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A Unit of United States Power Squadrons® - District 28 Sail and Power Boating Boating is fun..We'll show you how |
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Phoenix Sail and Power Squadron
A Unit of United States Power Squadrons® - District 28
Sail and Power Boating
Boating is fun..We'll show you how
Lake Powell Summer Rendezvous
June 27 - July 1, 2007
by D/C Chuck Peterson, SN
Chuck Peterson shows his pleasure for boating on
Lake PowellColorful towering rock cliffs, sparkling blue cool water, blue skies, light winds, great camaraderie, a great campsite, and new experiences, all centered around our favorite pastime - boating. What could be better than that?! Not much that we can write about! Since Art Ashton took ill right before the trip, Jane and I became the stand-in rendezvous leads. As veterans of 6 trips, we wondered if we’d seen it all. Well, not exactly.
To the best of my knowledge, I don’t believe any Phoenix squadron people have ever been wanted by the National Park Service police. When new members and 1st time Powell visitors Pete and Kathy Miller on Ocean Commotion arrived at Antelope Point Marina, found their pre-paid slip occupied and complained, apparently the great Navajo nation took exception after telling them “Too bad” and called the Park police. In the end they got their money back and anchored out.
The campsite in late afternoon
Carlos Alvarez does some fishing
A lake level view of the campsite.With a goal of finding a new place for camp, yours truly and Jane launched early Wednesday and started scouting spots for a campsite. After passing 13 (bad omen?) previously identified spots that were occupied or unacceptable, we found one toward the back of Oak Canyon which offered beach for the boats (and kids), early shade, room for everyone to spread out, and shelter from the wind for the tents. Not long after we arrived, we met new members Dan and Kim Sheen, along with their kids Emily and Peter, on their way up the lake. I’m told Dan may have circumnavigated Padre Bay more than once before finding the correct route up the lake.
Midday Thursday, Pete and Kathy Miller arrived, along with Carlos, Moriah and son Nathan, also new members, on Mojito Dreams. Unfortunately, it was revealed that a very pointy uncharted rock attacked Carlos cruiser 150 yards offshore in what was supposed to be at least 30’ of water. The rock was so pointy that it laid open a crease in the boat bottom and then took a piece out of the side of the I/O unit, all without hitting the skeg or prop. We got an appreciation of Carlos boat experience when we found out he had an 1100 gph bilge pump with a backup 2500 gph unit and high water alarm. It turned out the small one was more than adequate to keep the lake outside the boat for the most part. And all this on a boat that Carlos and Moriah salvaged from a hurricane!
Friday the group visited Rainbow Bridge, with most making the requisite 1+ mile hike to see one of the truly wondrous natural bridges of the world. Later than afternoon, several of the group went fishing, landing 16 nice-sized stripers in a little over an hour. As the group fished, Ed and BJ Wojcik arrived, along with their grandson John. Friday night brought the Potluck Dinner which was a really great meal.
Sightseeing on the lake is always fun. That high water mark is 90 feet above the water.
(l-r) Kim Sheen, Nathan, Carlos Alvares and Moriah Trostler
A look-see into a canyon is always a must
Now just how long will that lone rock be there?A trip up the lake so the first-timers could see some more of Powell’s phenomenal scenery was the highlight of Saturday. The group revisited Llewellyn Gulch and several others on their way to famous Hole In The Rock where a Mormon exploration party rappelled horses, wagons, cattle and people down a 1000’ drop to the Colorado River shore and the river crossing. The group rafted up for an extended lunch while some swam and the rest visited.
Look it is only ankle deep
But boater beware this is unmarked and far from shore.As the group re-entered Oak Canyon, several had the idea to take a photo of people standing on the rock that attacked Carlos boat. The picture sure gives the idea that Power Squadron folks can walk on water and hardly get their feet wet. Shortly thereafter, Emily Sheen had a personal triumph with her first time to water ski. Go Emily!
A little later, Carlos decided it was time to start for home with the wounded boat making displacement speed on a single engine. While getting ice and supplies at Dangling Rope Marina, he said he got a Brilliant Idea. If the drive is dead anyway, why not try running it and see if he could get the boat on plane for a while? Surprisingly, the engine started and the boat made 30 MPH, but not all the way home. Carlos want to start a pool. Who can make the closest guess on how far an Alpha One drive can go with a hole in the side and no oil in it? He'll bring a boating-related prize for the closest guess.
Shortly after Carlos and family left, Bill & Connie Johnson arrived with their dogs Emma and Roxie. Not long after, the group enjoyed the Hobo Stew which was great as always.
(l-r) Kim, Peter, Emily and Dan Sheen
Emily, Peter, and Dan Sheen join Chuck Peterson
with a good catch of bass.No trip to Powell seems complete without some Squadron members rescuing another boater. As Ed and BJ Wojcik headed home, they passed another boat at rest in the channel. The people waved and Wojcik’s waved back. Shortly thereafter came the realization that the people needed help, and the further realization they were out of gas. How far did Ed & BJ tow them to get to Antelope Point Marina? Seven Miles?! Another Good Samaritan deed by Phoenix Sail & Power Squadron!
And in the “Alls Well that..” category, Carlos and Moriah traveled to look at a replacement boat after Mojito Dreams was totaled by the insurance company. The boat which was supposed to be in excellent condition was trashed. But while walking the dock, they found a like-new boat that was for sale and did the deal. The pictures sure look beautiful!
People and Boats:
Mojito Dreams -- Carlos Alvarez, Moria Trostler, and Nathan
Ocean Commotion -- Pete and Kathy Miller
Aquastar -- Dan, Kim, Emily and Peter Sheen
New Adventure -- Ed and BJ Wojcik with grandson John
C Dreams -- Bill and Connie Johnson with their dogs Emma and Roxie
Another Adventure -- Chuck and Jane PetersonPhotos by Sheen
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