09/21 Lake Powell September 2013 Gathering

Chris,
I was surprised to see you and Terry go by us as we approached Halls Crossing Tuesday morning and wondered why you kept heading down the lake. Now I know why. Sorry to hear about what Terry has been going through, no fun for sure. Tell her I enjoyed the conversation we had on retirement and other things while we were at Iceberg Canyon. Sue and I wish her a speedy recovery.
Bill
 
Chris and Terry--When you left Forgotten that day, who would have guessed you were in for such an exciting medical experience. Terry was really lucky that you were able to get off the Lake before the weather set in. We are glad that everything turned out okay, but what a scare.

We ended up leaving the Lake early too because of a medical issue with our family back home. My sister was taken by ambulance to Utah Valley Hospital due to sepsis caused by kidney stones. I spent the rest of the week with her in Provo. She too is doing better after an extended time on antibiotics.

Even with all the issues at the end of the trip we still had a great time and enjoyed the time with our C-Brat friends. We look forward to the trip every year and appreciate Chris for pulling it all together. Take care of Terry and don't let her back out on the trip next year. She couldn't have another crisis next year. Rodent bites and life threatening infections are off the list now!!!.

Brent and Dixie
 
Wow, Chris and Terry, what an experience! Sorry that it was not managed so that it was resolved at the first hospital. It is easy to say "all is well which ends well"--but it sounds like some very shaky times and a lot of suffering between.

We never know when something which seems simple, can become life threatening. Brent's comments about resistant bacteria and the importance of blood cultures and rapid diagnosis is also very timely.

Hopefully next year we will be able to join the group again.

We both send our best to you!
 
Fascinating posts....

Donna: "Magical and surreal" are Perfect. We've been to Powell many times, but to see it w/o houseboats, jet skis, etc would certainly be different!

Imagine - exploring up a canyon, finding the Perfect beachcamp, and NOT having a houseboat there already!!!

Sunbeam: Yea, you may want to revisit provisioning issues! You never know when luck will strike and you get to explore Powell solo (sic), although as Donna mentioned - this opportunity may never present itself again (unless we have some sort of monsterous financial/social implosion. (Mary just reminded me: "We were there last year well into OCT, but when Dangling Rope ran out of rootbeer floats you (Casey) made a very wise decision to head toward Wahweap." ...yea, I Remember). Mary, not jokingly, usually says that we could "get-by" for upwards of six months with the food stuff we "normally" have aboard. You never know when weather will blow-in; or a gov't shutdown will come along(!).

Over the years Bill Fiero and I have discussed Lake Powell as a good "hide out" locale in a time when things Really fell apart. It had become a bit of a game for us. Think of places on the lake where you could bivouac for a few/several months, and what it would take supply-wise to just live on your C-Dory for 2/4/6 months or so. Naturally you'd have plenty of (vital) fresh water, but beyond that, what sort of stuff would you need to get by. (For me, there would have to be plenty of BOOKS(!). Glad we have an iPad and a small solar charger!) Think about it ....

Best,
Casey&Mary
 
Chris,
Glad you made the decision to go when you did. And Glad Terry is doing better now, that's good to hear. Hard to know what touched it all off, but playing it safe is always a good plan. By now you have probably eliminated a lot of stuff you won't need to be worried about again --- looking at the bright :idea: side.

Sunbeam,
I would be in the same state as you are, not a fisherman, so the food issue would be an issue. Any edible vegetation available -- think Bear Grylls, Cody Lundin the barefoot guy or Euell Gibbons of Grape Nuts fame.

I guess having not been there, I don't really get it. So the government shut down, why does that effect the marina and grocery availability? Is it that the owners didn't resupply knowing the boating public wouldn't be there, are they government concessions and everybody is off work or gone? How about an air drop of staples to stave off the need to get to a marina? (Thinking out side the canyon box. :shock:

This is the first year I have followed much about the Lake Powell trip. Mostly because it has seen a long way off before I could think of going there. It has been "light reading" before. This year has been different, more interest, and becoming a foreseeable trip.

Thanks for all the detail and for the pictures. Tyboo, I'll be checking in on that album.

