Lake Powell 2019

Over Fall Break we went to Lake Powell. It was nice for us because we went to the close end of the lake (Wahweap), which makes for a lot nicer drive. The girls were so, so excited to see their cousins, and it was sweet to watch them be so thrilled with each other.

Mom got the house boat again, which worked out great. It was a little chilly, so us Arizonans used a tent heater to keep toasty at night.

We also enjoyed the sunshine. The boat produces a cold wind that time of year, but the blankets and jackets help. We also stop of course and explore canyons.

Then the girls went a little crazy and decided to jump in the icy water. They didn't stay in very long. They rushed over to the canyon wall and climbed right out. Holly girl had a nap. 

We did some more exploring with David's family on the boat. Holland is trying to drive with her feet. Honestly I didn't let her do that very long because it can't be good for the steering wheel, but it was kind of cute. 

Miriam actually had a turn helping drive the boat. We had to end the day with roasting marshmallows of course.

Such a pretty campsite!

The next morning it was someone else's turn to go on the boat, so we hiked around camp.

We followed the dry river bed up canyon for about 45 minutes. There was some sandstone features along the path which made it interesting.

"Mommy, take my picture!" I heard that a lot. The girls also found some dry "sand paper."

It got to be a little bit of a slot canyon!

We climbed over a couple obstacles, but eventually decided that we better turn around so we could check on Grandma. My girls had to show off their muscles before we were through though. We got a little solo family boat time later that afternoon. We love that.

Those cliffs are so amazing! 

We found a fun slot canyon to squeeze up. We do pretty good with only two adults with push sticks and Ellie and Miriam trying to help out. No major hits against the walls. 

Plus, slots canyons are so fun. There is always the challenge of if we'll be able to slip through, watching out for sides, shallow water, and overhangs hitting the canvas top.

Eventually we turned around to get home before it got dark. We are not too adventurous that way, compared to some people in our family.

The ride back was beautiful though, with all that pretty light, the water, wind, and sandstone cliffs. 

The kiddos even got to help drive. 

I love my kiddos so much. They are such good, happy, helpful kiddos. They have so much love in their hearts.

We had to roast marshmallows again that night, of course. 

Then the dads had to put on a bit of a pyro show with lighting some dead tumble weeds on fire. That was a big hit to no one's surprise.

The next day we went upstream again. This time we were headed to Rainbow Bridge. I love going to the lake at this time of the year because there are so few people there. We decided to explore the other branch of that canyon, which resulted in some amazing reflections. Clearly no one had been up there that morning.

Clearly I couldn't get enough of the awesome reflections from the walls on the smooth-as-glass water. One fun moment was when we noticed a blue heron perched nearby. It took off as we got closer. 

We eventually made it back to the main branch and started the little hike up to Rainbow Bridge. It really wasn't too hot, but we are wimps about the sun, so we loved the shade on the hike.

Even though I have been to Rainbow Bridge several times in my life, it is always startling to see how massive it is. Truly amazing. 

The last time we were there, we really weren't allowed to get very close to the bridge because it was a sacred Native American site. I guess in the time since then, they decided that it was okay. Not only were we allowed to get closer than I ever remember being, but there was actually a path around to the back of the bridge. What?! Such a fun surprise!

Here is the family photo from the back. There are a couple monument plaques back there that maybe they were trying to give more access to. 

Cute little cousins on the wall!

That afternoon we took advantage of the warm day and wet suits to jump in the water and (at least for me) wash my hair. The kiddos just wanted to play on the raft, and Holland just wanted to get more dirty in the sand. 

Cousin silhouettes. 

That slick rock seems safe for them to climb down. Sure. 

Singing songs around the campfire. 

On the way back to the marina the next morning, Uncle Marc pulled out a kite. It worked out surprisingly well.

Holland just wanted to rest. 

 Or play with her favorite, Sammy. Cutest cousins. 

We love, love Lake Powell!