For ten days, there have been two goals:

(1) get across Lake Powell and (2) pack and re-supply for the upcoming segment through a certain canyon in northern Arizona.

By far, achieving the first goal was more fun. After a short ride on Shannon and Troy’s brand new boat “Wet Pay”, I boarded my brother Dan and his wife Joan’s “Lacy Daze”, a luxurious cabin cruiser with three separate sleeping cabins, two V-8 engines and more gadgets than I can name.

For days, we cruised in style across the whole reservoir. We had many great times and were reminded many times how much Dad loved to enjoy this magnificent place on his comparatively little houseboat, “Joe’s Toy”.

Memorable times included a fun impromptu bash at Bullfrog Marina, over-the-top hospitality from the fine folks at Antelope Point Marina including Alicia and Dave Robertson, Steve Carothers, Mark Wilson and Jeff Stephens.

We finally got to within about a quarter mile of Glen Canyon Dam, the point beyond which boats are not allowed. After snapping a few photos, we headed back upstream on our return trip.

While there were so many great times, the one I will remember the most fondly was when we stopped at the point where Escalante Canyon joins the main channel. We put on a CD of Dad’s favorite songs and had a full-tilt boogie, including dancing, singing and swimming.

As we motored back up, Dan pointed out that this stretch was the very same Dad last traveled in his beloved “Joe’s Toy”.

I also found it interesting that my-four-year-old called this place “Lake Power”. That name could be interpreted in many ways, but I like to think of it in connection with memories of Mom and Dad.

As I write this, we just crossed the border into northern Arizona. I’m hoping to send this across the internet from a place called Kayenta. If you are reading this by June 13, it worked; otherwise please stay tuned-the time is going to get really Grand!

Thanks to the many of you who have emailed to let me know you are enjoying this event. Just when I thought it couldn’t happen, you have made it even more fun for me.