09/20 - Lake Powell 2014 Gathering

Casey · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 6:33 am Post subject:

Jody,

I'm guessing you're using the DJI Phantom 2 (with the proprietary camera vs a GoPro)?

There have been several instances of RFI conflict between the GoPro (particularly the newest version, the Hero 3+)
and the quadcopter control signals, that have resulted in loss-of-control and outright "fly aways." We've watched several uTube clips on ways to mitigate the issues. (It's Amazing what all is on uTube!!)

We thought about putting a "Tile" (http://www.thetileapp.com/#on-the-go ) but the reception range appears to only be 50-150'.

Anyway ... have fun flying!

Best,
C&M

jkidd · Posted: Tue Apr 08, 2014 8:30 am Post subject:

Just the first generation Phantom and a Gopro3, not the plus.

Water Bill · Posted: Sat Apr 12, 2014 12:49 pm Post subject:

Just want to let any C-Brats who may be headed to Lake Powell know that Sue and I will be on the lake from 4-17 to 4-28. Will launch at Halls Crossing and slowly make our way down to Wahweap and back to Halls Crossing. If you are going to be on the lake at that time let us know and we will keep an eye out for you.

Bill

jkidd · Posted: Sun Apr 13, 2014 9:26 am Post subject:

thataway · Posted: Wed Apr 16, 2014 4:00 pm Post subject:

Our current plans put us launching at Lake Powell about the 11 of Sept. If any of the other C Brats are heading that way, at that time, and way to meet up, give a shout. We plan on leaving Powell about a week after the Sept 20 gathering.

Discovery · Posted: Thu Apr 17, 2014 8:36 am Post subject:

Thataway, We will put those dates on our calender. We always enjoy cruising Lake Powell and hope to see you and Marie.

jkidd · Posted: Sun Apr 27, 2014 11:26 pm Post subject:

Updated policies for those headed to Powell

Now that quagga mussels have been detected in Lake Powell, we are developing an Extended Response Strategy that will shift our focus from keeping mussels out (prevention) to trying to keep mussels from leaving the lake (containment) and infesting other bodies of water. This strategy is supported by the Western states.

We hope to implement this new strategy by mid-May, but in the meantime we will no longer require the green mussel-free certificate for incoming vessels, and will no longer restrict ramp hours. Fee staff, AIS rangers, and others who interact with the boating public should continue to emphasize the clean, drain, and dry message to both incoming and especially outgoing vessels.

We are working diligently to provide more details and have things in place by Memorial Day weekend and appreciate your patience as we make this transition. We will not make a public announcement as this is an interim step that will not inconvenience boaters, but if you have questions please contact Denise Shultz at 608-6351.

Todd W. Brindle
Superintendent
Glen Canyon National Recreation Area
Rainbow Bridge National Monument
P.O. Box 1507
691 Scenic View Drive
Page, AZ 86040

(928) 608-6210 office
(928) 640-1586 cell
(928) 608-6204 fax

thataway · Posted: Mon Apr 28, 2014 6:55 pm Post subject:

Sort of a frightening prospect--if Lake Powell is this infested, then Glen Canyon, Grand Canyon, (Lake Mead is already), and I suspect all of the lower lakes, plus the Calif. Aqueduct system (of the Colorado
River) will be infested…

Thanks for the heads up. Maybe we will have to have the boats steam cleaned before we leave the National Recreational Area?

jkidd · Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2014 8:46 am Post subject:

All the lakes below Lake Powell were all ready infected. This is off of Wanyes Words.

You can have your boat professionally decontaminated at the Wahweap Boat Maintenance Yard near Stateline ramp. Price is $60/hr charged at 15 minute intervals. A clean 20 foot boat would probably cost $15 while a houseboat may be much more. Call them at 928 645 1071. Proof of decon (receipt) can be provided but that might not be accepted at all lakes. You might call in advance to see what is expected at the receiving water.

NPS does not have the resources to decontaminate all the boats that leave Lake Powell so at this time that is not an option.

