Friday, July 25, 2014

We were up early again.  This morning we joined the Reimers and Osmundsons on their float trip down the Snake River.  It was a big boat, but the thirteen of us and our guide filled it up.

Posing for a few "before" pictures while the guys got the raft ready to put in.

Our river guide, Knox, had quite an interesting history working as a guide on a lot of different rivers.  I think he liked being a fishing guide best, but he also did a lot of river and white water rafting.  He told us his name, Knox, was a family name and that he was related to James Knox Polk, the 11th President of the United States!

When the captain speaks, everyone listens, so his was the only picture with everyone looking the same way.  He actually did a quite nice job of framing - everyone said cheese.

Sweet little Macey is hidden behind David, oops.

We saw a lot of Bald Eagles along the shoreline.  We did not keep an accurate count, but everyone agreed the total was between 12 and 15. A pair of young eagles were sitting on a fence at the water's edge. One flew as we drew near - all of the others just sat and watched us float by.  We saw one Osprey fly overhead, but it was too quick for a picture.  

Emerson is surely going to be a photographer - she loved snapping pictures, capturing all of the action in the boat.

The Grand Tetons made a beautiful backdrop for the river trip!

Our guide spotted some Snake River Elk along the shoreline.  He knew he couldn't fool this crowd, but he said he did have a couple of older ladies from the big city going for a while before he finally told them they were just cows.

A boat full of Iowa farmers knows a cow when they see one!

The trip went by way too quickly, although we traveled 13 miles down the river.  There were only a couple of times that the water was rolling a bit and the kids all loved it.  Keith rode on the front for a while and got to see just how cold the river was.  Harrison got his feet wet and had Grandma sit on them to warm them up.

Back at their condo, we had some yummy homemade cookies (courtesy of Diane) and delicious baked ziti (thank-you, Jamie) and salad - that hit the spot!

Erica, Kathy and Keith wanted to make one last trip to the Jackson square and we joined them for a little window shopping.  Joani wanted to show everyone the bargain she had found in one store.  The scarf was a steal at just $418.00!  I'm hoping it was an error, but you never know.  Fortunately, Joani did not feel the overwhelming need for a souvenir.  

No error, every scarf on the rack was over $400, but that's Jackson!

We had ice cream at the same interesting shop on the square.  They sold ice cream, candy and paintball guns, ammo and equipment.  One of these things is not like the others; one of these things should be someplace else? 

Of course, they have coffee, too!

It seemed like the week flew by all too quickly and we had to say our goodbyes!  Thanks for letting us be a part of the Reimer and Osmundson Teton Vacation Adventure!