Harvey
SleepyC:moon
 
Casey,

Yep, I'll probably bring more "base stores" along next time. Things like rice, canned tuna, butter, powdered milk, etc. Cut it a bit too close on this one! I also think a water purifier would be handy (although we have loads and loads of stove fuel, so I could boil lake water - but I think we will not run out of tank water anyway). And fishing gear!

I guess I'm a bit rusty provisioning, and plus the "keep it light" factor was new for me. I did fine provisioning the sailboat for 6-9 months, but then weight was not a factor, and I also had the space for a full set of staples to "make" my own fresh food (i.e. baking bread, cookies, etc.). So ironically I found that easier.

I like your and Bill's "game" - an interesting topic to think about. And I too, enjoy being "stuck" in an anchorage, as long as there is a good book, a bosun's kit, and a bit of food and drink :thup I'm running low on the "good book" part, because I brought along paper books. My buddy has an E-reader and I'm a bit jealous of the umpty-million books he has along.

We're holed up now for a front passing through - was so windy last night that a fetch of about 100 yards produced waves. Now, although it was supposed to still be 20-25mph or so, the lake is like a mirror. Not sure what gives (although wow, the quiet is filling my ears - it was a loud/windy night), but since I have Internet here I will check the weather online (nice luxury as long as the electricity holds out).

Tomorrow morning, weather permitting, we'll go do a bit more exploring. Then, even if the food holds out (which I believe it will, just not lavishly), we'll probably head on in before too long. The biggest bummer for us is that we have no dinghy/kayaks/etc. Last year I didn't either, but the water level enabled boating (with the "big" boat) right up to the end of all the hikable canyons we explored. This year -- because of the lower water level and probably also because my boat-handling skills are not quite up to the level of last year's captain (to say the least!) --we're finding we're not able to get to the end of a lot of canyons to hike. So, either kayak(s) or SUP(s) are on the very short list, along with an 8' pole (for propelling boat and/or guiding along canyon walls). And more food :D

Sunbeam

PS: Harvey, I just saw your post as we were typing at the same time. I'm not exactly sure why all the stores/marinas are shut down, but I believe the concessions (food/gas) are all run by Aramark, which is a contracted concessionaire, so that is probably considered "government." So I think they had to shut down. Earlier I wondered if one of the stores had let their supplies run low on purpose, knowing about the coming shutdown, but that was not true as they had more stock later on.

Of course it's easier to conserve on fuel than food, as you can just sit still.

Your reference to Euell Gibbons made me laugh. I so remember him and his voice and the Grape Nuts commercials. Also that he was a true nature guy (not just a commercial narrator). I imagine there might be something to eat ashore, but I would guess it pales in comparison to the lake full of delicious striper (I tasted a couple thanks to the generosity of the Secret of Life crew), and man, could I go for one now!

PPS: But please don't worry about us starving. It's more just that it's unique for me to be even coming close to running low on food, when it seems that it's usually the case (probably not just for me, either) that one tends to "overpack" in that department. Like most potlucks, where there ends up being way more food than folks can eat. In the current situation it kind of adds a bit to the "fun" to have to be creative and ration just a scoch (not to minimize the situation when people really are starving and it is NOT fun; but just to let folks know that's not our situation now, although I wouldn't mind putting in a grocery order!)

Also, as I understand the situation now, it's fine to stay out on the lake as long as you are self-sufficient with the supplies you have on board, but if you were to go in for re-supply (even assuming there was anything to purchase), then you would be supposed to stay in (off the lake). So, we'll stay self sufficient for as long as we can or are enjoying it, then go in.

PPPS: Casey: Thanks for mentioning Root Beer floats. Now I must have one :cry

:wink
 
Hi Brats!

Marcia, Boomer and I made it back home on Monday, wrapping up a 5,000 plus mile trip. After leaving Lake Powell we visited my cousin in Sedona for three days and had planned on heading to the Grand Canyon for a few days, but we all know how that turned out.

Reluctant to start heading east, we decided to go west instead, driving from Sedona on Route 66 through AZ and into Nevada and California, winding up at an over-55 campground at Needles for a few days of hanging out at the pool in the mid-90 degree temps and sunshine. Oh yeah, due to the shutdown, almost every tourist area on Route 66 was jammed with tour buses disgorging Europeans, mostly French and Germans. Kind of killed the small-town feel of 66.

