage.

MSN.com reported:

GRANITE, Colo. (KKTV) -A recent federal court ruling could increase the cost of rafting on the Arkansas River. Colorado river outfitters, including Arkansas Valley Adventures, have lost their legal fight to avoid paying state-mandated minimum wages to their raft guides.

The decision, handed down on April 30 by the federal court, upheld a $15 per hour minimum wage, following an appeal to the 10th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals last year.

The outfitters argued that the wage increase would escalate their operating costs, potentially leading to higher prices for customers and fewer available trips. The government contends that higher wages will boost worker productivity and improve service quality.

“You know, we’re going to pay you twice as much but guess what, we don’t have any work. It wouldn’t help us. We didn’t want that. We wanted an exemption. We wanted to understand our situation, and that just didn’t happen,” said Arkansas Valley Adventures owner Duke Bradford.

A $15.00/hour minimum wage sounds lovely, but that won't do anyone any good if companies have to cut back or even go out of business. The river rafting industry is especially hurt since it is seasonal.

To read more, go here. 

Colorado River Rafting Looks Promising

Above, yours truly rafting the Snake River in 2019.

The last time I went river rafting was in 2019 in Jackson, Wyoming on the Snake River. It was an enjoyable rafting trip and remarkable as it was a year after my heart attack in Wells, Nevada.

I went with the Dave Hansen Whitewater Adventures.

This year, rafting may be on the agenda in neighboring Colorado. The Animas River near Durango is a possibility. I rafted on the Animas River out of Durango twice, but those trips were during the 1980s.

This year, Colorado river conditions look promising, especially in the northern part of the state.

According to VailDaily:

Early indications suggest Colorado could have a very good rafting season through spring and into the summer, especially in the northern half of the state.

Predicting seasonal rafting conditions is difficult because factors besides snowpack depths always come into play, such as temperature trends, which affect the rate of runoff, as well as the amount and timing of monsoon moisture in the summer. At the moment, though, things look promising.

To read more, go here. 

Pay To Play On Snake River?

Above, the raft trip I took on the Snake River in 2019.

Five years ago, while in the Jackson, Wyoming area, I took a raft trip down the Snake River south of Jackson. I had an excellent time and was pleased I was able to do so a year after a near-heart attack in Wells, Nevada. My cardiologist was also pleased when I told him about the trip.

Now, it seems that the Snake River is so popular that fees are being considered for people who partake in float trips. In other words, pay to play.

Above, another photo of our raft trip on the Snake River in 2019.

Jackson Hole Community Radio (KHOL) reported:

The Upper Snake River south of Jackson could become the first river in Wyoming to require a fee for access.

The Bridger-Teton National Forest held a meeting last week in Jackson for the proposed fees to give the public another chance to weigh in. If the program goes into place, floaters would need to pay to access the stretch between the mouth of the Hoback River to just upstream of the Alpine Junction.

David Cernicek, with the Bridger-Teton National Forest, said the fees are necessary to manage the river due to increased recreational use.

“Our funding is very limited on the river,” Cernicek said. “And we’re not really able to afford the river anymore. Our expenses exceed our costs in providing what we do down in Snake River Canyon.”

The national forest says the river can see over 200,000 people every season, and the fees are needed for maintaining and improving infrastructure like boat ramps, bathrooms and parking areas, among other needs.

The forest would charge $5 per vehicle per day and $3 per person for outfitters and larger groups over 15. Floaters could also choose to buy a season pass for $40, or get a discount for buying two season passes at the same time.

To read more, go here. 

National Forest Week

Out here in McKinley County of New Mexico, every week is "National Forest Week", provided the weather permits. Since our community abuts the Cibola National Forest, we make great use of it for recreation.

But there's an official National Forest Week. 

According to the National Forest Foundation:

July 10-16, 2023

Celebrate the incredible 193-million-acre National Forest System and all the benefits it provides to the public.

FOREST MODE

This year’s theme invites the public to consider what Forest Mode looks like in their life. Whether it is a thrilling whitewater adventure, a quiet evening by the campfire, or a rugged trek on backcountry trails, there are countless ways people find their Forest Mode. Anytime you visit a National Forest, be sure to #RecreateResponsibly to ensure these places stay healthy for future generations.

