09/21 Lake Powell September 2013 Gathering
- Thread starter Chris
- Start date
maryvmcclain
New member
Today we anchored on a Sandy beach not far from the Wawheap ..we think its called icecream canyon..sheltered by a big rock wall..perfectly serene until a pontoon of 5 adults and 7 little kids..all under age 7..came to swim..shoot water cannons..sing counting songs..play monsters and just have a good old time. We really e joyed the show. Then along came a barge followed by a big 50ft trawler filled with people dressed in gorrilla suits..an astronaut suit and tshirt uniforms for each team..they are part of some kind of several city driving scavenger and trivia hunt which came through Page. They were only here long enough to collect their assignments and then departed. Again..unexpected entertainment. I read in my cockpit hammock as Rob explored the cive in the kayak/windglider. Dinner is starting to smell really good....Tomorrow is supposed to be blustery but today was perfect and very fun.
jkidd
Active member
It was another great trip. Had a good time renewing old friendship and making a few new ones as well. With the water level at 3591 it was a little interesting finding places to beach. Nice writeup Sunbeam don't worry about the scratch the first one is over now let the fun begin. I added another scratch by the trees too. Get out the buffer.
I am curious why no boats were backed into shore ?
I think it would be much easier to get off and on the boat.
Just raise your motor and paddle in.
I ask this because I am just starting with a C-Dory and outboard's.
I always had inboards since 1969.
Thanks in advance.
Bill Kelleher
I think it would be much easier to get off and on the boat.
Just raise your motor and paddle in.
I ask this because I am just starting with a C-Dory and outboard's.
I always had inboards since 1969.
Thanks in advance.
Bill Kelleher
Bill, I can only guess for this specific anchorage, that there was a lot of wind, and the conditions dictated a bow landing for the large number of boats was safer and easier. We almost always put a hook out, set it and back to the beach. We get good sternway, and then stop the engine, pull it up and Marie checks the anchor rode just a a foot or so off the beach--and I jump ashore with a stern anchor. After the one anchor is set (I do the windward--if there is a windward-- first. Then the second anchor.
Currently tucked into a neat cove - a very small winding river of our own, on river right, by buoy #67. Basically across the main channel from Ribbon Canyon. On a lark, I decided to fire up the computer and see if I could get online.... miracle of miracles, I could! Decided to check weather and C-Brats 
On the question of why we were all (except for Rana Verde, who may be out of view) beached nose in, it's because it was quite windy and very "cramped" so not an easy spot to back into. It was my first time going nose in (I like to back in and stay "afloat").
Backtracking to Forgotten Canyon, I realize I forgot to mention Lighthouse Express and Jean Marie. They are two 25's and also left Forgotten before I emerged for the day (Tuesday). I think they may have headed back to Oak Canyon to weather the blow and as a stepping stone back to Wahweap, but I'm not sure.
So, back to Tuesday morning (pardon any repetition; I don't want to look back right now with the limited service). My buddy had not been to Defiance House, so he set out (walking quite a ways up the creek bed before even getting to where we could boat to last year) and I stayed behind on the boat. Discovery and See-Saw were also still at the cove, chatting before departure. It was a beautiful morning, calm and sunny, but we knew a blow was coming. See-Saw was heading for Annie's Canyon and Discovery for Hall's to take out ("we live two hours away, so why weather a two-day blow when we can just come back" Indeed!). Shortly after they left, my buddy got back and we prepared to head out. We stopped at Hall's to top off on fuel, water and etc. (when I made the last update).
From there we headed for Annie's, around 10 miles away, where See-Saw had gone to look for a possible anchorage. In contrast to the way up, this was beautiful cruising, with basically flat water and just enough little ripples to make the boat feel (and sound) like it was breaking free of the surface and skittering/flying along on top of the water. Whee! I love that feeling. Not to mention the endlessly unfolding amazing scenery. It's occassionally "normal" (in a nice way, but I mean because you see it all day) and "Oh my ... can you believe we are really here seeing this!?" Pinch me!
