Sept 9 & 10: Page, AZ Glen Canyon Dam, Lake Powell, Hiking in Glen Canyon

We have had a busy two days.  The drive from Zion to Page followed another scenic highway.  In addition to the rock formations we saw a few interesting things....




Entrance to your estate!

 

Interesting metal work

Flowering bush right next to the horse sculptures

Just outside of Page, AZ is the Glen Canyon Dam completed in 1972.  Waters of the Colorado River and tributaries are backed up about 185 miles, forming Lake Powell.  Currently the lake is about 75% full, thanks to the winter snowfall.  The lake waters rose 12" daily in the month of May.   We arrived to an overcast day, which makes for some interesting photos of Lake Powell.

We entered a lotttery, no cost, to win two permits to hike into the Vermilion Cliffs area called "Waves".  Only 20 people are allowed to hike daily, and 10 of those had completed an online entery.  So 35 people were present and at 9am the winning numbers were drawn.  We did NOT win.  So you can look at the website just like we did and see what might have been! 



Sure wish we had been lucky!!



We did a hike called Wire Loop Pass giving us views of the Paria Canyon, commonly called "Slot" Canyon.  The floor of the canyon was mainly red sand which made for a peaceful walk.  The only sounds you heard were an occasional click of the hiking poles on rocks or voices echoing thru the canyon,




We reached the canyon after an 1 1/2 mile hike.  If you look closely you can see the first slot or opening.

 

Entering the "slot"!

  

Friendly lizard just waiting for a photo!



Difficult to take photos




Patterns and colors on the rock walls

Some slots were much tighter and required sideways walk



Tall walls

Look likes an elephant head with trunk!!

Tiny bug just sitting on the flower as we emerged from the canyon






It's hard to know what time is it.  We have crisscrossed the UT and AZ borders several times today which are in different time zones.

I wanted to blog more but my connection is causing all sorts of problems posting photos.  Hopefully better reception tomorrow at the Grand Canyon!!!!!!!!!!!!  We will be staying in the park, so whose knows what servcies they offer.  We will be there 3 days, so it might be a long time till I blog again.  That's all for now...