09/20 - Lake Powell 2014 Gathering

jkidd · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2014 11:11 pm Post subject:

2013's camp in Forgotten

What it looks like March 2014.

This is where we camped in 2012

A little house boater handy work.

Out for a ride in the Mokai.

The lake looks a whole lot different right now.

Pat Anderson · Posted: Wed Apr 02, 2014 11:54 pm Post subject:

Thanks for the pix, Jody! See you in September, whatever the lake conditions! Our last year there was 2010, Pat, Patty and Baxter can't wait to get back!

Pat
KD7OAC

Hunkydory · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2014 1:13 am Post subject:

Jody, its neat to see the difference. Thanks for posting the photo update.

Jay

Casey · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2014 7:49 am Post subject:

Flint,

It's a long haul from Marathon, but Lake Powell has GOT to be one of the best boating venues we have ever experienced. In good wx it is Spectacular, but in bad wx it can be downright scary, and the wind's can be awesome and develop quickly. Watch the weather!

If your boat doesn't have a "KeelGuard," think about having one installed. Many of the nights will be spent with the boat "beached" ashore. You can beach camp with the bow-in, or stern-in, but having your keel protected makes beaching bow-in pretty easy. (But think ahead as to how you'll go ashore off the bow. C-Brats have come up with some very creative ideas in that regard.)

Another item you might want to buy is a length of line (we used about 120' of light ski rope) so you can run diagonal lines to shore. Although you can usually find something to tie your shoreline to - having a couple of screw-in anchors (like some folks use to secure a dog in the yard...) are handy and don't take up much space. You will probably plant your anchor ashore and just use the diagonal lines as stabilizer's.

Having a couple of LED headlamps will permit you to navigate your way back to the boat in the dark while avoiding the maze of docklines run ashore and while carrying two folding chairs (or a glass of wine) to/from the boat. Smile

Be sure to take some kind of folding chair for socializing ashore.

The wx at Lake Powell that time of year will be delightful, and on the warm side ... but unlike Florida, it's DRY. Having some kind of "mister" to spray water will help you stay cooler. A pint size hand sprayer for each person, with an adjustable nozzle works well.

Make sure you have some kind of sun shade for the boat (e.g. a good bimini), and maybe a largish golf or beach umbrella. We have not used the camper canvas during the summer; too warm.

That time of year the lake is Great for swimming, so keep your PFD and pool noodle handy!

Be sure you allow enough time to really 'Explore. A week (or more) before or after the CBGT will be time well spent. It's pretty easy, and relaxing, to spend a month or longer on Lake Powell, it's a BIG lake! The lake has holding-tank and porta-potty dump stations about every 20(?) miles uplake. They are free and very handy. If you have a small freezer onboard (ie. Dometic/WAECO) you can actually keep frozen foodstuff's and make ice which free's you from having to buy ice (which sometimes isn't very convenient).

A pair of "river shoes" that can be worn ashore or in the water will permit you to do some hiking if you're so inclined.

...and naturally - your CAMERA!!!

Gee's, I'm already enthused, and we're not even going this year!

Best,
Casey&Mary

Sunbeam · Posted: Thu Apr 03, 2014 8:43 pm Post subject:

Interesting photos, Jody - looks *really* low now! Fun to see the same shots at different times. I wonder what it will be like by next fall.

jkidd · Posted: Fri Apr 04, 2014 7:01 pm Post subject:

The lastest forecasts are projecting a 44 foot increase this year. If that holds true we might be a little higher than last year by September. Last years high was 3609 we are at 3575 right now.

Pat Anderson · Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 11:08 am Post subject:

Casey, you are so right about "time to explore." When you explore, be sure to take LOTS of water to stay hydrated, Patty can tell you about the consequences of not having enough water. And time to fish, swim, swing on the hook (yes, there ARE spots to anchor, we learned that cruising with a Ranger Tug in 2010), listen to music enjoying your sundowner, read, relax, vist with great friends - well, you know the drill! We are thinking about three weeks this year! Ain't retirement great!

thataway · Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 4:20 pm Post subject:

We have always gone stern too at Powell. I cannot think of a time we have gone bow too in 10 years and over 14 trips to Powell. The stern too is perhaps a bit more work--but it pays off in ease of getting on and off of the boat (especially for dogs).

We also have some type of shade for the on shore times--a very lightweight tarp, of rip stop works well, and a few tent poles with some 1/8" line and use of the rocks or occasionally a few light tent stakes, round out the gear for this. Our tarp packs in about 10" x 8" round, wrapped with the lines.

jkidd · Posted: Sat Apr 05, 2014 9:55 pm Post subject:

March 2014 Campsite

Near Tapestry Wall March 2014

Hunkydory · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2014 1:17 am Post subject:

Jody, confident & good, your flying the helicopter from the cockpit of your boat & for sure getting some exceptional photos. They'er making me even more looking forward to returning there for another Gathering.

Thanks for posting them,

Jay

Casey · Posted: Sun Apr 06, 2014 8:14 am Post subject:

Jody,

Great pic's with your 'copter.

Mary got a Blade 350QX quadcopter a couple of weeks ago and has been learning the in's and out's of flying it. The plan is to use her GoPro camera aloft, but at the moment there seem to be some reverse sensing control issues when the GoPro is used. She's already gotten some interesting practice video here in The Villages.

Using the 'quad when we're on the water may take a little more practice ... since they're not waterproof!

...I've even flown it a few times (and only crashed Once!) Smile

Best,
C&M

jkidd · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2014 10:44 am Post subject:

Casey · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2014 12:50 pm Post subject:

Jody,
Which 'copter are you using?
...and I presume you've installed some pool-noodles for floatation?
Best,
C&M

Pat Anderson · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2014 10:48 pm Post subject:

Jody, enjoying the heck out of your aerial pix, keep up the good work!

jkidd · Posted: Mon Apr 07, 2014 10:56 pm Post subject:

I'm using a DJI Phantom. Played with some floats but they get in the way of the shot. So I just give myself plenty of time for the landing. I had one close call where I just about ditched it. It is quite an experience flying over water with no safety net.