We had a lovely cruise through the three arms of Annie's Canyon. You feel there isn't going to be an entrance at all, but then a cleft in the sheer walls opens and beckons you inward through very tall sheer walls. If you crane your neck there are thin ribbons of sky waaaay up above.First we took the right arm, where there is a beautiful bowl rimmed with hanging gardens at the end. When you circle around it, there are times when you have only a bowl of rock overhead, no sky. It had a sort of loose rock base that was not visible last year, but was still awesome. We then took the center and left arms. It's easy to imagine losing your way amongst the real forks and the "look like forks but are really just short canyons" that unfold as you go (if one did not have charts). There was no sign of See-Saw, and there was not even a ghost of a place to stop (last year there was a nice beach up one of arms). So we headed back into the main channel and pressed on, with Iceberg being our fallback "bolt hole." We didn't really find anything better, so kept on going. Slickrock was the last canyon before Iceberg, but by that point we felt it was getting too close to dusk to do more exploring (and the Jones map said "no campsites" anyway), so we headed into Iceberg. I was hoping to find a different spot from the one the group had camped at, as it had been windy when we had arrived that evening and the beach had been "blowing" sand, but we just could not find anything else. Either it was taken by a large houseboat/entourage, or it looked even less sheltered and still sandy. At least we knew we had trees to tie to at our previous spot.
We came around the last bend (for those with a Jones map, it's the right fork just before the "main" fork splits at the end of the canyon) hoping to see See-Saw, but.... there was just another small powerboat (non-C-Dory). We really didn't want to invade anyone's spot, so went back out one more time to look for something better at the very end. I was starting to get that "Hmm, it's getting awfully dusky" feeling, and we had our running lights on by then. Nothing revealed itself. Ultimately we came back and asked the powerboaters if they minded us pulling up nearby. They were very gracious and introduced themselves. We nosed our bow up onto the beach for expediency, and as both boats were quiet, it was pleasant for each of us. They puttered out early the next morning, and we commenced getting ready for the blow, which was supposed to start around 11 a.m. and last for around two days. We first decided to just turn around and go stern-to, with one anchor off the bow and two stern lines to shore. There were really strong "stakes" in the form of tree limbs buried in the sand. I like to be afloat, and I like the feeling of having an anchor to pull out to/adjust things. It may not always be like this, but for me when sleeping, the boat felt a bit bow "up" when beached bow in, and I could hear the bow on the sand somewhat. Guess I'm more used to hearing the anchor/rode type noises.
That lasted about an hour. Then we could see that the wind would be hitting us abeam and decided to get better situated (at this point our bow was actually facing a very, very tall rock wall across the stream to our SW, which was where the wind was supposed to come from, but in actuality it came up the dry part of the canyon, and thus hit us on our starboard beam - not too surprising, but a bit awkward as were were currently set up).
One thing I can say is that I used just about all of the "extra" anchors and line I debated leaving ashore to save weight and space. We ended up parallel to shore (but away from it), with two anchors off the bow in a V (one ended up being somewhat superfluous, but was useful for the first day, and would have been handy had we decided to leave before it really calmed down as we could have pulled ourselves past those mean trees), one line from the 'midships cleat and one on the stern cleat to shore on the starboard side (one tree limb that was "growing" in the sand, one dog stake in the sand), and the same to port but both tied off on trees outboard of us in the water. We were able to walk the anchors out (shallower water), and we swam the two lines out to trees (slipped them). I made a mental note to next time pack the swim fins. I had gone back and forth on them at the launch but ultimately left them in the van. They didn't end up being necessary but could have been handy.
With this set up we rode quite well (it was tricky because the real wind would hit one side of our bow, but then the "second wind" would hit the other side), but the sand.... the sand! :amgry Ugh, it was blowing all over the place! It would have been covered by water at higher levels, but now was exposed and just ripe for the blowing. We had to swim (or "deep wade" to get to shore, but with the wind/sand it was not that inviting anyway). We settled in with good books
There was no radio (VHF) reception at all in the canyon, and of course no Internet or other comms. Day two a lone kayaker paddled in (well fortified with wetsuit, etc.). A human! We asked him what it was like "outside," because we had started to think, "What if it's just a special highway of wind in here and it has in actuality calmed down outside?" But he said no, it was really windy outside (we heard no boats in the distance, which we usually can do, so we thought it was probably pretty unfavorable). He mentioned that he had seen another boat like ours, but from Texas, up at the end of Slickrock (also in a sandy blowy area, I think he said), so we figured that was probably See-Saw. He also said it was supposed to blow the rest of the day and through the night (he'd been out in the main channel and had received a recent forecast).
Just after he left it calmed down for an hour or so, and we contemplated using the portside bow anchor to pull ourselves to freedom (past the trees) and get away from the incessant sand; but then figured..... well....where would we go? After all, it wasn't pleasant where we were, but the boat was good and safe. So ultimately we stayed, but we did spend a couple of hours falling back to a more favorable spot (more of a sand eddy). It took longer than one would think to get the boat "happy" due to the constantly changing wind angles.