For more information, go here. 

Jackson Hole/Snake River KOA No More

Above, the then-Jackson Hole/Snake River KOA in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

While working on this blog post on "greedflation", I was reviewing my account with KOA Kampgrounds which shows the history of my stays.

As I was doing so, I spotted this:

It was a nice park, but we noticed that the park catered more to cabin stays rather than RVs. There weren't that many RV sites there, we noticed (compared to other KOAs). We stayed there in 2019 while visiting Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks along with some river-rafting on the Snake River.

Hopefully, another park in the Jackson Hole area will become a KOA Kampground as it is a prime area for RV camping. The nearest one is 57 miles east of Jackson.

This makes two KOA Kampgrounds I have stayed at in recent years that have left KOA. The other being the Cortez/Mesa Verde KOA in Cortez, Colorado. 

Salt River Canyon

In taking Arizona State Route 77 home today, I was treated to spectacular views when I stopped at a rest area in the Salt River Canyon.

I had no idea that this existed. The rest area was perched on a cliff overlooking the Salt River. Rafting trips are offered here as I passed a sign advertising such. The road winds down through mountain wilderness areas before reaching the bottom of the canyon and then crosses the river and winds up on the other side.

I took some photos from the rest area:

 

Best Jackson Hole Restaurants To Try On A Budget

Above, yours truly under an antler arch in Jackson. Photo by Mitch Germinsky.

The last time I visited Jackson, Wyoming was three years ago. 

During that trip, a friend and I camped at a KOA south of the town along the Snake River. While there we visited Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks and I did some river rafting on the Snake River. We also did some shopping and grabbed a meal in Jackson. The price wasn't bad, but I can't recall the name of it. It could be one listed in the following article.

TravelAwaits posted their 7 favorite restaurants to try while on a budget (Jackson can get pricey).

They begin with:

Jackson, Wyoming is a beautiful mountain town located on the doorstep of the majestic Grand Tetons Mountain range and Grand Teton National Park. This area is full of scenic vistas and offers plenty of ways to enjoy the outdoors. So whether you want to tour the area by car or get out and hit the trails or lakes, you’re in for a treat. 

Jackson is also conveniently located near another national park, Yellowstone. In fact, Jackson is less than 60 miles from the southern entrance of the park. Known for its Old West flair and bustling downtown, its Western, rustic vibe will bring out the country in you. This is a town for all seasons, so pick your favorite time to visit and get busy making plans. 

In all seasons, there are plenty of outdoor activities. From hiking, biking, and fishing in summer to skiing at one of the world-renowned ski resorts during ski season, Jackson offers fun any time of year. But all this fun and beauty doesn’t come cheap. Jackson is an expensive place to live — and to visit, for that matter. Known as one of the most expensive places in the United States to live, money is a factor. Rumor has it that the billionaires are chasing the millionaires out of town!

We wanted to find good food that didn’t cost a fortune on our recent trip. While none of these spots are gourmet restaurants, in a town so pricey, I was pleasantly surprised at the variety of good food we found at relatively inexpensive prices. Here are our top picks, in no particular order.

To see what they are, go here. 

The Best Yellowstone National Park Tours

Above, the tour bus we took to see Yellowstone National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Seven years ago, my daughter Amber and I took two guided tours of Yellowstone National Park with Buffalo Bus Touring Company. One was the upper loop of the park and the other was the lower loop. We enjoyed the tours since we didn't have to do the driving and we were able to concentrate on the scenery and the guide was informative. The tours were reasonably priced at under $80 per person.

U.S. News & World Report has posted and article on the 16 best Yellowstone National Park tours. Some are land tours and some are float (raft) tours.

