The stern Bimini is nice, (and I really like the permeant cantilevered covers), but many of the slot canyons, it is nice to have the top of the cockpit cover off, to look up to the top of those many hundred foot walls in the slot canyons.
Pieces of canvas or towels to place on each side or end of the cockpit when the sun is shining thru. Also window coverings to keep sun out of cabin. We use the large spring clamps to keep shades in the cockpit in place.
Ice--Ice is the worse ice I have ever bought. Seems like granular ice compressed into cubs, and does not keep as well as many other suppliers of ice. It is available at Dangling Rope Marina, which is about half way between Wahweep and Bullfrog.
We used one of the "super coolers", which was supposed to keep ice for a week--about 3 days is what we got. We kept the top of the cooler covered with a wet white heavy towel to get evaporative cooling effect, and tried to keep it in the shade.
This is why we went to a freezer and cooler compressor driven. (Now have a combo unit of freezer and refer). For this we made a second insulated shell out of reflective foam board, and also used the damp white towels.
As Steve noted, a generator to keep the batteries topped off, plus we used a dedicated 30 amp charger (portable marine) to keep out batteries charged when running the refer/freezer.--all of this is not essential.
Since we carry a "Action Packer" type of plastic chest for some of the food, and implements plus the reefer/freezer or ice chest, we use these as "steps" (and as seats) in the cockpits to the stern or back side.
You cannot always find a tree (real trees are very scarce) to tie that stern anchor to, You can always create a "Dead man"--bury sticks, or rocks and put the anchor chain around those--or put the anchor behind rocks etc.
Marie likes to light up our two stern anchors (one on each side) at night, with cheap solar lights. We usually anchor in shoal l enough water that we can either step off the boat to dry sand, (rock) or get a few rocks and make a step, to keep the feet dry.
In clothing, I should add light gloves or and thing sun block socks, even with sandals. Really watch for sunburn--very high UV light effects, with altitude, water reflection, and very clear sky. We usually wear sandals, most of the time, but a good pair of hiking shoes is a great addition. We use "Keens" for both--and are a good compromise, unless you are doing some serious rock climbing.
We also enjoy both a dinghy (for some side trips and excursions)--in our world, we either use a 3.5 hp kicker, or an electric Torqeedo outboard to power the dinghy. We have dog/dogs, so when anchored out (rare) we use the dinghy for getting the dog ashore.
"pool toys"--I don't usually suggest these for boats--but some inflatable lounger, pool noodle, etc makes a great recliner in the water!
Shovel and axe. We carry a German war surplus (better than the imitation "GI" shovels, and the genuine "army surplus" shoves) Ours has a pick as well as shovel, and one edge some what sharpened to chop. Shovel for dog waste (buried way back from shore line and at least 12" deep)
But we also carry a small hatchet. This we used to pound in stakes. (Also Home Depot has some huge sand stakes for the shade). Also axe occasionally used for chopping wood.
Chairs--folding chairs --We have one with a built in side table, and a small folding table for sun setters, day lounging, camp fire, star gazing etc...
Sunshower--if you want warm water. Generally the lake is warm enough to swim in from June thru Oct.
Storms: Lake Powell is subject to violent thunder storms. They are spectacular, and not to be missed. Some come with wind up over 50 knots--and that is why you want good ground tackle. We had our dinghy blown onto the top of the roof from the water (didn't go over because of ties on bow and stern.
Flash floods: Storms can bring heavy rains, and the slot canyons became very dangerous. Also look before you anchor that you are not in an area where debris piles up. that there is no "balanced rock" overhead (a couple killed a few years back by a rock falling on their boat). Be sure that there is no "waterfall" slot above where you anchor--these dry washes can be huge waterfalls in minutes.
When hiking be very aware of storms even miles away--that storm 10 miles away, may drain into a slot canyon, and you could be trapped. Alway know a way out. We tend to also carry a rescue rope of some fashions when hiking.
Water bottles--again if hiking, we usually have a fanny pack or back pack with extra water and first aid kit.
Medical: There are fatalities each year at Powell. Drowning is probably top of list--Falls, heart attacks, and Carbon monoxide poisoning are also high risks. We have seen CO poisoning with a C Dory where the generator was run in the cockpit.
Heat stroke and heat exhaustion are also high on the list.
Help: Get to place where you can either get good marine VHF coverage, or cell phone coverage. (Also a 2 meter repeater on Navajo Mountain, if you are a ham.
The park brochure gives an emergency number--dial 911--that gets you to local Search and rescue, the Park Rangers, and a chopper. Another reason to have a dingy, to get out of a canyon--and to show the ranger where your boat is located, if you cannot move the victim by boat. We have seen tragedy on the water, all of the way up to the top of the canyon rim. If you cannot get cell phone, try instant message on the Verizon phone--I don't know if the 911 ops get this or not--but it might be a life saver, as you try and make contact. We were involved in a chopper rescue a couple of years back, and moving as little as 20 feet would give us adequate phone voice coverage, vs no communication. There is also a channel 16 repeater, but you have to get to a place where it works--and usually the phone will work there;
* even if you cannot get park service on VHF and "MayDay" on channel 16 and/or DSC, will alert nearby boaters, and often there will be someone who has medical skills/supplies, plus boats can relay by VHF or phone to emergency services.
This is real wilderness, so be prepared.
We like the San Juan arm--and back there you may only have yourself if you go back far enough--same with many canyons, so a good first aid kit, plus try to get emergency services thru phone and VHF, even if you don't get a response at first.
A last ditch effort--and I have seen this used on several occasions--is to signal aircraft--either a signal mirror --S O S. Some outfitters carry an aircraft frequency portable transceiver and put out a MayDay on 121.5 Mhz.
Last ditch is a Personal Locator beacon. We carry these when ever we are in isolated areas. They work exactly the same as an EPRIB. 405MHz to a satellite. Satellite link to an international SAR center. Then case sent to US and nearest SAR center, as well as checking the profile on the registration, and checking with the contacts, to be sure that it is not a false alarm.