By last night it was still gusty, but it was the more fitful gusts of a dying wind (we felt no sympathy for it). This morning dawned .... quiet. Quiet! No wind, no blowing sand. Just smooth water and a boat floating lightly on its surface. It was cool (59º), but just felt like a happy morning. The sun was out (although it would be hours before it shone on us in our deep canyon). We bounded up, had coffee, and commenced to rinsing and cleaning everything. Sand be gone! We were just about to start gathering in our lines when what should come around the corner into our little world but another C-Dory! Turned out it was Secret of Life, come to find us They nosed their 22 up on the beach and we chatted while we gathered in our "web." Once we were ready to go, we made a plan to head south towards "Hole in the Rock" (~mile 66) where they knew of a good hike. Today's goal was to find a nice place to stop and play with the toys (they have SUP's and a small sailboat along) and just relax a bit, then go to Hole in the Rock tomorrow (there is no overnight suitable place there).
It was another gorgeous cruising day, made all the better by the contrast to the previous days, and we enjoyed every mile. We stopped off at the Escalante "potti island" (moved to river left on the main channel, perhaps because the previous spot got too shallow?) and they went on ahead to look for a spot. As we were coming up to mile 67 we hailed them on the VHF and they answered (which is somewhat of a happy surprise with all the walls here at Powell) and said they had found a neat spot on river right, just ahead of us. And find they did. A small creek in a niche just off the main channel, winding picturesquely back into the sand, with just enough depth for us, and just enough "S" to feel private - like our own play pool. We gleefully settled in and got the boat situated, and then once we were happy with that, they invited us to see their boat (ooh, more ideas), and try out their SUP's (yes, now I "need" one). Another nice thing about this spot is that there is quite a bit of "turf" you can hike to right from the boat (some spots are very limited or even pretty much just "on the boat" only). It's also a nice balance of open but not too open. We took a hike up on one side and got onto a high bench for a great view of "the world," but could not quite get onto the highest section. My buddy will probably try the other side with his movie camera tomorrow morning.
Came back to the boat and had cheese and crackers, then did some cooler maintenance and tried to get online for a lark.... and that brings us to the present. I hope to post some photos once I have a "real" connection (likely not until off the lake). I hope this wasn't just "too much words" without any photos. Seems like nowadays one gets used to the "punctuation" of photos in a post (I know I like them).
Sunbeam
On the question of why we were all (except for Rana Verde, who may be out of view) beached nose in, it's because it was quite windy and very "cramped" so not an easy spot to back into. It was my first time going nose in (I like to back in and stay "afloat").
Backtracking to Forgotten Canyon, I realize I forgot to mention Lighthouse Express and Jean Marie. They are two 25's and also left Forgotten before I emerged for the day (Tuesday). I think they may have headed back to Oak Canyon to weather the blow and as a stepping stone back to Wahweap, but I'm not sure.
So, back to Tuesday morning (pardon any repetition; I don't want to look back right now with the limited service). My buddy had not been to Defiance House, so he set out (walking quite a ways up the creek bed before even getting to where we could boat to last year) and I stayed behind on the boat. Discovery and See-Saw were also still at the cove, chatting before departure. It was a beautiful morning, calm and sunny, but we knew a blow was coming. See-Saw was heading for Annie's Canyon and Discovery for Hall's to take out ("we live two hours away, so why weather a two-day blow when we can just come back" Indeed!). Shortly after they left, my buddy got back and we prepared to head out. We stopped at Hall's to top off on fuel, water and etc. (when I made the last update).
From there we headed for Annie's, around 10 miles away, where See-Saw had gone to look for a possible anchorage. In contrast to the way up, this was beautiful cruising, with basically flat water and just enough little ripples to make the boat feel (and sound) like it was breaking free of the surface and skittering/flying along on top of the water. Whee! I love that feeling. Not to mention the endlessly unfolding amazing scenery. It's occassionally "normal" (in a nice way, but I mean because you see it all day) and "Oh my ... can you believe we are really here seeing this!?" Pinch me!
