09/24 - 10/02 - Lake Powell 2010

The VHF channel is up to Chris, I think we did use 68 for Brat to Brat communications, but you can really only use the radios when you have line of sight, mainly running together in the main channel. Otherwise very hit and miss.

Good question about the weather channel, I don't remember. But again, reception is going to be limited to when you are in sight of their repeaters, if there are any. I predict it will be sunny and hot with chances of thundershowers!

I PM'd you our cell numbers...



colobear":18f8pjt7 said:
A few questions:

Will the brats be using 68 as a comm channel, or some other channel?

Is NOAA weather available by VHF or is there another good weather data source?

The idea of a brat specific e-mail is interesting but not all have SPOT or aircards. How about, if everyone is OK with it, we exchange cell phone numbers?

Thanks for your patience and information.
Click to expand...
 
Exchanging Cell phone numbers is a great idea, but it does have its limits. If you or the other party is out of range then it looks like your phone is off and you can't even leave a message. If you want to make a call you will have to move till you are in range. You can make this work by texting, then as you move through an area that has good reception the text will go and the other party will receive it when they have good reception. the reason that I suggested the email is that everyone could send a text or an email off of their with cell or computer with their location and it would go to everyone in the group all at once. So everyone would be getting position information all the time and you would know the last position were somebody was. For those who have Spot's or the PLB with the message service it would work in more locations, they have their limits as well. Just PM me with an email address or Texting info and I will add it to the broadcast email. Some people might not be able to do this and I understand that, they will have to use the radio or meet at Oak canyon. Either way the trip will be a great one. One more thing that you can use the email for is to send your cell phone number to everyone. The broadcast email is working and I can send it in a PM or email to you, don't think I want to post it for the world to see.
 
Another thought on the slots - BRING A KAYAK! We had our Sevylor inflatable kayak last year, this year we are bringing our new Pelican Pursuits ppurchased mainly for Powell. This is the best way to see the slots, you go as far as you are comfortable in your C-Dory, tie it up, then paddle as far as you can paddle, then hike the rest of the way. You need a fanny pack or small backpack, water bottles, and some of those Costco snack bars! This is, we discovered last year, the most fun part of Powell! Here are Russ and Toni in the slot at Fifty Mile Canyon in their Pelican Pursuits.
ound_in_Kayak_in_Slot_at_Fifty_Mile_Canyon_9_22_09.jpg
Russ_in_Kayak_in_Slot_at_Fifty_Mile_Canyon_9_22_09.jpg
 
Barry...the VHF is good for weather. One or two channels are available and vary depending on where you are on the lake. Of course you need to "see" the repeater...so reception does not cover the entire lake. We are usually able to listen to weather every day at some point while we are underway.
We usually use 68 as a working channel...and most of us also guard 16 as well.
As far as comms out on the lake...I do not have the capabilities mentioned. Not that it would be much help. Even if we are able to communicate where we will be at any given time...when we get there we could find any number of different conditions that would cause us to move to a new location...with very little likelihood of communicating the change effectively...short of cruising many miles to get a shot at a repeater or cell tower...for both the sender and receiver.
 
Well we are just a month away from our Lake Powell cruise. Water levels are looking good...about the same as last year...maybe a foot lower by cruise time. Castle Rock cut will be open. I plan on getting underway from Wahweap around noon on Friday the 24th. We will gather at the dock store and then head uplake for an over night stop on our way to Oak Canyon. Saturday we will be in Oak Canyon for the rendezvous...then on up lake seeing all the sights. Looks like we have another great group this year.
 
How are fuel and food prices in Page? Very high as a resort, or not too bad?
Coming from the west, would I better off to fuel & gather food stuffs in St George or wait until Page?
 
I've always found fuel to be reasonable there. If you come into town from over the bridge by the dam and then head straight up the hill (89 South) instead of turning left into town you'll soon come to a Walmart super center on the right. Food, fishing license, etc.

I like to go into town and look around a little. Nice little Arizona town with a good hardware store and some restaurants, etc. Good gas stations downtown, too.

-Jeff
 
If your coming from Idaho and going to Page, St George seems a little out of the way. The Wallmart in Spainsh Fork is probably good place to stock up then go I-15 to 10 and over to 89 and into page. Highway 10 is a pretty good climb. If you don't want to good over 10 then get on 89 at Nephi and down to Page that way. Time wise they are close to each other 89 is two lane. I don't know about the fuel I have an AAA app on the iPhone that will give you gas prices for an area. Maybe you could post on www.wayneswords.com about the gas prices more people paying attention to that area over there.
 
As in year's past, firewood for an occasional small campfire on the beach can be difficult to find (or expensive to buy at the store).

If you have some wood scraps at home, trim it to a convenient size and think about bring some along. I just finished ripping some old 2x4's, put them in a box, and they don't really take up that much room in the boat.

Sept 23rd will be the full moon, but it should still be spectacular on the lake!

I'm getting Anxious....

Best,
Casey
 
Current plan is to be traveling Friday, Saturday and Sunday morning, September 17 - 19, and arrive at Bullfrog Sunday afternoon, September 19. So:

(A) Anybody else going to Bullfrog?

(2) Around the same time?

Post or PM if so!

Jody - what has become of the Powell email / phone list, anything happening?
 
I'll be launching out of Bullfrog - but not sure yet what day - could be the 20th. Pat, did you have a spot in mind to meet up with the others?

That will be our first trip out in the 25, so could be interesting....we pick it up in Ventura this weekend.

Tom
 
Roger and Tom - we will definitely still be in the vicinity of Bullfrog on the 20th, and in fact, it is entirely possible we won't arrive until Monday morning, so will look for you.
 
Pat
I haven't had many takers. When I get back from Yellowstone I'll send a PM to everyone. If anyone wants to PM me with there email and cell phones I can add them to the list.
 
We are going to Hawaii Sept. 10th thru 23rd and will come to Lake Powell via Bullfrog on the 24th or 25th. Bullfrog is only 2 1/2 hrs. from home. Hope to catch up with the group somewhere on the water. If not at Oak Canyon, then we will look up the Escalante River.
 
Brent- That's great.
We were planing on stoping by your place on the way home, but we'll see ya at the lake. It was nice to see you and Dixie at MdR before ya'll crossed over to Catalina.

Roger
 
Wow, Brent. That catamaran is FAST. Hawaii to Powell in 24 hours or so? Planning on zipping up the Colorado from Sea of Cortez? - coupla speed bumps en route, but at your pace you won't even notice them.
 
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