I’m Way behind labeling photos and have just finished September’s almost 2000 images with half of those from Mike’s birthday boating on Lake Powell. There’s just too many photos to share, and I’m a bit overwhelmed which I also experienced on the lake.
Our journey began at Antelope Point Marina, with it seemed a mile ride in a golf cart loaded with all our stuff on a skinny dock.
We rented a 26 foot deck boat with a 250 horse power Evinrude and it included a pottie that flipped up in the back. Bonus, we didn’t have to use the bucket we’d brought for anything but trash. There are no toilet facilities other than the four marinas and this is a pack-it-in and out place.
Mike took the helm and headed out of the marina onto the lake. Glen Canyon National Recreation Area and Lake Powell straddles two time zones, in Arizona and Utah. But we had no cares for time in this timeless landscape. (Other than only three days to play.)
I tried to follow the map. Good thing for the numbered buoys or we’d probably still be there lost in some wandering side canyon.
My senses were on overload.
The ancient Navajo sandstone walls rise hundreds of feet above the flooded Glen Canyon, their bases hidden deep below the waters.
Created 190 million years ago when Sahara-like desert sand dunes occupied the landscape this sandstone layer can measure up to 2500 feet thick.
We slowly ventured into Rock Creek Bay then followed a twisted passage into a side canyon of a side canyon. Like branches off a main trunk it tapered down.
In some places ending at a crack in the wall.
Or a sandy beach stretching between the walls making for great camping and hiking opportunities.
I wanted to explore every nook and cranny…
…and crawl into every cave. Which could take more than a life time.
But instead settled with a couple hours circumnavigating the many walls of Dry Rock Creek Canyon.
Observing the bedding planes crisscrossing back and forth to indicate a change in the wind’s direction so long ago plus later erosion from the wind and water.
We continued to cruise up lake past many more inviting water ways, looking for a place to camp. The entire 1900 miles of shoreline is open to boat camping.
But we preferred not to camp below a recent slump or on the main channel.
So explored Dungeon Canyon.
Where we found a delightful little beach to set up camp.
And enjoy the evening while dreaming of the next day’s adventures to the famous Rainbow Bridge.
I have always wanted to have a houseboat and just float away my life on Lake Powell. Incredible beauty.
I Love it there! We rented a houseboat with another family..had a blast! Glad you had a great time! Look forward to more photos!
There are so many beautiful places to see in Arizona…most of them practically right out our front door!
What a fantastic trip. It looks perfect for a kayak too if the wind doesn't come up.
Oh my! is about all I can say.
Excellent photos, well excellent everything.
Sorry I don't get on the computer much anymore but as you know when you have that SO in your life other things seem more important I reckon. MB
What an adventure. It would be easy to get lost without the map and numbered buoys.
I'm always happy to read about Lake Powell. I've had many good times there. You can so easily get lost in the labyrinth, so buoys and a good map are necessities. Looks like you had a fabulous adventure. BTW, I tried clicking on your links to other blogs and only got gibberish. Not sure what the problem is.
I can see why your senses were on overload. Such formations….one of them reminds me of Australia's Uluru (Ayers Rock). 190 million years ago…makes me feel so insignificant…wow.
Wow those photos are tremendous, it must have been an amazing 3 days. Diane
Looks like a fun place to boat and camp. I much different lake than our Powell Lake. We are all granite cliffs and forests. – Margy
Incredible! What a treat for all of us to enjoy. It looks like the lake has recovered somewhat from years of drought. I can't wait to see your wonderful trip to Rainbow Bridge.
that does look like a wonderful place to camp! I enjoy seeing summer images as we slide from autumn into winter here.
WoW!
wow, such a gorgeous landscape!
what an adventure! i'd be ever so happy to live this.
lovely shots!
This is something I have always wanted to do, it just looks like an amazing landscape and your great pics really show that.
What a beautiful, beautiful place and I can't think of a better way to experience it than to spend 3 days camping and floating around on a houseboat. I'm so envious, this is exactly the kind of thing I would love to do. I'm enjoying your adventures.
(Ms.) Ernie
Gypsy Gold Studio
I can imagine that you can truly get lost in yourself cruising around like this and camping on the banks of the lake. *sigh* On the other hands it must be boiling hot on that water in summer.
A wonderful way to celebrate a birthday. It was cold and cloudy when we went to Rainbow Bridge but well worth it to spend the day on this beautiful lake.
Beautiful photos! Hubby and I need to get up there sometime!
Great photos. It is unlike any lake I have ever been on.
The place is just breathtakingly beautiful! What lovely photographs!