We had a lovely cruise through the three arms of Annie's Canyon. You feel there isn't going to be an entrance at all, but then a cleft in the sheer walls opens and beckons you inward through very tall sheer walls. If you crane your neck there are thin ribbons of sky waaaay up above.First we took the right arm, where there is a beautiful bowl rimmed with hanging gardens at the end. When you circle around it, there are times when you have only a bowl of rock overhead, no sky. It had a sort of loose rock base that was not visible last year, but was still awesome. We then took the center and left arms. It's easy to imagine losing your way amongst the real forks and the "look like forks but are really just short canyons" that unfold as you go (if one did not have charts). There was no sign of See-Saw, and there was not even a ghost of a place to stop (last year there was a nice beach up one of arms). So we headed back into the main channel and pressed on, with Iceberg being our fallback "bolt hole." We didn't really find anything better, so kept on going. Slickrock was the last canyon before Iceberg, but by that point we felt it was getting too close to dusk to do more exploring (and the Jones map said "no campsites" anyway), so we headed into Iceberg. I was hoping to find a different spot from the one the group had camped at, as it had been windy when we had arrived that evening and the beach had been "blowing" sand, but we just could not find anything else. Either it was taken by a large houseboat/entourage, or it looked even less sheltered and still sandy. At least we knew we had trees to tie to at our previous spot.
We came around the last bend (for those with a Jones map, it's the right fork just before the "main" fork splits at the end of the canyon) hoping to see See-Saw, but.... there was just another small powerboat (non-C-Dory). We really didn't want to invade anyone's spot, so went back out one more time to look for something better at the very end. I was starting to get that "Hmm, it's getting awfully dusky" feeling, and we had our running lights on by then. Nothing revealed itself. Ultimately we came back and asked the powerboaters if they minded us pulling up nearby. They were very gracious and introduced themselves. We nosed our bow up onto the beach for expediency, and as both boats were quiet, it was pleasant for each of us. They puttered out early the next morning, and we commenced getting ready for the blow, which was supposed to start around 11 a.m. and last for around two days. We first decided to just turn around and go stern-to, with one anchor off the bow and two stern lines to shore. There were really strong "stakes" in the form of tree limbs buried in the sand. I like to be afloat, and I like the feeling of having an anchor to pull out to/adjust things. It may not always be like this, but for me when sleeping, the boat felt a bit bow "up" when beached bow in, and I could hear the bow on the sand somewhat. Guess I'm more used to hearing the anchor/rode type noises.
That lasted about an hour. Then we could see that the wind would be hitting us abeam and decided to get better situated (at this point our bow was actually facing a very, very tall rock wall across the stream to our SW, which was where the wind was supposed to come from, but in actuality it came up the dry part of the canyon, and thus hit us on our starboard beam - not too surprising, but a bit awkward as were were currently set up).
One thing I can say is that I used just about all of the "extra" anchors and line I debated leaving ashore to save weight and space. We ended up parallel to shore (but away from it), with two anchors off the bow in a V (one ended up being somewhat superfluous, but was useful for the first day, and would have been handy had we decided to leave before it really calmed down as we could have pulled ourselves past those mean trees), one line from the 'midships cleat and one on the stern cleat to shore on the starboard side (one tree limb that was "growing" in the sand, one dog stake in the sand), and the same to port but both tied off on trees outboard of us in the water. We were able to walk the anchors out (shallower water), and we swam the two lines out to trees (slipped them). I made a mental note to next time pack the swim fins. I had gone back and forth on them at the launch but ultimately left them in the van. They didn't end up being necessary but could have been handy.
With this set up we rode quite well (it was tricky because the real wind would hit one side of our bow, but then the "second wind" would hit the other side), but the sand.... the sand! :amgry Ugh, it was blowing all over the place! It would have been covered by water at higher levels, but now was exposed and just ripe for the blowing. We had to swim (or "deep wade" to get to shore, but with the wind/sand it was not that inviting anyway). We settled in with good books
There was no radio (VHF) reception at all in the canyon, and of course no Internet or other comms. Day two a lone kayaker paddled in (well fortified with wetsuit, etc.). A human! We asked him what it was like "outside," because we had started to think, "What if it's just a special highway of wind in here and it has in actuality calmed down outside?" But he said no, it was really windy outside (we heard no boats in the distance, which we usually can do, so we thought it was probably pretty unfavorable). He mentioned that he had seen another boat like ours, but from Texas, up at the end of Slickrock (also in a sandy blowy area, I think he said), so we figured that was probably See-Saw. He also said it was supposed to blow the rest of the day and through the night (he'd been out in the main channel and had received a recent forecast).
Just after he left it calmed down for an hour or so, and we contemplated using the portside bow anchor to pull ourselves to freedom (past the trees) and get away from the incessant sand; but then figured..... well....where would we go? After all, it wasn't pleasant where we were, but the boat was good and safe. So ultimately we stayed, but we did spend a couple of hours falling back to a more favorable spot (more of a sand eddy). It took longer than one would think to get the boat "happy" due to the constantly changing wind angles.
