Lake Powell

Lake Powell

The sky is a vast reflection of what is below it. The waves beat upon the red stained sand shores as we unload our cargo into our old and medium sized houseboat. The smell of wet sagebrush after a rainstorm mixed with gasoline from various types of watercraft tease my nostrils. As we get in the smaller boat, memories enter my mind seeing the red cliffs that are mini amphitheaters. Echoes of boats voices, laughter and splashes fill the canyon. We arrive to the beach where we will camp for the next seven days. As I walk on the beach, the wet sand is cool and soft on my feet. Entering the separate, dry part of the beach, the sand is fire to my feet. I can feel blisters forming so I step back onto the wet stand to cool them off. As I step into the water, clouds of sand form around each step taken. Sea shells make appearance on occasion as I wade through the warm water. I pick one up, it is white with a smooth yet bumpy texture and it is cut in half so that the inside is smooth and delicate.

A breeze creates the sound of swaying trees and bushes that wisp my ear drums as the sound enters my ears. Boat engines roar and make waves and emit gases into the air that mix the smell of gasoline and sage brush together. The water is like a soft surrounding blanket of warmth that soothes the mind, body and soul. Today is the day we go on an all-day tour of the landmarks. They are unforgettable. Rainbow Bridge is a vast cliff that is hollowed out underneath its surface creating a shaped rainbow that also looks like a bridge. We will need to hike up to it, since the water level is lower than years ago when you could drive your boat under it. As we hike, I see lizards scurry on cliffs and under rocks. Various types of bugs crawl through the hot sand and make small footprints.

Annie's Canyon contains a natural overhang that is a cliff hollowed out underneath it from continuous waves and water beating upon it. As we head back to camp, I notice the water level is much higher than it normally is. The view of a cliff shaped like a Mexican Hat comes into view. Near our camp, memories flood my mind. Such a mysterious and fun place; I never want to leave.