We took our time coming home, just enjoying the road, small mom-and-pop campgrounds and being together. The last two days here at home were spent cleaning the camper and boat, using about a gallon of vinegar to get the hard water stains off Valkyrie, followed by hot soapy water and then wax.

Chris- glad to hear that things are getting better for your bride and thanks for your guided tour of the lake!

Regards,

Nick and Marcia
"Valkyrie"
 
Kudos to the state of Utah...

http://www.cnn.com/2013/10/11/us/utah-p ... ?hpt=hp_c2

The Governor and state legislature in Utah have found a way to reopen the National Parks and Recreation Areas in Utah, including Glen Canyon National Recreation Area.

The article above states that $100 million goes into that state's economy from these national treasures. Too many local businesses are effected by the shutdown, and Utah has taken steps to protect their economy. :thup :thup

Jim B.
 
Sunbeam,
My understanding is that Dangling Rope does let the stock drop in the fall months. They are open March thru November.--so closed Dec, Jan and Feb. We have been there early in the spring, and there was not a lot on the shelves. But they have to supply food for the employees, and ranger,
if one is there, so some supplies are always coming in until they shut down.

Sunbeam--bass are as easy to catch at Powell as any where--take some gear next time!

I just went to the Glen Canyon Web site--shut down! Now that is dumb.

As for a "hide out"--well the Navajo Indians have scratched out a living on the lands near the canyon--but you don't have the luxury of raising crops.
Fish and rare game is available (game is illegal to take). I want someplace where there is vegetation. (We have about 800 acres of wetlands, nature preserve behind out house--plus game and fish...)

We always carry at least a weeks supply of dry food aboard. Doesn't take a lot of room, or weight. Just sustenance, which can be supplemented with fish.
 
Our first time on Lake Powell…

Chris, first of all we are glad Terry is doing better now… that's good news.

A great thanks to Chris who met us at Wahweap Marina and explained the trip plan to us including any safety concerns regarding the river since it was our first time. His concern about the group’s safety as a whole, especially during the attempt to visit the arc and calling it off because of severe weather conditions is admirable.

We were amazed by the beautiful and breathtaking landscape. We have never seen anything like that. We most certainly would like to cruise the lake again with this group…

Even more than the beautiful and breathtaking landscape we enjoyed the company of our fellow cruisers…

Chris, Rana Verde, shared his past inside passage cruising experience with us;
Donna, Secret of Life, offered to let us try out and use their paddleboards;
Bill, C-Swell, offered and led us to the upper lake in Iceberg Canyon;
Jay, HunkyDory, shared his valuable Alaska cruising experiences with us;
Lyle & Janda, See-Saw, have our admiration for challenging this cruise with their 16’ boat;
Nick & Marcia, Valkyrie, are passionate anglers, good cooks and fun conversationalists;
Rob, Jean Marie, also a passionate angler and photographer who is always willing to lend a helping hand

In addition, we experienced great conversations with all the other fellow cruisers. All shared their cruising and technical experiences freely with us. Just a great bunch!!

Thanks a lot to all of you for your friendship.

Heinz & Diane
 
Sunbeam ... and anyone else still out on Lake Powell -

It appears there may be a window of (resupply) opportunity for you!

In a temporary agreement between Utah and the NPS is supposed to have Utah fund the operation of Parks in Utah for ten days. The agreement was supposed to go into effect on Friday (yesterday). ...so who knows, maybe you'll have an opportunity to get to Page, resupply, and get back out on the lake if you're so inclined!

A 'glitch might be in the fact that Wahweap is in Arizona, not Utah. *&^%$ .
If Utah funding for Lake Powell is limited to Utah-waters, it could be a sticking point.

During my years with the NPS I saw some strange things here-and-there but we've reach a new level of 'bizarre. Simply Amazing.

Best,
Casey&Mary
 
Yes both Wahweep and Antelope Point are open now. Along with Bullfrog and Halls and Dangling Rope. Arizona has been trying to get the Grand Canyon open but the interior department has been avoiding there calls.
 
Just got back in view of Navajo Mountain, and thus online. So, it looks like the lake may be open again. I did see a speedboat racing uplake in the "20's" mile marker range. Haven't seen or heard anything like that in many days (I believe there were still some boats out here along with us, but you'd think they'd be in fuel conservation mode by now, as we are). I hailed them on 16 but go no response. Perhaps they launched at Wahweap or Antelope this morning.