By last night it was still gusty, but it was the more fitful gusts of a dying wind (we felt no sympathy for it
). This morning dawned .... quiet. Quiet! No wind, no blowing sand. Just smooth water and a boat floating lightly on its surface. It was cool (59º), but just felt like a happy morning. The sun was out (although it would be hours before it shone on us in our deep canyon). We bounded up, had coffee, and commenced to rinsing and cleaning everything. Sand be gone! We were just about to start gathering in our lines when what should come around the corner into our little world but another C-Dory! Turned out it was Secret of Life, come to find us They nosed their 22 up on the beach and we chatted while we gathered in our "web." Once we were ready to go, we made a plan to head south towards "Hole in the Rock" (~mile 66) where they knew of a good hike. Today's goal was to find a nice place to stop and play with the toys (they have SUP's and a small sailboat along) and just relax a bit, then go to Hole in the Rock tomorrow (there is no overnight suitable place there).It was another gorgeous cruising day, made all the better by the contrast to the previous days, and we enjoyed every mile. We stopped off at the Escalante "potti island" (moved to river left on the main channel, perhaps because the previous spot got too shallow?) and they went on ahead to look for a spot. As we were coming up to mile 67 we hailed them on the VHF and they answered (which is somewhat of a happy surprise with all the walls here at Powell) and said they had found a neat spot on river right, just ahead of us. And find they did. A small creek in a niche just off the main channel, winding picturesquely back into the sand, with just enough depth for us, and just enough "S" to feel private - like our own play pool
. We gleefully settled in and got the boat situated, and then once we were happy with that, they invited us to see their boat (ooh, more ideas), and try out their SUP's (yes, now I "need" one). Another nice thing about this spot is that there is quite a bit of "turf" you can hike to right from the boat (some spots are very limited or even pretty much just "on the boat" only). It's also a nice balance of open but not too open. We took a hike up on one side and got onto a high bench for a great view of "the world," but could not quite get onto the highest section. My buddy will probably try the other side with his movie camera tomorrow morning.Came back to the boat and had cheese and crackers, then did some cooler maintenance and tried to get online for a lark.... and that brings us to the present. I hope to post some photos once I have a "real" connection (likely not until off the lake). I hope this wasn't just "too much words" without any photos. Seems like nowadays one gets used to the "punctuation" of photos in a post (I know I like them).
Sunbeam
Hi Brats!
Early Tuesday morning we left Forgotten Canyon in company with Lighhouse Express (Heinz and Diane) and Jean Marie (Rob) and headed back to Oak Canyon to ride out the predicted winds of 35 plus and gusts to 55 mph in a nice, protected spot which was different from the place where the CBGT dinner took place.
Jean Marie left early on Wednesday before the heavy stuff started blowing. Hope you made it back okay Rob!
Marcia and I were lucky to get to know Heinz and Diane better and really enjoyed their company. On Wednesday we caught five stripers and two smallmouth from shore and had a very nice fish fry.
We were joined on Thursday afternoon by Hans and Marliss on Rigi, a gray-trimmed 25. Unfortunately, they had missed the gathering, but we all enjoyed our snug, protected beach in Oak Canyon.
Although the fishing was slow that day, Heinz scored BIG, landing a 30.5 inch striper! This beautiful fish provided dinner for all of us, with plenty left over.
Lighthouse Express and Valkyrie left at 0900 this morning, making it back to Wahweap at about 12:30 after and uneventful run as the winds were just variable today, a great relief after the last few days.
We pulled out and as Lighthouse Express was doing so, See Saw (16), with Lyle, Janda and Lindy aboard, pulled up to the ramp. We all had lunch together at the Wahweap Grille.
Marcia, Boomer and I are now in the Wahweap campground and still have two weeks before we have to be home. Next is a stop in Sedona to see my cousin and then north to the Grand Canyon for a few days.
As always, we enjoyed meeting new "old friends" as we have always done at every CBGT or cruise that we have attended. We definitely plan to return to Powell after this first great experience.
Oh yeah, Boomer is pretty much exhausted by all of his swimming and stick retrieving. Also, thanks for not complaining about his howling in Iceberg Canyon and then answering his own echo! Just for the record, each echo continued for 8-10 seconds! For those not there, at least it was in the morning and not at night. He is better behaved than that!
Best,
Nick, Marcia and Boomer
Early Tuesday morning we left Forgotten Canyon in company with Lighhouse Express (Heinz and Diane) and Jean Marie (Rob) and headed back to Oak Canyon to ride out the predicted winds of 35 plus and gusts to 55 mph in a nice, protected spot which was different from the place where the CBGT dinner took place.
Jean Marie left early on Wednesday before the heavy stuff started blowing. Hope you made it back okay Rob!
