Lake Powell

Ahhh, the beauty of Lake Powell. For those of you what have never been to Lake Powell, it is a trip worth taking. There are many different ways to enjoy the lake, from camping, to houseboating, to lodges, to hotels. There is waterskiing, wakeboarding, tubing, boating, fishing, hiking, canyon exploring, swimming, etc.... the list goes on.
Last year at his work Christmas party Anna's Mom and stepdad won a free houseboat and ski boat rental for 5 days/4 nights. They planned well enough in advance to make sure that everybody who could make it on the trip was able to go. We made sure we were in town during the trip, and it turned out to be one of the best ever. It has been about 8 years since I have been to Lake Powell, and about 10 years for Anna, so we we excited to return and enjoy what it had to offer.

Here is the houseboat that we had. A nice little private bay, some beach to play on, and plenty of water to enjoy.


Group photo on top of the houseboat.


We spent one afternoon exploring some of the high cliff wall canyons. Here we are at the end of one of the canyons, my hair is windblown, Anna's eyes are closed, but the scenery behind us is beautiful. This is "Annie's Canyon"- probably named after my wife....


As I mentioned we got a houseboat and a ski boat. This was the first ski boat they gave us. A very beat up old rental that had some body damage and a very unreliable outboard motor. After a day of use, it actually broke down while Anna, her brother and sister, and Mom were near the Marina. Luckily they were close to the rental place and were able to track somebody down after they had closed. They were very nice and the guy told us that this boat was actually an employee rental boat that they shouldn't have even rented to us.


They were nice enough to give us this brand new (literally used only a few hours before us) boat to replace the old beat up one. It was much nicer and much more enjoyable.


Hours of each day were spent just lounging around. Jayda loved to play on the beach with her cousin Ryan, digging in the sand, collecting seashells and rocks, watering anything she could think of, and just floating in the tubes.


The kids were even brave enough to get in the tube behind the boat and go for a spin.


Jayda and Ryan on the beach.

You may have noticed that I haven't said anything about Addison and Lake Powell, that is because we decided not to take her. We were too nervous about her on the houseboat and being near the water for 5 days. She has no fear and no limits to keep her from jumping off, or wandering away. My brother and sister-in-law were nice enough to offer to watch her while we were gone. Thanks to you guys!

A little more fun playing on the houseboat and in the water. There was a little slide off the top of the boat that was a nice refreshing way to cool off.


Jayda stood and watched us all play on the slide, then she was kind enough to "help" us get out of the water by offering us her hand as we climbed out.


Overall a wonderful trip and one that we would love to repeat. Even though we had some rain the first day, and very strong winds most afternoons, it was still so nice and a great place to visit. Thanks to Anna's family for planning and carrying out this trip, and for letting us tag along!