UT will decon the boat by appointment, free of charge near St George, UT if you are headed to CA along that route.

This is all new right now and a standard procedure is not yet determined. By the end of this year more procedures will be in place.

Water Bill · Posted: Tue Apr 29, 2014 11:35 am Post subject:

Sue and I just returned from 12 great days at Lake Powell yesterday. We launched on Apr. 17 at Halls Crossing and they inspected the boat and issued us a mussel free certificate to leave in the truck. When we pulled the boat out yesterday a Park Ranger met us on the ramp and said they were no longer performing inspections when you launch. He gave us brochures on how to decontaminate your boat and recommended we drain our engine, bilge, any live wells and clean any mud from the boat while still on the ramp. They are not actually making sure this is being done. He did say Utah and Arizona will be setting up random checkpoints and stopping boaters to make sure boats being trailered are following these procedures. He also said fines will be issued if they find a boat not in compliance. We did not run into a checkpoints on the way back to Colorado yesterday. The brochure also gives recommended lengths of time before boating again in another water. Will be interesting to see if these requirements change as the year progresses.

We did complete our cruise from Halls Crossing to Whaweap and back cruising in and out of many side canyons along the way. We took our time cruising along at 5 knots. We managed to find good protected anchorages on the couple of days with high winds. As Jody mentioned the Lake is a lot lower then it was for the Sept. 2013 gathering. We stopped at Oak Canyon on the way down and back and the location we used last Sept. is high and dry but we found two different spots that were just as good. No trouble finding unoccupied coves and beaches this time of year. We ran across only one other C-Dory , E-Ticket with Susan and Eric on board.

We had temperatures that ranged from 46 to 84 degrees and water surface temperature ranged from 55 to 65 degrees. Gas at Whaweap Marina was $4.91 per gallon and ice was $4.99 for a 10 lb bag or block. I will post pictures in my album as soon as I get a chance.

Bill

jkidd · Posted: Wed Apr 30, 2014 10:31 am Post subject:

Good report glad you had a nice trip. I HATE that wind.

Matthew · Posted: Sat May 03, 2014 8:17 pm Post subject: Looking for a boat

Hi everyone! I am new to your world but seriously taken by the c dorys. I am beginning a search for one of my own, Either new or used 25' or 26' venture. Any thoughts???

Pat Anderson · Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 12:01 am Post subject:

So, tell me about decontamination again? I need to do that just to trailer my boat home through Utah? Not completely sure of our dates yet, we kind of want to coordinate with Russ and Toni on Traveler if we can, but we are probably going to be on the lake for at least three weeks this year!

jkidd · Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 12:56 am Post subject:

You need to clean any debris or mud off of the boat and trailer, drain the water out of the motors, drain any live wells, and don't leave your plug in. If the plug is in and you get stopped you can be fined 1100 dollars. The boat has to dry for so many days before you can launch in any other water. Or you can pay to have the boat professionally cleaned. They basically wash the boat with 140 degree water.

Casey · Posted: Sun May 04, 2014 6:01 am Post subject:

When we were traveling last summer (through NM, AZ, UT, ID, WY, MT...) enroute to AK the magic number seemed to be at least 30 days out-of-the-water.

We encountered several check stations along the Interstate(s) and they seemed to be operated 7/24. Most were staffed by college kids, and every one seemed diligent and nice. They would do a quick-but-thorough inspection, give us a form, and we'd be on our way. In WY they put a wire seal through the bow eye and connected it to the trailer to ensure the boat hadn't been removed from the trailer. ...and we weren't even launching (until we got to Prince Rupert).

I suspected (at the time) these inspections were probably going to be a fruitless undertaking, but it was a good effort to prevent//delay the spread of a significant water-borne problem. Biologists in downstream states will have to look into other measures to control or eradicate the mussels. I can only imagine what these things might do to urban water systems when they arrive.

It would be interesting to hear from Chris (Rana Verde) on that subject; he know's about such stuff.

Best,
Casey&Mary