Marcia and I were lucky to get to know Heinz and Diane better and really enjoyed their company. On Wednesday we caught five stripers and two smallmouth from shore and had a very nice fish fry.
We were joined on Thursday afternoon by Hans and Marliss on Rigi, a gray-trimmed 25. Unfortunately, they had missed the gathering, but we all enjoyed our snug, protected beach in Oak Canyon.
Although the fishing was slow that day, Heinz scored BIG, landing a 30.5 inch striper! This beautiful fish provided dinner for all of us, with plenty left over.
Lighthouse Express and Valkyrie left at 0900 this morning, making it back to Wahweap at about 12:30 after and uneventful run as the winds were just variable today, a great relief after the last few days.
We pulled out and as Lighthouse Express was doing so, See Saw (16), with Lyle, Janda and Lindy aboard, pulled up to the ramp. We all had lunch together at the Wahweap Grille.
Marcia, Boomer and I are now in the Wahweap campground and still have two weeks before we have to be home. Next is a stop in Sedona to see my cousin and then north to the Grand Canyon for a few days.
As always, we enjoyed meeting new "old friends" as we have always done at every CBGT or cruise that we have attended. We definitely plan to return to Powell after this first great experience.
Oh yeah, Boomer is pretty much exhausted by all of his swimming and stick retrieving. Also, thanks for not complaining about his howling in Iceberg Canyon and then answering his own echo! Just for the record, each echo continued for 8-10 seconds! For those not there, at least it was in the morning and not at night. He is better behaved than that!
Best,
Nick, Marcia and Boomer
Valkyrie,
Just about to shut down and saw your update. Sounds like you had a great spot for weathering the blow, and good company to boot :thup Makes me wish we had been there (but we wanted to stay "up lake" for a bit longer). Glad to hear the update on See-Saw, as we thought they were perhaps nearby us (but maybe they were actually further down lake).
We really enjoyed Boomer's "bark-arang" (Boomer-ang?). In fact my buddy rushed to dig out his sound recording stuff to capture it (not sure if he did or not though).
Will be fun to read more updates and see photos later on.
Sunbeam
Just about to shut down and saw your update. Sounds like you had a great spot for weathering the blow, and good company to boot :thup Makes me wish we had been there (but we wanted to stay "up lake" for a bit longer). Glad to hear the update on See-Saw, as we thought they were perhaps nearby us (but maybe they were actually further down lake).
We really enjoyed Boomer's "bark-arang" (Boomer-ang?). In fact my buddy rushed to dig out his sound recording stuff to capture it (not sure if he did or not though).
Will be fun to read more updates and see photos later on.
Sunbeam
We're enjoying the "Tales from Powell". Thanks for posting! Heading south without a boat in tow was a new experience for us... we by-passed Lake Powell, taking a faster route to get to our daughter's place in the Phoenix area. We did see a green trim 25 heading north on I-15 on Wednesday - couldn't catch the name on it. We waved as we passed, but that was for naught, since we were just another lone pickup.
Keep the cruising stories coming.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Keep the cruising stories coming.
Best wishes,
Jim B.
Good to see there were at least a few people still conscious at the end of my last note :lol: I know it was a lot of words, but then I like to read detail when others post, so...
Still anchored in "our" mini creek. The others all headed out on the 22 Secret of Life to hike up "Hole in the Rock"; I stayed behind for some alone time and to enjoy the day here (borrowed the SUP and paddled out to the channel, did some domestic chores, read a bit, etc.). Also I wasn't quiiite ready to leave my boat alone and motor many miles away in another one ("new car syndrome" was mentioned ::smile ). It wasn't unusual to leave the sailboat alone (once I was used to it), so I'm sure it will happen at some point.
The water has cleared up beautifully with the calm and I was able to see a lot of underwater topography, plus fish, from the deck of the SUP. The Secrets said they caught about 30 fish this morning (released). They let me try their rod and cast a few times - hadn't done that since I was a youngster (ha, finally got to use a "grown up" open reel)
Last night was forecast to be the coldest night in the near future - supposedly a low of 46º, although the "min" on my thermometer here was 52º. Today is sunny but "cooler" (around 70º), but starting tomorrow it's supposed to be back up in the low- to mid-80's for awhile. I liked the wind forecast: it was something like "SW winds at 3mph with gusts to 5mph." Looks like it will be similar for at least a few days... no complaints from me.