They begin with:

Home to more than 2.2 million acres, hundreds of geysers and waterfalls, as well as Yellowstone Lake – the largest high-altitude lake in North America – Yellowstone National Park is a bucket list vacation destination for many travelers. For help planning an unforgettable visit to America's oldest national park, consider a guided tour. In addition to in-the-know locals, these tours also provide hassle-free transportation from nearby cities like Jackson Hole, Wyoming. With the help of traveler and expert input, U.S. News determined that the following tours offer the best ways to take in all that the park has to offer. All of these top-rated excursions feature skillful guides who are eager to share their knowledge of the park's unique geologic features and wildlife.

Note: Because of weather and other factors, the park's roads are not accessible all year, and its entrances in Wyoming and Montana have differing seasonal opening and closing dates, so plan your visit accordingly. Additionally, tour companies' prices typically do not include the park's approximately $20 entry fee for each visitor 16 and older.

To read more, go here. 

Snake River Cabins and RV Village

Above, the main office building when it was a KOA. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

This morning, I received an email from Snake River Cabins & RV Village.

It was the first time I've heard of this place. But looking at their website photos, it did look awfully familiar.

It was the Snake River KOA. Mitch Geriminsky and I stayed there in 2019 while we were in the Jackson Hole/Grand Teton National Park area.

Above, the campsite in 2019. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Doing a little more digging, I found this June 2021 article in the Jackson Hole News and Guide (a snippet):

More than 20 RV parks used to be scattered around Jackson but in recent years the number has dwindled to a handful.

Blame the changing nature of the American vacation, and also the soaring value of land in the Hole, says Bud Chatham.

But Chatham is bucking the trend, opening a new RV park this week. It’s 30 miles from Jackson but it’s going to fill a need for people who can’t find a place to park their vacation rig any closer.

Chatham and his wife, Kelly, own the Snake River Cabins and RV Village south of town, a place commonly called Snake River KOA, though it’s ended its KOA association this year. They also own Dave Hansen Whitewater, one of the area’s oldest river ride companies. They’re opening Alpine Valley RV Resort on Highway 89 north of Alpine, next to the new Broulim’s supermarket.

So, they ended its association with KOA Kampgrounds last year. Same owners, though.  

Above, yours truly rafting the Snake River in 2019. Dave Hansen River Trips photo.

It was a nice place, but there were more cabins there than RV campsites, we noticed at the time of our stay. During our stay, I took a whitewater raft trip down the Snake River with Dave Hansen River Trips. According the the park's website and the above article, Dave Hansen River Trips is "under the Chatham family of businesses." I had a good time on the raft trip and would recommend them.

Their website can be accessed here.

Utah, Your Next Big Adventure

Above, iconic movie scenery of Monument Valley. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

If one is contemplating a vacation trip to the state of Utah, a new article from Business Post is just what the doctor ordered.

There are many places to see and things to do in Utah and their article gives a good lowdown on them.

They begin with:

With its Mighty 5 National Parks in the south, the famous Rocky Mountains to the north and its iconic movie scenery, the western state of Utah offers up an adventure playground like no other

Red rock. Deep canyons. Wild rivers. Snowy peaks. Dense forests. There’s no denying that Utah puts the great into the Great Outdoors. Seducing travellers with its spectacular terrain and jaw-dropping vistas, the western state offers up the kind of grown-up playground that most adrenaline addicts, nature lovers and thrillseekers can only dream of.

With a sky that never ends and a vivid palette of chromatic panoramas, Utah’s terrain is unapologetically wild and vibrant. Begging to be explored, adventure lovers will find new and unique challenges around every bend. Climbing and canyoning. Rafting and horse riding. Biking and hiking. Swimming and stargazing. From the powder-capped slopes to the red-rock mesas and skinny slot canyons to sandstone trails, Utah is the place to experience new highs and rediscover nature’s power and beauty.

To read the full article, go here. 

Jackson: Stylish Western Ski Town Even Non-skiers Will Love

Above, a view of the Snake River flowing through Jackson Hole. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Whether or not one is a skier, there is one place in the U.S. that skiers and non-skiers would enjoy visiting. That is Jackson Hole and the town of Jackson, Wyoming.

Besides being near to Grand Teton National Park, Jackson is a great place to do some shopping and eating. 

