Friday Sept 18 – On the Road Again!

Driving along the Arizona Strip, we stopped at an overlook and there were actual Navajo vendors. Of course, we couldn’t pass it by, since proceeds went to scholarship funds. The views were breathtaking, again, with changing topography. In the far distance, we could see a tiny ribbon of highway, knowing that was the route we were about to take.
We found an area of historical markers, which told of the early Mormon pioneers, and all they encountered on their journey to religious freedom. This desolate area gave us pause, to consider the sacrifices and hardships these people endured. How blest are we! (no mickey D’s for them!!)
Continuing on this route, we came upon an area called Cliff Dwellers – not native American – just some crazy lady who stopped in 1933 and actually liked it there. She decided to stay and live within these rock structures. (not unlike the “dune shacks” of P-town). Others followed, hence – Cliff Dwellers!
We finally arrived at the Navajo Bridge marking the entry to the Navajo Nation. The double bridges spanned the Colorado River – where once only a primitive rope-pulled ferry existed.
Realizing that elevation was dropping, and weather getting warmer, we could see Lake Powell in the distance, sparkling like a blue diamond. It felt good to see water, after all that rock! We crossed the Glen Canyon Dam and entered the park.
Our campsite was spectacular, yet again, with a view of the lake - houseboats, motorboats, kayaks and beautiful rock formations making us speechless.
Saturday morning we explored our surroundings, and were surprised that the “Lodge” was a resort , unlike those of the other campgrounds.
As afternoon approached, we traveled to nearby Page, to pick up our scheduled excursion down the Colorado River.
The tour took us through a 2 mile dam access tunnel, restricted to all traffic. It was pretty cool. At the mouth of the tunnel, we transferred to pontoon boats for our 15 mile journey down the river. The cliffs of the Glen canyon soared in height above us, from 700’ to 1400’. We were mere specks!
Our guide explained how this was the calmest area of river, before it entered the Grand Canyon. The vistas were again breathtaking, and plenty of Kodak moments. We saw the petroglyphs of the Ancient Pueblo. Some of the ancient carvings were so low to the ground, it is theorized, that that particular area of canyon was rising. It is believed, that more will be revealed at a future time.
At the one rest stop, we took advantage of cooling down in the river. It was 45 degrees!! – Brr- we had to do it!!
One of the highlights of this trip was Horseshoe Bend. The river cut around a mammoth cliff, creating a peninsula. Leanne, our guide, showed us where in maybe a million years, it would cut through, making an island. Along the way, Navajo camp sites were pointed out, as well as a cave that was used during the gold rush. Only $17 worth of gold was actually found. It’s necessary to say, that this section of river was first explored by John Powell, and cliffs and peaks were pointed out to us, that he had named. The culminating point of interest was Lee’s ferry. This ferry was created by a fugitive Mormon, wanted for being the Mastermind of a wagon train massacre in Utah. Lee was one of the early polygamist, who’s first wife, Emma, helped run this rope pulled ferry. He was eventually captured and executed on a journey to Salt Lake to visit his other wives! Emma continued to run the ferry after he died! Pretty ballsy!
Totally exhausted, we were revived at the resort with drinks and dinner – dirty martinis being a new favorite of Marie!

Sunday Sept 20 – More OOHSS AND AHHS!!
We had planned an early kayak trip for Sunday morning. However, arriving shortly after the rental place opened, no kayaks were available. Our first disappointment! So on the road again to the south rim of the Grand Canyon.
The proposed route took us back to the overlook of Horseshoe Bend. Seeing it from above took our breath away. Even Ed ventured to the rim. It was pretty amazing to realize that only yesterday, we were in that river up close and personal, and today, it was untouchable from a height of 700’.
Another stop was at the Cameron Trading Post, again, a tourist trap, but a must see. We arrived at the south rim and had our first glimpse of “THE” Canyon, on Desert Trail. OH MY GOD!!! There are NO words to describe the aura, and beauty of this chasm!! Of course, Marie and I, sang a little patriotic tune as we motored to the campsite. We plan to do a number of ranger-led hikes tomorrow, just so we don’t miss out on any info. Tonight, we want to attend a ranger talk at the amphitheatre. Hopefully, we won’t get distracted. Oh – forgot to mention the roaming elk! Magnificent !