So, now to decide what to do, in view of the fact that we could potentially re-supply. We had always been thinking it would be nice to be out here for full moon (which we did catch at launch but just barely), but ... guess we'll look at the upcoming weather and decide from there. No rush to leave, but then too no need to stay past when it's fun. We're kind of spoiled now by having the place "to ourselves," too. Although.... food.... ice.... milk..... :gift

I've always thought I'd like the Inside Passage area for my "hideout." Relatively mild temps year 'round (I'm a northerner, so prefer cooler to really hot), plenty of stove fuel (wood), fish/berries/sea life, and no roads (would keep a certain percentage of other folks away). I suppose after a certain amount of time I'd be dreaming of something dry/hot though! And the winter/SE storms would be something.

Thanks for those who posted the updated info from the "real world" :thup

Jody: Are you thinking of making a trip back now?

Heinz: What a nice post. You've had some great first-time C-Brats experiences (Friday Harbor, Powell, etc.) I hope we can meet up again either here or someplace down the road/river/etc.

Thataway: Yep, I did go just slightly too far in the "lightening up" direction. I have a list of certain staples and supplies to add to the "permanent" stock aboard. We haven't starved yet, but pickings are (were?) getting slim and I would have been annoyed if food had been the thing that drove us off the lake. (This is probably my biggest challenge with this boat, in more than just food stocks: Where is the correct "line" to draw between sinking the boat with all the things I would load onto a cruising sailboat, and being un-prepared or under-equipped. I suspect it's somewhat of a moving target, and different for different folks/different places.

Sunbeam
 
Sunbeam,

As a "hideout" location, I agree that numerous locations along the Inside Passage would be real contenders. Mary and I have discussed it, and the fact that thousands of year's of indigenous folks thrived in this area has something to be said for the subsistence lifestyle. In my view, any culture that has enough free time to create artistic forms (totem poles, bent wood boxes, complex carvings...) tells me they don't have to spend ALL their time grubbing for food. Life up there may not be easy; but it's Do-able.

When we were cruising in Southeast last summer we noticed an occasional "float home" established in some remote/protected area. I don't know the details of their lifestyle, but it appears that it, too, is Do-able. One that got my attention was a floating platform a few miles east of Tenakee Springs. The platform had a nice looking 'yurt on it, with a smallish skiff tied alongside. My immediate impression was that these folks were living a pretty nice Life! Good for them.

...just thinking out loud, and sharing with the 'Family.

Best,
Casey&Mary
 
Sunbeam

Wow I would really like to be able to spend that much time on the lake. Until I get a little closer to retirement it's just not in the cards. It sure looks like your having a good time. Right now I'm planing on between Christmas and New Years for my next trip. In past years I was the only trailer in the parking lot. You don't see anyone else much. If your still down there then you can hail me on channel 68. :xlol
 
jkidd":1x186bod said:
Wow I would really like to be able to spend that much time on the lake.
Click to expand...

I feel really lucky and grateful to be able to do so. This was the "carrot on the end of the stick" I used to keep my projects going when I was knee deep in them.

jkidd":1x186bod said:
In past years I was the only trailer in the parking lot. You don't see anyone else much.
Click to expand...

That's what was so cool about (just happening to) being here during the shutdown. Just... no-one. No motor sounds, no wakes, no people. At first it was eerie, and then we started to get used to it. (Of course I realize this was due to problematic issues, so not "all good" in that sense.) Today we started to see boats again. No houseboats (we're not at either end of the lake), but maybe 6-10 go-fast type boats.

jkidd":1x186bod said:
If your still down there then you can hail me on channel 68. :xlol
Click to expand...

Hee! Probably not - don't have enough warm clothes! But I'll bet it's magical. I can just imagine the beauty of a dusting of snow on the red rocks. And the lake to yourself.

Sunbeam

PS: Casey: Thanks for the heads-up. Yep, the place is open again. We were able to re-supply some (limited, but hey, edible!) and will probably stay out a few more days (would like to see full moon or close to it, and the weather looks decent). Unless those root-beer floats start calling too loudly :D
 
Back
Top