(BTW, JamesTXSD, if it was a week ago Wednesday, it might have been either the Rana Verde or Secret of Life you saw on I-15. They are both green-striped 22's and came from San Diego/Los Angeles area respectively. Chris has a white pickup; not sure about Secret. On the other hand, if it was this Wednesday, it may have been Rana Verde heading home. Speaking of green, we also saw a C-Dory with a green bimini behind the fuel dock at Wahweap when we first headed out, but they didn't join up with the CBGT that I know of)
Figured I'd put this "chance" connection to the test and try to post a few photos.
Not to slight the other boats (which I did photograph!), but I imagine some of you might have thought I'd never actually use my boat, so..... here we are at Oak Canyon at the time of the group potluck (we arrived later in the day and I was too nervous to try to fit my boat into the pack*, so we anchored off to one end). (Later I found out that the group is totally helpful and nice, and I didn't feel any "old salt" type of one-upsmanship, or "well if you can't do "X" you don't belong out here" or that type of thing.)
The morning after the potluck, heading from Oak Canyon to Dangling Rope for some re-supply before heading north. This was another "blow" day, but not the one we holed up for later.
Lighthouse Express heading out of Clear Creek Canyon after doing the "promenade" around the end of Cathedral in the Desert.
One of the Secret of Life crew on an inflatable SUP (now I want one of course) at the group anchorage at Iceberg Canyon (same one we later weathered the blow at). They anchored across the way and "commuted" by SUP.
Most of the group in Forgotten Canyon (Secret of Life is offscreen to the right, and Voyager and Hunky Dory are anchored off to the left).
Voyager and Hunky Dory anchored in Forgotten Canyon
Gang just came back from the hike, so I'm off to hear the tales.
Sunbeam
*Speaking of anticipated embarrassment and bonehead moves, when we were on our way into Dangling Rope prior to heading north from Oak (about a half dozen boats went there for re-supply early in the morning), I started to think "Oh no, the others are already docked, that means I have to dock in front of them, and I really don't have the knack with this boat yet, gee this could be embarrassing." Of course what that meant was that my attention lapsed and I proceeded to run aground on a rocky ledge just at (well, just to starboard of, apparently) the entrance to the docks. Talk about boneheaded! I waited for the boat to go bow down and start taking on water at the docks (of course I landed perfectly for once, and of course no one was paying attention), but so far it looks like no harm was done. Sheesh
Still anchored in "our" mini creek. The others all headed out on the 22 Secret of Life to hike up "Hole in the Rock"; I stayed behind for some alone time and to enjoy the day here (borrowed the SUP and paddled out to the channel, did some domestic chores, read a bit, etc.). Also I wasn't quiiite ready to leave my boat alone and motor many miles away in another one ("new car syndrome" was mentioned ::smile ). It wasn't unusual to leave the sailboat alone (once I was used to it), so I'm sure it will happen at some point.
The water has cleared up beautifully with the calm and I was able to see a lot of underwater topography, plus fish, from the deck of the SUP. The Secrets said they caught about 30 fish this morning (released). They let me try their rod and cast a few times - hadn't done that since I was a youngster (ha, finally got to use a "grown up" open reel
)Last night was forecast to be the coldest night in the near future - supposedly a low of 46º, although the "min" on my thermometer here was 52º. Today is sunny but "cooler" (around 70º), but starting tomorrow it's supposed to be back up in the low- to mid-80's for awhile. I liked the wind forecast: it was something like "SW winds at 3mph with gusts to 5mph." Looks like it will be similar for at least a few days... no complaints from me.
(BTW, JamesTXSD, if it was a week ago Wednesday, it might have been either the Rana Verde or Secret of Life you saw on I-15. They are both green-striped 22's and came from San Diego/Los Angeles area respectively. Chris has a white pickup; not sure about Secret. On the other hand, if it was this Wednesday, it may have been Rana Verde heading home. Speaking of green, we also saw a C-Dory with a green bimini behind the fuel dock at Wahweap when we first headed out, but they didn't join up with the CBGT that I know of)
Figured I'd put this "chance" connection to the test and try to post a few photos.
Not to slight the other boats (which I did photograph!), but I imagine some of you might have thought I'd never actually use my boat, so..... here we are at Oak Canyon at the time of the group potluck (we arrived later in the day and I was too nervous to try to fit my boat into the pack*, so we anchored off to one end). (Later I found out that the group is totally helpful and nice, and I didn't feel any "old salt" type of one-upsmanship, or "well if you can't do "X" you don't belong out here" or that type of thing.)
The morning after the potluck, heading from Oak Canyon to Dangling Rope for some re-supply before heading north. This was another "blow" day, but not the one we holed up for later.
Lighthouse Express heading out of Clear Creek Canyon after doing the "promenade" around the end of Cathedral in the Desert.
