Glen Canyon National Recreation Area: Lake Powell, Rainbow Bridge, Antelope Canyons and more
Another surprisingly beautiful area of sandstone canyons, except this time many of the canyons were filled with water and we took full advantage of having that water available in this desert environment.
The highlight of our stay was being visited by my sister, Denise, and her husband, Russell, who live just outside of Denver. It was great to see them and I do love company while we're traveling. ❤️ We rented a boat and explored parts of the lake. A few fun facts: Lake Powell is 186 miles long and has almost 2000 miles of shoreline (which happens to be more than the entire west coast). It is a very big lake! It turned out to be a very fun relaxing day. Another day we drove to Navajo Bridge in search of California condors, but despite there being a colony that nests there, none were “in residence” when we were. Alas. Nevertheless, it was great to see family and I was sad when they had to go.
The most incredible, spectacularly stunning thing we did in the area was touring the Antelope Canyons on Navajo land. The formations of the sandstone, the way the light rays reflected and refracted off the sandstone, the shifting shapes … it was a spiritual place. It was also interesting talking to our guide, a young twenty-something Navajo woman, about how she balances her father's and the tribal rules and beliefs with everyday reality. Initially her father would not let her work as a guide because the work involved her being underground. Going underground is disrespectful to the ancestors. That is their territory. It is taboo for the living. She said now she goes through a special cleansing ceremony every few weeks and her dad says it's ok for her to work as a guide. I'm very grateful they've found a way that allows us to see this spectacular place.
On to pics!
Images from our combination boat tour and hike out to Rainbow Bridge.
I thought we would see a rainbow, but I guess it's just shaped like a rainbow…sigh…
It was nearly dark when Denise and Russell arrived. This beautiful sunset to welcomed them! ❤️
Denise, Russell and Martin putting up the “guest house” 😂
The next morning we clambered around the Glen Canyon Dam overlook.
I know I've said it a bunch … but I find sandstone so fascinating, so expressive.
Denise and I
Colorful kayaks pulled up on a sandy shoreline far below …
We rented a little boat for the afternoon and tootled about exploring some of the nooks and crannies, I mean, ahem, inlets, canyons and coves. 😁
The sandstone formations are so spectacular.
Our intrepid pilot ❤️
❤️❤️❤️
We explored one side canyon and found a great blue heron and ...
ducks!
It was a gorgeous day
But, what do you do when you've been out on the lake for hours and have to take care of “the necessaries”?
Why, you just boat on over to the floating head (port-a-potty), dock and do your business! 😂
After Denise and Russell left, we prepared for the “Ring of Fire” annular solar eclipse viewing. With Elvis’ version of "Ring of Fire" going through my head, we donned our specs to check it out. I think we look like the weird old folks in the movie staring into sky waiting for the sign of the end of time. 🤭😂
No, I mean, I think we look cool man…😎
An attempted pic through my glasses … interesting effect, even if you can't see the partially occluded sun. 🤷
More sunset pics
and seedpods
These next pics are of Antelope Canyons, both upper and lower. It is so incredible in there. Have I mentioned how much I love sandstone and light?
On our way out
Here I am emerging from the canyon.
Hard to believe anything of that size and beauty could lie beneath that opening in the rock.
Thanks to the Navajo for generously allowing us to see this amazing treasure.
Next stop: Grand Canyon National Park, South Rim
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