Above, one of the shops in Jackson where I made some purchases. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is nestled in the valley of Jackson Hole. I was last there during the summer three years ago. I was able to do some shopping and partaking in cuisines in Jackson. We stayed at a KOA Kampground situated on the Snake River south of town. While there, I did some whitewater rafting.

Above, yours truly on a rafting trip on the Snake River near Jackson. 

Travel + Leisure has posted an article on Jackson Hole, calling it a "stylish Western ski town." (Just to avoid confusion, Jackson is the town, Jackson Hole is the valley.)

They begin it with:

Jackson Hole has always been a little rough-and-tumble, the kind of place that’s more about fresh powder than see-and-be-seen après-ski glitz. But even as it has held tight to that independent, cowboy-country spirit, the area has quietly become one of America’s most stylish wintertime retreats.

 To read the full article, go here.

Things To Do In Grand Teton National Park

Above, the Grand Tetons are reflected on Jackson Lake. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Yellowstone National Park's next-door neighbor to the south, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming, is an interesting place in its own right. It is different than Yellowstone in many respects and there are plenty of things to see and do.

Another thing that's different about Grand Teton National Park from Yellowstone: it is a lot less crowded!

TravelAwaits has posted an article on the nine best things to do in Grand Teton National Park.

They begin it with:

Founded in 1929, Wyoming’s Grand Teton National Park is named for the Teton Mountain Range that formed when tectonic plates collided 100 million years ago. The mountains are newer than that though, having risen from the valley floor about 10 million years ago after massive earthquakes caused the mountains to rise and the valley to fall. 

Two million years ago, glaciers etched and eroded the mountains leaving the jagged peaks you see today — 40 miles of them along the park’s western border. The mountains alone are worth the trip. 

But wait, there’s more! The valley, called Jackson Hole, is surrounded by the Teton and Gros Ventre Mountains and is home to wildlife and remnants left from homesteader days. The Snake River winds its way through the park and its floodplain is home to wildlife as well. As a bonus, moraines — the sediment and rocks pushed around by glaciers — dammed streams and rivers creating alpine lakes that are nestled in the Tetons. 

Many people visit the park in conjunction with a trip to Yellowstone National Park, located just 6.8 miles north via U.S. Highway 89/191. I made it my primary destination on a recent road trip, spending two days exploring the park.

If you opt to fly to Grand Teton National Park, the Jackson Hole Airport is the only commercial airport in the area. It is located within the national park boundary, 7 miles north of the town of Jackson. Alaska, American, Delta, Frontier, and United Airlines are the major carriers that service the area. 

Here are the nine best experiences in gorgeous Grand Teton National Park and the reasons I can’t wait to go back.

To read more, go here. 

Things To Do In 10 Most Popular National Parks

Above, a morning view of Half Dome at Yosemite National Park. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Wondering what to do in our national parks?

TripAdvisor analyzed user reviews of the most popular things to do at the top ten national parks as reported by Forbes.

They begin with:

It’s no secret that America’s National Parks have garnered record interest during 2020’s year of outdoor recreation and social distancing, but which parks ranked highest among the scores of road trippers embracing the country’s natural treasures? Tripadvisor analyzed the quality and quantity of user reviews from December 1, 2019 through November 30, 2020 to determine which of America’s parks were most favorably received during the pandemic surge of interest, and which activities within them were best rated. Here are the top ten favorite national parks in the United States along with a top-rated activity in each to give you a jumpstart on your own summer planning.

To see what they are, go here.

2022 Grand Canyon Rafting Lottery Opens

Above, the Colorado River at the bottom of the Grand Canyon. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

As much as I enjoy river rafting (I last rafted on the Snake River in Wyoming two years ago), rafting the Colorado River doesn't seem to be my cup of tea.

It's not the rafting part that I object to, it is the hike down to get to the rafting departure point at the river, and then, after you're done, there is a strenuous hike back up to the rim. I'd probably have a heart attack if I were to attempt that.

There are commercial rafting companies at the Grand Canyon, but the lottery for 2022 rafting is for self-guided trips by individuals.

