Diary of a Jackson Hole Rafting Guide
I live in Jackson, Wyoming and work at Jackson Hole Mountain Resort as a liftee (not one who lifts but one who stands by lifts). Well, I’d like to believe I lift spirits as I greet skiers. Even when it’s cold out, I’m happy because I probably got fresh tracks on the way to work that morning. I’ve skied 73 days so far this winter. It’s turning out to be an epic snow year for Jackson Hole! I have 3 sets of skis, a road bike, a mountain bike, a kayak, a 14′ raft, a harness, a 1979 Subaru and a dog named Teton. In another month or two (a balmy low of 30* in Jackson Hole this morning), my skis will go back into the shed, and my paddles will see the light of day. I’m a river guide for Barker-Ewing Whitewater in the summer. I guide Jackson Hole rafting trips and scenic float trips on the Snake River. Soon enough, it’ll be time to work my arms instead of my legs; succumb to chaco tan lines over goggle ones; and, trade in my bad ski jokes for better river jokes. I can’t wait.
-RG
