Getting to Rainbow Bridge – Part 2 Day 2 – Boating on Lake Powell

After our previous day of sun and water we slept in the first morning along the shores of Lake Powell, nestled in the depth of Dungeon Canyon’s towering rock, late light slowly pushed the shadowy-shape of the unseen cliffs behind our camp.

After breakfast we battened down camp…

…and headed back out onto the main channel.

With me at the helm.  I grew up boating with my family back in Illinois and Dad used to let me drive quite often.  It felt good to have the wind blowing in my face as I looked for some big waves to play in.

 Stopped at Dangling Rope Marina to fuel up.  A large solar energy plant provides power for this operation and it’s totally inaccessible by any land route.  National Park Service and concession staff live here.  Hmmm, maybe I should apply for a job.

We explored the store and discovered ice cream.  A true treat out in the middle of nowhere.

These big carp must get treats too, but not from us.

Then we continued up lake, headed for the main attraction. 

Had to keep an eye on the buoys and counted four side canyons on the right/starboard for the entrance to Forbidding Canyon.

We slowly motored into the labyrinth trying to follow the main channel.

Other boaters zoomed past us in a hurry to get to their destination instead of enjoying the journey.

Notice the light colored band on the rocks where they meet the water.  Sometimes called the “bath tub ring” this indicates the high water line.

Last winter’s high snow pack in the Rocky Mountains caused Lake Powell to raise one foot a day the beginning of July but was dropping at one inch a day when we were there.

The reservoir named after Major John Wesley Powell bears no resemblance to what the Major saw on his 1869 voyage down the Green and Colorado Rivers.  The completion of the controversial Glen Canyon dam in 1963 buried many geological and archaeological wonders below at least 500 feet of water.

Quiet Paths commented on kayaking which I think would be great for exploring into the fingertips of waterways, along with a big houseboat to stay in, which it seems that some of you have done.  Maybe next year a houseboat. But for now, Rainbow Bridge.

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