Colter’s Run and other Tall Tales

John Colter Stone - Jackson Hole history

Barker-Ewing boatmen are world-class storytellers. Whether we’re driving you up to the launch site in our shiny new vans or guiding you down the Snake River right through the heart of Grand Teton National Park, we’re never at a loss for words. Geology, natural history, wildlife, western lore and regional politics – we’re experts on…

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Grand Teton National Park: The park that almost wasn’t

Full moon over Grand Teton Range from the Snake River Overlook, Jackson Hole Wyoming

In addition to seeing amazing wildlife and stunning views, one of the things our guests always comment on about our scenic float trips is how much they learn from our guides about the history, geology and botany of the Park. So we thought we’d spend some time in our next few blog posts sharing a…

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Will the Circle Be Unbroken

Dick Barker at the oars with son Eric Barker

My father, Dick Barker, died early in the morning on Monday, July 23rd.  He was truly one of the “Legends of the Snake”; he was the man who pioneered the 10 mile Deadman’s Bar to Moose float trip 50 years ago.  He started Barker-Ewing Float Trips with then partner Frank Ewing.  Even though he had…

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Keeping Perspective – thank you, George Schaller

George Schaller float trip

Everything seems so busy in July.  Tourists trying to soak in all that Grand Teton National Park has to offer, whether they have 3 hours or 3 days.  Road construction delays, testing everyone’s sense of patience and relaxation.  The sun is intense, the weather dry, with an occasional dynamic thunderstorm for dramatic effect. And then someone like George…

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A Day of Peace on the River

The International Day of Peace is held every year on September 21st, with the purpose of providing” an opportunity for individuals, organizations and nations to create practical acts of peace.”   As a project for her Roots & Shoots program–which engages and inspires thousands of young people from countries around the world–Dr. Jane Goodall, the renowned primatologist and…

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Masked Bandit seen along the Snake River!

raccoon - wildlife Grand Teton National Park

Rascal.  That wonderful friend and companion of the young Sterling North.  Rascal was quite the charmer, who helped Sterling win (and lose) the pie eating contest… that “ringtailed wonder” who also helped Sterling learn the life lessons about loss, and in the process reconnect with society during his childhood in the time of World War I.…

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