According to ABC 4: 

GRAND CANYON, Arizona (ABC4) – A river trip of dreams, mastering the raging white water of the Colorado River. For some, it is the adrenaline rush of the rapids or facing off against nature’s wild. Either way, it comes with a view of some of the most spectacular beautiful wildlands you can see in the United States.

It is taking a raft through the Grand Canyon. And it has to be planned more than a year in advance.

The trip is so popular there is a lottery to be able to do it. The National Park Service uses the lottery to regulate the number of people going down the river. They are now accepting applications for 2022.

These trips are not the ones where you use a company. They are for experienced people who want to take a self-guided river trip through the Grand Canyon.

Above, yours truly (white t-shirt) rafting the Snake River two years ago.

To read more, go here. 

"Unplug" At Jackson Hole

Above, a view of Jackson Hole from the Jackson Hole Aerial Tramway. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Last summer, a friend and I headed into Jackson Hole, Wyoming for some camping, visiting Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks, shopping and whitewater rafting. It is a vacationer's paradise.

KSL.com has listed five reasons to "unplug" at Jackson Hole in a new article.

Above, inside the Jackson Mercantile store. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

They begin with:

Long before the west was settled, a place called Jackson’s Hole was little more than a beautiful valley, appreciated only by the fur trappers and traders who made their way through the area. 

Now, Jackson Hole has become a popular destination for people from all walks of life. Flanked by a pair of the world’s most majestic mountain ranges, Jackson Hole is a place unlike any other and is a nostalgic throwback to the American West. 

While an obvious destination for winter adventures, Jackson boasts a variety of equally exciting and fun reasons to visit in the summer; here are five of them.

Above, yours truly rafting the Snake River. Photo by Float-o-Graphics.

To read more, go here. 

Social Distancing On A River Raft

Above, yours truly (right) rafting last summer on the Snake River. Photo by Float-o-Graphs.

Last summer, I did something that I hadn't done since the late 1980s: white water river rafting.

The occasion was when a friend and I went to Jackson, Wyoming for camping and visiting Grand Teton and Yellowstone National Parks. I went with the Dave Hansen Whitewater company for some rafting on Wyoming's Snake River. I had a great time. During the raft trip, we saw two bald eagles.

This year is a little different with social distancing, but the rafting companies are adapting.

According to the Jackson Hole News & Guide:

In any year not as strange and off-putting from the jump as 2020, David Cernicek would see a steady stream of large groups rafting the Snake River in 20-minute intervals during the busiest days of the season. 

That’s not the case this year, and it won’t be. Still, the Bridger-Teton National Forest river manager is overseeing an industry finding ways to paddle through the COVID-19 pandemic. 

“Coming out of the gate it was, ‘How can we do this?’” he said, “because there were people who believed we couldn’t do it.”

Chief among the limitations on rafting this season is the amount of people who can occupy one craft. This summer the Bridger-Teton is not issuing its traditional group permits for parties of more than 15 people. 

Cernicek said restrictions like that have been managed well on the commercial side by whitewater outfitters. For private parties from outside Wyoming, though, there’s been pushback. 

“There’s a lot of unhappy people, mainly from out of state, that would like to be bringing their usual groups like they do every year,” he said. “It’s very understandable, and they do want to know if commercial outfitters are being restricted as well. 

“The folks that don’t really believe in COVID being a real virus, they seem to be much angrier.” 

Reports of substantially less angry river-users came from Dave Hansen Whitewater and Scenic River Trips’ Bud Chatham. After months of uncertainly about the future of the business in 2020, Chatham said his team is just happy to be back. And the customers, too, are keeping their distancing but in the same boat.

Above, a final photo at the end of the raft trip last summer. Photo by Float-o-Graphs.

To read more, go here. 

