Diary/Photo Journal
Week of September 07, 2003
We left Denver with our sights on Lake Powell to meet up with my Dad and his Martooni. We took a short detour through Arches National Park and walked among some of the most amazing natural rock formations.
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Balancing Rock and nice slot canyon |
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Pine Tree Arch |
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Landscape Arch |
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Wall Arch and Tunnel Arch |
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Famous Delicate Arch |
Week of September 14, 2003
Ahhh, Lake Powell. No matter how many times you experience Lake Powell,
it is never dull in repetition. With the rising (and in recent years) the
lowering of the water, boat-accessible canyons appear and disappear,
extraordinary rock formations are hidden or found, incredible Indian ruins are
secreted or exposed, and sandy beaches are buried or created.
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Amphitheatres and canyons |
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Indian ruins and petroglyphs at Defiance Cave |
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Where we camped in 2002 water 15' lower |
We met up with my Dad and Duffy (his adorable Miniature Schnauzer) as well as
his pontoon boat aptly named
"Martooni" (my dad is fond of martinis). We spent three days exploring
vast and narrow canyons, scrambling up to Indian ruins, walking along creek
beds, swimming in refreshing water, and just enjoying being surrounded by
nature's art.
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My Dad with Martooni and the first dog, Duffy |
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Dizzying views up the canyon walls |
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Various arches |
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Creek bed and evidence of low water |
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View from campsite |
During our explorations, we spied a small fish struggling in a trickle of
water that was once a large stream. With the drought and subsequent low
water levels, this poor little fish was going to be stranded within a day or
two. So, being the champions we are, we scooped up "Nemo" and carried him
for a short distance until we found a discarded cup. With the
water-filled, Nemo-containing cup in hand, we walked back to the water's edge
and released Nemo into the cool depths of the lake, wherein he briskly scuttled
through the water, swiftly flipped a 360' turn as to say "thanks" and hurried on
his way.
Needless to say, we had a fantastic time with my Dad touring us around one of
his favorite places and it is easy to see why. This part of the trip
was definitely one of our highlights. Thanks Dad and Duffy!
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Rescuing Nemo |
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Packing up the toys |
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On the way out of Lake Powell through Monument Valley and by Mexican Hat |