moment's notice
Contemplating an Unknown World
How strange it was to be standing over a place John Wesley Powell called “a curious ensemble of wonderful features,” though now this place is partially covered by a vast lake, named for Powell, which oddly enough enhanced and obscured our ability to explore the beautiful Glen Canyon. Lost are the river bottom, the diversity of riparian life, the steep gorges, the rich archaeological and historical sites, and the river’s natural ability to reshape and replenish through sediment transport and periodic floods. Gained is hydroelectric power, recreation, and easier access to remote areas, by houseboat, kayak, and foot. These three modes of transportation gave us a new insight into the area. We were able to explore and experience and contemplate the vast expanse of what was and what now is at Glen Canyon. Lake Powell covers 252 square miles, reaches upstream 186 miles to Cataract Canyon, and has 2,000 miles of coastline. Rock and water, sand and sandstone, time and timelessness, closeness and distance, wind and calm, starry nights and stormy days, camaraderie and desert solitaire. The tranquility of the water and the magnetism of the rocks balanced the excitement of exploring a new place, of meeting new friends. and learning new skills. Expertly guided by Peter Boehringer and joined by photographers and new friends Henk, John, Steve, and Eric, and of course, Peter, (all under the cloak of invisibility here), Bill (pictured here overlooking Padre Bay) and I captured a small taste of the essence of Glen Canyon, including the lure of the lake, at least enough to know there is more treasure to be found ...
Contemplating an Unknown World
How strange it was to be standing over a place John Wesley Powell called “a curious ensemble of wonderful features,” though now this place is partially covered by a vast lake, named for Powell, which oddly enough enhanced and obscured our ability to explore the beautiful Glen Canyon. Lost are the river bottom, the diversity of riparian life, the steep gorges, the rich archaeological and historical sites, and the river’s natural ability to reshape and replenish through sediment transport and periodic floods. Gained is hydroelectric power, recreation, and easier access to remote areas, by houseboat, kayak, and foot. These three modes of transportation gave us a new insight into the area. We were able to explore and experience and contemplate the vast expanse of what was and what now is at Glen Canyon. Lake Powell covers 252 square miles, reaches upstream 186 miles to Cataract Canyon, and has 2,000 miles of coastline. Rock and water, sand and sandstone, time and timelessness, closeness and distance, wind and calm, starry nights and stormy days, camaraderie and desert solitaire. The tranquility of the water and the magnetism of the rocks balanced the excitement of exploring a new place, of meeting new friends. and learning new skills. Expertly guided by Peter Boehringer and joined by photographers and new friends Henk, John, Steve, and Eric, and of course, Peter, (all under the cloak of invisibility here), Bill (pictured here overlooking Padre Bay) and I captured a small taste of the essence of Glen Canyon, including the lure of the lake, at least enough to know there is more treasure to be found ...