One of the Secret of Life crew on an inflatable SUP (now I want one of course) at the group anchorage at Iceberg Canyon (same one we later weathered the blow at). They anchored across the way and "commuted" by SUP.
Most of the group in Forgotten Canyon (Secret of Life is offscreen to the right, and Voyager and Hunky Dory are anchored off to the left).
Voyager and Hunky Dory anchored in Forgotten Canyon
Gang just came back from the hike, so I'm off to hear the tales.
Sunbeam
*Speaking of anticipated embarrassment and bonehead moves, when we were on our way into Dangling Rope prior to heading north from Oak (about a half dozen boats went there for re-supply early in the morning), I started to think "Oh no, the others are already docked, that means I have to dock in front of them, and I really don't have the knack with this boat yet, gee this could be embarrassing." Of course what that meant was that my attention lapsed and I proceeded to run aground on a rocky ledge just at (well, just to starboard of, apparently) the entrance to the docks. Talk about boneheaded! I waited for the boat to go bow down and start taking on water at the docks (of course I landed perfectly for once, and of course no one was paying attention), but so far it looks like no harm was done. Sheesh
Water Bill
Member
I cannot add much more to the excellent narrative by Sunbeam but I did add a bunch of photos to the C-Swell album under Lake Powell Gathering September 2013. Once again Sue and I had a great time seeing C-Brats we have met in previous gatherings at Lake Powell and getting to meet new ones. Just wish we could have stayed longer. That is going to happen next year when I retire. Hope everyone arrives back home safely with no problems on the way.
Bill and Sue
Bill and Sue
Sunbeam, I thoroughly enjoy your writing & especially the detail you do. I hope you someday do a cruise in Southeast Alaska & write it up the same way. That would be something I would really love to read.
Bill, I just looked through all the photos you took of this Gathering. They are fantastic, particularly the way you were able to capture all the different angles of our night spots.
Jay
Bill, I just looked through all the photos you took of this Gathering. They are fantastic, particularly the way you were able to capture all the different angles of our night spots.
Jay
beermanPDX
New member
Better late than never, but what a great trip. Met some wonderful new friends and got to spend quality time with old ones. Thanks to Chris for leading this trip. It was a perfect combination of lots of on-the-water cruising and socializing.
The biggest thing I took away from this trip is the excitement of some day retiring and being a brat with no schedule!
For what it's worth, my Delorme inReach SE worked great. I was able to send and receive messages throughout the entire trip....moving or beached for the night. The one night in Iceberg Canyon it did struggle to lock on to the satellites from the thin strip of sky, but eventually got enough signal to send/receive. Surprisingly, I only lost chartplotter GPS signal once or twice and only for a brief period of time.
In case anyone is interested in seeing where we went on Lake Powell, here is an overlay on Google Maps:
Lake Powell Trip Map
Here's a small sampling of the pictures I took (65 out of 500+):
http://www.beermanpdx.com/Boats/LakePowell-Cbrats/n-LcRJg
If it was a green 25 going north on I-15 on Wednesday, it was most likely me. Sorry to have missed you. I was keeping my eye out for other C-Dorys, but I guess I should add C-Dory looking tow vehicles to the list! Hope you had a safe drive through the wind.
P.S. Heinz / Nick - What did I tell ya? As SOON as I leave, you guys will run in to the fish. I want to see some picture proof that large fish exist in that lake!
The biggest thing I took away from this trip is the excitement of some day retiring and being a brat with no schedule!
For what it's worth, my Delorme inReach SE worked great. I was able to send and receive messages throughout the entire trip....moving or beached for the night. The one night in Iceberg Canyon it did struggle to lock on to the satellites from the thin strip of sky, but eventually got enough signal to send/receive. Surprisingly, I only lost chartplotter GPS signal once or twice and only for a brief period of time.
In case anyone is interested in seeing where we went on Lake Powell, here is an overlay on Google Maps:
Lake Powell Trip Map
Here's a small sampling of the pictures I took (65 out of 500+):
http://www.beermanpdx.com/Boats/LakePowell-Cbrats/n-LcRJg
JamesTXSD":galwhrzw said:
If it was a green 25 going north on I-15 on Wednesday, it was most likely me. Sorry to have missed you. I was keeping my eye out for other C-Dorys, but I guess I should add C-Dory looking tow vehicles to the list! Hope you had a safe drive through the wind.
P.S. Heinz / Nick - What did I tell ya? As SOON as I leave, you guys will run in to the fish. I want to see some picture proof that large fish exist in that lake!