Top 5 Things To Do In Durango

FORWARD TO A FRIEND

Let’s fast-track your vacation planning with the perfect itinerary. Vacation planning is easy when you know where you’re going. The historic, western town of Durango is the mecca of thrilling, breathtaking outdoor adventures. Whether you come in the summer for whitewater rafting or in the winter for unparalleled skiing, these 5 places are just the ticket for the perfect trip.  Animas River A visit to Durango isn’t complete without a stop at the Animas River — the river that gives the city its name. Start by taking a hike, bike ride or stroll along the Animas Trail, and enjoy the scenic beauty with lunch on the riverside. Bring a picnic, or stop at the Animas River Café. In the summer, take a raft, kayak or float on its raging white waters. And for those who like to fish — well, you’re in heaven. The river is one of the few with sections classified as “Gold Medal Waters.” Purgatory Resort If you’re planning a winter visit, Purgatory Resort is a must. Enjoy snow biking, The Plunge zipline, ski biking, tubing and — of course — good, old-fashioned skiing. Want to try something new? Try snowcat skiing or backcountry skiing. Relax with après ski drinks “on the beach” at Purgies or a beer tasting at one of our six craft breweries. Visiting in the summer? Rent a mountain bike and ride down the slopes, and try the zipline or Alpine Slide. Historic Downtown Durango Stroll Historic Downtown Durango, a Nationally Registered Historic District, for a peek into our Wild West heritage. Shop the galleries, museums and shops; our favorite is the Durango & Silverton Narrow Gauge Museum, but of course we’re a little biased! Take a western photo at Thru the Lens, and don’t forget to take home the perfect souvenir. End the day at one of our award-winning restaurants and a show at the Durango Arts Center, Henry Strater Theatre or live music at one of our many venues. Mesa Verde National Park See and experience the life of the ancient Ancestral Puebloans at the Mesa Verde National Park — the archeological center of America. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is the best-preserved Anasazi Indian cliff dwellings with over 4,000 ruin sites and 600 cliff dwellings. On your way back to Durango, stop at the Kennebec Café for cuisine with local ingredients and beautiful views of the La Platas.  Durango & Silverton Railroad We saved the best for last — you didn’t think we’d forget, did you? Hop on board for a historic steam train ride to the mining town of Silverton. The 42-mile trip through breathtaking wilderness offers photo opportunities and sights you won’t see from the road.  Well, what are you waiting for? BOOK NOW

Work Beginning On Snake River Access Points At Grand Teton National Park

Above, Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

One of many things to do while in Grand Teton National Park is to float down the Snake River on a kayak, canoe or raft. I did some rafting on the Snake River last summer outside of Jackson, Wyoming.

Work is about to begin on three Snake River access points in the park.

According to the National Parks Traveler:

Work is expected to get under way this spring on a multi-year, multi-million-dollar project to improve access to the Snake River in Grand Teton National Park in Wyoming. 

The National Park Service and Grand Teton National Park Foundation are working in partnership on the project, Snake River Gateways, to transform three river access sites along the Snake River.  The project is intended to enhance the visitor experience, improve safety, restore the resilience of riparian areas, improve infrastructure, and emphasize accessibility for all. Construction activities are to begin this spring at Pacific Creek Landing, with work at Jackson Lake Dam and Moose Landing in the next few years.   

"The Snake River Gateways Project will enhance visitor access and safety at several popular and beautiful locations along the iconic and scenic river," said Grand Teton acting Superintendent Gopaul Noojibail. "We simply could not make all of these critical improvements to these sites without the strong support from the Grand Teton National Park Foundation." 

Pacific Creek Landing, located just north of the Moran area, will be temporarily closed to all river users and visitors during construction activities this spring and in the fall. There will be summer access to the site, after June 7, contingent upon a reopening of the park per public health guidelines.  It is anticipated that a temporary closure will be in effect this fall beginning September 1, and possibly into spring of 2021.

To read more, go here. 

Snake River Whitewater Rafting

Back in July, I did some whitewater rafting on the Snake River near Jackson, Wyoming with Dave Hanson Whitewater. A separate company handled the photographs of the raft trip.

About a day after the raft trip, I ordered a couple of 5 x 7" prints of the trip, but they never arrived.

Last week, I called up the company and they told me they were mailed a day or so after I ordered them, which was around July 31.

They re-sent the order and it arrived in today's mail.

Here's the prints:

Above, our raft hitting the "Big Kahuna" rapids on the Snake River. Photo by Floatographs.

Above, after we were done with our rafting and before we went ashore. Photo by Floatographs.