Posts by Eric Barker
One Million Miles on the Snake River
A milestone in years, miles, and memories was just passed by our crew at Barker-Ewing. We have floated over one million miles on the Snake River inside Grand Teton National Park. When Dick and Barbara Barker launched their first scenic float trips in 1963, they were probably not even thinking of numbers that high.Their focus…
Read MoreWe Float on Water
The decades-old cinematic question, “What floats in water?” brings up classic responses. “Small rocks.” That’s a no go. “A duck.” Now we’re getting somewhere. Other correct answers include geese, pelicans, flotsam, and wood. For us river people, the most truthful answer is, “We do, on our boats”. Today, winter still covers the valley floor. We…
Read MoreFish like an eagle
Earlier this week, one of our visitors sent us a video taken from a Barker-Ewing raft of a bald eagle fishing for trout. The video shows a bald eagle circling above the river. The eagle quickly identifies its prey and then swoops down and drops into the river, grabs the fish with its talons, and…
Read MoreAre You Into Ground Squirrels? We Are!
Grand Teton National Park is known for its breathtaking views, wide open spaces, and rich variety of wildlife. Among the many creatures that call this park home is the delightful—and often overlooked—Uinta Ground Squirrel. The antics of these small, charismatic creatures (locally referred to as Chislers) are fascinating to observe, and these little squirrels play…
Read MoreNow You See Us, Now You Don’t: Seasonal Camouflage
In Grand Teton National Park, a small creature performs a seasonal transformation that appears magical. The snowshoe hare (Lepus americanus) changes its fur color to blend seamlessly with its environment, ensuring survival in a landscape that transforms dramatically between winter and summer seasons. This fascinating adaptation reveals one aspect of the intricate relationships that have…
Read MoreRemembering Grizzly 399: A Legacy and a Call for Protection
Grizzly 399 passed away six weeks ago after being struck by a car in the Snake River canyon. But, it was more than a bear that passed away. In an important way, it was also a dream and a hope that passed away. So many people have visited Grand Teton just to have a chance…
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